Team Canada Roster

HAMILTON – Less than four months ago, senior Murphy Burnatowski was on Cotterell Court trying to lead the Colgate men's basketball team to a Patriot League title.

Now he is just days away from taking the court in Russia trying to help his home country of Canada win a gold medal.

“It's always an honor to represent your country through sport and I have been lucky enough to do it a few times,” Burnatowski said. “One thing is for sure though, it never gets old. It makes me proud every time I get to compete against other countries and hopefully we will be able to bring home the gold.”

The Waterloo, Ontario, native went through rigorous tests, tryouts and practices to secure himself a spot on the Canadian Developmental Men's National Team. All his hard work finally paid off when it was announced Wednesday that Burnatowski was one of a final 12 players selected to represent Canada at the 27th FISU Summer Universiade Games.

“We are really focused and excited on a chance to win a gold medal for Canada,” Burnatowski added. “Also from what I have been told the FISU Games are very similar to the Olympics and I'm excited at the atmosphere that we will be apart of while there.”

The 27th FISU Summer Universiade is where the best student-athlete teams from across the globe compete in the largest international sporting event outside of the Olympics. The FISU Games, also known as the World University Games, are staged every two years in a different city. The Summer Universiade consists of 10 compulsory sports with 13 compulsory disciplines and up to three optional sports chosen by the host country.

From July 6-17, more than 13,500 athletes and members of delegations from 170 countries as well as more than 1,500 media representatives are expected in the Russian city of Kazan, which is located 500 miles east of Moscow and known as the “Sports Capital of Russia.”

“Two years ago Canada was able to secure the silver medal at these games and we think we have the team this year that can push for gold,” Burnatowski said. “It would mean everything to us and would really show the world that Canada basketball is on the rise.”

The Canadians will open group competition July 7 against Sweden. They are scheduled to play five preliminary group contests including their July 12 group finale against the USA. The knockout rounds begin July 14 with the finals set for July 16.

Burnatowski and the Canadian squad just recently returned from a trip overseas when they played in the Four Nations' International Invitational Tournament held in China. Canada finished the 11-day competition with a perfect 9-0 record, including victories over each of the USA, Latvia and host-nation China.

“My experience with the team has been amazing so far,” Burnatowski continued. “We have had the opportunity to train at both the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trailblazers facilities.”

Following the summer games, Burnatowski returns to Colgate for his senior campaign. Just a year ago, he led the Raiders with 17.4 points per game, compiling 557 points throughout the course of his first year in a Colgate uniform. He posted 28 double-figure games, 12 of which he scored 20 or more points, with three of them being double-doubles. The All-Patriot League Second Team selection also recorded a career-high 35 points against Army on Jan. 23.

“Playing at this high level will only help me when I return for my senior year at Colgate,” Burnatowski added. “We are looking to make a major leap to the top of the Patriot League this year and hopefully my experience with aid the team in achieving our goal for the year.”

Colgate head men's basketball coach Matt Langel had this to say about Burnatowski.

"I'm very excited for Murphy to have this opportunity to represent his country and participate in an event as prestigious as The World University Games. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him and I look forward to watching Team Canada compete. Anytime a member of our team gets an opportunity to get great coaching and play at a high level it can only help our team. Not only will Murphy be a better player after this summer, but he will be able to share his expereinces and perspective with his teammates, something I believe is also of great value."

On behalf of Colgate athletics we wish Burnatowski and the rest of the Team Canada the best of luck during the games.