Latest news with #FIBAWorldChampionship
CBC
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Former U.S. women's basketball head coach Fortner takes over Canada's senior squad
Nell Fortner has been named head coach of Canada's senior women's national team, Canada Basketball announced Monday. The longtime NCAA, WNBA and international coach takes over from Victor Lapeña as the program looks to rebound from a winless showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Fortner guided the United States to gold at the 1998 FIBA World Championship and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, compiling a 101-14 international record. The 66-year-old from Jackson, Miss., most recently spent six seasons at Georgia Tech, leading the Yellow Jackets to three NCAA tournament appearances before announcing her retirement earlier this year. "I'm honoured to join Canada Basketball and help lead this next chapter for the senior women's national team," Fortner said in a statement. "I've followed the rise of this program for years and have great respect for the culture the organization and players are building. "This is a special group with the talent, toughness and togetherness, and they have the ability to achieve something great — I'm excited to get to work." Her hiring comes as 25 players commit to the national team through the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. In November, players and staff set team standards around commitment, accountability and culture — a foundation that now guides the women's program, according to Canada Basketball. "This commitment represents a shared belief in what we're building and how we intend to get there," said Steve Baur, general manager and vice-president of women's high performance. "Our athletes set a clear tone for this next chapter, and we're proud to see that vision backed by such a strong group of players." Canada finished fourth at the 2022 tournament and is turning to a younger core following the retirement of several veterans. The team will compete at this summer's FIBA AmeriCup and hold a training camp in Victoria this fall. Canadian basketball star Natalie Achonwa discusses what it means to represent Canada 9 months ago Duration 1:29 The 16-year Canadian women's national team member reflects on journey at Paris 2024.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wilson bounces back to the NBL after AFL stint
Melbourne United have added another piece to their roster for the upcoming NBL season with the addition of former AFL player Tom Wilson. Wilson, who played eight AFL games for Collingwood, returned to basketball full-time in the second-tier NBL1 last year. The 27-year-old has since re-established himself as a dangerous scoring guard. He returns to the NBL with Melbourne on a one-season deal, having previously played for the Sydney Kings during the 2018-19 season. "It's super exciting, it feels like a dream come true," Wilson said. "I feel really privileged. It's not an opportunity that a lot of people get. "I'm excited about the basketball player I can become with this team. "I think the experiences I've had in basketball and in footy are only going to help me moving forward." Wilson has represented Australia at multiple levels, notably leading the country to a silver medal at the 2014 Under-17 FIBA World Championship. He also twice suited up for the Boomers during the 2019 Asia Cup Qualifiers. Wilson joins a Melbourne team seeking to remain in title contention despite the loss of NBA championship winners Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White. Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen, Fabijan Krslovic and Next Star signing Dash Daniels are also on United's roster for next season. Melbourne have been runners-up in the last two NBL seasons under long-time coach Dean Vickerman, losing championship series to Illawarra and Tasmania. The 2025-26 NBL season tips off in September.
