No Dunks Canada Basketball's Glow Up, Jokic Scores 55 In A Win, Curry Carries Warriors
Nov 13, 2025
Oren Weisfeld, a Toronto-based writer and author of 'The Golden Generation,' delves into the rise of Canadian basketball and its recent successes. He discusses systemic issues faced by Black Canadian players in the past and the transformative impact of figures like Steve Nash on funding and infrastructure. Oren shares insights from interviewing key players, projects future stars for Team Canada, and assesses the Raptors' promising start. He also critiques the new All-Star format, advocating for consistent international representation.
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Generational Momentum Built Canada Basketball
- Canada produced many more NBA players by building on each generation's gains rather than a single sudden fix.
- The 2000 'Golden Generation' influenced coaching, execs, and parents who then developed today's talent pipeline.
Racial Bias And Systemic Barriers
- Canada Basketball's past selection and treatment raised systemic racial concerns that suppressed talent representation.
- Many players felt bias and poor resource allocation hampered the national team's competitiveness for decades.
Bus Confrontation Ends D'Alembert's Run
- Leo Rautins removed Samuel D'Alembert from the 2008 qualifying tournament after confrontations over commitment and behavior.
- Canada nearly qualified but lost to Croatia after the incident and D'Alembert was sent home mid-tournament.
