Canada's international basketball influence is rising — just look at Germany

Lisa Thomaidis helped turn Canada's national women's basketball team from an upstart into a medal contender.

Now, the Dundas, Ont., native is hoping to do the same for Germany.

Thomaidis, 50, was hired in April as head coach of the German women's national team, less than two years after parting ways with the Canadian squad.

"Growing up, for me, I would have never ever seen or heard of a coach that would have done that, a Canadian coach that would have coached abroad," Thomaidis told CBC Sports. "So I think just, I know I've had a few coaches contact me, some younger female coaches who are just excited because there's another pathway."

Thomaidis takes over during an important summer, with Germany competing in EuroBasket, the continental championship, for the first time since 2011. The tournament also represents the first stage of 2024 Olympic qualifying.

She said she first heard about the German job through Gordie Herbert, the Penticton, B.C., native who coaches Germany's men's team.

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That's right — two Canadians are at the controls of Germany's two national teams. Neither of Canada's national team coaches, Nick Nurse and Victor LaPeña, hold Canadian citizenship.

"That's kind of neat to think about," said Thomaidis, whose role helming the University of Saskatchewan women's team will not change. "It does say a lot. Obviously Canada Basketball is highly respected around the world."

Canada's worldwide basketball footprint is clearly expanding. Roy Rana, who grew up in Toronto, coaches Egypt's men's team. Players like Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have become NBA stars.

Canada's WNBA presence is growing too.