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Nike Crown League Mashup: Week One

By Chris Okrainetz

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The Nike Crown League returned to action this past weekend and for Toronto Raptors fans it was a chance to see forward Bruno Caboclo in action.

Season two of the Nike Crown League tipped off on Canada Day, and although the league has moved to a new venue at Kerr Hall Gymnasium, the aura surrounding the event still exists.

Kerr Hall may not have the same compact setting as Jarvis Collegiate, but aesthetically it’s a major upgrade. The brand new court design is eloquently “Toronto”, while the live DJ and a barrage of familiar faces in the crowd creates a comforting feel for those in attendance.

On the court, there was no shortage of entertainment. Homegrown talent like Myck Kabongo and Junior Cadougan showcased their skills for fans, while Raptors905 players Bruno Caboclo and Sim Bhullar also participated. Although Caboclo appeared to take it easy for most of his game, he did show flashes, particularly from mid-range where he gave fans a glimpse of his improved shooting stroke.

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Here are a few other thoughts from week one of the Nike Crown League:

Final Scores:

CIA Bounce defeated 1LoveTO, 65-57
Ace defeated 9Now, 79-65
M.A.D.E. defeated Northern Kings, 76-65

Three Observations:

1) The Crown League has changed venues this year, moving from Jarvis Collegiate to Kerr Hall Gymnasium at Ryerson University. Prior to entering the event, I was likely one of only a few people who actually missed Jarvis Collegiate. But after entering Kerr Hall, it’s tough to argue against the new venue.

The gym is spacious, but still has an intimate feel too it, while the sound system produces all the same sounds as last season. But the biggest difference in Kerr Hall Gymnasium is the court design.

Nike did an amazing job with the court for this event. The wall is surrounded with a black and white Toronto inspired mural that displays the cities skyline and is encapsulated by the majestic CN Tower.

The on-court design is equally as impressive, though. Both ends of the floor are decorated in navy blue, black and gold colours, and much like the mural, the hardwood floor boasts the Toronto skyline and features a large CN Tower that extends just past the free throw line, while the baseline features #CrownLeague in gold text.

Here’s a look at the sleek new court design being used at Kerr Hall Gymnasium for the Crown League.

2) There was no shortage of talent on display in week one. CIA Bounce featured Raptors905 centre Sim Bhullar to start the night, while Ace featured Raptors905 forward Bruno Caboclo and former University of Texas point guard Myck Kabongo in game two, and game three featured former Canadian National team point guard Juniour Cadougan and talented Toronto prospect Marcus Carr.

Two players that fans might not know about are Murphy Burnatowski (Team Ace) and 7-footer Dejan Kravic (1LoveTO). Despite losing to CIA Bounce, Kravic put together a fine game and was productive in and around the paint. As for Burnatowski, he got hot from behind the arc and was lights out for Team Ace in the second half.

3) Bruno Caboclo looks to slowly be developing as a three-and-D player for the Toronto Raptors. Although he wasn’t going full speed on Friday, a lot of what he showed with the Raptors905 this season was on display, which was more of a perimeter driven attack on offence.

It will be interesting to see what the Raptors do next with Caboclo and his development, but in the meantime you can watch the 6-foot-9 forward play in the Crown League on Fridays at Kerr Hall Gymnasium.

Also, Larry Bird and other Celtic players would joke that Kevin McHale could tie his shoes without bending over. Well, the more and more I see Caboclo in person, the more I feel like that statement should belong to him and his 7-foot-7 wingspan. My goodness are his arms long! (H/T to Demar Grant for that analogy when we were watching the games together.)

Celebrity Sightings:

Raptors forward Bruno Caboclo wasn’t the only NBA player in the house on Friday night. Toronto native Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks was also in the house, according to an in-game announcement.

Although the 24-year-old power forward did not part take in any games, perhaps the former Stanford Cardinal might after signing a brand new $37 million deal with the Mavs?

Congrats on the new deal, Powell.

Never knowing who will show up is part of the allure attached to the Crown League, and according to event organizers there are a few surprises planned for this season.

Line of the Night:

“I think Northern Kings has as many coaches as they do players,” said in-game emcee Akil Augustine.

Tweets from the Night:

Next: Nike Crown League Returns for Second Season

If you’re interested in attending the Nike Crown League, registration opens every Tuesday at 12 pm. You can register here.

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