Way back in 1991, Leo Rautins thought about ditching the Canadian national basketball team to play for Lithuania. Now, the Toronto native's job is to convince others not to have negative thoughts about Canada Basketball, like he once did.
The Raptors television analyst and ex-NBA player signed a four-year contract to coach the national team yesterday, despite having no previous coaching experience.
"At the time, there weren't a lot of people saying (changes were needed in attitude and funding methods)," said Rautins, whose parents were born in Lithuania. "I was vocal, but understand where that came from. It wasn't about me. It's about the team. I wanted things different."
Rautins will have the chance to make things different with the struggling program, beginning at the world championship qualifying tournament, Aug. 24-Sept. 4 in the Dominican Republic. Some players, many speculate, feel no connection to the national program. That will change, Rautins said.
"I don't know if everyone has felt it's been fair for all players in the past," Rautins said. "I don't care if you're east coast, west coast, black, white, yellow, green. If you can play, we're going to be looking at you." - Toronto Sun
Isn't this like picking Rod Black to coach Canada's figure skaters?
The guy can announce (sort of) but hasn't ever coached!
This can't be something to look forward to for our Canadian players and it sure as hell isn't going to get Steve Nash back.
How do you get respect from players when you've never coached a game?
The Raptors television analyst and ex-NBA player signed a four-year contract to coach the national team yesterday, despite having no previous coaching experience.
"At the time, there weren't a lot of people saying (changes were needed in attitude and funding methods)," said Rautins, whose parents were born in Lithuania. "I was vocal, but understand where that came from. It wasn't about me. It's about the team. I wanted things different."
Rautins will have the chance to make things different with the struggling program, beginning at the world championship qualifying tournament, Aug. 24-Sept. 4 in the Dominican Republic. Some players, many speculate, feel no connection to the national program. That will change, Rautins said.
"I don't know if everyone has felt it's been fair for all players in the past," Rautins said. "I don't care if you're east coast, west coast, black, white, yellow, green. If you can play, we're going to be looking at you." - Toronto Sun
Isn't this like picking Rod Black to coach Canada's figure skaters?
The guy can announce (sort of) but hasn't ever coached!
This can't be something to look forward to for our Canadian players and it sure as hell isn't going to get Steve Nash back.
How do you get respect from players when you've never coached a game?
. I am mostly concerned with his ability to recruit Canada's best talent, If he can Magloire, Samuel Dalembert and the return of Nash then i'll be happy but i'm not too optimistic.
