TORONTO - The road to the 2012 London Olympics for the men's national basketball team could go through Canada.

Canada Basketball is one of five countries bidding for the 2011 FIBA Americas tournament, the qualifier for the London Games. "I am very excited about the opportunity for our team to play at home," Canadian men's coach Leo Rautins said in a release. "Our guys, the 'Road Warriors,' play all around the world and rarely get a chance to compete in front of friends, family and Canada's passionate basketball fan base.

"There is no better way for us to prepare for the chance to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games."

Canada is bidding against Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Puerto Rico to host the tournament. Each of these countries hosted a FIBA Americas event in 2009, the most recent being the men's world championship qualifier in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Canada finished fourth to earn its berth in the world tournament.

"This is a great opportunity for Canada to host some of the best basketball players in the world," said Wayne Parrish, Canada Basketball's executive director and CEO.

"With the recent successes of our men's and women's national teams around the globe and the rise in popularity of our great sport right here at home, the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship is an ideal forum to showcase Canada's passion for the game of basketball."

The national program enjoyed a successful 2009, qualifying the men's and women's senior and cadet squads for their respective 2010 world championships. Canada was one of only five countries to qualify all four teams.

FIBA Americas will provide the bidding countries with tournament criteria details in January. Canada Basketball and the other federations have until March 19, 2010 to confirm their bids.

"We plan to work diligently with private and public sector partners over the next few months to submit a viable and vibrant bid package to FIBA Americas that is reflective of our unique diverse nation," Parrish said.

The FIBA Americas Evaluation Commission will conduct site visits then submit a report to the Executive Committee. Each federation will make a final presentation in San Juan, Puerto Rico before the decision is announced June 25, 2010.

Las Vegas hosted the last Olympic qualifying tournament for men. Canada finished fifth and failed to earned a berth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The top two finishers of the 2011 FIBA Americas tournament qualify for the 2012 Olympics.