NBL helps basketball grow nationally

By Tate Harris

 

Officials with NBL of Canada continues to do their part in what has been a group effort to help grow the game of basketball nationally.

According to worldatlast.com, basketball is ranked as the seventh most popular sport in the world with 825 million fans. Interest in the sport has risen in Canada since the Toronto Raptors joined the NBA in 1995. In 1998 the Raptors were bought for US$ 128 million and were worth US$ 399 million by 2010. Due to the fan increase, along with an increase of the number of Canadian basketball players, the National Basketball League of Canada was founded in 2011.

When the NBL first started they had a requirement of two Canadian players per team. Deputy Commissioner of the NBL, Audley Stephenson, said now heading into their eighth year the requirement is five Canadian players per team.

“One thing that I think is noticeable is the level of play,” said Stephenson. “It hasn’t dropped in anyway, it’s a little more exciting, which is a clear indication that our Canadian players can play.”

Currently the NBA has 14 active Canadians players and have had only 36 total since 1946. Obviously not all Canadian basketball players can make it to the NBA. Stephenson said the NBL enables players to continue playing professionally.

“It (the NBL) allows a platform for Canadian players to play at home and still pursue their dreams of playing professional basketball,” said Stephenson.

Of the 14 Canadians currently playing in the NBA, 11 are from Toronto — a statistic that shows the importance a team can have in their community. President and CEO of the Windsor Express, Dartis Willis, said he acknowledges that importance.

“We understand we have a duty, as a pro sports team, to grow basketball in Canada and if you’re going to grow basketball in Canada you have to start from the roots,” said Willis.

The Express held a free skills camp for children at the new Forest Glade Sports Courts on Sept. 24 and are hosting another camp Nov. 3 at the Windsor YMCA. Willis said it is camps like these that may allow them to sign local players in the future.

Recently, Canadians have been a top subject matter when talking about basketball. On Sept. 7, Steve Nash, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Nash was a two-time MVP and eight-time all-star in the NBA. Canadian NBA prospect, R.J. Barret, has also been a part of many conversations because he is projected to be drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. If drafted first, it would make Barret the third Canadian to go first overall since 2013. Stephenson said all this talk can only help the game.

“It’s great for the game,” said Stephenson. “The Canadian national team, both men and women, and success they have over the last several months is all good for the game. All these things contribute to the growth of the game. It provides a platform that young players want to aspire to. Will our league benefit from the elevated platform of the sport? Absolutely, no question about it.”