Aspiring basketball stars in Mississauga can now share some space with the big boys.
A new gymnasium at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre will serve as a practice facility for the Raptors 905, but it will also be shared on a rotational basis with community members looking to improve their game of hoops.
The 16,000-square-foot facility has a full-sized court, fitness area, injury rehabilitation centre, locker room, and player lounge. It opened for the first time on Saturday (March 14).
“Today is about more than opening a new facility; it’s about investing in the continued growth of basketball in the 905 and across Canada,” said Raptors 905 vice president Courtney Charles at the opening. “This project reflects the strength of our partnership with the City of Mississauga and our shared commitment to creating opportunities for players, coaches and the next generation of athletes to develop at the highest level.”
Raptors 905 play in the developmental NBA G League and serve as a pipeline to the NBA through its affiliation with the Toronto Raptors.
The team began play in 2015 and has won a league title and sent players such as Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher to the NBA.
Currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference of the G League with a 19-11 record, the team is on a three-game winning streak and plays its next home game tomorrow night (March 17) against the Motor City Cruise from Detroit.
The $12.8 project cost was shared by the Raptors 905, City of Mississauga, and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the owners of the Toronto Raptors.
On hand for the opening, Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the new facility demonstrates the importance of sports in Mississauga and is a big win for both local residents and Raptors 905.
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