The Toronto Raptors have been able to see just how dominant OG Anunoby has been over the last couple of seasons, as his blend of shooting and incredible defense has been a vital asset for the squad. Anunoby was hoping to show off his skills on an international stage with Team Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympics.
Anunoby, while born in London and raised for most of his life in Missouri, qualifies for the green and white by way of his Nigerian parents. With Nigeria in possession of one of the strongest African teams in the competition, Anunoby could have been a versatile piece for D’Tigers head coach Mike Brown.
Unfortunately, Anunoby was not named among the players that will join Brown and Alexander Nwora’s squad for training camp, as he and 2012 Olympian Al-Farouq Aminu were both left out of the list of invites.
Nigeria will be one of the more interesting teams in the tournament given the presence of NBA players like Monte Morris, Josh Okogie, Precious Achiuwa, and Jahlil Okafor, but there is no denying that a player like Anunoby would have been ideal for a squad looking to make some noise in Tokyo.
UPDATE: 2012 Olympian & veteran Al-Farouq Aminu along w/ Raptors forward OG Anunoby will not be joining training camp. pic.twitter.com/swrSgPSNgQ
— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) June 29, 2021
Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby could’ve been an asset for team Nigeria.
Anunoby’s defense would’ve come in handy on this team, as Nigeria may have to face NBA talent consistently with a roster of players that aren’t all making the NBA grade at the moment. Be it at the small forward spot, defending bigger guards, or in the post, Anunoby would’ve given Brown piece of mind. Heck, even Aminu would’ve helped in that regard.
Considering the leap that he made on offense this year, in large part due to his shooting improvement, Anunoby could’ve ended up as a star for Nigeria, as he would have the chance to show the world what he could do as a primary scoring option.
His big national team breakout could’ve done wonders for his basketball stock. Not only would his improvement have been exhibited for all the world to see, but he could’ve established himself as a vital piece of this squad for years to come. It looks like he may have to wait a few years to get that opportunity.
Between Anunoby not suiting up here and Khem Birch also not on the Team Canada roster, Raptors fans waiting to watch some of their favorites go for the gold in Japan have been extremely disappointed.