Kirkwood celebrates Canada’s first-ever FIBA world basketball title

Ottawa native Noah Kirkwood earned his piece of Canadian basketball history as he helped the under-19 men’s national team to the Canada’s first-ever gold medal at an international FIBA competition at the July 1-9 FIBA U19 World Cup in Egypt.

The Canadians went undefeated in 7 contests, including their stunning 99-87 upset of USA in the semi-finals and a 79-60 triumph over Italy in the championship game.

“What an incredible moment for Canadian basketball,” Team Canada head coach Roy Rana said in a Basketball Canada media release. “Incredible moment for our country, for these kids. It’s unbelievable to be able to say that we’re the best team on the planet at the U19 age level. It’s hard to express.”

The youngest player on Team Canada, Kirkwood appeared in every match, averaging 11.9 minutes of court time and 4.1 points per game.

The recent OFSAA-champion Ashbury College grad is headed to Northfield Mount Hermon next season prior to a likely NCAA career.