Canada gear up for pre-Olympic showdown at USA Basketball Showcase

TORONTO (Canada) - There were many highlights in Canada's FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 campaign.

The biggest? It had to be the 127-118 Third-Place Game triumph over the USA in Manila, a result that put Canada on the podium of a World Cup or Olympics for the first time. A game to remember for Canada when the country's three biggest stars shone brightly!

 

The two great hoops nations will not have to wait for the Olympics to learn if they are going to meet again because both countries have announced a meeting in the USA Basketball Showcase on July 10 at the Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.

 

"We will be heading to Las Vegas to take on USA Basketball in what will be a tremendous preparatory opportunity for our group ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," said Rowan Barrett, General Manager / Executive Vice-President, Senior Men's Program.

"Facing the U.S. on the road will not only be a great early test for the team, but an important step for us in the pursuit of our goals this summer."

The USA are assured of having a star-studded roster after announcing a 41-man pool of players for 2024.

 

Three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant, who has stated his intention to play, was on the list and so were some stars that have never been at the Summer Games like two-time World Cup winner Stephen Curry and potential USA first-timers Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid, the NBA's MVP last season.

LeBron James and Chris Paul, gold medalists from the 2008 and 2012 teams, are in the 41-man pool, as are other past gold medal winners, and the 12 players that featured at last year's World Cup.

That means the player that came up with the most incredible play of the World Cup, Mikal Bridges, could be in the USA Olympic team. In the waning moments of the game against Canada, Bridges drew a foul with the USA trailing by four points.

After making the first free-throw, he intentionally missed the second and then pounced on the rebound before launching a game-tying three-pointer.

Canada then won in overtime. They were able to celebrate three legendary performances.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put in another dynamic effort with 31 points and 12 assists, and Dillon Brooks enjoyed his finest hour as a Canada international with 39 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Brooks excelled on the defensive end, too, blocking two shots and coming up with a steal.

RJ Barrett was also outstanding. The 1.95m (6-5) small forward poured in 23 big points and corralled seven rebounds.

It confirmed what everyone already knew to be true, that basketball in Canada is stronger than ever.

Canadians continue to make it in the NBA, too, with many playing for the national team.

RJ Barrett had 23 points in the win over the USA

The national team will be eager to face the USA in the Olympic tune-up.

"Canada Basketball continues to experience tremendous growth, highlighted by the fact that Canada was the most-represented country outside of the U.S. with 26 players on opening night for the 2023-24 NBA season for a tenth consecutive season.

"This growth and familiarity between the players in the NBA, combined with a shared border and historical competitiveness across various sports, will build anticipation for our two countries on the hardcourt for years to come."

Other Olympic warm-up games for Canada will be announced in the coming weeks.

The national team will gather in Toronto for training camp in late June to begin Olympic preparations before opening their exhibition schedule in Las Vegas.

FIBA