Thompson, Olynyk lead Canada into qualifiers

Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson and Miami’s Kelly Olynyk are among the six NBA players on Canadian coach Roy Rana’s training camp roster for next week’s FIBA World Cup qualifying game against Brazil.

They are joined by Khem Birch and Justin Jackson (Orlando Magic), Dillon Brooks (Memphis Grizzlies) and Cory Joseph (Indiana Pacers).

Canada, which went 5-1 through the first round of qualifying, faces Brazil Sept. 13 in Laval, Que. Rana, also the coach at Ryerson University, takes over head coaching duties from Jay Triano for the September and February qualifying windows.

“Always honoured to answer the call to represent my country in international competition and I’m looking forward to the journey with our family on the floor,” Rana said.

Brazil (5-1), Venezuela (5-1) and Chile (1-5) were the top three teams in Group B in the first round. In Canada’s Group D, the Dominican Republic (4-2) was second, while the U.S. Virgin Islands (2-4) was third. Those six teams formed Group F.

Canada faces Brazil, Chile and Venezuela in three home-andaway series.

From the second round of qualifying, the three highest-placed teams from each group and the best fourth-placed team between Group E and F clinch berths in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, which runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15 of that year.

A record 32 countries will play in the FIBA World Cup, which is the main qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.