Three days. Three games. Three different starting lineups for Jay Triano and Basketball Canada’s men’s team to begin their 11 game Europe trip.
The senior men’s team began playing in Slovenia against Slovenia, Ukraine and Georgia. Taking the final two games after dropping the first to Slovenia.
Coach Triano planned to use the team’s depth to his advantage as he used three different starting lineups and had three different guys finish as the high scorers.
On Thursday against Slovenia, Canada dropped the game 92-80. Cory Joesph and Jevohn Shepherd led Canada with 11 points each.
“Obviously we have to learn the schemes and how to play better with each other at both ends of the floor.” Those were the comments of Triano after the game.
It was what Triano and the Canadian staff expected as the team only had three practices before taking off to Europe.
However, the team seemed to come together against Ukraine. Winning the second game in overtime 80-75. Then putting a beat down on Georgia 83-66 on Saturday.
After both wins Triano focused on the teams defence, hoping it would continue to improve. “Our transition defense will be key for us in the future as we continue to grow into the team we want to be.”
Kelly Olynyk led the way against Ukraine, putting up 18 points along with 8 rebounds. Whole Brady Heslip led the way against Georgia. The sharpshooter scored 14.
Canada will now travel to Croatia to play two games against the host nation. It will also be the start of six games in six days along with three different countries within that span. After Croatia, Canada heads to Italy for three, before finishing up in Spain.
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