New York Knicks rookie R.J. Barrett announced Wednesday morning his intentions to play for Canada Basketball this summer as they attempt to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Barrett made his announcement in Toronto as the Knicks prepare to play the Raptors on Wednesday night for his matchup against his hometown team. He joins fellow Canadians Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to commit to play in the qualifying games.
FIBA announced on Wednesday that Canada has been selected to host an Olympic qualifying tournament in Victoria, B.C. The winner of the six-team group will qualify for one of the last four spots available in the 2020 Olympics.
Canada Basketball had an opportunity to qualify for the Olympics this past summer during the 2019 FIBA World Cup but was knocked out of the tournament in the group stage. Several players ultimately dropped out of the event, including Barrett, Murray, Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker.
RJ Barrett announces that he’ll be joining @CanBball this summer in Victoria for their last chance at qualifying for Tokyo 2020
— Kayla Grey (@Kayla_Grey) November 27, 2019