With so many NBA players pulling out of Canada national team squad, Khem Birch was a rare exception. The member of the Orlando Magic explained his decision to play for his country while others concentrated on preparation for the coming NBA season.

“I don’t let anyone dictate my career or anything. I let Khem Birch dictate what he wants to do and Khem Birch decided to play for his country because I want to go to the Olympics”, Birch said.

Unfortunately for Birch, Canada was eliminated after the first round following a defeat against Lithuania and will play a consolation game versus Senegal to finish its FIBA World Cup campaign.