NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - Regular visitors to this column will know I am a huge fan of Canada women's basketball and the way they have conducted business in recent years.

Therefore I was thrilled that the benefits of their excellent planning and well-executed women's programme have been realised this year with four major reasons to celebrate as we stand here in 2015.

The first reason was the gold medal they collected at the Pan-Am Games in Toronto last month.

The second is that they have followed it up with a first FIBA Americas Women's Championship crown for 20 years.

Thirdly, they can celebrate for almost 12 months the prospect of heading to Rio.

Most importantly of all - this is only just the start of something potentially very special.

For it feels to me that the two recent titles could be Canada quite rightly enjoying some juicy low hanging fruit.

Two gold medals. Undefeated in official competitions. Olympic berth for Rio 2016. #WeAreTeamCanada pic.twitter.com/YXK5ym2FD3 — Canada Basketball (@CanBball) August 17, 2015

Now they have the foundation, confidence and momentum to start climbing the women's basketball tree for real.

Excusing the puns, the reason they are in this position to ascend further is that they have implemented a thorough root and branch plan at all levels to encourage, sustain and indeed ensure women's basketball flourishes.

I have to confess I have watched this journey in the last few years with massive interest - out of huge respect and excitement. This current success has not happened by accident and is not just about enjoying a few days in the sun.

Massive credit is due to the players and to Lisa Thomaidis in terms of the execution. But I would suggest even more credit is due to the Canada Basketball and the likes of Denise Dignard who has overseen and co-ordinated the women's performance programme.

Ask Denise about any player from youth to senior level and she will have a lengthy conversation about them. As indeed she should be able to. But the detail is always impressive and so is the support and the vision for every player.

I also note that Canada have not been dripping in money either. Their funding is not excessive, but they have made wise decisions in terms of how they spend it. They have been fortunate to build on the hosting of the Pan-Am Games of course, but moving to Edmonton was a master-stroke and facilitated the hosting of this year's Americas success.

I love the fact that they give those players who are older than 19 but not quite ready for the senior team a chance to make a late surge. They play in so many competitions and have undertaken developmental and exhibition tours - from William Jones Cup participation to travelling around Europe.

They keep their players engaged so brilliantly and because of that, they have a deep pool of talent which is beyond what they should probably have against their resources.

I am excited for them. I am also truly in deep admiration for what they have achieved and I continue to wish them well.

If only other national federations could take some time to learn about this when it comes to the women's game.

And, this is not me being wise after their golden double - for this really has been a very long time in the making.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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