We always talk about how Canadian basketball is on the rise, especially with the young up-and-comers entering the league. This year, four Canadian rookies and sophomores have been named to the NBA’s Rising Stars Game for All-Star weekend.
In fact, Canada is the only country with more than one representative on this year’s World Team, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, R.J. Barrett, Brandon Clarke and Nickeil Alexander-Walker joining players such as Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton. They’ll take on the U.S. Team led by Trae Young and Zion Williamson.
Especially impressive for these young Canadians, all four were among the top-10 in our latest Canadian NBA power rankings, with Shai taking the No. 1 spot by unanimous vote.
The future for Canada basketball is definitely bright. If you want to get a sneak peek of what the national team is going to look like this summer — or just a chance to see cousins Shai and Nickeil teaming up — the Rising Stars Game might just feel a bit like a Team Canada exhibition this year.
