One-On-One - Jermaine Anderson, Senior Men's National Team

This past weekend, Canada's Senior Men's National Team wrapped up a two game exhibition set with the Jamaican National Team in Toronto.  The SMNT had won both games in front of great crowds at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at Ryerson University.  After the second game of the set, we caught up with SMNT veteran Jermaine Anderson to get a few words on the team that all Canadian basketball fans are expecting big things from in Venezuela ...

Can Ball Ray:  How do you feel the team has fared so far after these two games against Jamaica?

Jermaine Anderson:  I think we did pretty good.  There’s a lot of things we need to learn about the FIBA game and the physicality, our understanding (and) our defense.  But for the most part playing 16, 17 guys and everybody playing spot minutes it’s still a trial phase. I think we’ve (gotten) better.

CBR:  Now you’ve been with the program for a few summers and you, like us fans, have been told to wait for the coming set of players that is maturing.  Now that it’s here, how do you feel about this new influx of talent?

JA:  I feel really good.  It starts off with Steve (Nash) and Rowan (Barrett) just giving us everything we need to succeed.  I can’t say there’s anything we’re lacking off the basketball court.  (On the floor) we have the young talent who are willing to work, with no egos and good character, I think it’s a step in the right direction and we can be successful.

CBR:  As a veteran of the National Program, what are you trying to bring to the team with your experiences?

JA:  Just to bring more experience and understanding.  Just trying to help (the younger guys) get an understanding of the FIBA and teaching guys a sense of urgency. Once the tournament starts every point counts.  It’s not like in the NBA (where) if you’re up twenty you can relax (a little) and if you get the win everything’s OK.  Here, if we’re up by twenty we got to try to win by thirty because points matter.  That sense of urgency will be important.

CBR:  What do you feel are the biggest strengths of the team?

JA:  I’d say our defense and rebounding.  We’re an athletic bunch; we have guys that are quick and guys that are strong.  We have good solid big men and solid rebounding wings.  If we can defend and keep teams from getting second hand opportunities we’ll be fine. 

CBR:  What’s the end goal for this summer for the Senior Men’s program?

JA:  The only thing is to qualify for the world championships, and god willing, Brazil in 2016.  For me those are the only goals.  Whatever I do as an individual, it’s neither here nor there.  As long as we get to those goals that is all that matters.

The Senior Men will be heading to Puerto Rico to play in the Tuto Marchand Tournament from Aug. 22-26 and will jet to Venezuela with their sights set on qualifying for the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball Aug. 30-Sept. 11.