Yes, Canada beat Belgium. Yes, they will play again tomorrow and we will get our second look at the new unit with the additions of Cory Joseph, Carl English, and Joey Anthony.
Still missing though, is Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavs) who is currently attending school, as he had promised his mother prior to getting drafted fourth overall.
Andy Rautins seems visibly upset that Thompson has made himself unavailable to help Canada qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Rautins had this to say after Canada dropped Belgium on home-soil.
“It certainly frustrates me because when you look at our team they could help us out a great deal, help the team get to a whole new level,” he said.
“For me, I think it’s first and foremost if you’ve got an opportunity to represent your country, you do it. Playing against professionals that are in the NBA, Euro-League all-stars, this is basketball at its finest in the summer, so for some of these guys not to come out, some of these guys that are top talents top 10 picks in the league, it just doesn’t make sense to me.
“It’s frustrating, but we have to make do with what we have.”
Rautins does have point here, plus his Pops is the Head Coach. All kidding aside, he has been one of Canada’s most consistent players this summer and has the right to voice his opinion, just like Thompson has the right to hold his word to his mother.
Cory Joseph who made his Senior National team debut against Belgium didn’t want to get involved and simply stated: “every situation is different, you’d have to ask him.”
What will all this mean if Thompson joins the team? Any kind of animosity developing here? Should Thompson go against mom dukes and join to help Canada qualify?
Do remember they both play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Can’t wait for those Cavs and Knicks games.
