NBA Canada Series shows the power of basketball in Alberta

It was a demonstration of not only the power of basketball, but also how beloved the sport is in Alberta  when the Toronto Raptors came to Edmonton for a pre-season game against the Utah Jazz at Rogers Place on Oct. 2 as part of the NBA Canada Series.

Toronto defeated Utah 117-84 before an enthusiastic packed house of 17,100, although Canada’s team delivering a win was really just the cherry on top of the sundae of what was already a wonderful weekend before the game even tipped off.

The day prior (Oct. 1), Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) worked closely with Africa Centre, Alberta Indigenous Games, and M.E. LaZerte high school to help Tangerine surprise 30 youth aged 11 to 17 with a fun day of basketball skills and drills, teamwork at a Community Gym event in Rogers Place.

Participants had the opportunity to play some hoops, meet some inspirational basketball personalities such as Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia, and attend a “chalk talk” emceed by Raptors broadcaster Matt Devlin with guest speakers including two-time NBA all-star Carlos Boozer, Raptors great Marcus Camby, and Tammy Sutton-Brown, the most accomplished Canadian in WNBA history. They were also given tickets to attend the Oct. 2 game.

'Tangerine Bank has been a longtime partner with ABA and has held numerous community clinics over the years,” says Paul Sir, ABA’s Executive Director. “Since Tangerine has become a partner with the Raptors and the NBA, they have upped their commitment in the experiences they now provide for young people who may not have opportunities to participate or attend special clinics and games.

“ABA is proud to partner with Tangerine and sees the tremendous, potentially life-changing impact this weekend had in the lives of the 30 youth that participated,” Sir adds.

"This initiative fits our goals for youth through our Mentorship and Leadership Program; such as skills acquisition, inspiring self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership,” Sharif Haji, Executive Director of Africa Centre. “We encourage collaborations such as this towards community engagement.”

The Raptors vs. Jazz game was the hottest ticket in town, having sold out in just minutes when it went on sale several weeks earlier. Fans of all ages decked out in Raptors gear, brought signs, and made as much noise as has ever been heard for the first game of an NBA pre-season, as Alberta showed how much it loves basketball. A highlight was Edmonton’s own Matt Kallio getting to officiate the game in his hometown. Kallio is the only Canadian referee in NBA history.

NBA Canada Series was just the latest major basketball event to come through Edmonton, following the FIBA 3x3 Challenger and Women’s Series tournaments in July, followed by the Canada Basketball boys national championships in August. Up next: FIBA World Cup qualifying action, when Canada hosts Venezuela on Nov. 10 and Panama on Nov. 13 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

Thanks to everyone who continues to show why Edmonton is “Hoop City, Canada”.