Toronto (Canada), July 10 (EFE).- Canada, which is part of the same Group A as Spain at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, announced this Wednesday the composition of its men's basketball team, made up of NBA players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray and Dillon Brooks.

This is the first time since 2000 that the Canadian men's basketball team has participated in the Olympic Games and the North American country, whose technical director is Spaniard Jordi Fernández, current coach of the Brooklyn Nets, is ready to reach the final of the competition.

The rest of the Canadian team is made up of Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves), RJ Barrett (Toronto Raptors), Khem Birch (Basquet Girona), Luguentz Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder), Melvin Ejim (Unicaja), Trey Lyles (Sacramento Kings), Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers), Kelly Olynyk (Raptors) and Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks).

Of the 12 players, 11 have played in the NBA and 10 currently play for teams in the North American professional league.

Fernandez said in a statement: “Everyone, from the players to the coaches and staff, understands that we have an incredible opportunity to do something truly historic for Canada this summer.”

Last year, Canada won bronze at the Basketball World Cup, the country's first medal in history.

It was in this very competition that Canada beat Spain 88-85 and eliminated Spain from the World Cup. Eight of the players who won bronze will go to Paris.

In March, interviewed by the EFE Agency, Fernández said he was sure that Spain and its coach, Sergio Scariolo, would want revenge for this defeat at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Fernandez added that he is sure that the team he will take to Paris will be better than the one that participated in the 2023 World Cup.

“This year our goal is to improve the team if we can, which I think we can, and from there we can compete at a high level and form a team that, in the end, is how you win,” he told EFE.

jcr/cav