Canada has announced the 12 athletes that will compete in the upcoming FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament but one notable name is absent.
WNBA star Kia Nurse will miss the tournament with a minor injury suffered in practice, Canada Basketball said. She is expected to be available for the Paris Olympics this summer.
Also absent for Canada is University of Connecticut star Aaliyah Edwards, who is entering the stretch run of her college season ahead of the March Madness tournament.
Canada will play three games in Hungary this week and will qualify for the Olympics if they finish within the top three in their group. The Canadians will face Hungary on Thursday (1 p.m. ET), Spain on Friday (9:30 a.m. ET) and Japan on Sunday (9 a.m. ET). All games will be available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
"We are excited to announce our Canadian senior women’s national team roster for the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament," said head coach Victor Lapena in a statement. "Facing Hungary at home, as well as world-class opponents like Spain and Japan, will be an important challenge for our team, but one we have been tirelessly preparing for over the last several weeks. I have the utmost confidence and trust in our group as we look to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."
Canada is currently ranked fifth in the FIBA World Rankings.
Here is Canada's roster for the upcoming qualifying tournament:
Natalie Achonwa, Power Forward
Kayla Alexander, Forward
Laeticia Amihere, Forward
Bridget Carleton, Guard
Shay Colley, Guard
Yvonne Ejim, Forward
Nirra Fields, Guard
Sami Hill, Guard
Aislinn Konig, Guard
Shaina Pellington, Guard
Emily Potter, Centre
Syla Swords, Forward
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