DOUAI (World Junior Basketball Tournament) - Several of the teams that will be aiming for a podium finish at the U19 FIBA World Championship will be battle-hardened by the time they arrive in New Zealand for the glamorous event.

Canada, Puerto Rico, France, Lithuania and Australia all played at the Douai World Junior Basketball Tournament south of Lille.

There was also a representative from the United States calling themselves the USA 2K Sports, but none of the players will be in the team that competes in Auckland.

When the Douai event that lasted from June 10-14 had finished, the Canadians, Puerto Ricans and French all had three wins from five games while the USA 2K Sports, Lithuania and Australia were each 2-3.

Canada provided plenty of evidence they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Their outstanding forward, Kelly Olynyk, was named as the tournament's MVP.

A native of Kamloops, British Columbia, Olynyk plays under U19 coach Greg Francis as a member of Canada Basketball's National Elite Development Academy program.

"Our guys really played hard throughout the tournament," said Francis, a former senior national team guard.

"This is such a great win for our team and the experience of playing tough countries outside our zone will go a long way in helping our guys prepare for the (U19) FIBA World Championship next month."

Those on hand to watch the 23rd edition of the Douai competition would have taken note of some outstanding games.

One of the best in the early going was the showdown between Lithuania and the American team.

The Baltic country's big man, 2.15 center Donatas Motiejunas, poured in 24 points as his team scraped a 113-110 win.

The Lithuanians and Puerto Ricans had an interesting encounter on Day 4.

Tempers flared and players were ejected, which led to the contest being stopped before the end with Puerto Rico being declared winners. They had led 58-56 when the fracas erupted.

Also on Day 4, France coach Richard Billant watched his team beat Australia 68-65. Paul Lacombe led a balanced scoring attack with 11 points while Martin Clarke's Australians got a game-high 14 points and five rebounds from Mathew Hodgson.

Day 5, the last of the tournament, saw the Canadians sign off with an impressive 86-78 victory over Lithuania.

Olynyk had 17 points, Ty Nurse 15 and Laurent Rivard 20 for the Canadians.

Mike Rosario poured in 20 points as Puerto Rico showed they'll be dangerous opposition in New Zealand by thumping Australia 73-59.

Another close game on the last day was played between France and the USA.

The Americans won 85-84 in overtime, overcoming a 34-point effort from Christophe Leonard.


Final Ranking:

1. Canada
2. Puerto Rico
3. France
4. USA 2K Sports All American
5. Lithuania
6. Australia

FIBA