Canada’s men’s basketball team continued its impressive run in World Cup qualifying with a dominant victory over Jamaica, improving their record to 6-0 in the qualification phase. The 116-78 win, played before a crowd of 11,000 at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, showcased the depth and talent of the Canadian roster. The team, which is the reigning World Cup bronze medallist and ranked fifth in the world, demonstrated why they are considered one of the top teams in international basketball. The victory sets the stage for Round 2 of qualifying, which will begin next month in Quebec City, with records and point differential carrying over.
The performance of Dillon Brooks was a highlight of the game, as the Rexdale, Ontario, native displayed the intensity and tenacity that have made him a key contributor to Canada’s success. Brooks finished with 20 points, leading all scorers, and added three steals in a game that saw Canada’s defence force numerous turnovers. His energy on the court was infectious, with Brooks playing with the same fire whether the game was close or well in hand. “I’m always ready to play regardless of who’s on the floor. It could be anybody. It could be my boys, it can be Team Jamaica, it can be Oklahoma City. It doesn’t matter who it is,” Brooks said. His commitment to the national team program has been a cornerstone of Canada’s recent success.
The game also provided a homecoming for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two-time NBA MVP who grew up in Hamilton. The crowd greeted him with “MVP” chants before the game, and he delivered a performance worthy of the acclaim, finishing with 16 points and four steals. Gilgeous-Alexander and Brooks served as co-captains in the absence of Kelly Olynyk, a role that showcased the leadership dynamic between the two players. Brooks described their complementary styles: “I’m the fiery, passionate, maybe more outspoken leader, and [Gilgeous-Alexander is] cool, calm and collected, so we can relate to different players on the team and give our input”.
