While waiting for the start of the Canadiens’ season on Wednesday, basketball fans are in demand to say the least these days in Montreal!
• Also read: NBA: “I think we should have a team in Montreal” –Chris Boucher
• Also read: A hint of Montreal in the Wizards uniform
Many fans showed Raptors colors on Friday evening on the campus of McGill University, during a training session of the Toronto team open to the public. Montrealer Chris Boucher was, unsurprisingly, among the players most applauded by the spectators present, with his Canadian teammate RJ Barrett.
MARTIN ALARIE / JOURNAL DE MONTREAL
“Thank you for supporting us, and enjoy the evening!” Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said on the microphone.
Some fans were also invited to get active by the Raptor mascot before the arrival of the players, the winner of the game having won a jersey autographed by Boucher.
Sold out
The activity concluded the week of Raptors training camp which took place at the UQAM Sports Center while a preparatory match for the Toronto team is scheduled at the Bell Center on Sunday against the Washington Wizards. Boucher is obviously at the heart of these events while Sunday’s game is already guaranteed to be sold out.
MARTIN ALARIE / JOURNAL DE MONTREAL
If expectations are modest for the next season, Rajakovic says he wants to bank on Boucher to help his team.
“Chris’ role is to be ready to play every day,” said the Serbian coach. He could be a starter, end up on the second unit, anything is possible. The start of the season will dictate what happens next, but I believe he can be an important element in our team this season.
Expectations exceeded
According to Rajakovic, Boucher would therefore have the opportunity, at 31 years old, to establish himself as a starter with the Raptors. Since the start of his career, the Quebecer has played 357 regular season games in the NBA, but has been on the starting lineup only 23 times.
“There were people who thought I was going to play for a year or two [dans la NBA]but I’ve been with the Raptors for seven years now, that probably helps to develop confidence,” argued Boucher.
Photo provided by the Toronto Raptors
Before Sunday’s preparatory game at the Bell Center, basketball fans are invited to Maison NBA this weekend, at 360 rue Saint-Jacques. It promises an interactive experience for fans of all ages while Raptors legend Vince Carter is expected to come and take his turn on Saturday late afternoon. Among the promotions in town, there is even the famous Fairmount Bagel which offers a purple product and prizes to be won to highlight the Raptors’ visit to Montreal.
