Hooped Up

Croatia strapped C4 to the Canadian national teams chest and blew them away in a 83 - 62 victory.  Although I’m sure the coach Leo Rautins,  labeled the beat down as a “moral victory” or “character builder” in his post-game locker room speech.

You know what other people call, people that win alot of “moral victories” Leo? Losers!  

Canada definitely suffered from the absence of Philadelphia 76ers centre Samuel Dalembert, whom Rautins sent home prior to Wednesday’s win over South Korea because he questioned the Haitian-born player’s commitment to the team.

The Canadians missed the interior defence the six-foot-11, 250-pounder was meant to provide especially in a must win game against top international competion.  

With this lose the road has come to an end for Team Canada’s bid for the Beijing Olympics and maybe Leo Rautin’s future as it’s head coach.

Is teams Canada’s bid for the Olympics being sabotaged by it’s rookie head coach Leo Rautins? 

First Juan Mendez was sent home, then Denham Brown decided to boycott the team. Today Samuel Dalembert was sent packing after Canada’s 79-77 win over Korea at the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Greece. The Haitian-born Dalembert ,who grew up in Montreal, was not on the bench for Canada’s win against Korea Wednesday and immediately raised eyebrows.

When the Canadian head coach was asked about Delembert’s absence, Rautins responded with this statement.

“He is not on the team,” said Rautins when asked to explain Dalembert’s absence. “Everybody who’s here now wants to be here and wants to be a part of this team. If that’s not your agenda your’re not here.”

Power trip much Leo?
 

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What’s more Canadian than Hockey?  Well…nothing but, Basketball Canada named it’s 12 man roster to qualify for the Beijing Olympics over the weekend.  Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers is the lone NBA player included on the Canadian squad and I’ve gotta say.  Being that Steve Nash is only a two time NBA MVP; Canada should be doing everything short of babysitting Steve and his wife Alejandra’s kids for him to come out of International retirement.

Here is Canada’s 12-man roster:

National Post