Tag: Canadian National Team

Joseph expects easier time in second NBA game

Rookie guard Cory Joseph barely had a chance to get acclimated with the Spurs before he was playing his first  NBA game.

Joseph had only a morning shootaround to prepare with his new team before playing in his first game Saturday night at Houston. His delay in practice  work came because he could not practice while awaiting a work visa.

“Pop just said go out there and play. Don’t worry about it. Just play hard,” Joseph said. ” So that’s what I tried to do.” 

And despite working with the Spurs for a couple of more days, Joseph continues to adjust to the demands of the NBA.

“It’s still pretty steep,” Joseph said Tuesday at the Spurs’ practice. “I’ve only been here for a couple days now, getting to meet my teammates. Just trying to work hard and learn.”

Joseph was drafted by the Spurs with the 29th pick in the first round in the summer draft after playing only one season at Texas.

But he showed flashes during play with the Canadian National Team during their play at the FIBA Americas Championship this summer.

And he expects an easier adjustment for Wednesday’s rematch against the Rockets at the ATT Center in the preseason finale for both teams.

“They’re bringing me along fast,” Joseph said. “I’m trying to learn as much as I can as fast as I can.”

Cory Joseph joins Canadian team for FIBA championships

Spurs No. 1 draft pick and former Texas standout point guard Cory Joseph will join the Canadian National Team for the FIBA Americas tournament in Argentina. 

The Toronto Star reports that in the second phase of its training, which will begin Friday at Ryerson University in Toronto.

“It’s an honor to play for your country and I’m excited to get on the floor and represent Canada as best as I can,” Joseph told the Star. “I know we have a young, great group, with Joel (Anthony), (Carl) English and (Andy) Rautins coming in.

“Hopefully we come back with the gold, but if not, qualify for the Olympics.”

Joseph, who averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists for Texas last season as a freshman. He was a surprise choice for the second of two Spurs No. 1 draft picks at No. 29 after being pegged by most draft analysts as a likely second-round selection.

The Canadian team will begin its competition with two exhibition games against Belgium later this week. 

The international play can only help Joseph, who will benefit from playing against the international level of talent he will face at the FIBAs. That work should also help him develop as he attempts to earn playing time as a rookie behind Tony Parker at point guard for the Spurs once the lockout ends.

The Spurs need somebody to fill in behind Parker. The trade of George Hill and Chris Quinn’s decision to play in Russia have left them with a void.

Joseph will have a chance for playing time in his rookie season if he’s ready for it.