Team Canada’s senior men’s national basketball team now has a head coaching vacancy.
Jordi Fernandez is stepping away from the program, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange.
Fernandez is the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and he took over Canada’s head coaching duties in 2023 after Nick Nurse’s departure. The move comes as a surprise as Fernandez quickly led Canada to success. Canada had its best-ever finish at the FIBA World Cup, securing a bronze medal with a huge win over Team USA under Fernandez. During that same run, Canada also qualified to the 2024 Paris Olympics, which was their first appearance at the Olympic Games in 24 years.
At the Olympics, Canada had an impressive showing in the “group of death,” going undefeated against Spain, Greece, and Australia. However, their run ended in the quarterfinals when they lost 82-73 to host nation France, who went on to win silver.
It was believed that Fernandez was planning on staying with the program through the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. He was instrumental in helping get Canada to 5th in the FIBA world ranking, marking its highest ranking in decades.
Canada now has a big hole at their head coaching position as their expectations remain high with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks on the roster. It will be interesting to see who Canada brings in as its next coach heading into the World Cup.
Brandon Ingram sweepstakes coming down to Raptors & Hawks
The Brandon Ingram trade rumors are heating up.
The New Orleans Pelicans star has been the center of trade discussions leading up to the trade deadline with the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks reportedly the frontrunners to acquire him, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
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