Wigginton, U19 veterans Henry, Kigab lead Canada roster
TORONTO (2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship) - Lindell Wigginton and a pair of FIBA U19 World Championship veterans will lead Canada at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Wigginton helped Oak Hill
TORONTO (2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship) - Lindell Wigginton and a pair of FIBA U19 World Championship veterans will lead Canada at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Wigginton helped Oak Hill Academy to win the United States high school championship this season and the 1.90m guard is considered one of Canada's top next talents.
Joining Wigginton on the team will be four players with past experience with Canada on their chest. Jordan Henry and Abu Kigab both played at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship as 17- and 16-year-olds, respectively. Jaden Bediako and Grant Shephard meanwhile will be playing their second international tournament this summer after appearing at the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship. The pair also played at the 2015 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
"We're pleased with the passion and commitment that this group of young men brought to camp and we look forward to representing Canada in Chile," Canada coach Roy Rana said.
| Canada 12-player roster for 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship | |||
| Jaden Bediako | O'Shae Brissett | Nate Darling | Shai Alexander |
| Jahvon Henry-Blair | Jordan Henry | Abu Kigab | Grant Shephard |
| Josip Vrankic | James Wagner | Nickeil Walker | Lindell Wigginton |
The Canadian team features eight players from the state of Ontario, two from Nova Scotia and one each from Manitoba and British Columbia.
Canada will take on Argentina, Brazil and Dominican Republic in Group A of the 19-23 July tournament in Chile. The top two of each group will play in the Semi-Finals and the top four finishers of the tournament qualify for the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championship.
Canada have reached the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Americas U18 for the past five editions, finishing second in 2014 and third in 2008, 2010 and 2012. The Canadians lost to the United States in the 2014 final and lost to the Americans in the Semi-Finals in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
FIBA