Canada Basketball Has One More Chance to Qualify for 2016 Olympics

January 26, 2016

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Pickering, ON's Cory Joseph. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins) — Pickering, ON’s Cory Joseph. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins)

The Canadian Senior National team has one final chance to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, with the tournament taking place in the Philippines July, 4-10.

FIBA has officially released the draw, which pits Canada against tougher competition than was faced in the 2015 FIBA Americas, where the team suffered a devastating loss against Venezuela (79-78) in the championships.

The draw includes France (#5-ranked), Philippines (Host team), Turkey (#8), Senegal (#31), and New Zealand.

It’s a win or stay home scenario–a tournament victory and Canada moves on to the Olympics; anything less, the red & white will wait another four years.

Tariq Sbiet

NPH National Scout, tracking Canada's TOP prospects from high school to the NBA. With a genuine passion for the game, you will find Sbiet in the bleachers of most major tournaments and events across Canada & the United States -- Discovering talent from coast-to-coast, while absorbing knowledge at every opportunity. Sbiet has covered the game at every level, combining a basketball and media background with a degree in Media & Journalism from the University of Guelph-Humber. *Inspiration is the spark plug to success*