Five things to know about the Canadian men’s wheelchair basketball team
The Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team heads into the Rio Paralympics looking to reach the podium for the first time since claiming bronze in 2004 in Rio. They open round-robin play of the 10-nation tournament Thursday against No. 5 Britain. Here are five things to know:
HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Despite its recent medal drought at the Paralympics, expectations are high as Canada enters Rio as the world No. 1 after winning the 2014 world championship. It’s been a long road back to the top under head coach Bill Johnson after the program dominated for years. The Canadians won gold in three straight Games before bronze in Athens. At the last Games in London, Canada dropped to sixth place — its worst showing at any Games since joining competition in 1972.
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BEWARE OF GERMANY: Canada is in Group A alongside Britain, No. 2 Germany, No. 11 Brazil and unranked Argentina. The Germans, who took home gold in London, will be the stiffest competition in group play, but the Canadians are well prepared for what to expect and beat them in the finals of the 2014 worlds 54-50. Group B is made up of No. 3 Netherlands, No. 4 United States, No. 7 China, No. 8 France and unranked Algeria.