Cory Joseph leans on Canada’s talent ahead of Semi-Final

MANILA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Canada didn't play their best basketball against Senegal on Thursday but they still came out winners to clinch first place in Group A and advance to the Semi-Finals of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila. NBA point guard Cory Joseph has certainly been living up to his reputation as one of Canada's best players.

Joseph led Canada in their maiden win over Turkey on Day 1, and he was also instrumental as they survived the Lions’ gallant stand on Day 2. His contributions will be crucial against a dangerous New Zealand on Saturday.

FIBA.com: That was a real contest against Senegal. What was your assessment?
Joseph: It's always good when you win. We didn't play our best game, and we have to give credit to Senegal. They're a long team and very athletic. They disrupted a lot of our offense and got a lot of blocks. We're fortunate to come out with a good win today, and we need to keep getting better.

FIBA.com: What can you say about your teammates’ efforts in this win?
Joseph: We've got a lot of talent on our team. It's not just one guy. Today we missed some easy shots, and that happens. Our entire team stepped up. Tyler Ennis got going in the first half, Melvin Ejim also got going and Tristan Thompson started grabbing a lot of rebounds. We got better as the game went on. We got better as a team. Everybody went out and did his part.

FIBA.com: What is the biggest thing you guys need to improve on as a team?
Joseph: We have to do a better job rebounding as a team. We have a lot of good rebounders like Joel Anthony and Tristan, but everyone has to step up. Our opponents have crashed the glass against us and have gotten many second chance opportunities. We have to check that along with our defensive rotations.

FIBA.com: How did you feel when a lot of other Canadian NBA players weren’t able to join the national team?
Joseph: They've got to make decisions of their own. They're my brothers, and they will always be my brothers. I'm not gonna call them out and criticize them. Besides, we have a lot of talent here, young and old. We have to focus on what's here. We know we're a talented team, and we will keep moving forward.

FIBA.com: How important is it for Canada to make it to the Rio Olympics?
Joseph: I don't want to look that far ahead because that may be too presumptuous, but if it does come to that, making the Olympics would definitely mean a lot for our team and our fans. We haven't been to the Olympics in a long time, so it would definitely mean a lot.

FIBA