The story behind the birth of the Real Toronto Basketball League

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign [00:00:03] Speaker B: welcome to the Canadian Basketball show, your go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host, Lee Ben Osman. A new basketball league in the Toronto era is brewing, backed by some of the most notable names to come out of the gta. The goal is to keep the homegrown talent from continuously leaving and giving them a place to play here. And just this past week, a pro in basketball, headlined by Canadian B guys like Dylan Brooks, Leonard Miller gave a sneak peek to what's to come with this league. And I'm joined by the guy that's behind launching the league called the Real Toronto Basketball League. He has played over a decade overseas in the UK and he's believed to be one of the first Canadians to go directly from high school to the pros. Welcome to the show, Scarborough Zone. Nick Lewis. How you doing, brother? [00:00:57] Speaker A: Yes, sir. I appreciate it, man. I appreciate everything got going on over here, man. [00:01:00] Speaker B: But tell us how you feeling after the Pro Am showcase? What's been the feedback since? [00:01:05] Speaker A: It's been great, man. It's been a lot of love and support. People can see what we have going on and you know, we're trying to get off the ground. So it's just been a lot of love and, you know, that's all we could ask for right now. [00:01:16] Speaker B: What were your expectations coming in and then seeing what the turnout of people come out? The atmosphere was amazing. I was in attendance. The people that you're able to bring out, what was your expectations coming in? Like, did you expect it to be that grand? [00:01:35] Speaker A: Honestly, I'm not, I'm not surprised at all, you know, and that's not me being cocky or confident or anything like that. It's just that, you know, the concept of what we're trying to do in terms of representing where you're from in this city on the basketball stages, it's already here, you know, it's here a long time ago. It's here before me, it's going to be here after me, you know, so the fact that we're here and we're able to bring that alive with certain people that, you know, have went through their journeys is very powerful. What we're doing. [00:02:01] Speaker B: Yeah, the league. I just had a story in Toronto Star on it. Go check it out if you haven't already. But I wanted you on this platform on the podcast to have honest convo just like on Basketball in the City. You know, what your league is planning to. To bring that I think is personally like much needed and missing and yeah, what's what gap you're filling, you know? But how did the idea. Tell me about the idea in terms of the local pro basketball league in and around Toronto come about? Like, when did it hit you? Like, I want to do this? [00:02:30] Speaker A: Yeah, I think. I think the concept for what we're trying to accomplish isn't so, like, we're trying to keep people home. Like, we're not trying to keep Canadian basketball players home. Know what I mean? We're trying to set something up that we feel, you know, basketball players deserve, and that's a home base. You know what I'm trying to say? So whether or not people want to go overseas or, you know, to the NBA, you know, it's like, dream as big as you want, go wherever you want, but no matter what, we should have our own basketball league. You know what I mean? Like, Toronto's one of the biggest cities in Canada. You know, we know where the talent's coming from. You know what I mean? There's no. There's no Canada basketball without the GTA basketball, respectfully, you know, so what we're trying to do is build a. Build a platform where players can, you know, they don't have to worry about, you know, something being there for them at home, you know, somewhere to represent, you know, what it's like for players to have, you know, siblings, even a younger brother. You know, it's like these are the type of, you know, environments we're trying to create. [00:03:27] Speaker B: Why was now the right time for this league and for you? [00:03:31] Speaker A: I think it's just. It's long overdue, you know, and I feel like we don't. I feel like high school basketball is so big here in the city, and obviously, you know, the chase to get to the. To the NBA is, you know, it's in front of everyone's face. It's. I feel like we're forgetting about different components of basketball and the business of basketball, you know, so I've been overseas for the last almost 15 years, and I've been exposed to the business side of basketball and community side of basketball. You know, I've been in the UK for so long and just seeing how they. They operate with. With football or what we call soccer. Right. It's deeply rooted in communities, and I believe we have that same type of structure that's already here in Toronto. It's just about, you know, getting the right people together and showing the community that the doors are open and we want to work with everybody. [00:04:19] Speaker B: Like you said, you left Toronto, what, when you were, like, 19 to go play pro? [00:04:23] Speaker A: Yes. [00:04:23] Speaker B: What were your options during that time and why not college for you? [00:04:29] Speaker A: Actually, a lot of people don't know. I actually did receive a scholarship to play NCAA basketball and I actually decommitted right when I found out I was able to receive my British passport to go overseas. So it was kind of like a last minute decision. And a no brainer for me at the time was either like go to school and I wasn't a big fan of school, you know, so it was either go to school or play professional basketball. And 19 year old kid from Scarborough, you know, that was, that was a no brainer for me to pack my bags and go overse. [00:04:58] Speaker B: Did you hear like many people doing it at the time and no, I [00:05:01] Speaker A: never heard of anyone doing it over time. But you know, to your professional basketball at that age, it's like, yeah, for sure. I want to be a pro right away. You know, I hear about guys like Brandon Jennings and hearing about his story leaving high school to go play pro. So it's like it wasn't super unheard of, but unheard of for like someone like me from Canada to be able to go and do that. I was like, no, I want to go do that for sure. That's what I did. [00:05:21] Speaker B: What made you think you had the chance to be successful? Because at that age it's like, you know, even though you're talented, it's like, oh, still young, you know, like you took a risk, it could have been like, oh, you could have came back, you know, like it could have. But you played over 10 years, a decade long overseas. What made you think that? Yeah, this is for me, I think [00:05:41] Speaker A: it's like, it's the confidence, you know, I know I put the work into my craft. I know the journey that I had before I made that decision. So for me is like, just get, just get me on the stage and I'll be able to do my thing, you know, I know I'm gonna be able to prove myself. So it was just a matter of just getting out there and you know, I was able to play professionally, you know, ended up starting that year, I got called up to the national team, the GB under 20 national team. So, you know, it worked out. [00:06:10] Speaker B: What did people think at that time, like when you told friends, family, I'm going to the UK to play pro, what was the reaction? Were people supportive or people were like, you're all crazy for this. [00:06:20] Speaker A: I think it was a lot of mixed react actions. [00:06:22] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:06:22] Speaker A: I mean, because it's like it's like the first to do something, you know what I mean? So it's like no one really knows what to say but it's like obviously my close people were like yo, that's sick. You know. But then you have like other people like questioning it, like where it's at. Like how did he do that? That was the main, main question. Like how did he get over there? You get, I'm trying to say. And then yeah, for me it was just, I was just the way I look at my passport has just been a blessing and an opportunity for me to be able to, you know, expand my opportunities and know, be able to go over there and do something like that. [00:06:50] Speaker B: How did you get over there? Like you talked about it, you had the citizenship but how did the conversations where it's like, okay, these pro teams are reaching out to you. Hey we got a spot for you if you want to come. How did they, how did that happen? [00:07:02] Speaker A: Yeah, well I didn't have an agent at the time but I was in contact with the agent and basically he knew some coaches out there and the opportunity was presented to me and I kind of took a gamble because it wasn't really a given either, you know what I mean? So I kind of. Basically what happened was this. I got a one way ticket, you know, me and my mom sat down, we locked in and I decommitted from the school. I got a one way ticket to go to the uk. I actually ended up at my grandparents house because they live in the uk. I didn't speak to them prior to that. Never really grew up with them. And yeah, the coach called me up, told me come to the practice and then the rest is history. [00:07:42] Speaker B: What did you know about the uk? Had you been there prior and was it a culture shock when you got there? [00:07:46] Speaker A: Oh yeah, super culture shock. Like in Canada we think they sound like their accent is a certain way but they have so many different accents, you know what I mean? So it's like I didn't understand people as soon as I got there. Definite culture shock. But I was able to fit in, you know, just being a basketball player and being a social person that I am. So it was all good. I don't have any complaints from the decision that I made. [00:08:09] Speaker B: Did you pick up an accent? [00:08:11] Speaker A: Nah. People actually ask me all the time why, why do I sound even more Toronto than before I left? [00:08:17] Speaker B: Because you're probably the only. Yeah, you're probably the only person. [00:08:19] Speaker A: Yeah, for sure. [00:08:21] Speaker B: When you got there, what was your first impressions? [00:08:25] Speaker A: I was impressed by the Basketball, to be honest, because in the league, there's a lot of guys playing, you know, they just came out of Division 1, you know, some of them high major schools, you know, so there's, there's. The way I'm thinking is that there's. There's no way. There's. There's a reason for me to regret my decision if, you know, the same journey that I wanted to go on, which was the D1 path. You know what I mean? Some players still ended up in the same league as me, same teams, you know, same room as me. So it's like, like I said, it's a blessing, almost a. Not really a shortcut, just a different route to get to the same destination. [00:08:55] Speaker B: Yeah. What'd you learn about overseas basketball right away? That you're like, this is not like Toronto. This is not like college from what maybe you're hearing from friends. This is like you're a pro. This is the lifestyle. And how did you adjust to that? [00:09:09] Speaker A: I think the biggest adjustment was that there's. There's no room for error. Like, there's no room for, you know, the mistakes that you're. You're able to make at a, you know, a younger stage, whether that's a high school or NCAA level, at a professional level, like, there's an expectation, and if you don't meet that expectation, there's no room for you. There's no second chances, there's no, okay, we're going to give you time to get better. Like, I've seen some guys get cut within a week, you know, sent back home, packing, no job, jobless. Some players retire after that, you know what I mean? So it's a real system, and a lot of players aren't aware of that until they get there. [00:09:45] Speaker B: What'd you learn about yourself, like, right away? Because I'm guessing it's like you talked about a culture shock. I'm guessing it was like, away from home, new country, new people. What did you learn about yourself early on that was like, either that you had to adjust to or was like, I'm built for this. [00:10:03] Speaker A: I think honestly, for me personally, just growing up the way I did, like, I. I come from, like, all areas of Scarborough, you know what I mean? So for me, I was mentally and physically built for this, you know, I'm trying to say so it's like when I went out there, it was more so just getting a job done, you know, like waking up more of like a. In a militant mind state, you know, I'm trying to say so I don't think it was more of a, what did I learn about myself? It was more of like, how can I make myself better? You know what I mean? How could I become a better basketball player under different circumstances? And, you know, schedules might be a little bit different out there, so accessibility is definitely, definitely different out there. So it's just about making certain adjustments to being the best player that I could be. Yeah. [00:10:41] Speaker B: You played for what clubs in London, Manchester, Sheffield? Am I forgetting others? [00:10:47] Speaker A: I just finished up playing with Yorkshire Dragons. [00:10:49] Speaker B: What was your favorite spot? [00:10:50] Speaker A: My favorite spot so far, to be honest, I don't have a favorite spot. Like, I love all three teams that I've played for the same. I started up my own business out there. I have my own basketball club called Dream Chasers. We're based in Sheffield. We have a basketball training program called Youth Sports Pathway. So I train kids all over the place, so my heart's all over the place. I say, I spent five years in Sheffield, which is the longest time that I spent with the team. So I have a big heart for Sheffield. So a lot of my. My people out there, my close friends are out there. So Sheffield is definitely somewhere that probably put at the top of the list. [00:11:31] Speaker B: Yeah. What did that experience kind of like teach you about what maybe Canadian players are missing here and, like, talking about the league itself? But would you realize when you got there, you're like, damn, I wish we had this back home. I wish people that I knew got this opportunity. [00:11:49] Speaker A: No. 100%. That's a good point. Because what I will say is this, like, for Canadians, like, we're known in the basketball world to, like, belt to ass. Like, we're known for, you know what I mean, Getting on the court and, you know what I mean, Putting up numbers, like, second most Canadians in the league, you know, I'm trying to say. And that's. That's. That's in the NBA and that's overseas as well, too. You talk to guys from all over the world, you ask any guy playing international basketball, they know someone from Canada, more specifically Toronto. You know, I'm trying to say. So we have that representation, you know, so, yeah, I think it's. I think it's one of those where we understand that there's international basketball everywhere, but if you really look at it, every other country has their own domestic basketball leagues. You know what I mean? So the way I look at it is, like, how come we don't have our own, you know? And when I first went to the uk, there might have been A couple other Canadians before me. But after that, just, you know, that's when things really started, started coming through the door in terms of, you know, players younger than me coming over to the uk So I really think it's just something that we need here. We need a domestic basketball league that carries on for the full season from October to April. [00:12:56] Speaker B: Why do you think there wasn't like, I'm guessing you talked to stakeholders, you talked to people before considering doing this. The nbl, Canada had its thing, but that folded. Now they're part of like, some basketball super league candidates in the US And Canada. But why do you think, like, from talking to people and like understanding the landscape here, why do you think there. There hasn't been a league that runs like a city, like, league that runs, like you said, from October, September to the spring? [00:13:25] Speaker A: I think, I think someone just hasn't really thought of it, to be honest. Just because we're, like I said before, we're so heavily focused on, you know, high school basketball. And, you know, I say junior basketball and grassroots basketball is of course there, you know, but I think the, the focus is on, you know, people out here trying to get somebody to the, to the next stage, which is the NBA. You know, there's a lot of dream sellers out here, you know, I'm trying to say so I don't know. But at the same time, too, it's like, I don't really care. You know what I mean? I know that our time is now and we got a good group of people that are focused on the right vision and the right path. And, you know, we're coming up with different ways to not guarantee, but we're going to come as close as we can to guarantee to, you know, be able to help a young basketball player from Toronto be able to get to the next stage. [00:14:18] Speaker B: You talked about it. High school, prep school scene has completely blown up here. You know, we got teams in Canada that go to the States constantly to play top competitions. Programs are now paying kids. [00:14:32] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:14:33] Speaker B: To play here. Crazy. Never thought we'd see that. What was that like for you growing up in high school basketball here? And what have you seen changed and in that aspect. [00:14:44] Speaker A: Yeah, basketball has obviously erupted since, you know, I was in high school. I was in high school in 2010 playing for Pope John Paul. [00:14:54] Speaker B: Who are you going up against? [00:14:56] Speaker A: We're going up against, you know, Henry Carr. We're going against, you know, Eastern Commerce. You know, those are the days. Oakwood. [00:15:03] Speaker B: Those are the days. [00:15:04] Speaker A: Pickering High School. So I think I'm Coming from a generation of basketball that's more similar to, like, European style of basketball. So what we had back in the day, which is OBA basketball, right, is your. You had your Blessed sacrament, your Scarborough Blues, you know, your Durham City Bulldogs, Brampton Blue Devils, Mississauga Monarchs. So, like, these are the powerhouses in the gta, right? This is before the prep school era. So that's similar to, like, European style of basketball. The only thing that we didn't have was the professional men's stage. So, like, there wasn't a Scarborough Blues men's team, you get, I'm trying to say. But we had everything from under 18s down all the way to, I think, like 6 years old or 5 years old, right? Whatever novice age is, I think it's like 9 or 10, actually. So what we're trying to do now is bring the concept of, you know, community basketball back. But at the same time, too, we're trying to have the highest level of basketball, which is professional basketball, right? So we're trying to complete basketball here because, like I said, it's already here. But it takes the right people to do something like this. And I feel like that's what we put together. [00:16:10] Speaker B: Tell me about that. When the idea came, who was the first people you ran it by and what made you want to start this and be like, no, now I'm going to do it. And surround yourself with the people that have, like, we talked about it, people that have left a lasting impact in basketball in the gta. [00:16:30] Speaker A: Yeah. I think Devol Joseph and Anthony Bennett were the two guys that I first called. And what was that conversation? The conversation was really just, you know, like, this is. This is what we need. And to be honest, like, that's. That's not even just them two. That's the. That's the whole staff down the board. It's like we all understand it. So the conversations weren't long. You get what I'm trying to say? It's like, let's come together. Let's. Let's put this together. Let's put something great together for the city, for basketball and for the next generation. And, you know, let's make it count. Let's make it meaningful. Let's prove a point. You know what I mean? Because it's like, there's no real home for us for basketball players. It's after you graduate from high school at 18 years old, it's either you're getting a scholarly, you're going D1, right. Or you're going pro, or it's off to the Brody League for you. You get what I'm trying to say? Respectfully, right? If you're not getting a scholarship, shout [00:17:24] Speaker B: out to the Brody League. [00:17:24] Speaker A: Shout out to the Brody League. [00:17:26] Speaker B: Make it look like it's a proper league. [00:17:28] Speaker A: But you're right, it's levels to basketball. No disrespect to the Brody League. You see what I'm trying to say, but this is what I mean. I believe there's. I believe there's pros in the Brody League right now. Yeah, yeah, I believe there's actual pros in the Broly League right now that could potentially be getting money and, you [00:17:41] Speaker B: know, but now they got to pay to be in that league, which is. [00:17:46] Speaker A: We're the only country that's moving like that. [00:17:48] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:17:48] Speaker A: Spain has a hundred thousand basketball leagues. Italy, you know what I mean? I could name all the countries. They all have it. Australia. [00:17:57] Speaker B: And we got none. [00:17:58] Speaker A: You know what I mean? So it's like you said, why didn't anyone do that before? I want to know the same thing. You get what I mean? But it's too late now. You know what I mean? Now it's like, okay, this is what we have going on now. The door's open. We're establishing ourselves and we want to work with people. We're not here for the gatekeeping and the blackballing, and we don't represent that. We represent fair basketball. If you're from a certain area, it's like you'll get in contact with us. We want you to represent where you're from. You know, we want to work with you in any capacity. [00:18:27] Speaker B: You know what's been that reception too, because we could talk about it. I find Toronto to be a very evilized city, unfortunately. You know, where it's like a lot of people can come together and make one thing beautiful happen, but there's always competing interests, you know, and you got to charge that to the game. Right. It's like some people want to do their own thing. [00:18:49] Speaker A: What. [00:18:49] Speaker B: What's been the process when you started this? The feedback and like the support. Do you feel like people are like really getting behind us and then also, what's it been like trying to juggle? You talked about it. So you don't. When I chat with you for the story in the Toronto Star, you said you only want to come back if you could do something big. You know, this is big. What's been that reception? Do you feel like the city has embraced it? [00:19:11] Speaker A: Yeah, 100 the city's embrace it with open arms. Because like I said, like, everyone knows we deserve this, you know, so it's like, when they hear the idea now, it's like, okay, this makes sense. And that's. That's what I've gotten 100 of the time. You know what I mean? Because, like I said, we're not creating new concepts here. You know, professional basketball is not a new concept. Representing where you're from is not a new concept, right? So back to the point of, you know, when you talk about people in Toronto, you know, getting in the room and be able to create something great, right? It's. It's either you have the right people in the room, or you got the wrong people in the room. And sometimes all it takes is one wrong person to make that good room wrong. You see what I'm trying to say? [00:19:50] Speaker B: Y. [00:19:51] Speaker A: But for me, my focus is on gathering the right people, right? And that's what we did. And it wasn't just about the right people. It's like, who. Who are the credible people? So when you talk about Toronto basketball, like, for me, respectfully, there's a lot of people in the basketball world in Toronto that have, I think, somewhat of authority in terms of youth basketball that I feel like aren't credible basketball. Resourceful people that didn't live through it like you guys did, they didn't walk the walk. They didn't. You know what I mean? They didn't. Some of them didn't even play on the high school basketball team. You get, I'm trying to say, and for me, it's levels to basketball. I'm all for volunteers. I'm all for, you know, giving back to the community and coaching basketball. That's beautiful. I love that. But then there's levels to that, right? It's like, what do you do with a player that's, you know, better than the beginner stage of basketball? Do you keep them at that stage, or do you create a new environment for them so that they can elevate and get to the next stage? You see what I mean? So for me, it's about, you know, being able to have credible people that have been through it, that have walked it, that have lived it. You know, be a part of a new system where people don't have to figure things out. In Toronto, you got to figure out who's good and who's bad. You get what I'm trying to say? Yep. [00:20:59] Speaker B: It takes a while. [00:21:01] Speaker A: Why a lot of places aren't like that. [00:21:03] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:21:04] Speaker A: You know what I mean? [00:21:05] Speaker B: Talking about credible people. Tell me about the Resume a devote Joseph, a guy that's the president, right, of this league. What do you remember early memories of devoe Joseph coming up and he's your right hand in this project and I couldn't think of somebody better, you know, just tell me about DeVoe, his legacy in the city and what made him the right person to be your right hand. [00:21:28] Speaker A: He's an icon, man. He's the goat, right? So it's like for me growing up watching him play for Scarborough Blues. I play for Scarborough Blues as well too. I'm about three years, three, four years younger than DeVoe. It's like, it's almost like he's selling out gyms in, you know, high school basketball. Not almost like he, he was selling out the gyms, you know, I'm trying to say. So for me that was a no brainer. And you know, we were both on the team for Shooting Star, so, you know, like we were roommates sometimes, you know, that's, that's my guy right there. So it's like, why, why wouldn't he be the president of something to happen in GTA basketball? He's got the full resume, you know, no one's going to question DeVoe's story. I can't, I can't. I wouldn't even dare question DeVoe's story, you know, so if we talk about, you know, somebody being in a position to have say about, you know, how does the next kid from the GTA get to the next door? Why wouldn't we listen to devoe Joseph, you get what I'm trying to say? So making him the president and asking him to be a part of this is serious. And if you were there at the game on Sunday, you know, DeVos Joseph is serious about this basketball league, you know, I'm trying to say Devote Joseph was putting in work, making sure, you know, everything was going smoothly, you know, talking to, talking to the right people. People are coming up to him left, right and center. So it's a blessing for us to have devote Joseph be a part of this basketball league. [00:22:46] Speaker B: Yeah, he was a busy man on Sunday being pulled in different directions. What? He's an icon. Like we talked about it. Shout out to my guy, Tyler Murray. Man, I still wish, you know, that side didn't happen, you know, but tough one. [00:22:59] Speaker A: I was in the gym too. [00:23:00] Speaker B: What was the atmosphere during that time? What do you remember? [00:23:02] Speaker A: Man, it's crazy. I don't know if I don't know this what I'm, this is what I mean. I don't Know, if Toronto basketball, like, we've seen, we've seen big games, you know what I mean? But that type of shot during, during that era, you know what I mean? Like, you just, you just had to be there. It was just one of those moments, you know, like that, that, that shot just shook the city. [00:23:17] Speaker B: Why do you think, like, that type of atmosphere, like, maybe doesn't exist anymore? Because I go to high school games, I watch these teams, and my inkling is like, there's no more of this. Like, you're not playing for your neighborhood anymore. You know, like, I had Roy ran on. He was like, you know, people that went to certain schools, you went to that school because you're from that community, you know, now you're going to different programs and you're not from there. You could be coming from a completely different province, playing for that. What do you think that atmosphere is missing? [00:23:51] Speaker A: We're. We're skipping steps. We're skipping steps in this city because we're, we're focusing on the wrong things. And it's like we can be focusing on a lot more things, but I feel like in this city, we're, we're deciding to, you know, there's a bunch of clout chasing demons that are basketball coaches, you know what I mean? And to me, that's not, that's not. It's not right, but it's not wrong. You know, I'm trying to say at the same time, because like I said, I'm all for people coaching basketball. Get. I'm trying to say, but once you start directing people now, now it's like, I wouldn't, I wouldn't give advice to somebody. I wouldn't give medical advice to somebody because I'm not a doctor. You get what I'm trying to say? So it's like some of. We got. We got a lot of parents in the city that are listening to coaches that, that haven't been to where they're trying to guide people to. You get. I'm trying to say. So to me, that's like, I want to ensure. I want to ensure that people are getting the right information and that they're getting it from credible people. Yeah. [00:24:44] Speaker B: Another guy, incredible guy. You have part of this league, the commissioner, Anthony Bennett, the first overall pick from Canada. What was it like getting him on board and why was it so important? Anthony Bennett? I mean, that's your history with him. [00:24:57] Speaker A: Yeah, that's my. That's my bro right there. I've been. I played against Anthony Bennett from the time I was like 12 years old. We became teammates for Team Ontario. U15, U17, CIA bounce, you know, that's my brother right there, you know. So I think the conversation was more so about just getting him to understand, like, what we need from him, you know what I mean? Like, he's, he, he's so special to Canada basketball, you know what I mean? Like, he, he's a, he broke all the rules in terms of, you know, a Canadian is not supposed to get drafted number one, but he really did that shit, you know, I'm trying to say. And it's like I, I have the utmost respect for him and I know Canada basketball has the utmost respect for him because, you know, besides Andrew Wiggins, no one can really say they did, they did that, you know, I'm trying to say. So getting Anthony Bennett on board is, is very powerful, you know, because he has a story to tell, you know, and, and I know he's going to do that on his own time. And, and at the same time, too, he helps out a lot of people as well, too. And he's still playing, right? So getting him on board is special. We're happy to have him and we're blessed to have him on board. [00:26:02] Speaker B: How many Canadians do you feel like maybe are forced. Not forced, not the right word, but without the league or like now with the league. Sorry, without the league, we're forced to go overseas every year, but wanted to stay home. You know, it's like, if the Toronto. If your basketball league existed, I want to stay home, but weren't afforded the opportunity. How many people do you feel like over the years have maybe lost that opportunity or had to go chase an opportunity overseas? [00:26:33] Speaker A: Man, we can't put a number on that. We're talking about hundreds of thousands of players, you know what I mean? Because the way I look at it like this, like there's, there's smaller countries out there in the world that have professional basketball leagues. And it's like, I'll, I'll go to, I'll go to a park downtown, shout out splash to these guys, keep me entertained on Instagram. Like, I'll go to the park, pick five players out there and bring them to overseas country in a professional basketball league. And I. It's going to be a good game, I believe, like Toronto, like, we just have natural talent. Like, we play basketball differently, like our guard plays different, you know what I'm trying to say? So I believe we have the talent, but there's just been no representation. There's just been no structure. Whereas, like, the other countries, they have the structure, they have history. Some leagues, look at the Euro League. Like some of these clubs have been around for, you know, 100 plus years. [00:27:20] Speaker B: Yeah. You talked about you play professionally built programs, businesses. How did all those kind of experiences, like, prepare you for this now? [00:27:29] Speaker A: And just navigating this league, it's everything in one. To be honest. Like straight up, I probably started being like a entrepreneur in the sports industry, in the basketball world maybe eight, nine years ago. And like I said, I wasn't coming back home until I wanted to do something at the highest level. And to be honest, professional basketball league wasn't something that I always had in mind. But just understanding the market and understanding, you know, what, what people need here in the city and what I believe, like, could solve some issues. Like, there's no better time than to start something like this right now. So it's all my experiences, a lot of my resources, like, everything put into one. [00:28:10] Speaker B: Were there any like, massive challenges or like, roadblocks from like getting this like underway started that you were like trying to navigate early on? That was like, okay, let me figure this out. But like, how was that, like getting us started? And the roadblocks, were there any huge ones? [00:28:31] Speaker A: No, no roadblocks. Like, this is, this is, this is very special to me and it's very special to everyone else around me. You know what I mean? So when you have something special in the room and everyone's on the same page, there's the roadblocks might be like on game day, you know, a microphone wasn't working for a little bit. Right. We eventually got it working. [00:28:51] Speaker B: Oh, was it? I didn't even notice. [00:28:52] Speaker A: That's what I'm saying. Right. So it's like it wasn't working, but it's like that's. [00:28:56] Speaker B: That. [00:28:56] Speaker A: That's the biggest roadblock that I faced so far. You know, everything else has been. It's been amazing. You know, the love and support has been real. Everyone understands what's going on and we're only getting even more people interested, you know, so there hasn't been any roadblocks. And, you know, if there is, then I'm sure we'll be able to deal with this smoothly. [00:29:13] Speaker B: Yeah. Is there something that people don't realize about like starting a pro league that you're not, you won't realize it unless you're doing it, that you realized it's [00:29:23] Speaker A: a lot of work for sure, but it's not something that you can just do. And the way we're doing this is like the average person can't do this. You know what I mean? Like, this is a special formula right here, right? So it's like if you. It's something, you can't replicate this. You can't find me another devault Joseph. Find me another Anthony Bennett. You know what I mean? That's how I'm looking at it. [00:29:45] Speaker B: Yeah. Let's get into the nitty gritty. How are you sort of structuring the league coming up for this season, how franchises are going to work? Tell me how that idea came about and, like, structuring. You got what, six teams, right? I'm looking at, and I've told you this. Personally, I love that it's representing places where I feel like basketball is very prominent in the city. In the gta, you got teams in Scarborough, Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, Durham, and where I'm from, downtown dt, Downtown Toronto. Tell me about that. Having those six teams. Why was it so important and what those maybe communities mean to basketball in the city. [00:30:24] Speaker A: I mean, I grew up playing in all those places as well, too, you know, like I said, playing OBA basketball, I played against all these clubs, right. I traveled. I traveled from Scarborough to all these different places. And I know people from all these different places. And not just know, like, I have actual friendships, you know, relationships, history with. With. With people, you know. So I think us having that six, like those six franchises, it. It represents. It represents all of the gta. It represents the. The togetherness that we're about to show. [00:30:55] Speaker B: Yeah. And what I like about it too, is like, to me, it's very neighborhood driven. Right. How excited are you just about the rivalries it will create? Like, when you have a Dillon Brooks come out from Mississauga, you could just see, like, he was amped to, you know, like it meant everything for him just to. To make sure Mississauga came out with the win, you know? Tell me about that, the rivalry maybe you're hoping to create with this league, where I feel like it's sort of been missing. Right? [00:31:24] Speaker A: Yeah. No, for sure. First of all, we're gonna get a rematch on that game. [00:31:27] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. Hey, Scott. [00:31:29] Speaker A: We're gonna get a rematch on that game. Now. That's what I mean. Like, it's. That's. That's everything, you know, and shout out to Dylan for. For pulling up, you know, I know that's Cody. Cody, John's boy, Naz's boy. Like, those are. Those are my guys. You know, I paid CIA bounce. I've. I've watched these guys play basketball 15, 20 years ago. You know what I mean? So I think it's. It's. It's. It's special. It's. It's what we're missing. And, you know, it's more of a reason to go hard. You know, you want. You want to go hard for, you know, if you're from downtown, if you're from Scarborough, it doesn't matter where you're from, you know, but you want to put, you know, where you're from on the front of that. On the front of that jersey. [00:32:02] Speaker B: Yeah, they were stacked, though, I'll be honest. Those guys played together for how many years, too, you know? [00:32:06] Speaker A: For sure. For sure. And that's what I mean. It's like, we want to be able to showcase that, you know, like Mississauga, like, they. Like Cody John, like, those guys, you know, they have a good team. They. David Tyndale's their coach. You know, you got his little bro that's, you know, is shaking up the world right now. Yeah. You know, so this is just another reason for us to. Platform. To put our players on a bigger platform. [00:32:25] Speaker B: Yeah. Shout out to JVON Tindo. We had him on the podcast not too long ago. I was gonna ask you this. You might be a bit biased, though. What neighborhood produces the best talent? If you're gonna say Scarborough, you gotta give me a second one. [00:32:38] Speaker A: I gotta give you a second one. [00:32:39] Speaker B: But tell me, why Scarborough? Why do you feel like Scarborough produced the best talent? Cause I feel like that's your answer, right? [00:32:44] Speaker A: Yeah, for sure. That's my answer. [00:32:45] Speaker B: Why? [00:32:45] Speaker A: Scarborough is just basketball. For me personally, growing up, playing basketball in Scarborough has just been the. The toughness in the mindset. You know what I mean? The toughness and the mindset just in terms of. Everyone just wants to be the best, and people can say that everywhere. I can only speak about where I'm from. You know, people from Scarborough, we have that nitty gritty, and you don't have to ask about it. [00:33:06] Speaker B: Yeah. What's. Second? Second, you might have to give Mississauga the flowers after that. [00:33:14] Speaker A: You're right about that. I probably will give it to Mississauga. You know, like, some guys, they do have a lot of guys, to be honest. You know, and it's like, I feel like in terms of the neighborhood stuff, it's like we need to create more of an environment like that, and that's what the real Toronto basketball is for. You know, this is. We want younger kids in our neighborhood to be able to say, one day, I want to be A professional basketball player playing in my neighborhood. You know what I'm trying to say? Like we had kids, you know, asking for autographs after the game saying they wanted to play for Scarborough's team after the. Playing for Scarborough's team when they get older or Mississauga's team when they get older. Like that's what we're trying to contribute to. [00:33:51] Speaker B: When is the league expected to start? Can you give us details on that and what people can expect? And I know we were chatting earlier about potential games and you also have this model that we'll get into, but two different teams for each club where there's going to be a pro team and there's going to be a under 23 team. Can you explain that format, just having two teams? Why was it so necessary and what you're hoping to bridge between those two teams? [00:34:21] Speaker A: Yeah, so the official season is going to launch in October. We're just finalizing the dates for that. But yeah, we're going to have two levels to the platform, to the ecosystem. So we're going to have the professional league and then we're going to have the feeder league, which is the under 23 men's basketball league. So the under 23 league is very special to me because this is how we're going to give, you know, young players more opportunities, you know, whether that's them staying here and playing. But you know, we're working with, we have our own agency for the players and we're working with agents in Canada, overseas in the States as well too, because, you know, some players, they want to go other places. Some players actually have demands if people actually cared, you know, I'm trying to say, like some players want to go certain places. You know, we're usually sitting around waiting for our phone to ring, you know, but some players have an idea, you know, so it's like we want to, we want to do the groundwork for some of the players at the under 23 level. But before all that, we actually have, still have our summer stuff coming up. So we actually have our next game set up which is going to be Downtown versus Durham on the 29th of August. [00:35:27] Speaker B: You might need to get me on staff. [00:35:28] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't worry, man. Come on, this is open door policy, man. But yeah, we got downtown versus Durham on the 29th and that's going to be at Uchenna, so. Nice. That's going to be a, that's going to be a great game. I know Malcolm, Malcolm Duvivier is the GM for downtown and we got JaVal miles, the GM for the Durham franchise. So I know both guys are going to bring out great players. And back to what you're saying about the under 23 platform. So, yeah, it's two different leagues. You know, we're set up the under 23 league to give more players opportunities. You know, there's. There's not enough scholarships in Canada, if there even is any. I'm still trying to understand Canadian basketball and youth sports and OCAA and all this stuff, but, you know, we just need to have more, more opportunities and outlets for the players. So that's what the under 23 system is all about. Because you got to think about it, not think about all the players on the high school teams. Right. Or under. What is that? Under 17 or senior basketball. There's not enough scholarships. Getting to NCAA is even harder. [00:36:31] Speaker B: Very tough. Especially with the, the juco eligibility rules. [00:36:35] Speaker A: Yeah, so the game's changing. NCAA, right. Rules are changing over there. And then we got you sports. There's only a few openings up every single year. So like you said before, you know, players are getting, I guess, dropped off too early. You know what I mean? So we're, we're saying no, we're gonna create a new system and we're gonna allow you to extend that basketball career of yours. You know, come play over here. We're gonna see what we can do for you. [00:37:00] Speaker B: You know, have you have conversations with esports or you mentioned OCA and like, what's. Would you want to have conversations with them just about what your league could provide them? Because I see it as like maybe development tool where it's like, say my guy's not playing or getting minutes on a U Sports roster. Come play in our league, you know, and we will implement sort of what you want from them in order to get those minutes. Is there any hope to maybe incorporate some of those guys that are maybe riding the end of the bench on those type of rosters? [00:37:34] Speaker A: I'm happy you said that because that's a, that's a point that we've brought up already. You know, like our door is fully open to work with anybody and everybody, you know, as long as the, the player's interest is first and, you know, we're willing to sit down with, with whoever to create a, a certain type of pathway or outlet for, for players to continue playing basketball at the highest level. And like you said, there are players at the end of the bench that, you know, may not see the court, you know, so it's either you're just going to keep them on the bench or, you know, you're going to allow them to get more exposure, you know, more competition, more opportunities. Because we want to see those players become pros. Every player that's playing at the collegiate level wants to be a professional or they wouldn't be there, you know what I mean? So I think now it's just a matter of, you know, us being able to present that to youth sports and, you know, other platforms like that and say, hey, this is what we can offer for those type of players and, and hopefully they, they, they get on board with us. [00:38:25] Speaker B: Yeah, and I know we chat about this first league, first year's proof of concept. You. Right, tell me how, in terms of. Because everyone's going to ask about the money aspect, right? How are we going to play these guys, that kind of stuff. How do you eventually cross that path and make sure some of these players get what they're worth? [00:38:43] Speaker A: Yeah, I believe, I believe the, I believe Toronto is going to come through for the basketball league. That's what I would say. You know what I mean? We got the right, we got the right staff, we got the right people advocating for the basketball league. We know how to do good business, you know, So I believe Toronto is going to come through for the basketball league. But like I said, this is, this is a league for the city. So the, the community is definitely forefront of this basketball league. And I'll say here on this podcast, like I said, we're willing to work with anybody and everybody, you know, as long as, you know, basketball, sports and community and positivity is your interest, then, you know, we can grow together in [00:39:20] Speaker B: terms of, like, ownership groups potentially getting in the mix, that kind of stuff. Is there something you're looking for them in specific to be like, yeah, we want you on board. Is it just like you talked about it, the people that you have involved in this all have some sort of connection, background with basketball. What are you looking for when it comes to ownership groups? Because some people on the business side can come to you and be like, hey, we have this idea, but like you said, I want the right people around. But what are you looking for when it comes to, like, potential ownership groups? [00:39:46] Speaker A: Yeah, no, for sure. We're always, we're always looking to work with the right people in terms of, you know, the real Toronto basketball league and in terms of ownership. Yes, we are going to open up the door for, for, for ownership. And we've been talking with potential sponsors for league GMs, been in talk in Contact with, you know, their own personal relationships that they have with potential sponsors and, and you know, the doors open for branding and things like that. So the door's open for everybody. So we're getting that, we're getting that in motion. 100. [00:40:14] Speaker B: Is there something you've learned from like maybe other successful leagues that you've played in, playing in the UK that you learned that like, you know what? I like this model and I want to bring it to Toronto. [00:40:24] Speaker A: Yeah, I think, I think really it's just international basketball. It's nothing crazy, you know what I mean? I think it's crazier for us to not have what everybody else has, considering the talent that we produce year after year, you know, so we start with the neighborhood concept of basketball and we grow it from there. [00:40:41] Speaker B: I want to ask you too, because people are going to be asking, okay, we got the CBL, the IRAs. What's different? Obviously completely different summer league in that. What do you feel like is this difference when it comes to the CBL in your league? [00:40:55] Speaker A: Well, the main difference being they, they operate at a different time than us, you know, like they're, they're a summer basketball league. We're looking to operate during the full full term of basketball, which is, you know, from the fall to the late spring. So I also think too, at the same time, it's like, it's a, I don't feel like Canadians are safe in the, in the CEBL basketball league. You know what I mean? I feel like it's a, it's a very American driven basketball league. That's no disrespect. But at the same time too, there might be only a few player, few Canadian players that are safe in that, in that basketball league. You know, I'm trying to say from a basketball perspective, you know, I feel like Americans have, our Americans have more of a place that, in that basketball league in terms of, you know, their spot is safe. But besides that, I feel like there's room for everybody. At the same time, you know, if CBL knocked on my door tomorrow asking to work with me, I know for sure accept and you know, as long as the players interests are first and we put the Canadiens first, you know what I mean? It's like we need to have a home base. That's how I'm looking at it. [00:42:01] Speaker B: They have now, I believe I had Victor Rasso on the show and he complained about the import rule. Now they have what, five? Basically half the roster could be international players. Some people don't like it, some people Are like, what can we do? Like, we want to compete, and we want to get people from the States, that kind of stuff. How do you feel? Like, what are your thoughts on the import rule in the cbl? And I'm guessing your league is going to be all Canadian from my understanding, right? [00:42:28] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah, for sure. I think for us, yeah, for sure. Our league is going to be a Canadian basketball league. I think for the cbl, them having five imports is like, that's. That's their own decision. You know what I mean? I don't think it's good. I don't think it's bad. You get. I'm trying to say it's like, what are they trying to accomplish? You know? [00:42:45] Speaker B: Like, they're. [00:42:45] Speaker A: They. They're very good at marketing basketball. You know what I mean? So if. If they believe that bringing in, you know, American big names is. Is good for their league, then so be it, you know? But I know what's good for our league, and that's by representing the Canadian basketball players that have grown up playing basketball here their whole life. [00:43:06] Speaker B: Yeah. How important is it, too, like, having kids grow up cheering for a team in their community? You know, like, you're gonna have kids, maybe come out and be like, I'll be honest. The jerseys that you have for Scarborough, Tough Mississauga. [00:43:22] Speaker A: I appreciate that. [00:43:23] Speaker B: You know, like, the jerseys. I'm like, I haven't seen these type of jerseys in a while, you know. Tell me about that. Just like, having. Being rooted in the community and having the people that have a reach, you know, I'm saying that are part of that community. [00:43:38] Speaker A: Yeah, it's everything. It's everything to me, specifically me, because I've been overseas since I was 19 years old. And I think one word that describes what we're trying to do and what's not here and what I've been a part of is accessibility. So after the game on Sunday, it's like, I just, you know, stood there for a minute and was just witnessing everything. And just to see the, you know, the younger players and the younger kids just, you know, run up to all the players, whether it's Leonard or Dylan, you know, any of. Any of the guys that were on the team, even Tyndale, you know what I mean? So it's one of those where it's like, I really appreciate the whole setup that we had, because, who knows, we might have inspired one of those kids to, you know, become a professional basketball player that day. You know what I mean? So for me, it's a matter of, you know, being able to put players right in front of the community, right? Because growing up, you know, some, some people growing up don't even have the chance to go to watch the Toronto Raptors game. You get, I'm trying to say, never mind. Go on the same court as them, get their autograph signed. You get, I'm trying to say. So I've been around that and I, I know how that works, right? Like I said, I have my own basketball club. The youngest kid that I train overseas is like five, six years old, you know, so I understand how kids get inspired and I understand, you know, how to set things up for them. So us, us having a league that's visible in the communities and throwing in sick jerseys on top of that only makes it better. You know what I mean? It gives kids more of a positive reason to represent their community. I want to do something positive with their life. [00:45:09] Speaker B: I think that's important. What you said, like, some kids don't get to go to a rapper's game, you know, they're going to be able to come to your game instead, right? Where I had so many friends that didn't go to Raptors game until they were what, 16, 17, when they could finally get a job and like afford tickets in the 300, the Sprite zones, like cheap tickets. I was lucky to like, watch what Vince Carter back in the day when they played the Raptors when he was on the Nets. And that's where my love for basketball, like, grew, you know, I was like, this is. I want to do this, you know, even though I realized I'm not gonna be an NBA player, I wanna be involved some type of way, you know, what does it say, like, you're bringing NBA guys that are arm's reach, you know, where they can go take a photo with Dylan, like you talked about. What's it like having the back end of those guys? Cause from my understanding too, the people that are GMs that are around the league all have. Are a phone call away from Dylan Brooks, our phone call away from Leonard Miller. All these guys that you have involved with the league have a reach to these NBA players. [00:46:16] Speaker A: Yeah, it's serious, you know what I mean? It's very powerful, you know. And like you said, all the GMs are able to, you know, pick up their phone and call somebody that can make, you know, something happen or somebody that's, you know, credible, like an NBA player. You get, I'm trying to say so I think us having that type of staff is. Allows the league to, you know, be a credible league. But again, having guys like Dylan Brooks and Leonard Miller, you know, come and represent their own communities in the summertime is, it's huge. But I think what Toronto is missing is, like I said, we sometimes we focus on the wrong things, right. And sometimes we, we miss certain aspects. So I feel like we miss, we're missing out on the levels of basketball here in Toronto. And that's what we're presenting. Right. There's international players all over the place, but what is an international player? Right. There's, there's beginner stages of professional basketball in Europe, Asia, wherever you want. And then there's the euroleague, which is the second highest level of basketball in the world. And we have the, we have, we have all players from all over the place. Right. So what we're creating is room for, for our own space, you know, so we're trying to shed light on the fact that players in Toronto are so talented, you know, they're so talented that we need more of a professional space for the talent that we already have. [00:47:34] Speaker B: Yeah. If, say a 16 year old from Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan or Mississauga say they're listening to this interview and they always believed I got to leave Canada to go chase my dreams, what do you want them to know? Just about what you're trying to build. [00:47:52] Speaker A: I want them to know that if they're 16, 17 right now, that in the future there's, there's going to be a place for them and Toronto basketball is going to have more of a representation at the highest level, which is the professional stage. But I also want them to know that, you know, everything is not always as it seems. You know what I mean? It's like I'm the biggest advocate to chase your dreams, but at the same time too, you got to be realistic with yourself. And I feel like that point gets that, that message gets missed, you know, when it comes to people trying to guide the next generation, you know what I mean? People don't tell them to also be realistic. It's always just chase your dream, chase your dream, chase your dream. You know what I mean? Sometimes you got to lay out what's real, what are your opportunities right there in front of you. Because I could tell a bunch of stories about guys that have missed their opportunities chasing the wrong thing, you know? So I feel like we're, we're, we're setting up something for the, for the future, but at the same time too, like we're setting up something for Toronto and Canada as well. Yeah. [00:48:50] Speaker B: Say we're sitting maybe five years from now. What does success look like for you with the league? [00:48:56] Speaker A: Success for the league five years from now? Maybe, I think, I think maybe having more, more franchises involved, for sure. More people involved and just, just basketball. Just, you know, I want to be. I want to be known across the world. I want this basketball league to be known internationally. I want international players to be begging to come play in this basketball league because we're doing such a good job of it. Yeah. [00:49:19] Speaker B: Anything else, Nick Lewis? I feel we covered a lot. I'm excited. [00:49:23] Speaker A: We did. [00:49:23] Speaker B: You mentioned a game again later this month. October is the start date. Sometime in October. We'll find out soon. And just the idea of it, I feel like it's much needed, you know what I'm saying? And I can't thank you enough for jumping on. And how can people find you, find the league, get involved if they want to. What's. What's the way? [00:49:45] Speaker A: Yeah. I appreciate you having me here, man. Our Instagram page is the real Toronto basketball and our email is info herealtoronto.com and like I said, our doors are open. We're looking to work with potential sponsors, investors. Our, the ownership. Ownership groups are opening up, you know, so we're looking at, we're looking to take this league to, to the furthest level possible. [00:50:06] Speaker B: One thing I need from you. I need the merch. I need a sweater. [00:50:09] Speaker A: I got you. [00:50:09] Speaker B: All right? [00:50:10] Speaker A: I got you, brother. [00:50:11] Speaker B: And then I need. I need a downtown jersey. [00:50:14] Speaker A: Oh, don't, don't say a word. I got you. I'm gonna rock it on the podcast. 29th. I got you. You'll have it, bro. Don't worry. [00:50:20] Speaker B: My guy, Nick Lewis, the real Toronto Basketball League. Tap in if you haven't already. It's gonna be very exciting. I'll be out to a bunch of games. I'll be checking it out. [00:50:28] Speaker A: I'll be rocking my downtown big time. That's all we need. [00:50:31] Speaker B: Yep. Yep. I can't thank you enough again just for, for joining the podcast, talking about the league and what people could expect. [00:50:37] Speaker A: Appreciate it, bro. [00:50:38] Speaker B: This has been the Canadian Basketball show, your go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball with my guy, Nick Lewis. And we out.