How the Caribbean Powers Canada’s Basketball Empire
And why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just the tip of the iceberg
Whatsup Squad,
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the face of Canadian basketball.
He is the first Canadian to win MVP since Steve Nash, and he could become the first Canadian to win Finals MVP.
That said, his roots, and the roots of many top Canadian hoopers, are deeply Caribbean.
Canadian-Caribbean Connection in the NBA Finals
Born to Antiguan parents, with a mother who competed in the 1992 Olympics, Shai is part of a rising generation of Canadian-Caribbean hoopers changing the face of the NBA.
21 Canadian players were on opening-day rosters this season, marking the 11th consecutive season that Canada was the most represented country outside of the U.S.
A record-tying four Canadians are currently playing the Finals, and all four have Caribbean heritage:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Antigua 🇦🇬)
Lu Dort (Haiti 🇭🇹)
Bennedict Mathurin (Haiti 🇭🇹)
Andrew Nembhard (Jamaica 🇯🇲)
And it’s not just this year’s NBA Finals.
Each of the last 3 NBA champions featured at least one Canadian-Caribbean player on their roster:
2024 Boston Celtics - Oshai Brissett (Jamaica 🇯🇲)
2023 Denver Nuggets - Jamal Murray (Jamaica 🇯🇲)
2022 Golden State Warriors - Andrew Wiggins (Barbados 🇧🇧)
The Diaspora Behind Canada’s Rise
Shai’s story mirrors that of many Caribbean immigrants who settled in Canada.
As of the 2021 Census, approximately 300,000 Black Canadians had Caribbean heritage, representing more than a third of the Black immigrant population.
For two decades, steady growth has elevated Canadian basketball to the point where the country is now a medal contender in major men’s international competitions and where Canadians are among the best players in the NBA.
Outside of the NBA Finals, some of the other Canadian-Caribbean players in the league include:
RJ Barrett (Jamaica 🇯🇲)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Antigua 🇦🇬)
Dwight Powell (Jamaica 🇯🇲)
Chris Boucher (St. Lucia 🇱🇨)
Cory Joseph (Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹)
Despite its gold medal pedigree, the Caribbean has long lacked the basketball infrastructure to retain its top talent.
But that’s beginning to change.
The Battle for Caribbean Talent
The success of Canadian-Caribbean players has not gone unnoticed by the countries of their heritage, and these nations are now looking to recruit back their diaspora talent.
Caribbean nations offer something Canada can’t: immediate national team roles and a chance to lead.
What if Shai, or any of his national team counterparts, chose heritage over birthplace?
Take 15-year-old Mikahael Bartley, a rising star from Toronto with Jamaican roots.
The 6’4” point guard is currently in the process of securing his Jamaican passport, aiming to represent Jamaica at this summer’s FIBA Centrobasket U17 Championship.
“It feels great to finally be recognized as a Jamaican citizen…I’ve been coming here every year, twice a year, since I was six months old. This is home for me.”
A dynamic and intelligent floor general, Bartley has already carved out a reputation as one of Canada’s top young prospects.
While the move may seem minor now, it could start a trend that disrupts Canada’s basketball pipeline.
It's a chance for these countries to tap into talent they helped create through immigration but never benefited from in international competition.
Final Thoughts
The rise of Canadian basketball is undeniable, but it’s time we recognize the Caribbean DNA behind that rise.
The level of talent in the Caribbean, both locally and internationally, is more than enough to establish the region as a perennial global basketball power.
It’s no secret that the future of the NBA is international, with countries like Canada leading the charge.
But if you’re going to include Canada in that conversation, you have to include the Caribbean as well.
Until next time ✌🏾
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