‍TORONTO, Ont. (February 2, 2022) – Canada Basketball announced Wednesday the 19 players named to the Senior Women’s National Team preliminary list ahead of next week’s FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament in Osaka, Japan.

“Over the course of the last month, our players and staff have continued to prepare tirelessly to proudly represent Canada next week at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament,” said Víctor Lapeña, Head Coach, Senior Women’s National Team.  “While this competition will be an important first test for our team, it will also serve a great opportunity for us to measure ourselves as we continue to grow and evolve in pursuit of the long-term goals we’ve established for this program.”

This will be the first competition for Lapeña as Head Coach of Canada's Senior Women's National Team, as well as Lead Assistant Coach Noelle Quinn, after the pair were hired earlier in January.

Canada is in Group C for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament and will face hosts Japan (Feb 10 - 5:00 AM ET), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Feb 12 - 1:00 AM ET) and Belarus (Feb 13 - 1:00 AM ET), live on Sportsnet.  

Canada must finish in the top three in their group to advance to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney later this year.  Canada is in search of the 12th appearance at the event with their highest placement being a pair of third place finishes at the 1979 FIBA World Championship for Women (Korea) and 1986 FIBA World Championship for Women (Moscow).

"Having the opportunity to play for the national team is always an incredible opportunity and one that our players never take for granted," said Denise Dignard, General Manager / Executive Vice-President, Women's High Performance. "With a chance to qualify for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 awaiting us in Japan, I know this group remains as committed as ever and will truly leave it all on the court each game.”

As a result of injuries, COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and NCAA commitments, several identified players from the Senior Women’s National Team program are unavailable to participate in this competition.

The final 12-player roster will be announced following the technical meeting next Tuesday, February 8.

“As the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt around the globe, preparation and planning for this competition has undoubtedly been one of Canada Basketball’s most challenging endeavours since the pandemic began,” said Michael Bartlett, Canada Basketball President & CEO.  “The health and safety of our players and staff remains of utmost importance to our organization and we will continue to monitor the situation daily while we balance our ambitions to win and qualify for the World Cup.”

Belgrade (Serbia), which will host two qualifying tournaments, and Washington, D.C. (USA) will stage the remaining FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament.

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 will be the 19th edition of FIBA's most distinguished women's event and will take place September 22 to October 1.