Nick Nurse appointed coach of Canada ahead of FIBA World Cup
CANADA has appointed Nick Nurse to lead the team into the FIBA Basketball World Cup, which is due to start on August 31.
Nurse is already a hero in Canada, having just guided the Toronto Raptors to their only NBA title, with the veteran mentor set to now lead the National team to China and onwards.
The American, who served as an assistant coach for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, will have a great roster at this disposal for the FIBA tournament, but does have a horror draw to contend with.
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The Canadian team will play Australia, Lithuania and Senagal and will need to finish in the top two in Group H, to move onto Group L and the second round.
“I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of young players, and to seeing what we can do on the competitive global basketball stage,” Nurse said.
“I love the international game. I also see this as a real chance for me to learn from the world’s best, and for us to represent Canada with pride and distinction.”
Gordie Herbert, who represented Canada in the 80s has been named an associate head coach. He is also expected to lead the National team at tournaments when Nurse is not available.
The Canadian team last played at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2010, where they lost all of their games, but their squad is expected to be much stronger in China, with many NBA players in the mix to be selected.
Canada is paying $81 to win the FIBA World Cup, $11 to reach the final, $5.50 to make the final four and $2.20 to finish in the top eight.
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