Five NBA players highlight Canada’s 12-man roster for Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Detroit Pistons Cory Joseph and Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell were among the dozens named after Canada’s training camp in Victoria, BC
Gilgeous-Alexander made his first international appearance in six years at the previous qualifying window in July. He had 32 points in a 95-75 win over the Dominican Republic in his hometown of Hamilton and 24 points in a 113-67 win over the US Virgin Islands.
Canada was the only country in America to remain undefeated in the first qualifying round (6-0). Argentina’s record is 5-1.
Zach Edey, Melvin Ejim, Kevin Pangos, Kassius Robertson, Kalif Young and brothers Phil and Thomas Scrubb make up the rest of Canada’s squad.
Eighty countries are playing across six qualifying windows to secure their place in the 30 to line up alongside hosts Japan and the Philippines at next summer’s 32-team FIBA World Cup, a direct qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Canada plays again in Panama on Monday.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on August 25, 2022.