(Montreal) Without a doubt, the presence of the Toronto Raptors at the Université du Québec à Montréal Sports Center puts stars in the eyes of the Citadins basketball players. The latter, however, deplore the lack of accessibility, or even the closed doors of the NBA club since its arrival in Montreal.
The Raptors camp, which began Tuesday, required the implementation of special measures. Thus, the windows of the gymnasium have been covered to avoid prying eyes and the hours of use of the facilities have been disrupted, so that some athletes can no longer train at any time.
This is the case for basketball teams, who must hold training sessions this week with absentees, held in the classroom. Disappointment was therefore very present among the City dwellers.
“It was disappointing to learn that, that we weren’t going to be able to see them,” said Elisabeth Duchemin, who will be in her first year with the Citadins women’s basketball team, on Wednesday. This week it’s a little difficult because our schedule has changed, so some girls can’t come to practice. »
“It’s still our gymnasium, where we play. It would be good to see them,” added Samuel Cayo, who is in his last year of eligibility and who would like to land a professional contract next summer, perhaps with the Montreal Alliance.
The Raptors had not planned any meetings with university players on Wednesday.
Never mind, the presence of the Raptors in the Quebec metropolis is having an effect.
“I love the Raptors!” exclaimed Duchemin. Having an NBA team so close to us is sure to be inspiring for all young people who play basketball, girls and guys alike. It’s such an inspiring experience knowing that NBA players are training on our court. »
“I think there is [une énergie particulière] in the team. We can meet them a little, we can see them when we go to the locker room and they finish their training. It adds energy, that’s for sure. »
A team in Montreal?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver relaunched the debate on a possible expansion to Montreal last November, indicating that his circuit was discussing with a Montreal group.
In the Raptors clan, Montrealer Chris Boucher said Tuesday that he “thinks we should have a team.” On Wednesday, the Citadins players also gave their two cents on this subject.
“I consider that yes,” Duchemin responded to a question about the capacity of the Montreal market to accommodate a team. We have many schools that have [programmes] of sports studies in secondary school. There are many CEGEPs that have basketball at all levels – D1, D2, D3. We also have a few universities, which is big. So in my eyes, yes, we are a big basketball town. »
Andy Mounkala, who will play his first campaign with the Citadins, was much more incisive.
“Yes, largely, largely,” he ruled. There is everything that could be in place here to host an NBA team, in my opinion. The only problem would be financially… But there’s everything. The city can host an NBA team. »
No negative pressure
While the Citadins players expressed their feelings in a corridor, the Raptors trained a few meters behind closed doors.
For RJ Barrett, originally from Toronto, this is a first camp with the Toronto organization. He was acquired from the New York Knicks along with Immanuel Quickley in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn last December.
While some athletes take the pressure of being the local hero negatively, Barrett welcomes it with joy and pride, even though he was a Raptors fan during his childhood.
“It’s crazy for me to just do this interview,” he said. I watched them on television. I’m proud of it, so I give it my whole heart, I give everything. This is my house. I have an extra desire, an extra passion for it every day. »
“Being myself, I’m going to wake up and compete every day. So it’s perfect for me. »
Barrett averaged 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 32 games with the Raptors last season.
Raptors camp continues through Saturday, with a practice session open to the public Friday evening at McGill University. The Toronto team will then play a preparatory match against the Washington Wizards on Sunday at the Bell Center.