Canada finalizes roster for FIBA World Cup qualifying game vs. Dominican Republic – Sportsnet.ca

NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kelly Olynyk and Dwight Powell headline Canada’s roster for Friday’s FIBA World Cup qualifying game against the Dominican Republic.

The game, which will be played at Hamilton’s First Ontario Centre, can be seen on Sportsnet and SN NOW beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Canada and the Dominican Republic are in Group C of the opening round of qualifying along with the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands (who Canada will face on the road July 4). This weekend’s pair of games make up the third and final window in this round of qualifying. With a 4-0 record, Canada has already secured a spot in the next round.

Friday’s game also marks the Canadian senior men’s team’s first game on home soil in more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FIBA World Cup will be hosted by the Phillippines, Japan and Indonesia in August and September of 2023.

Last May, Canada Basketball announced a group of 14 core players — many of them NBA stars — who had committed to play for the national team for the next three years as Canada pushes for spots in the World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics.

Below is Canada’s roster for Friday’s game against the Dominican Republic.

Players

Kyle Alexander, F
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G
Trae Bell-Haynes, G
Zach Edey, C
Melvin Ejim, SF
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G
Kaza Kajami-Keane, G
Kelly Olynyk, C
Dwight Powel, PF
Kassius Robertson, G
Phil Scrubb, SG
Thomas Scrubb, SF

Coaches

Nick Nurse, Head Coach
Nate Bjorkgren, Associate Head Coach
Michael Meeks, Assistant Coach
Jon Goodwillie, Assistant Coach