Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Canadian national basketball team wants to start the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup (FBWC) with a good start, starting with the first match against France which will be played on Friday in 8:30 p.m. WIB at Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno Region (GBK), Jakarta.
Canadian coach Jordi Fernandez wants his team to start the FBWC with good results, and France, as one of the best teams in the world and third at FBWC 2019, is the ideal opponent to begin the long journey in the FBWC 2023.
“We knew the first day would probably be the biggest challenge. And there are tournaments, and I think that's the best thing for us. Because that's what we want to do. We want to start strong. And we want to face a team like that,” Jordi said in his press conference ahead of the match against France at the Indonesia Arena on Thursday.
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“In my opinion, I have a lot of respect for them. “If not the best, at least one of the best in this tournament,” Jordi added.
The North American team is part of Group H made up of France, Latvia and Lebanon. Group H itself will be played in Indonesia, more precisely at the Indonesia Arena.
As one of the best teams in the world, Jordi said, Vincent Collet's team has everything from physical posture to shooting strength to good defensive abilities.
However, the new coach, named Canada captain at the end of June, stressed that his team was ready to face the difficult challenges that the Blues would present.
“They know what they are doing. They have counters for everyone. They have sizes. They have physique. They shoot. They have a defense. “So this is one of the biggest challenges we can face at the moment,” Jordi said.
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Meanwhile, Canadian team captain Kelly Olynk is quite optimistic about her team's first match in FBWC 2023 Group H.
Armed with about three to four weeks of preparation and also a team consisting of seven NBA players, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves), RJ Barret (New York Knicks), Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets), Luguentz Dort ( Oklahoma City Thunder). ), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks), and including himself who plays basketball for the Utah Jazz, he is confident that his team can overcome the resistance of Nicolas Batum and his friends.
“We have a great group of players, like the coach said. You know, we have younger guys, older guys, guys that have international playing experience, a lot of NBA talent. “It’s a great group,” Kelly said.
To win the match, the 2.1 meter tall forward stressed that his team had to take over the game and dictate France's play for 40 minutes.
“It's just about going out there and making sure we play our game. And make sure we force them to play against us, dictating the play. And come in and compete for 40 minutes,” concluded Kelly.
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