Just a day after reports emerged that Andrew Wiggins had committed to play for Canada at the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Timberwolves star is in fact yet to make a decision.
There appears to be, at minimum, some miscommunication on that front. Wiggins has not committed to play internationally this summer, league sources told The Athletic on Tuesday. Wiggins has been spending his time working out and hanging out with his infant daughter and has had no conversations with the national team about playing.
Rosas said today that he wasn’t aware of an invitation being extended to Wiggins. Going further: a source says Wiggins has definitely NOT committed to playing for Team Canada. https://t.co/kty8ba1P9X
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 18, 2019
Wiggins last played with the national team in 2015, however the Canadians still boast a ton of NBA talent including Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Los Angeles Clippers), Cory Joseph (Indiana Pacers), Kelly Olynyk (Miami Heat) as well as projected top 3 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, R.J. Barrett.
Canada have been drawn in Group H alongside Australia, Lithuania and Senegal. They'll kick off tournament play against Australia on September 1, followed by Lithuania on September 3, before closing out the group stage against Senegal on September 5.
Canada is reportedly set to be coached by Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse following their NBA championship victory.
The 32-team 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup competition will be held from 31 August - 15 September in China. Eight cities will host World Cup games - Beijing, Foshan, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Canada will play five games in Australia as warm-ups ahead of the World Cup.
Date | Game | Arena |
August 16 | Australian Boomers vs. Canada Basketball | RAC Arena, Perth, Australia |
August 17 | Australian Boomers vs. Canada Basketball | RAC Arena, Perth, Australia |
August 20 | Canada Basketball vs. New Zealand Tall Blacks | Quaycentre, Sydney, Australia |
August 21 | Canada Basketball vs. New Zealand Tall Blacks | Quaycentre, Sydney, Australia |
August 22 | USA Basketball vs. Australian Boomers | Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Australia |
August 24 | USA Basketball vs. Australian Boomers | Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Australia |
August 26 | USA Basketball vs. Canada Basketball | Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia |