As the Carleton University Ravens and the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees compete for top spot in Canada, more young adults are gaining an interest in the sport.
A St. Patrick’s High School player goes for a lay-up against Lisgar Collegiate Institute defenders during a game this week.
“Every time these two teams meet there is a lot of hype,” says Michel Belanger, spokesperson for Canadian Interuniversity Sport. “With success comes more fans at the games . . . and that means more kids are going to want to come and play basketball.”
The basketball programs at both universities have increased interest in the game, says Al Overwijk, basketball coach at Glebe Collegiate Institute, and the upcoming CIS men's basketball championship in Ottawa could increase interest even further.
On Jan. 26, he says many of the Glebe players attended the Capital Hoops Classic, an annual faceoff between the Ravens and the Gee-Gees at Scotiabank place.
At Glebe, students are more aware of the high quality basketball in Ottawa, and events like the Capital Hoops Classic can help increase interest in the sport, says Paul Britton, the school's athletic director.
“I do think it will help,” he says. “It might turn people on to the sport that weren't before.”
Terence Thomas, a Grade 12 student and point guard on Glebe's basketball team doesn't follow the Gee-Gee-Raven rivalry himself but says he believes it's good for players that want to take their game to the next level.
“Being good isn’t enough,” says Thomas. “You have to practice and work at it, there’s just so much you need to do. I think it helps a lot of people out, focusing on something.”
Basketball is not only thriving in Ottawa but according to a gym teacher at Glashan Public School, it's also providing positive experiences for some of its lower-income students.
Ron Sloan, a physical education teacher at Glashan, says a number of students play for the variety of Grades 7 and 8 basketball teams.
Basketball is a popular sport amongst lower-income families, says Sloan, because many teenagers can play without having to pay.
The sport also keeps them focused on positive experiences.
“It’s a huge opportunity for them to do something constructive,” says Sloan.
“If they’re idle they may drift off into something they shouldn’t, and it allows them to get away from situations they might not be comfortable with.”
Many Glashan students are excited about the CIS championships in March, says Sloan.
Unfortunately, he says, many of the students won’t be able to afford the price of admission.
“What would be great is if the less fortunate kids get a chance to score tickets,” he says. “The calibre of basketball there is over and above anything they’ve seen. It would be an eye-opening experience for them.”
Despite the fact many will not be able to see a live game, Glashan students aren’t strangers to university basketball.
Sloan says the Gee-Gees ran basketball workshops in the past that were well received and provided focus for the students.
“Some of the kids got to play against the big guys and they had a great time,” he says. “They get to meet positive role models and have good experiences.”
Overwijk says the focus on team play over individual play is what makes the sport so popular to Ottawa youth.
“It takes 10 or 12 guys or girls working as a unit to win,” he says. “They are all working towards improvement and meeting the goals.”