OT-National Basketball League Of Canada

[DrCoach]

There has been no evidence whatsoever to suggest he is skipping college to play in the NBL... His development will be best suited for playing at a big time program where there schedule isn't so heavy so he can train and develop his body.

His guardian was quoted as saying "Smith told SNY.tv last month at the Elite 24 game that Kentucky, Kansas, Duke and Indiana were working hardest for Thon Maker, who was still evaluating whether or not to reclass to 2015"

I'm not giving my opinion, I'm giving you first hand up to date info

Yes, he can goto college but he doesn't want to currently.

The NBL schedule is exactly the same as a top college program

How do you know he doesn't want to go to college?

Because I have first hand information

[DrCoach]

I quite enjoy this idea. Screw the d-league, let's make our own minor team

What League would you play in? Not many options

Well, we were discussing the NBL so

Not sure if a NBA team can own a non-NBA sanctioned team

[YogurtProducer]

What League would you play in? Not many options

Well, we were discussing the NBL so

Not sure if a NBA team can own a non-NBA sanctioned team

Wouldn't be the raptors owning it, it would be MLSE

[Rapsfan151]

I'm not giving my opinion, I'm giving you first hand up to date info

Yes, he can goto college but he doesn't want to currently.

The NBL schedule is exactly the same as a top college program

How do you know he doesn't want to go to college?

Because I have first hand information

From the player himself?

[DrCoach]

Wouldn't be the raptors owning it, it would be MLSE

They own the Raptors dude

[MEDIC]

Isn't this something MLSE should look into? Buying a franchise and have them play at the Ricoh? Not sure what the NBA rules are but that could be a good way of nurturing rookies (bruno) who aren't going to get much PT with the Raps against decentish competition. Call em the Huskies and everyone is happy lol.

The Toronto Raptors are in talks with the Rochester RazorSharks of the Premier Basketball League about becoming their NBA D-League affiliate, according to Time Warner Cable News Rochester.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24658904/report-raptors-talk-with-rochester-team-want-d-league-affiliate

[airforcepop]

Thanks Medic for pulling the article. Interesting read.

It would be interesting if the NBA setsup a baseball or soccer style type of organization structure - where they have a baby club (ex: NBLC), farm team (ex: Rochester), and then main club (ex: Raptors).

NBLC club could be a great marketing tool to promote Canada's only NBA team and the game of basketball in general.

[LittleOzzy]

Thanks Medic for pulling the article. Interesting read.

It would be interesting if the NBA setsup a baseball or soccer style type of organization structure - where they have a baby club (ex: NBLC), farm team (ex: Rochester), and then main club (ex: Raptors).

NBLC club could be a great marketing tool to promote Canada's only NBA team and the game of basketball in general.

I don't see that happening in our lifetime.

The D-League first has to make money before they start looking at lower leagues.

MLSE needs to buy and operate a D-League team in the GTA first too. It makes the most sense.

I would fully support them making a donation to the NBL each year though to help development in this country. I don't think it's necessary for them to own a team.

[LittleOzzy]

Isn't this something MLSE should look into? Buying a franchise and have them play at the Ricoh? Not sure what the NBA rules are but that could be a good way of nurturing rookies (bruno) who aren't going to get much PT with the Raps against decentish competition. Call em the Huskies and everyone is happy lol.

The Toronto Raptors are in talks with the Rochester RazorSharks of the Premier Basketball League about becoming their NBA D-League affiliate, according to Time Warner Cable News Rochester.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24658904/report-raptors-talk-with-rochester-team-want-d-league-affiliate

If not in the GTA, Rochester/Buffalo makes the most sense.

[YogurtProducer]

Wouldn't be the raptors owning it, it would be MLSE

They own the Raptors dude

And? still isn't the Raptors organization owning the franchise it's MLAE

[LittleOzzy]

Wouldn't be the raptors owning it, it would be MLSE

They own the Raptors dude

And? still isn't the Raptors organization owning the franchise it's MLAE

What?

[DrCoach]

Wouldn't be the raptors owning it, it would be MLSE

They own the Raptors dude

And? still isn't the Raptors organization owning the franchise it's MLAE

Ummm, yes it is

[YogurtProducer]

They own the Raptors dude

And? still isn't the Raptors organization owning the franchise it's MLAE

What?

My bad, MLSE*

I'm not sure the NBA can control what MLSE owns. If they want to own an NBA and a NBL franchise, can they really say anything? If I own a dodge they can't stop me from buying a ford. Obviously probably not the same idea but still

[DrCoach]

The NBA banned a owner for a taped phone conversation , you think they don't have other rules or clauses in their constitution ?

[DrCoach]

FORMER MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN BIG MAN SIGNS WITH STORM

Monday September 8, 2014

(Charlottetown, PE) To say Renardo Sidney had an illustrious high school basketball career might be an understatement. The 6’10”, 290 lb center (with a 7’4” wingspan) from Jackson, Mississippi is the latest signing of the Island STORM of the NBL Canada.

As a senior at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, Renardo Sidney averaged 26.5 points per game while grabbing 13.5 rebounds. His outstanding play in high school led to his selection to the famed high school McDonald's All-American Game, featuring no less than 9 current NBA players, where he scored 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds. Sidney was also invited to play in the Jordan Brand Classic, the 2nd most prestigious National High School All-Star game, where he earned Co-MVP honors with Derrick Favors, currently with the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Coming out of high school ESPN’s top 100 prospects list had Sidney ranked 7th in the country and projected as an NBA Lottery Pick. He was also a member of the 2009 USA Basketball Jr Select team.

Sidney’s college career took him to Mississippi State University where he put up solid numbers, averaging nearly 12 points per game and 6.5 rebounds shooting over 50% from the floor and 65% from the foul line in two years. However, some personal issues prevented him from reaching his projected full potential as a basketball player at the university and professional levels.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both our franchise as well as for Renardo,” says STORM Head Coach Joe Salerno. “He is an unbelievable talent, maybe the most talented we have ever had here. Obviously he has made some mistakes in the past, mistakes in which I believe he has not only learned from, but grown from. I have had the opportunity to chat with Renardo many times over the past couple of weeks and I am extremely confident in him and his ability to come in here and get to work. Renardo still has a shot of seeing his name on an NBA roster in the future but needs to take this opportunity to show the basketball world he has matured and is ready to compete at a high level for a full season. He could be the most dominant big man the NBL has seen and we are thrilled to have him. I am personally looking forward to working with him this season.”

Coach Salerno went on to talk about Sidney’s game, “He has a tremendous skill set for a guy of his size. He can knock down the 18 footer with ease, but also has a very good back to the basket game. He is a true inside/outside threat, something that will fit in very nicely with what we like to do offensively.”

Meanwhile, Sidney had this to say about joining the STORM, “I would like to thank the Island Storms organization and the franchise for the opportunity and for giving me a second chance. Many have counted me out so I have worked hard since my last appearance to the basketball world to get where I need to be physically and mentally and I am very excited for everyone to see what I can bring to the organization. I would also like the thank god and thank family and friends for sticking by me and motivating me to get back to where I need to be. I have had a lot of ups and downs in the past two years but by the grace of God I can move forward and am able to say I am a better person and I will make an even better team mate.”

[wtfbosh]

FORMER MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN BIG MAN SIGNS WITH STORM

Monday September 8, 2014

(Charlottetown, PE) To say Renardo Sidney had an illustrious high school basketball career might be an understatement. The 6’10”, 290 lb center (with a 7’4” wingspan) from Jackson, Mississippi is the latest signing of the Island STORM of the NBL Canada.

As a senior at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, Renardo Sidney averaged 26.5 points per game while grabbing 13.5 rebounds. His outstanding play in high school led to his selection to the famed high school McDonald's All-American Game, featuring no less than 9 current NBA players, where he scored 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds. Sidney was also invited to play in the Jordan Brand Classic, the 2nd most prestigious National High School All-Star game, where he earned Co-MVP honors with Derrick Favors, currently with the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Coming out of high school ESPN’s top 100 prospects list had Sidney ranked 7th in the country and projected as an NBA Lottery Pick. He was also a member of the 2009 USA Basketball Jr Select team.

Sidney’s college career took him to Mississippi State University where he put up solid numbers, averaging nearly 12 points per game and 6.5 rebounds shooting over 50% from the floor and 65% from the foul line in two years. However, some personal issues prevented him from reaching his projected full potential as a basketball player at the university and professional levels.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both our franchise as well as for Renardo,” says STORM Head Coach Joe Salerno. “He is an unbelievable talent, maybe the most talented we have ever had here. Obviously he has made some mistakes in the past, mistakes in which I believe he has not only learned from, but grown from. I have had the opportunity to chat with Renardo many times over the past couple of weeks and I am extremely confident in him and his ability to come in here and get to work. Renardo still has a shot of seeing his name on an NBA roster in the future but needs to take this opportunity to show the basketball world he has matured and is ready to compete at a high level for a full season. He could be the most dominant big man the NBL has seen and we are thrilled to have him. I am personally looking forward to working with him this season.”

Coach Salerno went on to talk about Sidney’s game, “He has a tremendous skill set for a guy of his size. He can knock down the 18 footer with ease, but also has a very good back to the basket game. He is a true inside/outside threat, something that will fit in very nicely with what we like to do offensively.”

Meanwhile, Sidney had this to say about joining the STORM, “I would like to thank the Island Storms organization and the franchise for the opportunity and for giving me a second chance. Many have counted me out so I have worked hard since my last appearance to the basketball world to get where I need to be physically and mentally and I am very excited for everyone to see what I can bring to the organization. I would also like the thank god and thank family and friends for sticking by me and motivating me to get back to where I need to be. I have had a lot of ups and downs in the past two years but by the grace of God I can move forward and am able to say I am a better person and I will make an even better team mate.”

Wow. DrCoach, did he end up losing weight? Before the weight, he looked like he could really be something...

[DrCoach]

FORMER MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN BIG MAN SIGNS WITH STORM

Monday September 8, 2014

(Charlottetown, PE) To say Renardo Sidney had an illustrious high school basketball career might be an understatement. The 6’10”, 290 lb center (with a 7’4” wingspan) from Jackson, Mississippi is the latest signing of the Island STORM of the NBL Canada.

As a senior at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, Renardo Sidney averaged 26.5 points per game while grabbing 13.5 rebounds. His outstanding play in high school led to his selection to the famed high school McDonald's All-American Game, featuring no less than 9 current NBA players, where he scored 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds. Sidney was also invited to play in the Jordan Brand Classic, the 2nd most prestigious National High School All-Star game, where he earned Co-MVP honors with Derrick Favors, currently with the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Coming out of high school ESPN’s top 100 prospects list had Sidney ranked 7th in the country and projected as an NBA Lottery Pick. He was also a member of the 2009 USA Basketball Jr Select team.

Sidney’s college career took him to Mississippi State University where he put up solid numbers, averaging nearly 12 points per game and 6.5 rebounds shooting over 50% from the floor and 65% from the foul line in two years. However, some personal issues prevented him from reaching his projected full potential as a basketball player at the university and professional levels.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for both our franchise as well as for Renardo,” says STORM Head Coach Joe Salerno. “He is an unbelievable talent, maybe the most talented we have ever had here. Obviously he has made some mistakes in the past, mistakes in which I believe he has not only learned from, but grown from. I have had the opportunity to chat with Renardo many times over the past couple of weeks and I am extremely confident in him and his ability to come in here and get to work. Renardo still has a shot of seeing his name on an NBA roster in the future but needs to take this opportunity to show the basketball world he has matured and is ready to compete at a high level for a full season. He could be the most dominant big man the NBL has seen and we are thrilled to have him. I am personally looking forward to working with him this season.”

Coach Salerno went on to talk about Sidney’s game, “He has a tremendous skill set for a guy of his size. He can knock down the 18 footer with ease, but also has a very good back to the basket game. He is a true inside/outside threat, something that will fit in very nicely with what we like to do offensively.”

Meanwhile, Sidney had this to say about joining the STORM, “I would like to thank the Island Storms organization and the franchise for the opportunity and for giving me a second chance. Many have counted me out so I have worked hard since my last appearance to the basketball world to get where I need to be physically and mentally and I am very excited for everyone to see what I can bring to the organization. I would also like the thank god and thank family and friends for sticking by me and motivating me to get back to where I need to be. I have had a lot of ups and downs in the past two years but by the grace of God I can move forward and am able to say I am a better person and I will make an even better team mate.”

Wow. DrCoach, did he end up losing weight? Before the weight, he looked like he could really be something...

I havent seen him yet, Ill ask Coach Salerno when I see him. If he is focused and willing to work he can be the best Big in the League.

He had NBA lottery talent

[JN]

Thon Maker playing for AI which Owns the Brampton A's leaves the door open for him to play in the NBL next year since he won't be NBA Draft eligible

Part of the reason he came to Canada was that the education was a lot better. Doubt he skips a year of a free college education to play in the NBL where he will be playing against men a lot stronger than him. Can't really see a benefit of him playing in the NBL...

If you say he will make money instead of playing College ball he could always take out an insurance policy on himself that will guarantee himself millions of $ since he will likely be the number 1 prospect going into the NCAA.

That's not why he came to Canada

He doesn't want to goto college , he wants to go Pro

The benefit of playing in the NBL is training everyday to get stronger and more prepared for the NBA

Are you claiming he would have better training facilities and coaching in the NBL versus a blue blood NCAA program? Some which are more lax when it comes to academic interests and don't significantly inhibit your training time.

[Rapsfan151]

For those looking for the video, here it is. At least it wasn't domestic violence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLOktTL9xVI

[DrCoach]

Brampton A's sign Canadian Guard Ashton Smith

http://youtu.be/zKRU_ARjaYw