Tristan Thompson Reportedly to Play for Canada in Olympic Qualifiers
Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson will reportedly suit up for Team Canada as it pursues a bid in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com first reported the news on Monday, indicating Canada still has to win one of the three Olympic qualifying tournaments to secure a spot in the Summer Games. Hoops Hype Canada confirmed Thompson would join Team Canada in its Olympic quest.
According to Haynes, Canada will participate in a FIBA qualifying tournament in the Philippine capital of Manila and is slated to square off against Turkey and Senegal in the opening round as part of Group A.
Only two groups comprise the tournament, and adding someone like Thompson to the equation bolsters Team Canada's chances of getting to Rio.
Thompson is fresh off helping the Cleveland Cavaliers win their maiden NBA championship, contributing as a supremely versatile defender and a beast on the offensive boards who averaged 6.7 points and nine rebounds per contest in the playoffs.
The 25-year-old also has uncommon durability, having not missed a game since the start of the 2011-12 NBA season.
Thompson hails from Brampton, Ontario, and fellow NBA players in veteran center Joel Anthony and guards Cory Joseph and Tyler Ennis are expected to join him on Team Canada.
Between Thompson's experience on the big stage and the prime opportunity to represent his country with an expanded all-around role, Canada fans have to be thrilled he'll be in action. The Manila tournament runs from July 5 to July 10.
