The paragraph below appeared on a recent article featuring Wildcats player Kyle Wiltjer and his future role with the Canadian Senior Men’s National Basketball Team.
“But more time with Calipari shouldn’t hurt him for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that the Kentucky head coach is considered the favourite to become Canada’s next national coach if he wants the job.”
Canada has been without a Head coach since Leo Rautins resigned after Team Canada failed to earn a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London England.
This is the first time we’ve heard of Calipri’s name being in the mix for the Canadian National team position, and up to last week, all signs pointed to Canada Basketball, hiring Steve Nash as the CEO and former player, coach and Raptors bench boss, Jay Triano as the front runner for the head coach position.
Other names in the running include Dave Smart winner of eight of the last ten Canadian University Men’s Basketball Championships as the Head coach of the Carleton Ravens.
Calipri does have international experience, he coached the Dominican Republican last year and is well respected globally, something that will be important for Canada given the previous player/coach issues within the organization.
Calipari is not a stranger to Canada. The Wildcats traveled to Windsor, Ontario during the 2010-11 season for a three-game series against CIS basketball competition.
Is this a good direction for Canada Basketball as an organization? Should Canada hire a full-time coach?
What are your thoughts?
