He excels in playing the role of the antagonist on the basketball court, and what makes Dillon Brooks truly shine in this role is the deep sense of support and affection he receives. For over a month now, the Mississauga native has been surrounded by his teammates, coaching staff, and the organization, all of whom allow him to perform at his best. In return, he has delivered a memorable performance at the FIBA World Cup. In his own words, Brooks stated, “I thrive in these intense game situations, and I’m at my best when my teammates have faith in me and show their appreciation.
Brooks made history by scoring 39 points in a World Cup game, which is the highest ever achieved by a Canadian man. This outstanding performance contributed to Canada’s historic bronze medal win, achieved through a thrilling 127-118 overtime victory against the United States in Manila, Philippines.
The game concluded with the crowd chanting “M-V-P, M-V-P” in appreciation of Brooks, and as he left the post-game news conference, he received applause from the media. Among the improbable events that occurred during Canada’s tournament run, this moment stands out as one of the most remarkable.
Dillon Brooks embraces the role of the antagonist in the game. He is known for his unyielding physical defense and thrives on the often negative attention he garners. Yet, when the dust settles, there is nothing but admiration for his unwavering commitment to the game and his disruptive prowess on the court.
Teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander summed it up by saying, “He remained true to himself,” referencing Brooks’ impressive performance, including seven three-pointers, a 12-for-18 field goal record, and contributions in assists and rebounds during the game.
Being himself for Dillon Brooks means fully embracing the bad-boy reputation he’s acquired. However, when you listen to him, it becomes evident that he leans into this persona with a mischievous grin and a friendly demeanor. “It’s essentially a persona, and people seem to love it. I’ve come to embrace it myself,” he remarked. “It’s akin to Kobe Bryant—may he rest in peace—and how he developed the Black Mamba persona, a distinct identity when he stepped onto the court. So, I suppose that’s my persona, the villain, but only on the basketball court.” He goes on to emphasize that off the court, he’s a loving and caring individual who deeply cares for his children, family, teammates, and the world at large. Within the realm of Canada Basketball and this particular iteration of the senior men’s team, Brooks has garnered tremendous admiration. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s selection to the tournament’s all-star team was expected, it’s clear that Canada’s success in securing a medal wouldn’t have been possible without Brooks. He earned the title of the World Cup’s best defensive player and maintained an average of 15.1 points over eight games. Coach Jordi Fernandez commended Brooks, stating, “This is what it looks like when they allow Dillon Brooks to play. It’s not just on the defensive end where he excels; alongside Lu Dort, he’s the best perimeter defender globally. Offensively, he has been incredibly efficient. It’s not limited to just one game… I don’t think it gets any better than this.” Brooks is bound to ruffle feathers among NBA opponents in the upcoming season, as that’s what makes him an asset to his team. While this might turn fans across the league against him, he looks forward to returning to the Canada program next summer, where he’ll receive the same level of love he experienced in the past few weeks. “It was immensely enjoyable,” he expressed. “Certainly, the criticism doesn’t stop; it keeps coming. However, having my country’s support, the backing of the head coach, the general manager, all these people rooting for my success, is truly heartwarming. It’s not about politics, contracts, or any of those things… It’s challenging to contend against the world and a team. Winning the bronze and continuing to make history for our country is an incredible feeling.”