The Canadian Men’s Basketball Team, featuring Cleveland Cavalier Tristan Thompson, got off to a great start in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in the Phillipines on Tuesday, defeating Turkey 77-69.
It was somewhat of an upset, as Canada came into play ranked 26th, while Turkey was ranked 8th.
Canada’s starting lineup featured Toronto Raptors point guard Cory Joseph, Bucks guard Tyler Ennis, small forward Thomas Scrubb, former Cavalier and #1 overall pick Anthony Bennett, and Thompson at the center position.
Joseph led the way with 21 points and dished out five assists.
Thompson put up ten points, grabbing six boards in the contest.
In case you were wondering, Bennett put up four points with three rebounds.
It’s also worth noting that on the Turkish side, 21-year-old Cedi Osman, (6’8″, 194) whom the Cavaliers acquired via trade after the 2015 draft, put up ten points and five rebounds in the losing effort. Osman plays professionally in Turkey, but the Cavs own his draft rights if they choose to bring him overseas.
Canada now needs one more win in the qualifying tournament to advance to the semi-finals and they will take on Senegal at 6:30 AM ET on Wednesday.
The semi-finals will be played on Saturday with the tournament championship on Sunday.
The champion of the qualifying tournament is guaranteed a spot in the Rio Olympics.
It would be quite a sight to see Tristan take on Kyrie Irving in the 2016 Games. We’ll keep you updated on Team Canada’s progress and if we’ll get to see that matchup in August.
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