Yvonne Ejim is going to the Olympics.
The Gonzaga women’s basketball standout was one of 12 players nominated to Canada’s team for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I am so incredibly happy and overjoyed at the fact that I get to represent my country at the Olympic level and that I get to compete at that stage,” Ejim told reporters in a news release.
“It was always a dream of mine ever since I started Canada Basketball and the fact that now I am living it is beyond what I imagined,” she told the audience. “I’m also quite proud of myself for persevering to this point, but I think the best part was all of the individuals that helped me get here, including my family, all of my teammates, and coaches. This would not have been possible without all of them, and I am grateful.
Last season, the 6-foot-1 Ejim, a native of Calgary, Alberta, averaged 19.7 points and 8.7 rebounds for Gonzaga, which ended 32-4 and proceeded to the Sweet 16. She is the lone returning starter for GU next season.
Team Canada will make its eighth participation in the Olympic women’s basketball event, which began in Montreal in 1976. The Canadian women qualified for their fourth consecutive Olympic Games by coming third in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in Sopron, Hungary, in February.
Canada’s best Olympic performance in women’s basketball was fourth place in Los Angeles 1984. Canada is currently ranked fifth in the FIBA world rankings, having finished fourth at the most recent FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2022 and winning bronze at the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
Last week, Canada defeated Portugal 91-65 in an exhibition game in Victoria, British Columbia. The squad will now go to Belgium and Spain to finish its training camp and exhibition schedule before arriving in France.
The women’s basketball tournament will take place from July 27 to August 11 (Days 1-16). On July 29, at 8:15 a.m., Canada will face host France in its first game of the tournament.
“I am very excited for the upcoming competition this summer and once again blessed with the opportunity to wear Canada across my chest because there truly is no feeling like it,” says Ejim.
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Anton Watson, Boston Celtics’ draft choice, has a chip on his shoulder.
The Boston Celtics selected Anton Watson in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, and many fans are thrilled to have him on board. The No. 54 pick had a standout five-year career at Gonzaga, largely to his defensive flexibility and improved long-range shooting.
According to Gonzaga basketball writer Theo Lawson, Watson has a chip on his shoulder because of how he was picked.
“I don’t claim to be Jokic, but they did the same thing to him. They slapped a Taco Bell commercial on him. In the final ten picks, they mentioned Bronny. You don’t want to focus on it, but it certainly puts a chip on your shoulder. “That’s insane, I think it’s a little crazy…”
Watson made several fair arguments, despite the fact that LeBron James’ youngster was naturally the center of attention. Watson’s unfavorable draft conditions may inspire him even more as he prepares to begin his professional career.
In his final year of college, Watson averaged 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 57.8% from the field and 41.2% from three. The fifth-year player was named to both the All-WCC First Team and the All-WCC Tournament Team.
General manager Brad Stevens hired Watson for a specific reason. Stevens adores the six-foot-eight forward and his ability to impact the game with his aggressiveness and adaptable defense. Prior to the draft, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer referred to Watson as a “younger Al Horford”.
Brad Stevens gave Anton Watson high accolades following the draft.
Watson has garnered great acclaim as a late second-round choice, including encouraging remarks from Stevens during his post-draft press conference.
“Anton’s strength and ability to move laterally give him a chance to be one of these big, strong hybrid forwards that can switch.” I want him to come in here with the idea of letting it fly like he’s never done it before. Because I believe he is a better shooter than he gives himself credit for. I’m looking forward to getting him in here in about eight days.”
As one might expect from the NBA champions, the Celtics have a very crowded rotation with strong talent at each position. While he could potentially miss out on a main roster spot as a rookie, Watson should at least stay with Boston on a two-way deal. After all, the C’s will have three two-way roster spots open.
Considering their status as elite two-way wings, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have a lot to offer Watson as mentors and role models. With Kristaps Porzingis set to miss at least the first few months of next season, the Celtics will need some extra size and strength in the frontcourt. Horford should continue to sit back-to-backs during his age-38 season, which could also make Watson more valuable – especially if the Celtics don’t resign Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman.
Fans will get their first glimpse of Watson in Celtic green when Boston resumes Summer League play on July 13. Until then, Celtics fans will have to wait several weeks to see Watson make his rookie debut.
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