Canada vs Turkey in a FIBA OQT Manila. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Tristan Thompson is only one win away from checking another accomplishment off his list.
Thompson helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first NBA title last month and on Saturday night, the hardworking big man continued his solid play in the Fiba Olympic qualifying tournament to bring Canada within a game from booking a trip to Rio.
“Coach Jay (Triano), the whole coaching staff and front office, put a team together to come here and win,” said Thompson after his 13 points and 10 rebounds pushed Canada past New Zealand, 78-72, in the semifinals.
“We’ve traveled this far, the guys went to multiple destinations to prepare for this moment.”
The 25-year-old Thompson and the rest of team Canada surely have no plans on leaving Manila without a ticket to the Rio Olympics.
“I’m glad I was able to join and be part of this, we have one more game,” he said.
“Coach wanted to break the tournament down to four quarters, and it’s the fourth quarter and whoever the winner may be, guys got to be prepared, we came this far, we came here to put ourselves in a position to win.”
Canada will face either France or Turkey in the final on Sunday night.