Canada will not compete in 2012 Olympics for Basketball

Leo Rautins, Team Canada Head Coach

I write this with mixed feelings of frustration, embarrassment and relief when accepting the current state of basketball in Canada. 

My frustration stems from the limited corporate support encouraging youngsters and building excitement about basketball in this country which is a major problem, resulting in a lack of programs and opportunities sending our best talent south of the border to the the NCAA, NBA or even overseas.  Add to that a list of NBA talent not willing to play for Team Canada, for whatever the reason, only showing future prospects that it may not be a big deal if they don't play for their country during international competition.

Embarrassed that Canada will not be present at the 2012 Olympics in London for basketball after coming up short at the FIBA Americas, adding to a history of poor performances and building a culture of losing against international talent.  

And finally, a sigh of relief that current Team Canada coach, Leo Rautins has decided to step down and allow someone else lead this country out from the bottom of the world rankings after 6 years at the helm.  It's important to mention that I don't mean to imply that the failures of this country, when it comes to basketball, lies solely on Rautins' shoulders.  It doesn't.

In all honesty, talent and development of talent in Canada is really to blame.  If Canada took care of its basketball programs half as well as the United States did, there would probably be no need for concern.  The elephant in the room is obviously the priority given to the development of hockey players, and why not? Canada is one of, if not the best in the world at the sport.  But putting all the focus on one single sport does not do justice to the image of the country and it's diverse population. The fact that the United States can develop great athletes in football, basketball and baseball, leaves me scratching a bald spot into my head about why this country is content with being known for one thing and one thing only.

Outside of Toronto, the only team in Canada to have both a NBA and MLB team with rumors of a possible NFL franchise, the rest of the country has simply fallen asleep or gotten comfortable with the way things are.  And some Canadians, like myself, who are glad we are dominant at hockey, would like to be competitive in other sports as well. 

The future however, does seem to be getting  brighter.  Young Canadians entering the NCAA and NBA have become household names, and more and more Canadians are taking an interest in their home grown basketball talent.  Websites, forums and Facebook groups are helping fans of basketball meet, interact and network all in an effort to build what has been missing for so many years, a strong foundation.  With the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL) set to tip of in about a months time, the hope is that it can reach the level of the CFL's popularity, which would be a success in the eyes of most.

So while some place the blame on Leo Rautins and rejoice at his removal from the team, know that it is the failure of the entire country and not Leo's alone that has resulted in poor competition when it comes to basketball.  Canada has hockey down to a science, no one can dispute that.  Now it's time to give young people a 2nd or 3rd option to make a living, develop as Canadian athletes and have their chance to make this country proud.