Being a part of the inaugural Jr. NBA World Championship means so much to the boys who make Team Canada. 

It's also a big deal for the future of basketball in Canada.

Kevin Cox, the team's head coach, compared the event to the Little League World Series.

"I think it's great," Cox said. "What this Jr. NBA thing has done, it's almost like the Little League World Series for baseball. It gives these kids hope, it gives them something to strive for, it shows them that the NBA really cares about grassroots basketball. In Canada, I think this is epic."

Team Canada went 2-1 in Pool Play, losing their only game to Team Africa & Middle East on Wednesday afternoon. The team got a surprise visit from Toronto Raptors legend Vince Carter before the game, making for a moment Cox and the kids won't soon forget.

"I watched Vince Carter play," Cox continued. "I was a little starstruck. I was trying to hold it together there. I think that was awesome. That was a great surprise for the boys."

Team Canada will play Team South America in the first round of Bracket Play on Friday.