Roaring start to ’ 17
River Lions shock defending champs in Joe Raso’s pro coaching debut in season opener
The Niagara River Lions 2017- 18 season got off to a roaring start Saturday night at Meridian Centre.
The River Lions not only defeated the defending National Basketball League of Canada champion London Lightning, they also took down a team that beat the Toronto Raptors farm team, Raptors 905, just a few short weeks ago.
The 120- 114 division gave longtime university coach, and first year Lions bench boss, Joe Raso his first professional coaching victory.
The always humble Raso was quick to deflect the praise to his team.
“For me, not as much as for this organization,” Raso said. “I think they kind of entrusted in me that I was going to build a team and we’re just starting, that but I think it’s good for this organization and good for a crowd like this, and a facility like this.
“People deserve to be entertained.
“Personally you’re always happy. You win so you can play again. I learned that as a kid.”
A boisterous crowd of 2,636 fans took in the game, and it was a Canadian and former Arkansas Razorback who led the way for Niagara as Toronto native Marvell Waithe drained a game- high 25 points.
Waithe, who played professionally in Lebanon and Mexico last season, was quick to mention Raso, a fellow Canadian.
“It was huge for him,” the 30- year old Waithe said. “He did a great job preparing us for this game, and he’s going to do a great job preparing us for the rest of the year.
“Coach Joe is amazing. I just really wanted to give him his first win because I know how important it was to him and he prepared us, so it was on us to make him look good.”
The River Lions looked focused for the entire game, and in fact increased their lead to double digits in the third quarter.
However, the Lightning stormed back numerous times in the final frame.
But Raso’s squad showed its composure and maturity for a young team that was essentially just assembled over the past four weeks.
“This was a real satisfying win,” Raso said. “They’re not just the defending champs, but they’ve got a couple of games under their belt, they’ve had a long training camp so this was your test right off the bat.
“And the thing that excites me is that we’ve got a thought of things to get better, but it’s a pretty good point to start at.”
While Waithe led the way on the scoresheet, two other Canadians reached double digits in scoring as well. Dwayne Smith, another Toronto native, drained 18 points and Connor Wood of Guelph, who was making his professional debut, added 16.
“If you said to me, right off the bat, who led us in scoring today I’d have a hard time figuring out who it was,” Raso said. “I expect the strength of this team to be seven or eight deep by the end of the season.”
Niagara will now enjoy a full week off from game action before welcoming the Windsor Express next Sunday. Tipoff at Meridian Centre is set for 2 p. m.
“Being fearless is the ultimate show of confidence, and when you play the No. 1 team, and best team, in the league and you come out there and compete with them, that makes me feel a little better about this team,” Raso said.
Lion Pride: Game statistics were not available due to technical issues … Former Niagara College and River Lions head coach Keith Vassell is now head coach of London … Former Lions forward Kirk Williams Jr. is also now a member of the Lightning … Welland native, and now president and chief executive officer of Canada Basketball Michelle O’Keefe and former Toronto Raptors general manager Glen Grunwald were in attendance … Former River Lion and Canadian Richard Amardi, now a member of Raptors 905, also took in the game.