Jay Triano already hard at work with Canadian national basketball team – NBA News
It has only been a few days since Jay Triano took over his second stint as head coach of the Canadian national basketball team, and he is already knee deep in trying to get the Canadians to the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.
Triano was announced as the head coach of the national team a few days ago by General Manager and NBA point guard Steve Nash. And his first order of business was to get a four year commitment from up and coming Canadian players
to be part of the national team.
Triano and the coaching staff just finished a five day training camp for the national basketball team, and have gathered a fine group of young players for the camp. However, the coach wants more than just that from his players.
He wants them to commit to the team for the next four years, as he knows that is the only way he will be able to assemble a team capable of reaching the 2016 Olympics.
"I think gone are the days when you can throw 12 players out there and expect to compete, and I think my time with the United States team showed that. Jerry Colangelo asked those players for a three-year commitment. When they did
that and the players became committed, that's when they became successful and won back-to-back gold medals,” said Triano.
The Canadian national team has been unable to reach the Olympics since 2000, when Steve Nash was part of the team and Triano was coaching. After the Canadian side failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympics, Nash retired from Canadian
basketball and focused on his NBA career. Centres Samuel Dalembert and Jamaal Magloire were also not part of the team for different reasons, and Canada have been unable to put forth a solid team since then.
This time around though, the players seem more committed to the ultimate goal, which was proven by the participation in the training camp. NBA players Joel Anthony and Tristan Thompson were there, along with up and coming talent
Kris Joseph, Cory Johnson and Andrew Nicholson.
Tyler Ennis, who is a top prospect out of Canada, also flew from Los Angeles where he was taking part in a high school showcase tournament.
“If we're going to be successful guys are going to commit. The fact that they're here working as hard as they are right now speaks volumes to their commitment,” said Triano of the turnout.
The atmosphere of the team seems different and players are willing to commit long term to the team and the goal of a spot in the 2016 Olympics.
Nash and Triano are trying to get Canada back in the Olympics, and they are off to a good start. How far they go in their quest, only time will tell.
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