‘It still stings’: Canada Basketball using Olympic letdown as fuel for Los Angeles, says CEO

In the wake of Canada’s disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took it upon himself to gather his teammates at a gym near Toronto. This group included Olympians, those who missed the cut, and even some Oklahoma City Thunder players. The goal was clear – to regroup, refocus, and strive for better results in the future.

Similarly, Canada’s women’s team, fresh off a winless Olympic campaign, met quietly in Toronto to discuss their plan for redemption at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. With players, coaches, support staff, and the national federation in attendance, the team outlined a two-year plan aimed at achieving success on the world stage.

Meanwhile, the 3×3 basketball team, which had dominated its competition leading up to Paris but fell short of a podium finish, found redemption at the FIBA AmeriCup and the Champions Cup. Despite the setback in Paris, the team bounced back with impressive victories in subsequent tournaments.

The Paris Olympics was expected to be a turning point for Canadian basketball, with three teams poised for medal contention. However, the results were far from what was anticipated, leading to introspection and changes within Canada Basketball.

CEO Mike Bartlett acknowledged the need for coaching changes, with new appointments expected in the coming months. There is a renewed focus on Canadian coaching talent, although the best candidate for the job will be selected based on merit rather than nationality.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and commitment to the national team have been compared to that of Sidney Crosby in hockey. His influence has inspired a renewed sense of purpose and determination among his teammates, setting the stage for a brighter future for Canadian basketball.

Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, both the men’s and women’s teams have set their sights on Olympic success. With a talented pool of players, including rising stars from the NCAA and WNBA, Canada Basketball is optimistic about its chances on the global stage.

The arrival of the Toronto Tempo in the WNBA next year presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration between the professional league and Canada Basketball. Bartlett emphasized the importance of prioritizing Canadian talent on the Tempo roster, not only for competitive reasons but also to fuel the growth of women’s basketball in the country.

In the long term, Bartlett envisions a domestic women’s pro league in Canada, similar to the Northern Super League in soccer. While there are no immediate plans in place, the success of the Tempo could serve as a catalyst for the establishment of a sustainable women’s basketball league in the future.

Overall, Canada Basketball is on a path of renewal and growth, with a strong foundation of talent and leadership in place. As the teams prepare for the road to Los Angeles 2028, the future looks promising for Canadian basketball on both the national and professional levels.