Canada's men's basketball squad lands new head coach in Herbert.
Canada Taps Gordie Herbert as New Basketball Coach
In a move that's got the basketball world buzzing, the 66-year-old coaching phenom from Penticton, Canada, Gordie Herbert, is set to lead the Canadian Senior Men's National Team. This sultry-eyed maestro, who currently wields the whistle for Bayern Munich, shined brightly in Germany's Paris Olympics four-place display, despite Canada's fifth-place showing.
Rowan Barrett, Canada's senior men's program general manager and executive vice president, waxed lyrical about Herbert's credentials, declaring, "His championship pedigree, command of the FIBA game, and understanding of what it takes to compete for medals on the world stage make him the ideal leader for this next chapter of Canada Basketball."
Having snagged the sixth spot in the world rankings, Canada claimed its first Olympics berth in 24 years and is aiming for a second straight qualification at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Herbert, a man cut from the same cloth of passion and precision, cannot wait to don the Maple Leaf, stating, "I'm incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to coach my home country. Canada Basketball has made tremendous progress in recent years, and the depth of talent in the program is as good as anywhere in the world."
Barrett expressed delight at Herbert's return, noting, "It's great to welcome Gordie back to our program. He knows what it means to represent Canada and brings the experience, leadership, and vision to guide this group through the next chapter of our journey."
Herbert boasts an impressive coaching resume blanketed with accolades. Rising to prominence as a mentor for the German national team, he clinched the 2004 German league title for the Frankfurt Skyliners, collected a FIBA Europe Cup crown, pocketed Bundesliga Coach of the Year honors in 2016, and bagged domestic cups in France (2007) and Finland (2009).
Herbert's vagabond journey in basketball took him to be an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors and a consultant with the Brooklyn Nets. As a player, he represented Canada at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and will now guide his homeland with unparalleled insight and expertise.
Herbert's stellar achievements include guiding Germany to their maiden FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup title in 2023 and a laudable fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His appointment by Canada Basketball not only represents a feather in the cap of the program but also sets the stage for a riveting journey towards athletic greatness.
References:1. Gordie Herbert Named Head Coach of Canadian Senior Men's National Team2. Gordie Herbert: From German Powerhouse to Maple Leaf Magic3. Canada Taps Basketball Veteran Gordie Herbert as New Coach
- In the basketball world, Gordie Herbert, a Canadian with a proven track record in Europe, has been appointed as the new coach for the Canadian Senior Men's National Team.
- With Canada aiming for a second straight Olympics qualification in 2028, the appointment of a champion like Herbert, who has experience in France, Germany, and even the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, is highly significant.
- The Canadian NBA player, Rowan Barrett, praised Herbert's credentials, pointing out his FIBA game command and medal-winning experience as key qualities that will help Canada compete on the world stage.
- Herbert's Olympic experience, having represented Canada in the 1984 Los Angeles Games, will undoubtedly provide valuable insight as he now guides his home country towards the 2025 Olympic Games.
- In a remarkable turn of events, the Canadian Basketball team, now under Herbert's leadership, may unlock their potential to achieve glory at the 2025 Olympics, building on their fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
