Hamilton’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander left wanting more in 2024
Canada’s Basketball Stars Look to the Future After Disappointing 2024 Season
Canada’s top men’s basketball players had high hopes for the 2024 season, but ultimately fell short of their goals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hailing from Hamilton, had an impressive showing by finishing second in NBA MVP voting for the 2023-24 season. His team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, faced a disappointing exit in the Western Conference playoffs. On the international stage, Canada’s men’s senior team settled for a fifth-place finish at the Paris Olympics.
Reflecting on the Olympic quarterfinal loss to France, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his disappointment, realizing the missed opportunity for a medal.
“The opportunity to medal and win, we didn’t get a chance to do it and being in it, you kind of take it for granted,” said Gilgeous-Alexander in a post-game interview. “Every year I get a chance to win an NBA championship, and every four years I get a chance to try to win the Olympics.”
Canada’s journey to the Olympics was a historic one, qualifying for the first time in 24 years after securing a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Despite a strong start at the Olympics, going undefeated in the group stage, Canada stumbled against France in the quarterfinals.
Looking ahead, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of seizing future opportunities for Olympic success.
“In four years, you never know what will happen, where I was four years ago, and where I’ll be four years from now, but it’s a special opportunity,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “If, God willing, I’m around for that opportunity, I’ll definitely approach it a little bit different.”
As preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begin, Canada’s men’s basketball team is showcasing strong performances on the international stage. Despite not having any NBA players, the team secured a perfect record in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup qualification round.
With a mix of experienced and up-and-coming talents, including standout player Kelly Olynyk, Canada’s basketball future looks promising.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance in the NBA continues to shine, leading his team both in the 2023-24 season and the current season. Despite setbacks, he remains focused on improvement and team success.
With rising stars like Zach Edey making their mark in the NBA, Canada’s basketball scene is poised for continued growth and success.
This article was rewritten and adapted for WordPress from an original report by The Canadian Press, published on December 19, 2024.
