Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic reacts during its Fiba World Cup semifinal game against Canada. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
As disappointing as it was seeing Canada’s title bid in the Fiba (International Basketball Federation) World Cup ended with a semifinal loss to Serbia, Canada coach Jordi Fernandez was quick to shift his gear to making sure the team wouldn’t leave Manila without a medal.
“Me personally, I’m extremely excited,” Fernandez said as Canada faces the United States in the third place match many thought would be the final.
Instead, the two North American teams will serve as an appetizer for the Serbia-Germany title duel at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Ten minutes [after the game against Serbia], I was mad. Now I’m excited. We gonna bounce back,” Fernandez added.
The 4:30 p.m. duel will be an opportunity for Canada to take something home from a run that catapulted the country back to the global basketball map.
An NBA-flavored lineup led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks was able to take survive the group phase in Jakarta before assuring the country Up North a first Olympic berth in over two decades after dispatching of Luka Doncic and Slovenia in the quarters.
But Canada ran into a brick wall against a tough Serbian side that imposed its size advantage and effective guard play. Germany eventually sealed the all-European finale after stunning the United States, 113-111, in the other pairing.
“Obviously a fun game to be a part of even though you lost, being able to get this experience,” said Barrett despite looking dejected. “Like coach said we got one more, we got to win this one, to leave here with a medal.”
Questions
While Canada will likely be happy with whatever the outcome is after Sunday, Team USA is looking to salvage a campaign that left a lot of questions about its defense of the Olympic gold next year in Paris.
USA Basketball sent a team of mostly young NBA talents under coach Steve Kerr.But the Americans were hounded by their lack of size, which surfaced in the semifinal defeat and an earlier loss to Lithuania.
“I think it’s an amazing experience for all these players, you know, not only to represent their country but also to advance their own individual careers,” said Kerr.