Canada basketball has released the final 12-man roster for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Leading the way are Sacramento Kings point guard Cory Joseph (Pickering, Ont.) and Orlando Magic center Khem Birch (Montreal, Que.) Kyle Witjer, a 2011 McDonald’s All-American, who a had a cup of coffee with the Houston Rockets will be counted for his scoring and three-point shooting.
Kevin Pangos leads a trio of guards that includes Florida Gators sophomore guard Andrew Nembhard and arguably Canada’s greatest university player of all-time in Philip Scrubb.
The roster rounds-out nicely with Mevin Ejim, Thomas Scrubb, and Owen Klassen in the front court. Brady Heslip, Kaza Kajami-Keane and new late addition Conor Morgan make-up the rest of the complete roster.
Five U Sports All-Canadians
Showcasing the strength of Canada’s university ranks, the final roster features five former U Sports basketball All-Canadians – including three Carleton Ravens — in Philip Scrubb, a four-time first-team All-Canadian. Thomas Scrubb a two-time defensive player of the year picked-up a first-team nod selection in 2014-15. Kajami Keane a former NCAA DI player also earned two second-team awards and two championships in his two seasons with the Ravens.
Conor Morgan took home two first-team All-Canadian awards in his final two seasons with the UBC Thunderbirds. Owen Klassen was a dominate force during his five years with the Acadia Axemen program — translating into three All-Canadian nods, including consecutive first-team selections in his final two seasons.
Final two cuts: Duane Notice + Aaron Best
Both Duane Notice and Aaron Best were unfortunately the two odd men out as Canadian head coach Nick Nurse had the tough task of trimming the roster from 14 to a FIBA mandatory 12-men.
Canada enters the World Cup after a grueling 7-game exhibition series that saw Team Canada go 4-3 — recording victories over Nigeria, Australia and New Zealand.
After a month long preparation, Canada is set to tip the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Sunday August 1st against Australia Boomers and will face Lithuania and Senegal in Group H.
Canada Final 12 FIBA World Cup Roster
