Canada has become one of the fastest-growing basketball countries in the world—but how did this transformation actually happen? In this fascinating interview, we sit down with Oren Weisfeld, author of The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse, to break down the people, moments, and cultural shifts that sparked a national basketball revolution.

We explore the rise of Canadian stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Luguentz Dort, and many others. Oren explains how the Raptors, Vince Carter, Steve Nash, and the 2023 World Cup win over Spain reshaped Canada’s sports identity—and why basketball and soccer may soon overtake hockey as the country’s most popular sports.

We also cover:

🏀 The 1995 Raptors & Grizzlies expansion and its massive cultural impact

🏀 Vince Carter’s influence and why Toronto still idolizes him

🏀 Steve Nash’s Olympic run and how it inspired a generation

🏀 The rise of grassroots Canadian basketball & youth development

🏀 Why Canada struggled internationally despite producing NBA stars

🏀 How Canadian players developed a “chip on their shoulder” entering the NBA

🏀 The media challenges holding back Canadian basketball coverage

🏀 Whether Montreal deserves the next NBA expansion team

🏀 The rapid growth of women’s basketball and Canadian WNBA fandom

🏀 Why SGA is now one of the most beloved athletes in the entire country

🏀 The future of Team Canada—could they win gold in 2028?

If you love basketball culture, international hoops, or the rise of global stars, this is a must-watch conversation.

📘 Buy Oren’s book: The Golden Generation — available wherever books are sold.

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