Nova Scotia’s Nate Darling puts up a shot for Canada in a FIBA AmeriCup game against Puerto Rico in Managua, Nicaragua on Monday. Photo by FIBAArticle contentNova Scotia’s Nate Darling is showing the way for Canada at the FIBA AmeriCup in Nicaragua.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe 26-year-old shooting guard followed up a dominant performance in the tournament opener against Panama with another solid outing against Puerto Rico late Monday night. Darling shot 60 per cent from the field, including 50 per cent from three-point range, to finish with eight points in an 82-73 win.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentDarling also played excellent defence, finishing first on the team with a plus-18 rating. He added three assists in 21:30 of playing time, sixth-highest on the team.Article contentThe strong all-around showing came after a star turn against Panama on Saturday. Darling was named player of the game after leading Canada with 22 points in a 99-49 rout of Panama. The team’s next-highest scorer had 13 points.Article contentThe Bedford native went an impressive 75 per cent on his three-pointers (six-for-eight) on his way to shooting 63.6 per cent from the field. He was also 100 per cent on his free throws and added three assists and two rebounds. His 24:51 of floor team was tops for Canada, as was his plus-42.Article contentThe two wins put Canada into the quarter-finals. Their opponent will be determined at the end of action on Tuesday.Article content“Puerto Rico’s a tough physical team, experienced team, really pushed our young group to really grow up today, and I really appreciate how hard they play,” Canada head coach Nate Mitchell said in a news release.Article contentArticle contentFormer St. Francis Xavier X-Men star David Muenkat also brought his elite defence to the Team Canada efforts. He drew some of the most difficult matchups and still managed to contribute two points and three rebounds in 18:34 minutes of playing time against Panama and four points and five rebounds in 14:20 against Puerto Rico.Article content Former St. Francis Xavier X-Men star David Muenkat plays defence for Canada against Panama during Saturday’s FIBA AmeriCup game in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo by FIBAArticle contentDarling just signed to play for French pro team Elan Chalon. Muenkat just completed his fourth season in the CEBL. He averaged 13.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for the Brampton Honey Badgers. He played for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in 2022 and 2023 before jumping to the Winnipeg Sea Bears last year.Article contentMuenkat also suited up for the Frankfurt Fraport Skyliners in Germany’s top pro league – the Basketball Bundesliga – the past two winter seasons. He will return to the league again this year but will play for the Würzburg Baskets.Article contentThe six-foot-seven forward was the U Sports defensive player of the year, a U Sports second team All-Canadian and U Sports Final 8 all-star during his first season at X in 2021-22. He followed up with multiple awards in 2022-23: AUS defensive player of the year, AUS first team all-star, AUS Championship tournament MVP, AUS Championship tournament all-star and St. F.X. MVP and athlete of the year.Article content
Nova Scotia’s Nate Darling leading Team Canada with two big performances at FIBA tournament
