Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Canada's World Cup qualifying roster
Canadian superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA's back-to-back most valuable player, is suiting up for Canada after a long NBA season. “Playing for your country is what I dreamed about as a kid,” he said on Monday morning in downtown Toronto. “Being able to have the opportunity to do this (is special), so I just choose the opportunity to do so every single time. It’s that simple.”
The 16-man roster for Canada's men's basketball training camp includes Gilgeous-Alexander, his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker (the NBA's most improved player), Dillon Brooks, and many more NBAers. The team is preparing for qualification for next August’s FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
Brotherhood and commitment among Canadian players
Alexander-Walker and Brooks spoke of the brotherhood amongst this group and how far many go back with each other. Alexander-Walker noted he played with roster member Marcus Carr as far back as Grade 6. “I’m more excited about being with everybody. Just laughing and enjoying my time, coming to (be with the team) and play with your country, it means a lot,” Alexander-Walker said.
General manager Rowan Barrett and new head coach Gordie Herbert addressed the team. Even players not playing this summer, like veterans Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, and Lu Dort, attended training camp and committed to future team needs. RJ Barrett, Zach Edey, and Bennedict Mathurin will also not play this summer.
Upcoming home games and long-term goals
Canada is 4-0 in qualifying ahead of two rare home games in Hamilton — on Friday against Puerto Rico and Monday against Jamaica, both at TD Coliseum. The second round of qualifying will happen this August and conclude in March. Canada is already through to the second round, but hopes fans support Gilgeous-Alexander and others playing at home.
Herbert, who had great success coaching Germany after previous stints with Canada, reiterated that the goals remain golden — at the World Cup and at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Canada claimed a historic bronze and beat the Americans to get it at the previous World Cup. “It feels great. I think all of us are hungry to get back to playing for our country,” Dillon Brooks said. “Totally excited and ready to start getting this work in.”
