Biosteel game offers a step to the NBA for some
Event showcases young Canadian stars for pro scouts
The first time Raptors general manager Bobby Webster saw Rexdale’s Dalano Banton play was about four years ago in the Biosteel All- Canadian Games, which showcase the country’s best high school talent.
Fifty of the best Canadian boys and girls high school prospects will hope to make a name for themselves this weekend, just like Banton did.
“At first, I didn’t make ( the roster),” said Banton, who was playing prep school basketball in Massachusetts at the time. “They added me in as a late addition. I don’t know how that happened. Even to this day, I’m grateful for the game because the Raptors’ first time seeing me was at the Biosteel game.”
“If Bobby Webster got a sneak peek at Dalano Banton at the Biosteel game, then that’s exactly the intent,” said Jesse Tippins, the executive director of the games. “From there he’s got a career that can provide for his family for a long time. If we were able to help, that’s huge.”
The three- day event returns after a three- year hiatus caused by the pandemic, but the planning and preparation to bring it back have been in the works for more than seven months. Tippings told the Star he was committed to bringing back the game this year “no matter what.”
“All the players that have played in it and who will play in it — earned the right to play in that game,” he said. “They put in thousands of hours of work to get there, but the value of the game itself is growing.”
The boys’ showcase game welcomes about 30 NBA scouts, general managers and assistants. Some alumni of the game include Canadian NBA stars Jamal Murray, R. J. Barrett and Shai Gilgeous- Alexander.
When Banton played in the game in 2018, he was flown in to spend the weekend in Orangeville, Ont., and participate in scrimmages and practices with NBA personnel in attendance.
“It was the first time I was getting experience like that,” he said. “You see it in America, the kids get invited to all the camps,” he said.
Banton took the event as an opportunity to prove he was one of the best talents in Canada at the time — initial invite or not. He ended up starting and was an early candidate for MVP, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds and three steals in just 19 minutes.
“Whether you’re the No. 1- ranked guy in Canada or the last- ranked guy, whatever the situation is: take advantage of it,” Banton said. “( The Raptors) were there, they talked to me during my pre- draft workout, my interview and even talked to me about how they saw me during the Biosteel game. I just don’t take it for granted. Even though it’s an all- star game, I went out and played and did my thing.”
The weekend gives scouts an opportunity to see Canada’s best crop of talent while also providing families of these kids with information sessions on what the next phase of their journey might look like.
One key docket on Tippings’ agenda is to get representation from the WNBA at the event.
“The women’s side to basketball has got a very quick rise over the next three years. I think the Biosteel women’s game should and I hope will be a really close up look for WNBA programs to see these girls early on.”
Canada’s top Grade 9 and 10 high school basketball players will participate in the regional Nike boys and girls Futures Games on Friday. There’s a closed practice and a skills challenge Saturday and, on Sunday, the showcase girls’ game will take place at noon Sunday, followed by the boys’ game at 3 p. m. Both games will be on TSN.