There’s still plenty of unknowns for the Canadian men’s national team four months out from this summer’s Olympics. Despite all of that uncertainty, there’s at least one thing they can bank on: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
TORONTO – There’s still plenty of unknowns for the Canadian men’s national team four months out from this summer’s Olympics.
It’s been an eventful year for one of the sport’s brightest young superstars. Last summer, he led Canada to a historic bronze-medal finish at the World Cup, helping secure its first Olympic berth in men’s basketball since the 2000 Sydney Games. That was the precursor for what he’s done this season. This year could be even more memorable for the 25-year-old. First, he and his young Thunder team will have a chance to make some noise on the NBA’s biggest stage this spring. It’ll be his first playoff appearance since 2020 – his second year in the league and first with OKC. Then, he’ll take the world stage, realizing a lifelong dream by representing his country at the Olympics and, perhaps, pushing for a podium finish.
“He’s incredibly consistent in his day to day,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. “He does a great job of staying steady, staying present, and I think it's had a contagious effect on the team, for sure. He also hasn't lost his way in terms of being a part of the team. He's one of the guys, too. He’s not just this great player that operates on his own level. He’s very plugged into the team, and therefore he has a ton of influence, as well.
His influence on the national team has been every bit as significant. After another disappointing elimination, this time on home soil at the 2021 Olympic qualifiers, general manager Rowan Barrett and then senior men’s head coachThey had repeatedly come up short, falling apart at the biggest moments of the biggest games in the most important tournaments to countries with a fraction of the NBA talent but far more experience and continuity.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Quiet superstar: Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the face of new Thunder eraCanada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, seen above in February 2024, has quickly made a home in Oklahoma City as the leader of an ascendant young Thunder squad.
Lire la suite »
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heads home as Thunder meet RaptorsCanadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ready to put on a show against Toronto Raptors
Lire la suite »
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ‘humbled’ by impressive year he’s having for Canada, ThunderOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander officially received the Northern Star Award as Canada’s top athlete of 2023 on Friday morning, hours before facing the Toronto Raptors
Lire la suite »
Gilgeous-Alexander 'humbled' by impressive year he's having for Canada and ThunderTORONTO — Even as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was being recognized as Canada's best athlete, he stayed humble.
Lire la suite »
Gilgeous-Alexander 'humbled' by impressive year he's having for Canada and ThunderTORONTO — Even as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was being recognized as Canada's best athlete, he stayed humble.
Lire la suite »
Gilgeous-Alexander 'humbled' by impressive year he's having for Canada and ThunderTORONTO — Even as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was being recognized as Canada's best athlete, he stayed humble.
Lire la suite »