Triano leaving as coach of Canadian team ahead of FIBA World Cup

As Canadian basketball continues its rise to prominence, a familiar face is stepping away from the program at a key moment. Charlotte Hornets assistant Jay Triano told Sportsnet's Michael Grange that he's withdrawing his name from consideration as the coach for the senior men's national team ahead of this summer's FIBA World Cup.

The longtime coach cited "personal reasons" for why he's withdrawing his name from consideration.

Triano has coached the team in two stints, dating back to 1998. In his most recent stretch, Canada logged a 27-5 record over the last four summers, including a 4-0 mark in 2018.

There were rumors of a rift between Triano and the Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins stemming from a coaching decision during the 2015 FIBA Americas Tournament, although Triano denied the reports this past summer.

Canada hopes to have NBA talent such as Wiggins, Jamal Murray, and Tristan Thompson available for the World Cup in September. Rumored replacements for Triano include San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina and longtime Canadian junior coach Roy Rana.