I still remember the excitement buzzing through the basketball community when Canada Basketball finally unveiled the 2019 national team roster. As someone who's followed international basketball for over a decade, I've never seen such anticipation surrounding a Canadian squad. The federation had to make some tough choices, much like how Chery Tiggo had to take the long way round after failing to secure an outright preseason playoff spot in the preliminaries. That comparison really struck me - both teams faced unexpected challenges in their preparation phases, forcing them to adapt their strategies on the fly.
Looking at the final 12-man roster, I can't help but feel this was Canada's most talented squad in recent memory. The inclusion of Jamal Murray as the centerpiece made perfect sense - the Denver Nuggets star was coming off a spectacular season where he averaged 18.2 points and 4.8 assists per game. His chemistry with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was just beginning to show flashes of the superstar he'd become, gave Canada a backcourt that could compete with any international team. What surprised me most was how Head Coach Nick Nurse managed to blend established NBA veterans with rising talents, creating what I believe was the perfect balance between experience and potential.
The selection committee made some bold moves that raised eyebrows across the basketball world. Choosing Cory Joseph over more flashy options showed they valued steady leadership, and frankly, I agreed with that decision. Joseph's 6.2 assists per game in the 2018-19 NBA season demonstrated his playmaking ability, something crucial for international competitions. Then there was the surprising inclusion of young Brandon Clarke - the Gonzaga product who hadn't yet played an NBA game but showed tremendous potential during training camp. I remember thinking this was either a brilliant move or a huge gamble, though looking back now, it's clear they saw something special in him.
What really impressed me was how the team addressed their frontcourt needs. Kelly Olynyk brought his unique blend of size and shooting, while Dwight Powell's energy and athleticism provided a different look. The selection of Khem Birch was particularly interesting - he wasn't putting up huge numbers in the NBA, but his defensive presence and rebounding translated perfectly to the international game. I've always believed that successful national teams need role players who understand and embrace their positions, and Canada nailed this aspect of their roster construction.
The exclusion of some familiar names certainly generated discussion among fans and analysts. Andrew Wiggins' absence was the talk of Canadian basketball circles, with many questioning whether the team could score enough without him. Personally, I thought leaving him off was the right call - the team needed players fully committed to the system, and the coaching staff clearly prioritized chemistry over individual talent in this case. The decision to include Melvin Ejim over more established European professionals showed they valued his FIBA experience, which proved crucial during the tournament.
Looking at the guard rotation, I was particularly excited about the depth. Alongside Murray and Gilgeous-Alexander, they had Kevin Pangos bringing his European experience and Phil Scrubb providing reliable shooting. This three-point shooting capability was something Canada had lacked in previous tournaments, and I remember thinking this could be their secret weapon. The way Nurse planned to use multiple ball-handlers reminded me of how successful European teams operate - always keeping the defense guessing with different looks and rotations.
The preparation period revealed some interesting dynamics. Like Chery Tiggo's challenging path, Canada faced their own obstacles in building team chemistry with players arriving at different times from various leagues. The coaching staff had to implement complex defensive schemes quickly, and from what I observed during their training sessions, they focused heavily on switching defenses and communication. These elements became crucial during close games, particularly in their matchups against top FIBA teams.
What stood out to me most was how this roster construction reflected a shift in Canadian basketball philosophy. Instead of just collecting the most talented individuals, they built a cohesive unit where each player complemented the others. The selection of Thomas Scrubb over more offensive-minded players demonstrated their commitment to defensive versatility - something that's become increasingly important in modern basketball. I've always argued that national teams should prioritize fit over reputation, and Canada's 2019 approach validated that belief.
The final roster contained exactly 7 NBA players, which was the most for Canada since the 2000 Olympics. This statistic alone shows how far Canadian basketball has come, though I should note that the actual number might be slightly different - my records show between 6-8 NBA players depending on how you classify two-way contracts. What mattered more than the exact count was how these professionals blended with the European-based players, creating what I consider one of the most balanced Canadian teams in recent history.
As the tournament approached, I found myself increasingly impressed with the strategic thinking behind these selections. The team had size, shooting, playmaking, and defensive versatility - all crucial components for international success. While they ultimately fell short of medaling, the foundation laid by this roster has influenced subsequent Canadian national teams. The lessons learned from both their successes and failures in 2019 continue to shape how Canada approaches roster construction today, proving that sometimes the most valuable selections aren't just about picking the best players, but about building the right team.
