SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Dec. 13, 2024) – Canada’s 3x3 Men’s National Team finished undefeated in group play at the FIBA 3x3 Men’s AmeriCup 2024, advancing to the quarterfinals on Sunday with a 2-0 record, first overall in Group C.

Game 1: Canada 19, Jamaica 14 (box score)

It was a rusty start to game one for the men’s team, with both sides missing some shots to start the first few minutes. 

Marek Klassen got Canada on the board with a quick drive to the basket, while a turnover forced by Canada’s physical defence set up a rhythm they would build upon. Jérôme Desrosiers calmed early nerves with a two-pointer to edge Canada ahead 3-2.

Veteran sharpshooter Steve Sir led all scorers with ten points, draining five two-pointers to steady Canada’s offence and keep Jamaica at bay. The Desrosiers-Sir duo proved an offensive threat, combining for 15 points and seven makes from beyond the arc. 

Jamaica put some pressure midway through, cutting the deficit to 7-6, but Sir quieted their run with a deep two. 

3x3 National Team newcomer, Grant Audu, made an immediate impact, showcasing his versatility with a strong move inside, stretching Canada’s lead to 16-10.

Marek Klassen led the team with seven rebounds, crashing the glass to ensure Canada got second-chance opportunities. 

A corner two from Sir put Canada up 19-13, and although Jamaica would score once more, Canada ran out the clock to take the first game of round-robin play 19-14. 

Game 2: Canada 21, Argentina 11 (box score)

There was no sign of rust in game two, when Canada raced out to a 10-3 start against Argentina, playing at a quick pace.

“I thought from our first game to the second we showed improvements on both sides of the ball and in our communication,” said Steve Sir. 

Starting the 10-3 run was Jérôme Desrosiers, who finished with a team-high nine points, with a crafty move inside the paint – giving Canada the first bucket. 

Barely giving Argentina any time to respond, Audu knocked down a two-pointer, followed by two straight buckets by Desrosiers – including an empathic slam. Audu backed up his teammate, scoring the next two bucks, one of which was a euro step to the rim.

The highlight plays continued for Canada when Klassen completed a behind-the-back pass to Desrosiers, who gave Canada the 12-4 lead. 

Argentina would go on their own run, scoring five straight points and putting the pressure back on Canada – who stopped the run by getting to the charity stripe. 

The game was physical, and Sir, who recorded 10 points in the first game of the day, knocked down his first double at 17-10. It was raining down shots after that, as Desrosiers hit his own two-pointer at 19-11.

Fittingly, Sir closed out the game with another two-pointer, sealing Canada’s 21-11 victory and a ticket to the quarterfinals.

Canada will face Mexico in the quarterfinals on Sunday, December 15, at 4:10 p.m. EST / 5:10 p.m. local.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Sir emphasized their growing confidence and preparation. “Inch by inch, step by step, reinforcing the guys that are new to it – where they can draw their confidence from,” he said. “The biggest thing is getting our bodies and minds right…come Sunday, everybody’s ready to compete and fight for a medal.”

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