Captain Canada is back!
RJ Barrett is not only a rising young star for the New York Knicks, he is also a proud son of Canada. And RJ is once again doing the patriotic thing by representing Team Canada in international competition this summer.
You may remember that RJ tried leading the Canadians to an Olympic berth last summer, but was thwarted in a close game by Tomas Satoransky and the Czech Republic. RJ and Andrew Wiggins were the best players on that Canada squad, which was thinned out by injuries. This time, RJ will have a bit more help.
.@CanBball‘s core group for this summer’s @FIBAWC qualifiers: Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Kelly Olynyk, Cory Joseph, Dwight Powell, Lu Dort, Khem Birch, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Oshae Brissett, Kevin Pangos, Zach Edey & Melvin Ejim. https://t.co/21olQ7AAWf
— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) May 24, 2022
That’s some serious Canadian thunder, especially if Jamal Murray is ready to go after missing all of the 2021-22 season with a knee injury. There is no Olympics or FIBA world championship tournament this summer, but this core group is making a three-year commitment leading up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Rowan Barrett & Nick Nurse said this core committed to 3 things:
1. Be committed to 3 years…through Paris 2024
2. We require you to be in camp no matter what
3. Direct communication (while still respecting existing teams & agents etc)@CanBball https://t.co/I3h5wdBqaI pic.twitter.com/YIEOLQkDCX— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) May 24, 2022
Team Canada president Rowan Barrett, Sr. made a impassioned speech about what it means to play for the homeland. Rowan Barrett, Jr. (I believe they’re related?) was impressed.
My pops is smooth https://t.co/vH8TUAdLQw
— Rj Barrett (@RjBarrett6) May 24, 2022
We wish you the best of luck, Barrett family, as you quest to lead Canada to Olympic glory. Please rise for the national anthem.