‍TORONTO (Dec. 31, 2024) – As the calendar year comes to a close, we're counting down our top 10 moments of the year voted on by our Canada Basketball staff.

With plenty to look back on, in a year that featured more Canadians on the professional stage, and plenty to celebrate on and off-the court, here are the top 10 momnets of 2024.

1. Three Canadian teams represent Country at Olympics – most ever

For the first time in Canada Basketball history, three teams punched their ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 3x3 Women’s National Team placed fourth overall falling just short of bronze in an overtime thriller against the USA.

The Senior Men’s National Team placed fifth overall with a heartbreak loss to the hosts France in the Quarterfinals, while the Senior Women’s National Team made a program best fourth-straight Olympic appearance — this also marked national team captain Natalie Achonwa's fourth and final Olympic appearance, as she became Canada's most decorated basketball Olympian.

2. 3x3 Women capture gold defeat USA, 3x3 men bronze at FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024

(Dec. 16, 2024) — The Canadian 3x3 Women’s National Team secured the program’s second gold medal, while the 3x3 Men’s National Team captured a first-ever bronze at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In the gold-medal game, Canada defeated Team USA 19-18 in overtime. Plouffe scored a game-high 11 points, hitting the winning shot. Crozon, named tournament MVP, added five points, while Grant-Allen and Bosch contributed on defence and key possessions. Click here to read more about the women's gold medal performance.

Crozon, who led all players in points (46) and player value (59.3), was named tournament MVP and headlined the Women’s Team of the Tournament, while Steve Sir was named to the Men’s Tournament All-Star Team for his standout performance throughout the competition. Click here to read more about the men's bronze medal performance.

3. U17 Women’s National Team captures historic silver at FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup

(July 21, 2024) — Canada reached the final of the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2024 taking home a silver medal, the program’s best in its history on the world stage.

Agot Makeer was named to the First-Team All-Tournament team, while Savannah Swords was named ot the Second-Team All-Tournament team. They led Canada to an impressive 5-1 record over the course of the World Cup. Click here to read more about the silver medal performance.

4. Canada Basketball & Aboriginal Sport Circle launch Inaugural National Indigenous Basketball Camp

Canada Basketball, in partnership with the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) and Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASB), announced the inaugural National Indigenous Basketball Camp. Held at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut’ina First Nation from Sept. 26–30, 2024.

The camp brought together Indigenous youth athletes (ages 13–15) and coaches from all 13 provinces and territories for an elite leadership and basketball development opportunity in a first of it's kind experience. Click here to read more about the inaugural indigenous camp.

5. Zach Edey goes back-to-back with Naismith, Drafted Ninth in NBA draft after leading Purdue to National Championship Game

Edey was named the 2024 Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year, becoming the first back-to-back winner since 1983. The Toronto native led the NCAA with 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, propelling the Purdue Boilermakers to the national championship game.

Despite Edey's 37-point effort, Purdue fell 75-60 to UConn in the title match. Following his standout senior season, Edey was selected ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. Click here to read more on Edey’s 2024 NCAA season.

6. Bridget Carleton WNBA Championship Appearance, Breakout Season

From dropping 41 points in a FIBA Euroleague game, to being named a two-time Olympian, to making her WNBA Finals debut with the Minnesota Lynx, Chatham, Ont., native Bridget Carleton has owned 2024 like no other.

Fresh off a standout Olympic performance with Team Canada, Carleton carried that momentum into the WNBA playoffs, helping lead the Lynx to their first Finals appearance since 2017. Though the Lynx fell short in a thrilling five-game series against the New York Liberty, Carleton’s consistent play and defensive intensity were pivotal throughout their postseason run. Click here to read more about Bridget Carleton's rise to the WNBA Finals.

7. Aaliyah Edwards leads UCONN to Final Four, selected sixth overall in WNBA draft

(April 15, 2024) — The Kingston, Ont., native helped lead the UCONN Huskies back to the NCAA Final Four, capping off a standout college career. She later declared for the WNBA Draft, and was selected sixth overall by the Washington Mystics.

In her rookie season, Edwards played in 34 games, starting 17, and averaged 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per game. She also represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games — her second Olympic appearance.

‍#8. Canada Basketball and Buckets & Borders revitalize courts in Montreal-Nord and Halifax Communities

Canada Basketball, in partnership with Buckets & Borders, unveiled revitalized basketball courts in two communities, reflecting their commitment to enhancing outdoor basketball spaces nationwide. At Parc Saint-Laurent in Montreal-Nord, the project was supported by the Maizon Dort Foundation and highlighted Senior Men’s National Team guard Lu Dort’s connection to the area where he grew up. Click here to read more about the Montreal-Nord court.

Later in the year, Canada Basketball and Buckets & Borders partnered with the Halifax Regional Municipality to rejuvenate three courts at George Dixon Park in Halifax's North End, affectionately known as "The Square." Click here to read more about revitalized George Dixon Park court. These collaborations with Buckets & Borders, local organizations, and leaders like Lu Dort continue to transform outdoor basketball spaces, fostering community pride and opportunities for youth to engage with the sport.

‍#9. Ontario Registers Clean Sweep at Nationals, winning both 15U & 17U Boys & Girls Championships‍

(August 10, 2024) — The Canada Basketball 15U and 17U Men’s and Women’s National Championships completed their sixth and final day of play in both Toronto and St John’s. The tournament ran from August 5th to 10th, 2024.

Ontario’s 17U & 15U Men’s and Women’s teams all won gold, making it the first time a province had swept the tournament in all categories since 2019, when Quebec achieved this accomplishment. Quebec’s 17U and 15U women finished with silver, as well as Quebec’s 15U men. Meanwhile, Alberta swept bronze, with all four of their teams finishing third in the tournament. British Columbia’s 17U Men’s team was the lone team to capture silver. Click here to read more.

‍#10. Canada Basketball & Turo create commercial featuring Brooks & Achonwa

(July 25, 2024) — Canada Basketball national team athletes Natalie Achonwa & Dillon Brooks got just the ride they were looking for thanks to Turo, Canada's leading car sharing marketplace. Airing during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Canada Basketball teamed up with Turo to bring Olympians Brooks &  Achonwa to your screens, off the court. Click here to watch the commercial featuring Dillon & Natalie.

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