TBL | Montreal’s Tundra takes flight

Founded in December, La Toundra made its first steps on the professional The Basketball League (TBL) circuit on March 4.

For the second time in two years, a new professional basketball franchise has come to Montreal. This is an encouraging situation, which bears witness to both the health and the rise in popularity of this sport in Quebec.

“Let’s go, Tundra, let’s go! »

In the bleachers of the Center Pierre-Charbonneau, the support of a thousand Montrealers for their new basketball club can already be heard, as can the screeching of shoes or the impact of the ball crossing the net. On the field, local athletes defend the colors of the metropolis in front of family, friends and supporters. And they do it well.

The Tundra, the first Canadian team to be part of The Basketball League (TBL), have won two of the first three games in their history. His adventure began on March 4, thus kicking off a season of 24 games spread over nearly three months, in this American minor league made up of 49 teams.

Their only loss, in Game 3, came against last year’s finalists. Here again, the local players had led a good part of the confrontation.

“I think it’s like going on a first date and asking if the girl will like you,” said Igor Rwigema, the team’s head coach, smiling. You leave the meeting, you’re happy because it went well. It’s a bit like that, the feeling. »

Tickets are affordable. There is a will of the staff to offer a community product, accessible. In the audience, one can easily see families or school groups, who are already asking players for autographs after games.

According to Igor Rwigema, the reception has been very positive so far. “A lot of people had a comparison with the Alliance. They came and they were surprised by the speed of the game, the skill of the players. He believes the caliber of the TBL is comparable to second or third division pro circuits in Europe.

Local footprint

The Tundra can dress 12 players per game, but has 18 names on its roster. Each of them, without exception, passed through the metropolis at one time or another during their journey. And the majority are from there.

Juan Mendez, for his part, is happy to be able to show young athletes that it is possible to reach the professional ranks without leaving home.

“People dream, children dream. We have all been children before. What we do is make them believe in their dreams. We gave some guys the opportunity to show what they are capable of. The important thing is that they can play pro and represent their city. »

A few weeks after the formation of the group, some leaders begin to emerge. Guard Jamal Mayali, RSEQ MVP with McGill University in 2021-2022, is currently the team’s top scorer. Point guard Nervens Demosthene, who played with Saskatchewan and Ottawa in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), controls the tempo well.

Center Rudolphe Joly, who has the most professional experience among the players present, was named captain. And young Kyliann Rotardier, who briefly played for Guelph in the LECB, is a prospect to watch.

A native of Montreal, Nervens Demosthene admits to being overwhelmed with a “really extraordinary feeling of belonging” to the Tundra.

This former College Montmorency and Bishop’s University has never needed to go through the United States to become pro. “Coming from a D2 guy from Montmorency, I want to set an example for young people that anything is possible, because I’m coming out of the RSEQ,” he adds.

The playmaker believes that the Tundra will be able to show their full potential after “10 or 15 games”, the time to build good chemistry. To do this, it will be necessary to limit turnovers and work harder on the rebound, “little details that win basketball games”.

Another aspect: the FIBA ​​regulations, which are used all over the world, provide for quarters of 10 minutes. The TBL, like the NBA, uses a longer format – 12-minute quarters. This gives rise to offensive matches, but which require a certain adaptation on the part of Quebecers.

“We have to manage playing time well, understand when it’s time to slow down,” explains Igor Rwigema. Yes, you can have a dynamic and fast game, but you have to manage to temper. The coaching staff and the players have realized this. It is important to have the necessary energy after 48 minutes. »

La Toundra will host the Syracuse Stallions at the Center Pierre-Charbonneau twice, Friday and Sunday. She will then begin a five-week period playing exclusively on the road, until the end of April. Seven home matches will follow to conclude the calendar during the month of May.

The objective that the players have given themselves, as an expansion club, is first to reach the playoffs, and then to win as many home games as possible. The CEO wants to “build a winning franchise”.

“We are a fast, abrupt, tough team, concludes Nervens Demosthene. We’re going to put on a show, never let it go, keep our arms up, go to war with every game. »