Canada’s Men’s Basketball Team opened their Pan Am games tournament with a resounding 105-88 win over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday night in Toronto’s famed Maple Leaf Gardens.
Canada Men’s Basketball Team Draws Inspiration from Women in Opening Win
Basketball Canada general manager Steve Nash indicated that the Men’s team had watched the Canadian Women’s Team defeat the United States to claim the gold medal on Monday Night and were inspired by that performance, and wanting to start their own march to the medals. He mentioned that seeing the Canadian Women’s victory had inspired the men’s team to “want some of that.”
Guard Brady Heslip led all scorers with 24 points, while Anthony Bennett put up 15 points with a game-high 10 rebounds, and Andrew Nicholson had 14. Melvin Ejim and incoming University of Kentucky freshman (and NBA lottery hopeful) Jamal Murray added a dozen points each as Canada overwhelmed the Dominicans in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Ryerson Athletic Centre.
“It was a lot of fun playing in Toronto,” Heslip said. “We’re just glad we could get the nerves out and still get a W.”
“We’re going to need all 12 players,” said head coach Jay Triano. “We’re going to have to get better. The competition is going to get a lot better.”
Nash had particular praise for Heslip, the former Baylor star who lit up the NBA D-League last season. Reporters attempted to compare Heslip to the Canadian NBA legend and he responded.
“He’s a special player,” said Nash, a hands-on boss who rebounded for his players during warmups. “Every time the level is raised, he raises his game.”
Nash also had high praise for 18 year old Jamal Murray, the star point guard who is headed to the University of Kentucky next season.
“He’s got a tremendous amount of ability, he’s got a very bright future,” said Nash. “It’s very exciting for our program. But it’s also exciting for me as a point guard to see a young player come through with that much ability is very fun and exciting.”
Nash commented on the possibility that Murray could do enough at these games to earn himself a spot as the backup point guard for the importan FIBA Americas Tournament next month, with Olympic Qualifying on the line.
“I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question, it all depends how it shakes out,” said Nash. “I think Cory (Joseph) has been our point guard but there are a lot of guys with an opportunity to take the backup spot.”
Main Photo by Kevin Gamble/ Last Word on Sports Inc., All Rights Reserved.
