The Future of Canadian Basketball

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by troutman

For that to happen I think I read MEX has to win by over 30 points?

I thought it was less then ~30, because Mexico would win the tie breaker if they win by more then that. I could very well be wrong though.

[The Big Chill]

Looks like we finished first and will take on Venezuela for an Olympic birth.

[craigwd]

Kudos to TSN for showing all of these games for both the men's and women's FIBA Americas tourneys. I love watching good international ball and I'm looking forward to Rio.

[octothorp]

Yeah, this is fantastic, best possible scenario for Canada. I'm sure they won't take Venezuela lightly, given that they know that this game is far more important than the finals would be. Venezuela plays a very defensive, slow, physical game, and honestly their penchant for taking cheap shots worry me, but if Canada rebounds well and gets out and runs the break, they should be able to dominate this matchup like they did in group play.

This team feels so completely different from the team in 2013, even though it's got a bunch of the same players. They really seems to embrace the international game, and in particular how it allows them to use their strength and atheticism advantage that they have over many of the teams. Just look at live-ball plays at the rim... in 2013 Canada was constantly allowing tip-ins, because they weren't adapting to the international rules; this time around, Canada's been dominating play at the rim against every team they play. Same with things like setting screens, physical play in the key... they have absolutely embraced what advantages they have.

[kmart]

I truly believe that we are looking at the next international powerhouse in Canada. There is just so much young talent at every position. We've been the class of the tournament so far and thats with players CIS like Doorenkamp and Scrubb playing lots minutes. Those minutes occupied by Doorenkamp and Scrubb currently, will likely be substituted for NBA players or soon to be NBA players like Ennis, Thompson, and Jamal Murray in a years time.

Obviously, nobody is going to compete with the Americans, but 2nd or 3rd place in future FIBA events or Olymipics don't seem out of the question.

[The Big Chill]

It's a battle so far. We need to tighten up on the defensive end.

[The Big Chill]

Venezuela has been on fire so far.

[The Big Chill]

Oh boy, awful finish to that half. We turned the ball over 5 trips in a row on the offensive end, and gave up a desperation 3 at the buzzer. Down one at half.

[CofR]

Offense just dried up at the end, have to be better next half!

[The Big Chill]

Up 2 heading into the 4th. Going to be a nail biter.

[CofR]

Olynk stepping up huge

[The Big Chill]

Guillent can't miss right now...this is wild.

[The Big Chill]

What a load of BS. A foul call on a rebound to lose it.

[CofR]

Ugh

[CofR]

We got screwed. Garbage foul

[browna]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

Guillent can't miss right now...this is wild.

Terrible. Glad to see dodgy officiating when playing in or against Central America/Mexican teams isn't limited to soccer.

Canada still choked this one away big time after such a good tournament, and now has some last minute tourney before the Olympics as the only chance.

[CofR]

Canada never should have been in a situation where that could happen, but still... Sucks seeing CONCACAF quality officiating.

[CofR]

Someone should knock the Venezualas coaches teeth in for running around like that after he won on a bad call. I'm not even Canadian

From Bobby Ryan on Twitter

[GirlySports]

Thats nothing
- Canadian soccer fan


*beaten by browna

[octothorp]

Ah, that sucks. Losing in the semis to Argentina or Mexico, I'd probably be okay with. But losing to this team... it's a learning experience, and hopefully they get a full turnout at the qualifying tournament next summer.