Canada’s men’s basketball team has been making headlines recently, but not for the reasons they had hoped. Despite high hopes and a talented roster, Canada’s reliance on star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fell short in recent competition.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA, is undoubtedly one of Canada’s top basketball talents. His skill and leadership on the court have made him a key player for the national team. However, in the recent FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada’s dependence on Gilgeous-Alexander proved to be a double-edged sword.
In their first game against Greece, Canada suffered a disappointing 97-91 loss. Gilgeous-Alexander put up an impressive 26 points, but it was clear that the team needed more than just his individual brilliance to secure a victory. The lack of scoring support from other players was evident, highlighting the team’s overreliance on their star player.
The same pattern repeated in Canada’s second game against China, where they fell short once again with a 77-69 loss. Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 19 points, but the lack of offensive production from other players ultimately cost Canada the game.
This overreliance on Gilgeous-Alexander is a concerning trend for Canada’s national team. While he is undoubtedly a talented player, basketball is a team sport that requires contributions from all players on the court. Relying too heavily on one player can lead to predictable offensive schemes and make it easier for opponents to shut down the team’s primary scoring threat.
Moving forward, Canada’s coaching staff will need to address this issue and find ways to involve other players in the offense. Developing a more balanced scoring attack will not only take pressure off Gilgeous-Alexander but also make the team more unpredictable and difficult to defend.
Despite their recent setbacks, Canada still has a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics through the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. With adjustments to their offensive strategy and improved contributions from all players, Canada can bounce back and secure a spot in the prestigious international competition. It’s time for the team to step up and show that they are more than just a one-man show.