Big news for Canadian basketball fans! Gordon Herbert has been named the new head coach of the Canadian men’s national basketball team, set to lead the squad through the 2028 Olympics. The announcement, shared by Michael Grange on X, marks a pivotal moment for Canada Basketball as they aim to build on their recent global success.
Herbert, a Canadian-born coach with Finnish citizenship, brings a wealth of experience to the role. The 66-year-old has an impressive track record, having guided the Germany national team to a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and a bronze at EuroBasket 2022. Currently, he’s at the helm of Bayern Munich in the Basketball Bundesliga and EuroLeague, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest levels of European basketball. His appointment comes after a decorated tenure with Germany, which concluded following the 2024 Paris Olympics, as reported by Wikipedia.
Canada Basketball has been on an upward trajectory, securing their first-ever FIBA World Cup medal—a bronze—in 2023, thanks to standout performances from players like Dillon Brooks. Herbert’s coaching philosophy, known for being proactive and development-focused, could be the perfect fit to take the team to new heights. As Michael Grange noted in a related X post, Herbert’s emphasis on toughness and feedback aligns well with the growth of emerging talents like Zach Edey, the 7-foot-4 Toronto native who’s been making waves in the national program.
Edey, described as a player with “unique size, good hands, and a good basketball IQ” by Sportsnet, has been a focal point for Canada Basketball’s future. His development under coaches like Tuomas Iisalo—who recently praised Edey’s potential in an interview shared by Matt Infield on X—could accelerate under Herbert’s guidance. With Herbert’s experience in nurturing talent and competing on the international stage, fans are already buzzing about what this means for Canada’s chances at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Herbert’s journey is a homecoming of sorts. Born in Penticton, British Columbia, he played for the Canadian national team at the 1984 Olympics, finishing just off the podium in fourth place. Now, four decades later, he has a chance to lead his home country to Olympic glory. His extensive coaching career, which includes stints in Finland, France, and Greece, as well as leading the Skyliners to the German League finals, makes him a seasoned choice for this high-stakes role.
