00:03Four years ago, Canada reached the semifinals of the FIBA Women's World Cup for the first time since 1986.
00:11Carleton needs to put it up. She does. Good job there.
00:17Bridgette Carleton leading her nation on a breakthrough run that ended just short of a medal, falling to Australia in
00:24the third place game.
00:25Carleton, you talked about her three-point shooting and how about that?
00:30That was followed by a strong showing at the 2023 FIBA Women's America, losing only once and taking home bronze.
00:38A dinner with a steal now. A field day for Canada.
00:44But the momentum didn't last. At the following year's Olympic qualifying tournament, a final day loss to Japan
00:51meant Canada only reached the games thanks to Spain's comeback win over Hungary
00:56before the squad endured a winless campaign in Paris.
01:04Even another America bronze last year only came after surviving an overtime battle with Argentina in the third place game.
01:25So next month's FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament in Istanbul offers a chance for renewal against a few familiar
01:35foes.
01:35Carleton takes her time, shot vague, holds the hand and sees that three-point shot go in.
01:42Canada tips off against host nation Turkey A, followed by rematches from the 2024 OQT against Hungary and Japan,
01:50with another meeting against Argentina in between.
01:54Its final clash comes against Australia, already qualified as Asia Cup champion,
01:59with Canada aiming to be among the three teams joining the Opals at September's World Cup.
02:06What a block by Carlton!
02:09Carlton wants more shapes as vital to Canada's chances.
02:13A reliable performer for the Minnesota Lynx, she is also impressed in EuroLeague women for reigning champion USK Praha.
02:25Guard Kia Nurse, who spent last season with the Chicago Sky, is another key part of the Canadian squad.
02:31Extra pass to Nurse, Nurse is open and it's good!
02:35Great job there by Canada.
02:38But around them is a team in transition.
02:41Former captain Natalie Achanwa retired after Paris and is now an assistant coach at Michigan,
02:47helping guide Rising Star and her former Olympic teammate, Sila Swords.
02:53Swords, Swords wants in on the three-point club.
02:57And though new captain Kayla Alexander continues to anchor the front court,
03:02Leticia Amahir has developed over the past year, playing with Golden State in the WNBA
03:07and in EuroLeague women with Girona.
03:10She has it.
03:10She's going to drive right at Lauda Hill.
03:13Tough, tough make by hers.
03:15Yes!
03:17Forward Aaliyah Edwards has shown promise in Washington and Connecticut.
03:21And on the wing, Kassand Prosper is having a breakout senior year with Notre Dame
03:26and is emerging as a WNBA draft prospect.
03:33And head coach Nell Fortner, who took over before last year's AmeriCup, brings a track record of success,
03:40having led the United States to Olympic gold at Sydney 2000.
03:46So even though the past few years have been mixed, this talented group could reestablish Canada among the world's best.
03:54Charlton.
03:55Oh, she gets the and one!
03:57For all the latest on the road to the FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournaments, head to FIBA.Basketball.
04:04Charlton takes her time.
04:06You cannot give her that much time or that much open space to choose.
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