Basketball: Francis, Canada seventh at FIBA U19s

A couple points about Alberta coach Greg Francis guiding Canada to a seventh-place finish at the FIBA Under-19 Championship for Men in New Zealand. (Canada beat France 82-74 on Sunday, with one of Francis' recruits for the Golden Bears, Jordan Baker, chipping in 12 points):

• The seventh-place finish was one off Canada's best ever in the event (sixth in 1987).
• All four teams from the Americas region finished in the top half of the draw, with the U.S. winning gold and Argentina, Puerto Rico and Canada finishing fifth, sixth and seventh.
• Canada was a missed three-pointer from avoiding a quarter-final showdown with the eventual champion U.S. team. They also had a two-point loss to Puerto Rico in a consolation-side game, otherwise they would have played in the 5th/6th place game.
• No doubt it was very beneficial for the two incoming U of A players on the squad, Baker and 6-foot-11 centre Rob Dewar.