Canada basketball continues to add more NBA firepower to their roster with Oklahoma City Thunder guard and Hamiton, ON native Shai Gilgeous-Alexander committing to play for the national team this summer.
The 21-year-old took to Twitter, following fellow Canadian Jamal Murray's announcement, confirming that he will be joining the Denver Nuggets guard on Team Canada as they look to secure qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
I've known and made a promise to myself that representing my country is something I will continue to do and as my bro @BeMore27 publicly announced his commitment, I too will be there to do my best to help @CanBball get to Tokyo!
— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (@shaiglalex) November 27, 2019
He is currently enjoying a breakout season with the Thunder, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Shortly after his announcement, New Orleans Pelicans rookie and Toronto ON native Nickeil Alexander-Walker also declared his intention to play.
Excited to announce that I’ll be playing for @CanBball 🇨🇦 this summer. Blessed to be able to represent my country and compete against the best in the world. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid growing up in Toronto. #WeAreTeamCanada
— Nickeil Alexander (@TheReal_NAW1) November 27, 2019
Canada looks to earn one of the last four spots available for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo by winning an Olympic Qualifying Tournament which they'll host in Victoria, B.C. in June.
Their last appearance at the Olympics came at the Sydney 2000 Games.
Orlando Magic big man Khem Birch and Sacramento Kings guard Cory Joseph were the only NBA players on the Canada roster at this past summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, where they were knocked out in the first group stage.