Lukas Weese
TORONTO– In the bowels of Scotiabank Arena last Saturday, you could find Greg Procino and his Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame team hard at work. It was the culmination of a grueling 16-month process. The Basketball Hall of Fame, in an effort to honour the legacy of Dr. Naismith, had successfully brought its Naismith Classic…
With 2019 coming to a close, it cannot be overstated how much basketball popularity has exploded in Canada. The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA Championship in franchise history and are continuing to show the DNA of a champion to start the 2019/2020 season. The discourse surrounding Canadian Basketball potentially qualifying to the 2020 Olympic…
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.— At the same time the Toronto Raptors were dominating the New Orleans Pelicans on the road, Dewan Hernandez was providing a glimpse of the future. The Raptors 905 power forward was the bright spot on an offense that struggled to maintain shooting consistency. In their home opener, the 905 squad shot 37.8 percent…
Duane Notice has won everywhere he's gone.
Early Tuesday morning, news broke that Eli Pasquale had passed away at just 59 years old. To say that Pasquale’s death is a huge loss to the basketball community is a massive understatement. His accomplishments in the sport and for the country of Canada secures his place as one of the nation’s most celebrated athletes.…
It appears that the $31 million one-year contract extension for Kyle Lowry was a worthwhile investment. Before the season started, the Toronto Raptors paid their long-serving point guard to keep him out of next year’s free agent market. But also to solidify his place and legacy as one of the franchise’s best players. Lowry’s start…
Pascal Siakam has not slowed down since winning the NBA Championship. The start of his 2019/2020 season for the Toronto Raptors has epitomized validation. A showcase of his natural basketball gifts, while highlighting the necessary areas for improvement. All a part of the process of growing as a young basketball player. In the season opener…
On Tuesday night, sports fans across Canada will get to experience another unique phenomenon. A reality considered at one time to be an idealistic dream. The Toronto Raptors, Canada’s inaugural and lone NBA franchise, will receive their championship rings, while raising their championship banner into the rafters of ScotiaBank Arena. The signature affirmation of last…
Player grades shortly. Comment away. TOR Raptors 123 Final Box Score 107 BKN Nets B+ P. Siakam22 MIN, 11 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 4-10 FG, 1-2 3FG, 2-2 FT, 1 BLK, 3 TO, -5 +/- A solid night for Pascal Siakam in his last preseason game before the regular season. Defensively, he…
For OG Anunoby, the opening of the regular season cannot arrive soon enough. After a year defined by off court distractions and injuries, Anunoby is eager to take the next step in his basketball development. While the preseason does not contribute to actual wins and losses, it has served its purpose for Anunoby. To showcase…
Fred VanVleet has heard questions of skepticism his entire career. It was no different during a press conference for the Toronto Raptors Japan games. “You are one of the shorter players in the league. Do you have to train differently because of your height?” the reporter asked. Pascal Siakam, who was sitting beside VanVleet, burst…
As Team Canada makes the long journey back home from China, more questions await their return than ever before. The status quo is not perfect. An initial postmortem on the few games played overseas reveals a team with great promise, but lacking the NBA talent to advance further in the competition.