00:02Four years ago, Canada reached the semi-finals of the FIBA Women's World Cup for the first time since 1986.
00:10Carlton needs to put it up. She does. Good job there.
00:16Bridget Carlton leading her nation on a breakthrough run that ended just short of a medal, falling to Australia in
00:23the third place game.
00:24Carlton, 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 Cup, losing only once and taking home
00:37bronze.
00:38A dinner with a steal now. A field day for Canada.
00:43But the momentum didn't last.
00:46At the following year's Olympic qualifying tournament, a final day loss to Japan meant Canada only reached the games thanks
00:53to Spain's comeback win over Hungary
00:56before the squad endured a winless campaign in Paris.
01:03Even another America Cup bronze last year only came after surviving an overtime battle with Argentina in the third place
01:11game.
01:12Over to Sorge, Sorge!
01:13Puts it in the backdoor cut off the glass.
01:17It's good for Silas Hortz.
01:18And that's how Canada's going to get it done.
01:20A bronze medal for the North Americans.
01:25So next month's FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament in Istanbul offers a chance for renewal against a few familiar
01:34foes.
01:35Carlton takes her time.
01:37Shot bank 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.
01:53Its 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.
02:05Oh, what a block by Carlton!
02:07Oh!
02:08Carlton wants more shapes as vital to Canada's chances.
02:12A reliable performer for the Minnesota Lynx, she is also impressed in EuroLeague women for reigning champion USK Praha.
02:24Guard Kia Nurse, who spent last season with the Chicago Sky, is another key part of the Canadian squad.
02:31Extra pass to Nurse.
02:32Nurse is open and it's good!
02:34Great job there by Canada.
02:36But around them is a team in transition.
02:40Former captain Natalia Chanua retired after Paris and is now an assistant coach at Michigan,
02:47helping guide Rising Star and her former Olympic teammate, Sila Swords.
02:52Swords wants in on the three-point club.
02:56And though new captain Kayla Alexander continues to anchor the front court,
03:01Letitia Amahir has developed over the past year, playing with Golden State in the WNBA and in EuroLeague women with
03:09Girona.
03:09And he has it.
03:10He's going to drive right at Lauda Hill.
03:12Tough, tough make by her.
03:14He's good.
03:16Forward Aaliyah Edwards has shown promise in Washington and Connecticut.
03:20And on the wing,
03:22Kassand Prosper is having a breakout senior year with Notre Dame
03:25and is emerging as a WNBA draft prospect.
03:32And head coach Nell Fortner, who took over before last year's AmeriCup,
03:37brings a track record of success,
03:39having led the United States to Olympic gold at Sydney 2000.
03:46So even though the past few years have been mixed,
03:49this talented group could reestablish Canada among the world's best.
03:53Carlton.
03:54Oh, she gets the and one!
03:57For all the latest on the road to the FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournaments,
04:01head to FIBA.Basketball.
04:04Carlton takes her time.
04:05You cannot give her that much time or that much open space to shoot.
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