It’s official: As of this summer, I’ve been on the sidelines as head coach of the Canadian men’s national team. For me, this is more than just a new job. I was born in Penticton, British Columbia, and played for Canada at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. More than four decades later, I now have the privilege of leading my home country’s team. “I’m incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to coach my home country,” I said at my introductory press conference. That’s exactly how it still feels today.

Canada Basketball had already announced me as the incoming head coach on May 1, 2025. I took over the position as planned this summer, succeeding Jordi Fernández, who is focusing on his role as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

My debut couldn’t have gone much better. In early July, we won both of our home games in Hamilton, Ontario, during the 2027 World Cup qualifiers: 110–84 against Puerto Rico and 116–78 against Jamaica. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, MVP of the 2024–25 NBA season, scored 26 points in front of the home crowd. After six games without a loss, Canada sits at the top of its qualifying group. The action continues in late August at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.

The goals are clearly defined. General Manager Rowan Barrett puts it this way: “This quad, our expectation is to get to the top of the podium.” It’s all about the 2027 World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles—the very place where my own Olympic journey as a player began. This generation of Canadian players has everything it takes to make history. I’m looking forward to every minute of this journey.