A couple of articles in today's major national newspapers both focus on the health of Canada's roster as Leo Rautins' side prepares for their first game of the FIBA Worlds on Saturday against Lebanon... Toronto's 6'5" small forward Denham Brown was identified by Sports Illustrated as Top 10 Players-to-watch at the championship. Brown's game has matured in the last several years, beginning with the end of his first stint with the national team a few years ago when he began a concerted effort to share the ball offensively, create for others and rebound - not simply look for his offense early. Here's hoping this new improved approach turns him into one of Canada's leaders and finally propels the Bathurst Heights/Connecticut grad to a look in the League... No word yet on the availability of 6'5" guard Andy Rautins although we should know in the next 24-36 hours as rosters must be finalized prior to the first game of the tournament and the 12 named players are the 12 that teams must get through the tournament with. 6'5" Jermaine Bucknor, 6'7" Aaron Doornekamp and 5'11" Tyler Kepkay all missed some time during the pre-tournament games with nagging injuries but are expected to be ready to play. Kepkay and 6'4" Ryan Bell are likely vying for one of the final roster spots at backup point guard behind 6'1" Jermaine "Rock" Anderson, who Canada will likely need to rely on for 30-35 minutes per game when it matters.
Injuries take toll on Canada's hoops team (National Post)
Canada limping to World Championships (Globe & Mail)
Injury-riddled Canadians rest up for Worlds
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