Murray, SGA, Alexander-Walker commit to play for Team Canada this summer
Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have committed to playing for Canada Basketball this summer in hopes of helping the nation qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Murray got the party started, announcing his commitment Tuesday afternoon:
Playing for my country is always an honour and I want to take the step and leadership role to commit to @canadabasketball this summer. I want to play my part to help push our team into the Olympics and compete at the highest world stage. Let’s go Canada🇨🇦🇨🇦
— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) November 26, 2019
"I wanted to get the word out early because I feel like I have a leadership role and want to let the other guys know I’m all in, I’m ready to play. I feel healthy and I'm ready to go ahead and try to help us qualify for the Olympics," Murray said, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange.
Murray's announcement seemed to make an immediate impact, as Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker - who happen to be cousins - announced their commitments a few hours later:
I've known and made a promise to myself that representing my country is something I will continue to do and as my bro @BeMore27 publicly announced his commitment, I too will be there to do my best to help @CanBball get to Tokyo!
— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (@shaiglalex) November 27, 2019
Excited to announce that I’ll be playing for @CanBball 🇨🇦 this summer. Blessed to be able to represent my country and compete against the best in the world. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid growing up in Toronto. #WeAreTeamCanada
— Nickeil Alexander (@TheReal_NAW1) November 27, 2019
The trio is expected to suit up for Canada in a six-team qualification tournament held in Victoria, British Columbia, in June. If Canada wins that tourney, the nation will earn its first Olympic berth since 2000.
Murray didn't play for Canada at the FIBA World Cup in August due to an ankle injury, while Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker elected not to participate so they could devote their time to preparing for the NBA season.
Canada, coached by Toronto Raptors bench boss Nick Nurse, finished the World Cup with a 2-3 record.
Murray is averaging a career-high 18.9 points and five assists for the 12-3 Denver Nuggets, while Gilgeous-Alexander is enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign in Oklahoma City with averages of 19.3 points and 5.3 assists. Alexander-Walker has shown flashes of potential in his rookie year with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Canada will learn the five nations it's competing against in June's tournament on Wednesday morning.