Jordi Fernandez: From Spain to the Brooklyn Nets, Is Now Leading Canada’s Olympic Hopes

Jordi Fernandez, a Spanish-born coach, now leads Canada’s men's basketball team in the Paris Olympics. Despite his Spanish roots and deep ties to his homeland, Fernandez is committed to advancing Canada’s success. His journey from Spain to coaching the Brooklyn Nets and now Canada's Olympic team exemplifies his global impact on the sport.

Jordi Fernandez, born and raised in Spain, started his coaching career as a teenager in his homeland. On Friday, he faces the challenge of eliminating Spain from the men's tournament at the Paris Olympics.

For a few weeks this summer, Fernandez—head coach of the Brooklyn Nets—has embraced his role as a proud Canadian. He led Canada to a bronze medal at last year's World Cup and secured the team a quarterfinal spot at the Paris Games, regardless of the group's final outcome against Spain. Intriguingly, Spain is coached by Sergio Scariolo, one of Fernandez's mentors.

"It's just another game for me," Fernandez said about facing Spain, adding that he's fully committed to Canada. "I want to make all Canadians proud of the way we play." While not necessarily a must-win for Spain, a loss could prevent them from advancing. Canada will discover its quarter-final opponent on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies.)