R. J. Barrett leads Canada to win over China at Pacific Rim Basketball Classic
VANCOUVER — Things were a little different for R. J. Barrett.
The 18-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., is usually the best player on the floor. But in playing his first game with Canada’s senior men’s basketball team, Barrett found himself rubbing shoulders with NBA veterans and players that were bigger, stronger and faster.
Barrett still didn’t look out place, scoring 16 points and adding a pair of assists as Canada defeated a team from China 97-62 in the opening game of the Pacific Rim Basketball Classic.
“It’s a different experience but it’s a lot of fun,” said the six-foot-seven guard who also had four rebounds and two steals. “I think I played OK.