Nik Stauskas To Stay With Team Canada For FIBA Americas Despite Struggles

After sitting out Las Vegas Summer League, Nik Stauskas was given the chance to showcase his talents as a part of Canada's men's national basketball team in the 2015 Tuto Marchand Cup.

The tournament definitely didn't go as planned for the 2014 first-round pick. He started all four games Canada played in, but Stauskas' numbers were certainly underwhelming. He averaged 4.5 points per game while shooting 28.6% from both the field and beyond the arc. His best performance came against the Dominican Republic, where he tallied eight points and six rebounds in 26 minutes of action.

Canada's head coach Jay Triano still seems pretty pleased with how Stauskas has played, mentioning his strong defensive efforts in an interview with the Toronto Sun.

"I’m not concerned with Nik at all, I’m actually really pleased with what he’s done," Triano continued.

"I think his energy at the defensive end and his length at the defensive end has caused a lot of guys problems. The international game is full of two guards that can really move and really shoot the basketball. And I’ve been more than happy with the way that he’s guarded. If his offence is struggling it might be because he and I have put a huge emphasis on his defensive play. But good shooters don’t lose it. He’s going to find his rhythm and I’m pleased with what he’s done so far."

The endorsement from Triano was enough to earn him a spot on Canada's roster for the FIBA Americas Championship, which will take place in Mexico City from August 31-September 12. They're placed in Group B with Cuba, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, none of which are real basketball powerhouses.

If you live north of the border, you can check the games out on TSN.