Team Canada Camp List (Gonzaga North)

[Marcus]

Go Zags!!! It is so cool to have 4 Zags get the invite. It would be amazing to have all four make the team, unlikely but...

https://www.basketball.ca/en/news-article/30-athletes-invited-to-attend-senior-mens-national-team-training

[Reborn]

I wonder if Robert Sacre is done playing basketball? I thought he was a Canadian, and if so I would expect him to get invited to this camp.

[OntZags]

I wonder if Robert Sacre is done playing basketball? I thought he was a Canadian, and if so I would expect him to get invited to this camp.

I'm pretty sure he is still playing in Japan. That said, he's not really in contention for Team Canada anymore. Too many NBA and top level European guys for him to realistically make it.

Olynyk is a lock to make the team and my money is on Pangos snagging the last guard spot.

I think Clarke is more there for the experience and then get right back to Memphis to work on getting up to speed with the Grizz. Wiltjer is a pretty longshot to make the squad.

[webspinnre]

He's playing in Japan, but I think he's just down the depth chart for bigs.

edit: Ont beat me to it.

[GonzagasaurusFlex]

Go Zags!!! It is so cool to have 4 Zags get the invite. It would be amazing to have all four make the team, unlikely but...

https://www.basketball.ca/en/news-ar...-team-training

No expert here but fair to say this is the most talent ever assembled by Team Canada?

[Marcus]

Absolutely its the largest talent pool Canada has ever had to pick from. Canada has come so far, its hard to believe that NBA players will have to be cut from the national teams final roster.

[CDC84]

Rob Sacre's basketball career is likely over. He actually lives in Spokane now.

[Marcus]

I'm pretty sure he is still playing in Japan. That said, he's not really in contention for Team Canada anymore. Too many NBA and top level European guys for him to realistically make it.

Olynyk is a lock to make the team and my money is on Pangos snagging the last guard spot.

I think Clarke is more there for the experience and then get right back to Memphis to work on getting up to speed with the Grizz. Wiltjer is a pretty longshot to make the squad.

I agree with Kelly being a lock. It has come up in some interviews with Rowan Barrett that he is looking to put together the best "team" available and not just a collection of the best talent available. I would think this greatly improves Kevin's chances of being selected, he would be a great teammate and would be willing to fill any role offered to him. Plus he has all that international experience which is huge as fiba is such a different game than NBA.

I think Wiltjer has an opportunity as a specialist because of his elite shooting. He probably wouldn't get much playing time but he doesn't seem like the type of shooter who who be bothered by coming in cold off the bench. Not sure if that will be enough considering what they have to choose from but you never know.

I also would agree with you about Brandon. He probably is just there for the experience and I doubt Memphis would want him to pursue this given he is entering his rookie season.

[Kong-Kool-Aid]

We could have 4 Zags on the floor at the same time!

I know it's unlikely... but one can dream!

[webspinnre]

Rob Sacre's basketball career is likely over. He actually lives in Spokane now.

Oh, I hadn't realized that he was back in town. Last I'd heard he was still playing in Japan. Wishing him all the best, one of my favorite Zags.

[CarolinaZagFan]

No expert here but fair to say this is the most talent ever assembled by Team Canada?

And it’s not even including two former #1 overall picks. Is Anthony Bennett still playing basketball? Haven’t heard that name in a while.

[GuZag2012]

Anthony Bennett was just signed to a contract by the Houston Rockets...pretty sure it’s a non-guaranteed deal but he had been playing in the G-league.

I thought I heard Wiggins was planning on playing in this tournament, but that must have changed.


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[GonzagasaurusFlex]

I hope Olynyk goes beast mode for Team Canada and shows out big time. His time is now

[OZZY]

Anthony Bennett was just signed to a contract by the Houston Rockets...pretty sure it’s a non-guaranteed deal but he had been playing in the G-league.

I thought I heard Wiggins was planning on playing in this tournament, but that must have changed.


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Bennett had a decent year in G league last year (40+% from the three) and has a chance with Houston given the money they are paying their stars..

Wiggins may never play for Canada again, and reality is "the team" will probably be better without him. With Brooks and Barret coming through.

I'm going to see both Canada/Australia games in Perth (a bit of a trip) and will be over the moon if both Kelly and KP play (I am guessing that they will take a couple of extras on the trip before they make the final cuts).

Canada will also play here in Sydney (found out after I bought the Perth tickets...) and I'm going to one of the New Zealnd Games .

After spending the money on the Perth Games I couldn't afford the US/Canada tickets

Will love to see them make it out of their group at the world championships (got a slight bit easier with Simmons not playing).

KO and Jamal Murray will have to come up big.

[Mojo13]

I agree with Kelly being a lock. It has come up in some interviews with Rowan Barrett that he is looking to put together the best "team" available and not just a collection of the best talent available. I would think this greatly improves Kevin's chances of being selected, he would be a great teammate and would be willing to fill any role offered to him. Plus he has all that international experience which is huge as fiba is such a different game than NBA.

I think Wiltjer has an opportunity as a specialist because of his elite shooting. He probably wouldn't get much playing time but he doesn't seem like the type of shooter who who be bothered by coming in cold off the bench. Not sure if that will be enough considering what they have to choose from but you never know.

I also would agree with you about Brandon. He probably is just there for the experience and I doubt Memphis would want him to pursue this given he is entering his rookie season.

I concur.

Olynyk is consider one of the "Big Three" core vets with a Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson. Barring some wild unforeseen scenario - Olynyk should be starting and along with Jamal Murray have the offense built around him. In my opinion FIBA Kelly Olynyk is a much better player than NBA Kelly Olynyk and likely our number 2 after Murray.

Pangos if I had to bet will be on the team - Nurse realizes the importance of FIBA players and big game experience. Pangos is a professional, calm, measured, flexible, bench guard able to play multiple positions (also something Nurse loves) or not play at all without getting bent out of shape.

Wiltjer is on the outside looking in. I don't see him making the final squad as we just have too much forward depth. He could carve a role as a deep bench offensive role player, but he is just so darn limited on D he can not see meaningful minutes at this level. The one thing to note is that this is an "invite" list not necessarily who will actually show up - Wiltjer could make the team if a number of guys ahead of him fall off.

I also really don't see any intention for any rookies making this team including Clarke and RJ Barrett. I think they are there to get pulled into the program, learn the system a little and get to know the other players better. I bet they all will all be focusing on their NBA rookie commitments and are not able to playing the WC. But showing up to camp for 3-7 days works.


I almost flipped my lid when I saw this list - it truly is impressive. It represents almost all of our top 30 players around the globe. Wiggins is the only one missing that would realistically make the final 12 in my opinion. Other missing of note are Anthony Bennett (focused on a new shot at the NBA), Andrew Nicholson, Dylan Ennis and Tyler Ennis (injured).