Montreal (AFP) – Spaniard Jordi Fernandez, head coach of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, will not return as coach of Canada’s men’s national team, Canada Basketball announced on Thursday. Fernandez, in his first season guiding the Nets, told the national governing body he did not want to extend his contract after having coached Canada to third at the 2023 Basketball World Cup and fifth last year in Paris in their first Olympic trip in 24 years.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Canada Basketball for the opportunity and the trust they placed in me to represent this country on the global stage,” said Fernandez. “I’m incredibly proud to have represented Canada in a World Cup and the Olympics and grateful to have experienced both with this special group.”
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“Leading Team Canada made me a better coach and I would not be in the position I am today without this opportunity.” Fernandez thanked the team’s players, who included NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and added, “I have no doubt that Team Canada has a bright future and the best is yet to come.”
Fernandez said he stepped away from the Canadian team after “careful consideration.” “After several summers away, I feel the need to prioritize finding balance with my family,” he said. “I also believe it is my responsibility to spend the off-season with the players and coaches here in Brooklyn. We have a young, developing team, and these next few summers will play an important role in the continued growth of both our team and culture.”
© 2024 AFP
