‘Canada in 5 to 10 years is going to be a basketball powerhouse’
The Ryerson Rams beat the University of Toronto Varsity Blues by a score of 84 to 79 at the Mattamy Athletic Center on Wednesday night.
With the win, the Rams take sole possession of third place in their division, three games back of first.
The game was close through the first three quarters but the Rams were able to get some separation towards the end of the game and take the win.
Rams head coach David DeAveiro said the team elevated their play in the fourth quarter by improving their defence and sticking to the game plan.
DeAveiro says he has worked in Canadian basketball for over 10 years and is excited about the CEBL team the Fraser Valley Bandits announcing the hiring of new head coach Mike Taylor earlier this month.
Taylor has a renowned resume in international basketball; most notably being the head coach of Poland up until last year.
According to DeAveiro, esteemed coaches coming to coach here is only going to grow.
“You’re gonna see more guys who play in the CEBL get to the NBA and be successful. I think with coaching too, I think you’re gonna see CEBL coaches move on to the NBA or different leagues around the world,” he said.
On Saturday, the Canadian women’s basketball team officially qualified for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup that is taking place later this year.
Coach DeAveiro says he works closely with one of the members of the coaching staff of the women’s team.
“The women have done a tremendous job. The players have bought in, the best players and the best coaches are there. They’re building with their new coach and looking for success in terms of being on the podium,” he said.
DeAveiro had some thoughts about what Canada could be doing better to foster the growth of basketball here in Canada.
“On the women’s side, I would love to see a WNBA team in Toronto. I would love to see a CEBL sort of league for the women as well,” he said.
Overall, DeAveiro is excited about the future of basketball in this country.
“I think Canada is being recognized as a hotbed for basketball, Canada in 5 or 10 years is going to be a basketball powerhouse,” he said.
As for his Rams, it’s their sixth win in a row after three losses to start the season.
DeAveiro thinks this winning streak has demonstrated the progression of the team.
“They’ve bought in and they’re working hard, and they’re still getting better,” he said. “There’s still a lot of learning going on, but it’s been fun watching our team grow.”
The Ram’s next game is a rematch against the Varsity Blues this Saturday and will be played at Toronto’s Goldring Center.