Canada just put the world on notice that they will be a major player in the international basketball scene for years to come.  A team of the finest Canadian college players proved that this morning.

The Canadian development team finished preliminary play at the World University Games with a 94-85 victory over team USA.  The wins propelled Canada to a 5-0 record and a spot in the quarterfinals as the first seed from group C.  The loss eliminated the United States from medal contention.

Why was this game so important for Canadian basketball?  Their best and brightest young stars weren’t eligible to play in this tournament either because the left college early for the NBA or they hadn’t played in college yet.  What does this prove?  That the Canadian basketball system is developing more high level talent then ever before and its not just a few players.

The Canadian team has been using their whole roster during this tournament and every player has stepped up.  11 of the 12 Canadian players are averaging at least ten minutes a game while no one plays more than 21 minutes per.  With their balanced attack and the outside shooting of Brady Heslip, Canada has a really good shot of making it to the podium in this tournament and in many more in the years ahead.