CIS Hoops.ca

First off, for those who have met me in person but haven't seen me for a while, take note in the newly-updated profile section of this site to see what having 4 young kids in your 40's can do to your look... For real, first reader who can identify who the brotha with sharp fro is wins a free subscription to this site... SUMMER CIS ACTION...We hope to have more on the University of Manitoba's first annual "Hoops for the Heart" charity event involving two games that include the Bisons and Winnipeg Wesmen this coming Wednesday, August 12th. Each team will play a seperate group of so-called Western Canada all-stars. We are trying to get rosters and summer updates on both the Bisons and Wesmen in time for Wednesday...As well, we are just over a week away from Towson University's visit to our Nation's Capital with defending national champions Carleton Ravens meeting the Tigers next Tuesday at the Raven's Nest. While Ottawa-area fans will get their first look at Carleton's new on-floor leaders in Mike Kenny, Kevin McCleery and Cole Hobin, veteran point guard Willy Manigat, a transfer from the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees will not be available as of yet. Manigat is completing one more course and pending final marks which are due toward the end of August, the slick guard should be available for the Ravens' Labour Day weekend tilt against St. John's Red Storm... Guelph committ Brady Heslip continues to showcase his tremendous shooting skills, most recently suiting up for the Canadian team entry at the "adidas Nations" 18-and-under world tournament. The Canadian team advanced to the finals of the tournament this past Saturday and Heslip had some very productive games including a 25 point effort that included 6 3's in the tournament championship game against USA 2010 squad, which edged the Canadians 85-83 as Canada settled for the silver. We continue to hope to see Heslip in the CIS this coming season with the Gryphons... FISU GAMES UPDATE: This is a little late but our Canadian team at the FISU games put on a strong showing but fell short, losing a pair of tough games to two very good teams in Russia and Isreal to finish out of the medals in Serbia. For the first time, Canada Basketball put together an all-CIS group which represented well. According to those close to the team, among the better contributors, especially as the tournament wore on were Calgary's Ross Bekkering, Victoria's Josh Whyte and Trinity Western's Jacob Doerksen. All in all, the group represented Canada very well... Expect Dal Coach John Campbell, who already had a very strong recruiting class, to announce at least one more newcomer who will be eligible immediately and is talented enough to push for major minutes immediately... CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM UPDATE: All indications are that Carleton grad Aaron Doornekamp, his recent skirmish with an Italian player notwithstanding, has had a great summer thus far in his effort to secure a spot on the National team. Next up for Canada is the 2009 Marchand Continental Cup beginning next Tuesday, August 18th and continuing daily through Thursday, August 20th in Puerto Rico. Canada will meet the host Puerto Ricans on the first day and then play Argentina on Wednesday and Brazil on the final day. Players like José Juan Barea (Dallas Mavericks), Carlos Arroyo (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Luis Scola (Houston Rockets), Carlos Delfino (BC Khimki), Pablo Prigioni (Tau Cerámica), Leandro Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Anderson Varajao (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Nené Hilario (Denver) are expected to compete in this tournament, which is Canada's final tuneup in preparation for 2009 FIBA Americas Championship (World Qualifier) which begins August 26th also in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Canada does not start tournament play until August 27th against Mexico... WHAT CANADA HAS TO DO TO QUALIFY: The FIBA Americas championship consists of 10 teams, initially placed into 2 groups of 5 teams per group. Canada is in Group A with Mexico, Virgin Islands, Uruguay and Puerto Rico. Group B consists of Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Panama and Venezuela. The first round consists of a four game round robin. The top 4 teams in each group of the round robin advance to the second round (8 teams remaining). The second round then consists of games against teams not met in the first round but standings will include results from the first round against advancing teams. The first four (4) teams in the standings after the second round will then qualify directly for the 2010 FIBA World Championship to be played in Turkey. To qualify for the 2010 World Championships in Turkey next summer, Canada must finish ahead of six teams. Based on past performance, one would expect Argentina, Brazil and possibly the host Puerto Ricans to be favorites for three of the top 4 spots. Uruguay has already defeated both Argentina and Brazil in pre-tournament games so every game will be important for the Canadians. RYERSON UPDATE: We should have something very soon on who will be chosen to lead the Rams this season; stay tuned.