Veteran Canadian level guard Cory Joseph is not going to play within the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup, in keeping with Doug Smith of the Toronto Star.
Joseph was a full participant in coaching camp, and he even appeared in an exhibition recreation towards Nigeria two weeks again, earlier than parting methods. It was rumoured that he would ultimately rejoin Staff Canada, who’re at the moment enjoying further tune-up video games in Australia, however Joseph has evidently dropped out.
The 28-year-old guard has been a staple of the Canadian program for over a decade. Joseph’s attendance on the nationwide degree has been commendable, and he was even named captain of the 2015 FIBA America’s group that fell simply in need of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.
It’s unclear as to what circumstances led the Sacramento Kings guard to alter his thoughts, however Joseph now joins a staggering listing of notable NBA gamers who’ve determined towards suiting up on this yr’s match. Different names embody Andrew Wiggins, Tristan Thompson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, Kelly Olynyk, Trey Lyles, Dillon Brooks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Chris Boucher, who’re all lacking in motion for numerous causes.
Luckily, the Canadian group is quite deep at level guard, as head coach Nick Nurse can nonetheless depend on the likes of Kevin Pangos, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Greatest, Phil Scrubb, Brady Heslip, and maybe Kaza Kajami-Keane, who turned his ankle in Canada’s 122-88 victory over New Zealand on Tuesday.
Canada opens their match towards Australia subsequent Sunday at 3:30 a.m. ET.