Canada’s star power finally arrived in a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifier, and the result was exactly what many expected.
Playing together in a qualifying window for the first time, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Nembhard and Dillon Brooks headlined a loaded Canadian roster that overwhelmed Puerto Rico 110-84 before a near-capacity crowd at TD Coliseum in Hamilton on Friday night.
The victory improved Canada to a perfect 5-0 atop Group B and extended its unbeaten run heading into Monday’s first-round finale against Jamaica. Although Canada has already secured its place in the second round of qualifying, every victory remains crucial because results against teams that advance carry over into the next phase on the road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Doha, Qatar.
For one night, however, qualifying scenarios took a back seat to a celebration of Canadian basketball’s unprecedented depth.
With hometown superstar Gilgeous-Alexander making his first appearance in Hamilton since becoming one of the NBA’s premier players, Canada showcased a roster featuring seven active NBA players while still leaving several established stars watching from the sidelines. RJ Barrett, Zach Edey, Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, Marcus Carr and Kassius Robertson were all in attendance, while Lu Dort, Bennedict Mathurin and several other members of Canada’s expanding talent pool remained unavailable.
It was also the first opportunity for newly appointed head coach Gordie Herbert to coach Canada’s NBA core during a FIBA qualifying window. The first two qualification windows took place during the NBA season, preventing Canada’s top players from participating. Herbert has also emphasized a three-year commitment to the national program leading into the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympic cycle, a philosophy that has already influenced roster decisions this summer.
The Canadians rewarded the Hamilton crowd with one of their most complete offensive performances in recent memory.
Canada never trailed after the opening minute, shooting a blistering 64.8 per cent from the field while dishing out 28 assists on 46 made baskets. The hosts led for 39 minutes and 39 seconds, built a game-high 29-point advantage and never allowed Puerto Rico to seriously threaten after taking control in the opening quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved why he is regarded as one of the world’s best players.
Making his hometown return in front of family, friends and thousands of local supporters, the Hamilton native poured in a game-high 26 points on an efficient 9-for-14 shooting, adding four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks in fewer than 27 minutes.
The performance came just months after TD Coliseum completed its $300-million renovation. The arena, formerly known as Copps Coliseum, now also features the Ares Atrium — named after Gilgeous-Alexander’s son — as part of the NBA superstar’s investment in the revitalized venue.
Fans also noticed another change before tipoff.
Gone were the braids that had become synonymous with Gilgeous-Alexander throughout his rise to NBA superstardom.
Asked afterward about the new hairstyle, Gilgeous-Alexander smiled.
“I figured I’d try something new,” he said. “I just figured I’d try something new, nothing more than that.”
His game, however, looked very familiar.
After Puerto Rico briefly tied the contest 2-2 less than two minutes into the game, Gilgeous-Alexander immediately took over, knocking down a series of trademark mid-range jumpers that ignited both Canada’s offence and the Hamilton crowd.
Mfiondu Kabengele restored Canada’s lead before Gilgeous-Alexander scored six quick points as Canada began methodically separating itself.
Andrew Nembhard was equally impressive.
The Indiana Pacers guard continued his breakout international play by finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists while shooting an outstanding 9-for-11 from the floor, including 5-for-7 from three-point range.
Nembhard repeatedly punished Puerto Rico’s defensive rotations, whether by knocking down open perimeter shots or attacking closeouts to finish inside.
Brooks added 15 points while bringing the same defensive intensity and physical edge that have become trademarks of his international career.
By halftime, the trio had completely dictated the contest.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Nembhard and Brooks combined for 49 of Canada’s 56 first-half points, nearly outscoring Puerto Rico’s entire team, which managed just 38 before the break.
Canada’s blistering start effectively ended the suspense before halftime.
The Canadians raced to a 31-16 lead after the opening quarter, forcing Puerto Rico into difficult shots while generating easy offence in transition.
An early 9-0 run highlighted Canada’s defensive pressure, and the hosts later strung together a decisive 10-0 surge spanning the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second to stretch a 26-16 advantage into a commanding 36-16 cushion.
Puerto Rico briefly responded with a 6-0 run midway through the second quarter behind Ethan Thompson, trimming the deficit to 17 points.
Canada answered immediately.
Nembhard buried another three-pointer, Brooks connected from well beyond the arc and Gilgeous-Alexander punctuated a fast-break steal with a soaring dunk to restore complete control.
The Canadians carried a comfortable 56-38 advantage into halftime.
While Canada’s stars stole the headlines, its depth proved equally encouraging.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker orchestrated the offence with eight points and a game-high seven assists while posting a team-best +22 plus-minus. Charles Bediako supplied seven points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks in just over 11 minutes, providing a strong defensive presence off the bench.
Kyshawn George contributed nine points, Leonard Miller added six points and Ryan Nembhard chipped in four points and two assists, including a memorable stretch late in the fourth quarter when he shared the floor alongside his older brother Andrew for the first time since they were in middle school.
Canada finished with 35 bench points despite relying heavily on its veteran starters to establish the early lead.
Defensively, Herbert’s club limited Puerto Rico to 42.0 per cent shooting while recording seven blocked shots and consistently disrupting offensive rhythm.
Although Puerto Rico scored 60 points in the paint and generated several second-chance opportunities, Canada answered with exceptional efficiency, converting 38 of 44 attempts inside the arc — an eye-popping 86.4 per cent.
Ismael Romero led Puerto Rico with 17 points and five rebounds, while Alfonso Plummer and Ethan Thompson each added 14.
The fourth quarter belonged once again to Gilgeous-Alexander.
He scored 10 points during a three-minute stretch midway through the period, repeatedly attacking the rim and knocking down his signature pull-up jumper as Canada’s lead ballooned toward 30.
As the margin continued to grow, chants of “MVP! MVP!” echoed throughout TD Coliseum.
The ovation was fitting.
Not only had Hamilton’s hometown hero delivered another spectacular performance, but Canadian fans also received their first real glimpse of what
Herbert hopes will become the foundation of Canada’s next World Cup campaign.
This summer’s qualifying window represents more than simply securing victories.
For the first time in the qualification process, Canada’s NBA core has the opportunity to build chemistry under Herbert’s system before next year’s second-round qualifying windows and, ultimately, the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Friday’s performance suggested the ceiling remains remarkably high.
Canada will now look to complete a perfect 6-0 first round when it hosts Jamaica on Monday night in Hamilton. With first-round results carrying into the second round, another victory would further strengthen Canada’s position as it continues its pursuit of a berth at the 2027 World Cup in Doha.
