2011 FIBA AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP

The annual FIBA Americas Championships are underway in Mar del Plata, Argentina from August 30th to September 11th,  with a total of 10 international teams competing for the FIBA title and a spot at the 2012 Olympics in London.  The winner and runner-up of the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship will secure a spot for the London Olympics, while the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th place teams will qualify for their final chance to reach London in a 12 team Olympic qualifying tournament where the top 3 will make the cut.

Teams involved in the 2011 FIBA America (*NBA players):

GROUP A

1.  Dominican Republic  *Francisco Garcia (Sacramento Kings), Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), 
Charlie Villanueva (Detroit Pistons)

2.  Brazil  *Tiago Splitter (San Antonio Spurs)

3.  Venezuela  *Greivis Vasquez (Memphis Grizzlies)

4.  Cuba

5.  Canada  *Joel Anthony (Miami Heat), Andy Rautins (New York Knicks), 
Corey Joseph (San Antonio Spurs)

GROUP B

1.  Argentina  *Carlos Delfino (Milwaukee Bucks), Manu Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs), 
Andres Nocioni (Philadelphia 76ers), Luis Scola (Houston Rockets)

2.  Puerto Rico  *Carlos Arroyo (Boston Celtics), Jose Juan Barea (Dallas Mavericks)

3.  Panama  *Gary Forbes (Denver Nuggets)

4.  Paraguay

5.  Uruguay



Team Canada has done poorly over the last few years at FIBA tournaments, and for those that watch or follow the results of the games, we know the talent is there.  It may be a simple case of putting in that extra effort to win close games and not get intimidated by stronger teams.  In all honesty, I have a lot of faith in this years national team, and although 1st and 2nd place may be difficult attain, I have no doubt this year's team can find themselves a spot at Olympic Qualifying tournament by coming in between 3rd and 6th at the end of this tournament.

Despite what some might think, the Canadian national team's talent doesn't end with it's NBA players.  Veterans such as Brown, English, Kendall and Doornekamp have all been here before.  British Colombia native and University of Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk, who became a hot topic last year based on his performance at the 2010 World Championship, will be back to show critics that he is a legit contributor to this team and that last years performance was no fluke.

Canada's National Team will be facing Brazil tonight August 31 at 7:30pm ET on TSN2 (for those living in Canada).