If the offensive leaders of the Canada at the World Cup will certainly be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, who easily established themselves as such during the preparation phase, the leaders in terms of leadership and experience will on the other hand be Dwight Powell And Kelly Olynykthe two veterans of the Canadian group.
With 86 caps in total and almost ten years of seniority with the A team, the two interiors of Dallas and Utah are indeed the rare regulars of international matches in the young Canadian squad, talented but inexperienced. And for Jordi Fernandez, himself a “rookie” since he occupies his first position as “head coach” with Canada, their presence is then particularly valuable.
” The rest of the group respects them. And when I think about the group that we’re trying to build, it’s going to be important for us to have that respect [venant des adversaires]. We will need their experience and the rest of the group trusts them, so for me that is the most important thing. », indeed appreciate Canada’s Spanish coach. ” I will lean on them for most of the decisions and things we have to do. »
Especially since, beyond their experience, Dwight Powell and Kelly Olynyk provide a stabilizing presence in the Canadian domestic sector. A not very dense sector, since the academic Zach Edey (Purdue) is the only real pivot of the workforce but he has no past experience, while Chris Boucher or Trey Lyles are absent because they did not have adhered, in 2021, to the three-year commitment requested by their federation.
” It means a lot to me because they have the experience, but also because they have shown commitment. And at the end of the day, when you play for your country, that’s the most important thing “, adds Jordi Fernandez. ” These tournaments are tough. These matches are battles, even in pool. You will have to fight to get every victory. This mentality, the guys who have this experience, we need it because they will help the youngsters who have never played in this context. »
A complementary pair
On the court, Dwight Powell and Kelly Olynyk make up Canada’s starting frontcourt. And if their profiles are different, their respective qualities complement each other and allow several configurations with one or two interiors, alongside many exteriors such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the lead and RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks on the wings, or Lu Dort and Nickeil Alexander-Walker coming off the bench.
” First, they are guys who help win games. And of course they have the experience “, also noted Cory Joseph before leaving the group because of a back injury. ” They know the FIBA game. And their game is different: Dwight brings this brute force, this presence on the rebound. While Kelly plays more finesse, more wide, with outside shots and movements in the perimeter. Their game is different, but they complement each other very well. »
A complementarity confirmed by the two interested parties.
” My favorite thing about playing with Dwight is that he has an incredible engine. From the moment the ball is thrown in the air to the moment the buzzer sounds, it never stops. For me, he’s such a selfless player. He doesn’t need the ball, doesn’t care to have it, doesn’t need to shoot. He does all the little things that make a team a team. “, explains Kelly Olynyk, when Dwight Powell appreciates him to play with a player” skillful and so smart. And I feel like we’ve been playing together long enough to be able to play with each other without having to talk about it. But yeah, he’s got so many guns up his sleeve that for a guy like me, it’s just fun to watch the defenses react to him, and find my bearings alongside him. »
First opponent of the Dwight Powell – Kelly Olynyk pair in the World Cup: France this Friday, and therefore Rudy Gobert and his verticality in defense. A first big test for the two veterans.
