Canada Wins Without Juan
Team Canada was back in action tonight at Ricoh. But Eric Smith reported during his live blog that Juan Mendez the former Niagara Purple Eagle has been cut from the Canada Roster. This is the second of two key players from last year’s team in Vegas to be left off the roster. The first was Toronto native Denham Brown who no showed at the start of camp. There has yet to have been any explanation from him as to why this happened. The story on Juan Mendez Eric Smith said he will expand on it and if I hear anything I will update you.
As for the game itself. Coach Leo Rautins called last night’s performance an embrassment and his team came out looking like it as well. Rautins no doubt had some harsh things to say about the performance of last evening and the boys in the Red,White and Black responded. They had a 30-17 lead after the first quarter. Keep in mind that is a 10 minute period not 12 like in the NBA. From that point the beat down was on. The lead by halftime had grown to 57-35.
By the way, Last night Eric Smith estimated only about 1,500 people in the house. Tonight he said roughly 2,200 folks and a much louder and vocal crowd. Having attended the game verus Lebanon here that is not surprising as the had a great deal of supporters at that game as well. Glad to see the bump in numbers being a Saturday night in Toronto I was worried. Eric said it was actually about 1,800 in reality on Friday. So if Eric is off by same amount that would be about 2,500 but that is still only half full for the 5,000 seat set up they have for the basketball configuration they designed. This has been first time basketball has been played at the Ricoh. They got use of the Raptors court from over at the ACC to be but in for these games.
The second half was more of the same as Canada would push there total to triple digits. PIZZA!!!!! ok maybe not Canada Basketball does not have the deep pockets of the folks at MLSE running the Raptors. Dave Thomas was the leading scorer with 17 ponts. 4 other Canucks in double figures: English, Anthony, Kendell and Famutimi. Sam Dalembert did not play and is said to be just resting some minor bumps and will likely play in tune-up games in Germany.
Juan Mendez spot on the roster has been filled by Rans Brempong. I admit I have some homework to do on this guy. You can too:
Rans Brempong Bio on Canada Basketball Website
For the record make the FINAL 100-68 for Canada. Next Stop Germany and then it is off to Athens, Greece.
Update(Early Sunday): E Smith had some wireless internet issues at the end of the game. I had asked about why the move with Juan Mendez. Leo Rautins felt that Brempong added more hustle and attitude. But he feels Juan will still have a role with the program going into the future.
For Eric’s Complete Live Blog Click It Here
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Tags: Eric Smith, Canada Basketball, Leo Rautins, Juan Mendez, Denham Brown, Rans Brempong
