Joe Raso, recognized as one of the leading coaches and international scouts in Canadian basketball history, was named Director, Basketball Operations by the Canadian Elite Basketball League on Tuesday. He will lead the league's player procurement program both domestically and internationally, oversee the CEBL Draft, direct team and player compliance issues, supervise officiating, and play a lead role in the CEBL's relationships with FIBA, Canada Basketball, other basketball bodies, and with player agents.
'To retain someone of Joe Raso's stature to lead basketball operations is a landmark addition for the Canadian Elite Basketball League, and reflects exceptionally well on what our league has done in only five months of existence and where we're heading,' said Mike Morreale, the league's Chief Executive Officer. 'For more than 35 years Joe has been recognized for his contributions and achievements at every level of basketball around the world. As we continue to create Canada's preeminent national league for basketball, and look forward to beginning play next May, we are thrilled to have Joe serving as director of basketball operations.'
A resident of Hamilton, Ontario, Raso is the all-time winningest coach in McMaster University history, and one of the most successful coaches in CIS/U SPORTS history, compiling 389 wins against only 155 losses (a .715 winning percentage) in 18 seasons, including 17 seasons with 20 or more wins with the Marauders. He currently serves as Head Scout with the Canadian Men's National team, and is an advance scout with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, and Denver Nuggets. Last season Raso served as head coach and general manager of the Niagara River Lions, leading the team to its first-ever playoff victory before the franchise moved up from the NBL to join the CEBL.
'I am very happy to be on board with the CEBL, and joining a winning and dedicated professional league that is building a legacy for a game that means so much to me,' Raso said. 'The CEBL is going to be an entertaining league that allows Canadian fans nationally the opportunity to enjoy professional basketball that will include Canadian and international talent playing together in great facilities. The development of this league, with its solid corporate administration and commitment to entertainment and the development or basketball, is very important to me.
'Basketball, in my opinion, is the most inclusive sport in Canada in both participation and fan base,' Raso added. 'It is important to me that I'm involved in a league that has both a national vision, and a shared view of development with our national and international governing bodies.'
Raso has been a national and international consultant, clinician, committee member, speaker, and basketball analyst during the past 25 years. A former National team assistant coach for four years, he has coached in World Championships and Olympic qualifiers, and has coached some of Canada's greatest players, including NBA two-time Most Valuable Player and Hall of Fame inductee Steve Nash. Raso's basketball resume includes four OUA titles, 12 CIS National Championship tournament appearances that resulted in four Silver medals, and being named OUA Coach of the Year six times. He produced five 'All Canadian' players and two National Player of the Year winners while leading McMaster.
An alum of both McMaster and Brock universities who started his university coaching career at the University of Guelph in 1983, Raso has been instrumental in developing basketball at the grassroots level. He is a former Technical Directory with the World International Children's Games, and his Hamilton, Ontario teams won international Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at those Games. As a high school teacher for 32 years, he coached St. Mary's high school in Hamilton to an OFSAA championship in 1991, and represented Canada at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany, the top international junior tournament in the world. He has served as director of the Joe Raso High School Basketball Camp since 1999, and as director of Focus on Youth Basketball Camp in Hamilton since 2009.
Raso was founder and developer of 'Basketball vs Bullying', which became the largest anti-bullying seminar in the world and holds the Canadian record for the most attended university basketball game in Canada's history. He was awarded the YMCA National Peace Award in 2006 for that initiative. In 2008 he developed and co-directed 'Hoops Against Hate 'Faces of Racism'', an interactive experience for high school students using basketball to deliver a message of anti-racism.
The inaugural season of the CEBL tips off in May 2019 and runs through August with teams in Hamilton, Niagara, Guelph, Saskatoon, Abbotsford, and Edmonton. Teams will play 20 regular season games, including 10 at home. Deposits on priority season tickets are being accepted now by each team, with season seats going on sale later this fall.
Further information may be obtained at: www.cebl.ca
Michael Fraser claims CEBL CEBL weekly honour - 7 hours ago
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MICHAEL FRASER
Experienced Michael Fraser (203-C-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for Hamilton HB and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 6.
The 34-year old center had a double-double of 13 points and seventeen rebounds, while his team beat Niagara RL (#1, 6-2) 107-95. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Hamilton HB maintains the 3rd position in CEBL CEBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a... [read more]
MICHAEL FRASER
Experienced Michael Fraser (203-C-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for Hamilton HB and that's him to receive a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 6. The 34-year old center had a double-double of 13 points and seventeen rebounds, while his team beat Niagara RL (#1, 6-2) 107-95. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Hamilton HB maintains the 3rd position in CEBL CEBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Hamilton HB will need more victories to improve their 6-3 record. Fraser just recently signed at Hamilton HB, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Oklahoma Baptist University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Fraser is in league's top in rebounds (4th best: 7.7rpg) and averages solid 65.6% FGP.
The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was American forward Tavrion Dawson (188-F) of second-ranked Saskatchewan R.. Dawson impressed basketball fans with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Of course Saskatchewan R. cruised to a 93-81 relatively comfortable win over Fraser Valley B. (#6, 0-8). Saskatchewan R.'s second position in the standings has not changed. His team's 6-3 record is not bad at all. Dawson is one of the most experienced players at Saskatchewan R. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.2ppg (#1). He also registered 7.4 boards per game.
The third best performed player last round was American Tyrrel Tate (196-F) of Fraser Valley B. (#6). Tate showcased his all-around game by recording 27 points, ten rebounds and four assists in the last round. Despite Tate's great performance Fraser Valley B. lost 86-92 to slightly higher-ranked Guelph N. (#5, 3-5). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Fraser Valley B. can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have awful season losing so far all 8 games. Too bad for Tate he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Tate has individually a great season in CEB. After only 8 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 17.4ppg (7th best).
Other top performing players last week: 4. Dorian Pinson (196-G) of Niagara RL - 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists 5. Marcus Lewis (193-G-92) of Guelph N. - 20 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists 6. Guillaume Boucard (198-F) of Niagara RL - 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists 7. Justin Edwards (190-G-92) of Hamilton HB - 17 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists 8. Demetrius Denzel-Dyson (196-G-95) of Hamilton HB - 24 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists 9. Ricky Tarrant (188-PG-93) of Hamilton HB - 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists 10. Bruce Massey (190-G) of Saskatchewan R. - 16 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists
The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc. The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy. The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)
The Player of the Week awards are presented by Interperformances. Interperformances is a full-service agency specializing in the representation of professional athletes the world-over. With more than forty-eight years of experience, INTERPERFORMANCES is well known to all professional teams and clubs. General Managers trust and rely on our opinions and recommendations.
Round 6: Leader Niagara RL loses to Hamilton HB - 1 day ago
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Here is the last round review presented by ESL.
Top ranked Niagara RL (6-2) recorded its second loss at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Hamilton HB (6-3) 107-95. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Niagara RL. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Hamilton HB dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Niagara RL's 38. They looked well-organized of... [read more]
Top ranked Niagara RL (6-2) recorded its second loss at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Hamilton HB (6-3) 107-95. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Niagara RL. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Hamilton HB dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Niagara RL's 38. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 28 personal fouls committed by Niagara RL helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was center Michael Fraser (203-84, college: Oklah.Baptist) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists. American guard Demetrius Denzel-Dyson (196-95, college: Samford) chipped in 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Dorian Pinson (196, college: Lincoln Memorial) who recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Hamilton HB moved-up to second place, which they share with Saskatchewan R. Niagara RL at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Hamilton HB is looking forward to face Guelph N. (#5) at home in the next round. Niagara RL will play against the league's second-placed Saskatchewan R. (#2) in Saskatoon and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Important game to mention about took place in Hamilton. Third ranked Hamilton HB (6-3) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 4th ranked Edmonton S. (4-4) 90-87 on Friday evening. It was a good game for American point guard Ricky Tarrant (188-93, college: Memphis) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Demetrius Denzel-Dyson contributed with 22 points for the winners. Canadian forward Mamadou Gueye (201, college: Alberta) replied with 17 points and 5 rebounds for Edmonton S.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hamilton HB moved-up to second place, which they share with Saskatchewan R. Edmonton S. at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. Hamilton HB will play against Guelph N. (#5) at home in the next round. Edmonton S. will play against Fraser Valley B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Bottom-ranked Fraser Valley B. (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 93-81 loss to second ranked Saskatchewan R. (6-3) in Saskatoon on Thursday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. Tavrion Dawson scored 26 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Anton Gill with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Saskatchewan R. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-3 record having just one point less than leader Niagara RL, which they share with Hamilton HB. Loser Fraser Valley B. still closes the standings with eight games lost. Saskatchewan R. will meet at home league's leader Niagara RL in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fraser Valley B. will play against Edmonton S. (#4) and hopes to get finally their first victory. Bottom-ranked Fraser Valley B. (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 92-86 loss to fifth ranked Guelph N. (3-5) in Fraser Valley. Chadrack Lufile notched a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort. Guelph N. maintains fifth position with 3-5 record. Fraser Valley B. at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Guelph N.'s next round opponent will be higher ranked Hamilton HB (#3) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Fraser Valley B. will play against Edmonton S. and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
The best stats of 6th round was 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists by Tyrrel Tate of Fraser Valley B..
Top ranked Niagara RL (6-2) recorded its second loss at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Hamilton HB (6-3) 107-95. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Niagara RL. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Hamilton HB dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Niagara RL's 38. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 28 personal fouls committed by Niagara RL helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was center Michael Fraser (203-84, college: Oklah.Baptist) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists. American guard Demetrius Denzel-Dyson (196-95, college: Samford) chipped in 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Dorian Pinson (196, college: Lincoln Memorial) who recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Guillaume Boucard (198, college: Carleton) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Hamilton HB moved-up to second place, which they share with Saskatchewan R. Niagara RL at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Hamilton HB is looking forward to face Guelph N. (#5) at home in the next round. Niagara RL will play against the league's second-placed Saskatchewan R. (#2) in Saskatoon and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Niagara RL: D.Pinson 20+8reb+4ast, G.Boucard 17+6reb+3ast, K.Robertson 15+1reb+1ast, T.Bell-Haynes 11+8reb+1ast, R.Anderson 11+6reb+3ast, A.Johnson 8 Hamilton HB: D.Denzel-Dyson 24+4reb+2ast, R.Tarrant 18+3reb+4ast, J.Edwards 17+3reb+5ast, M.Fraser 13+17reb+6ast, J.Rocca 11+2reb+2ast, R.Ejim 11+6reb+2ast
Bottom-ranked Fraser Valley B. (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 93-81 loss to second ranked Saskatchewan R. (6-3) in Saskatoon on Thursday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. American forward Tavrion Dawson (188, college: CS Northridge) scored 26 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Terry Thomas (193-91, college: Ottawa) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Five Saskatchewan R. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Anton Gill (190, college: Nebraska) with 17 points and 5 rebounds and Jamaican power forward Clint Robinson (203-94, college: UIC) scored 9 points and 12 rebounds. Saskatchewan R. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-3 record having just one point less than leader Niagara RL, which they share with Hamilton HB. Loser Fraser Valley B. still closes the standings with eight games lost. Saskatchewan R. will meet at home league's leader Niagara RL in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fraser Valley B. will play against Edmonton S. (#4) and hopes to get finally their first victory. Top scorers: Fraser Valley B.: A.Gill 17+5reb, M.Klassen 12+4reb+4ast, D.Kapelan 11+1reb+3ast, R.Brempong 9+6reb+3ast, C.Robinson 9+12reb, J.Friesen 8+5reb+1ast Saskatchewan R.: T.Dawson 26+9reb+3ast, B.Massey 16+2reb+6ast, T.Thomas 14+8reb+2ast, M.Johnson 12+8reb+1ast, A.Campbell 12+2reb+3ast, G.Thomas 11
Important game to mention about took place in Hamilton. Third ranked Hamilton HB (6-3) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 4th ranked Edmonton S. (4-4) 90-87 on Friday evening. Hamilton HB made 28-of-31 charity shots (90.3 percent) during the game, while Edmonton S. only scored ten points from the stripe. It was a good game for American point guard Ricky Tarrant (188-93, college: Memphis) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 5 rebounds. The other American import guard Demetrius Denzel-Dyson (196-95, college: Samford) contributed with 22 points for the winners. Five Hamilton HB players scored in double figures. Canadian forward Mamadou Gueye (201, college: Alberta) replied with 17 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Jordan Baker (201, college: Alberta) added 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Edmonton S.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hamilton HB moved-up to second place, which they share with Saskatchewan R. Edmonton S. at the other side keeps the fourth position with four games lost. Hamilton HB will play against Guelph N. (#5) at home in the next round. Edmonton S. will play against Fraser Valley B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Edmonton S.: M.Gueye 17+5reb+2ast, T.Daniels 14+3reb, G.Glaze 14+4reb+3ast, B.Clarke 12+2reb+4ast, D.Parks 8+6reb+3ast, A.Smith 8+7reb+3ast Hamilton HB: D.Denzel-Dyson 22+4reb, R.Tarrant 22+5reb+3ast, R.Ejim 13+7reb+1ast, J.Rocca 12+7reb+2ast, J.Edwards 12+5reb+3ast, S.Carter 5+2reb+2ast
Bottom-ranked Fraser Valley B. (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 92-86 loss to fifth ranked Guelph N. (3-5) in Fraser Valley. Strangely Fraser Valley B. outrebounded Guelph N. 46-33 including 32 on the defensive glass. DR Congolese-Canadian forward Chadrack Lufile (206-90, college: Wichita St., agency: Interperformances) notched a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and American guard Marcus Lewis (193-92, college: EKU) supported him with 20 points. Even a double-double of 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists by American forward Tyrrel Tate (196, college: Fayetteville St.) did not help to save the game for Fraser Valley B.. Power forward Ransford Brempong (203-81, college: W.Carolina) added 14 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Guelph N. maintains fifth position with 3-5 record. Fraser Valley B. at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Guelph N.'s next round opponent will be higher ranked Hamilton HB (#3) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Fraser Valley B. will play against Edmonton S. and looks forward to get finally their first victory. Top scorers: Fraser Valley B.: T.Tate 27+10reb+4ast, R.Brempong 14+9reb+1ast, M.Klassen 12+3reb+4ast, A.Gill 11+2reb+3ast, D.Kapelan 7+5reb+4ast, L.Kendall 6+9reb+4ast Guelph N.: M.Lewis 20+2reb+2ast, J.Kindred 16+1reb+3ast, J.Reynolds 14+2reb+4ast, C.Lufile 13+10reb+2ast, O.Famutimi 11+4reb, C.Johnson 7+1reb+1ast
CEBL round 5 best performance: Guillaume Boucard (by Interperformances) - 7 days ago
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GUILLAUME BOUCARD Forward Guillaume Boucard (198-F) had a very impressive game in the last round for top-ranked Niagara RL, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 5. The player had a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds, while his team beat Hamilton HB (#3, 4-3) 107-96. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Niagara RL to consolidate first place in the CEBL CEBL. Niagara RL have a solid 6-1 record. Boucard just recently signed... [read more]
GUILLAUME BOUCARD
Forward Guillaume Boucard (198-F) had a very impressive game in the last round for top-ranked Niagara RL, receiving a Interperformances Player of the Week award for round 5. The player had a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds, while his team beat Hamilton HB (#3, 4-3) 107-96. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Niagara RL to consolidate first place in the CEBL CEBL. Niagara RL have a solid 6-1 record. Boucard just recently signed at Niagara RL, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Carleton University star has very solid stats this year. Boucard is in league's top in points (9th best: 17.4ppg), rebounds (3rd best: 8.6rpg) and averages impressive 56.3% FGP.
The second best player in last round's games was American Marlon Johnson (208-F) of league's second-best Saskatchewan R.. Johnson had a very good evening with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Of course Saskatchewan R. cruised to a 98-86 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Guelph N. (#5, 2-5). This victory allowed Saskatchewan R. to move up to second position in the standings. His team's 5-3 record is not bad at all. Johnson is one of the most experienced players at Saskatchewan R. and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.
Third on the list of top players last round was guard Justin Edwards (190-G-92) of Hamilton HB (#3). Edwards showcased his all-around game by recording 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the last round. He was a key player of Hamilton HB, leading his team to a 102-96 win against slightly lower-ranked Guelph N. (#5, 2-5). Hamilton HB needs these victories very badly if they think about getting closer to top teams. Their record at this point is 4 victories and 3 lost games. Edwards has a great season in CEB. After only 7 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 3.7apg (4th best).
Other top performing players last week: 4. Bruce Massey (190-G) of Saskatchewan R. - 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists 5. Jamal Reynolds (193-G) of Guelph N. - 20 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists 6. Myck Kabongo (190-G) of Guelph N. - 10 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists 7. Diego Kapelan (190-G-87) of Fraser Valley B. - 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists 8. Demetrius Denzel-Dyson (196-G-95) of Hamilton HB - 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists 9. Travis Daniels (202-F-92) of Edmonton S. - 21 points and 5 rebounds 10. Ryan Anderson (193-G) of Niagara RL - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc. The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy. The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)
The Player of the Week awards are presented by Interperformances. Interperformances is a full-service agency specializing in the representation of professional athletes the world-over. With more than forty-eight years of experience, INTERPERFORMANCES is well known to all professional teams and clubs. General Managers trust and rely on our opinions and recommendations.
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