Canada Basketball has a tough road ahead, but there are reasons for optimism following the World Cup draw. The first hurdle is finishing in the top two of Group H, which includes No. 5-ranked France, No. 29-ranked Latvia, and No. 43-ranked Lebanon. Canada will need to beat Latvia to have a chance of advancing to the second stage of group play, where they will likely face No. 1-ranked Spain and No. 13-ranked Brazil. Canada must finish in the top two in that group to advance to the quarterfinals.
While Canada’s path to a World Cup medal isn’t easy, it could have been worse. The Latvian match-up is crucial. Porzingis will be a handful, but Canada can use Brooks and Dort’s physicality to limit his effectiveness. Canada will also need to beat Brazil to have a chance at advancing. Brazil’s 13th ranking may be generous, but they’re a more welcome opponent than Greece, Italy, or Germany.
Spain is not the powerhouse of the past, but they’re still a formidable team. Canada must finish in the top two of their group to advance to the quarterfinals, which would likely be a prerequisite for securing a spot in the Olympics next summer. Canada has reasons for optimism, but they will need to be at their best to advance. The coaching staff, led by former Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, is starting their film study moments after the draw was done, and Canada fans can hope they find a way to navigate the tough road ahead.