Ejim is a leader but no lock

As Canada pares camp roster, seven contenders remain for three jobs

- DOUG SMITH

Canada’s Melvin Ejim boxes out Bobby Portis of the United States in last year’s third-place game at the FIBA World Cup in Manila.

There are things that Melvin Ejim brings to the Canadian men’s basketball team that cannot be quantified but can never be diminished.

He is a player and a coach, a supporter and teacher and sounding board for teammates.

It is a role that every team needs and one Ejim welcomes, and that should be enough to earn him a spot at the Paris Olympics.

“There’s a lot of roles that you have — different players have different roles — and on the national team, in the later stage of my career, it’s been more vocal, it’s been more mentorship, leadership, leading by example, and each role is important,” the 33-year-old said after Team Canada worked out at the Raptors’ training centre on Wednesday evening.

“Each role is important to a team’s success and you need to accept the role. And I’ve taken it upon myself to be the best I can be whenever I’m on the court, whenever I’m on the bench to cheer my team on.”