The Montreal Alliance is doing things big: it is former NBA player Joel Anthony who will be its general manager.
The new organization of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (LCEB), whose name and colors were presented at the end of October, made the announcement Wednesday morning in the gymnasium of Dawson College, for which Anthony has incidentally evolved in his youth.
Born in Montreal, Anthony played 10 seasons in the NBA with, among others, the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons. He has played alongside players such as LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Shaquille O’Neal, Ray Allen and Dwayne Wade.
Alliance vice-president Annie Larouche praised her knowledge of the Montreal basketball community in particular. “It is with him that we want to build the Alliance,” she said.
“I am truly honored and privileged to occupy this position,” said the ex-player at the outset.
“Throughout my basketball years, I had experiences beyond my wildest dreams and I feel like today it is repeating itself. […] I look forward to working with the players to create a development that takes the label of hard work, responsibility and discipline. I have no doubts that we will provide sporting entertainment that fans can be proud of and young people can be inspired by. ”
Several basketball players from Dawson College and basketball players in Quebec were present for the occasion, including Olga Hrycak, member of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame and former coach of Joel Anthony. The mother of the ex-player was also there.