Anthony Bennett is being given this summer just about everything a young basketball player could want: a significant and well-defined role, unequivocal support from his coaches, teammates and management, the latitude to make the odd mistake of commission as a result of his hard work.

It now remains to be seen if the former No. 1 NBA draft pick can turn a summer stint that affords him such luxuries into a month that kick starts a somewhat stalled professional career.

So far, so good.

Bennett, the Brampton product who’s scuffled through a couple of NBA seasons trying to find his game and a niche, had 17 points and six rebounds as Canada pulled away in the final two minute to beat Argentina 88-83 in Pan Am Games preliminary round action at the Ryerson Athletic Centre.

The Minnesota Timberwolves forward may not have found an NBA comfort zone but he’s had times he’s dominated in international play and Canadian officials hope another summer with the national team will work long-term magic.

“He’s come in with a great attitude, he’s really hungry to represent his country and improve and this is a really important summer for him,” national team general manager Steve Nash said. “He’s a had a tough go his first two years but he’s really good kid so you just want to be here as a resource and help him realize his potential and play a lot and figure some things out with his game and where he can maximize his advantages on the floor. But most important he’s worked hard, he’s got a great attitude and he’s put himself in position to improve.”

Bennett did look more comfortable and as if he was having more fun while leading Canada to its second straight win. High-stepping back down the court after making a shot, the smiles, the interaction with teammates, it all just looks so natural.

“That’s two great games for him, he had 15 and 10 the other night (against Dominican Republic) and we said coming into this, this is going to be big thing for him with his ability to score in so many ways, the effort and energy he’s putting in right now,” said coach Jay Triano.

“The guy hangs a picture of his jersey in his locker, he’s proud to be Canadian, he’s proud to wear this uniform. That says a lot about the way he’s acting and the way he’s playing out here.”

Canada assured itself of a berth in Friday’s semifinals with the win but it wasn’t without much drama.

A Brady Heslip three-pointer with 37 seconds left snapped an 80-80 tie to propel Canada to the win. Heslip then made three free throws around a Argentina basket to ice the win.

“They weren’t going to lose Brady after studying him the other night so we tried to get Brady and Andrew (Nicholson) on the same side of the floor and see if you could set it up,” Triano said of the game-winning shot.

Nicholson led Canada with 24 points and Jamal Murray had 20.

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