Raptors 905

We welcome back Vice President of Operations Courtney Charles! Excited for a new season at 100% without any restrictions and a house full of fans. Coming off a season that saw a record number of call-ups due to health and safety protocols, Courtney touches on the depth and agility the franchise continues to show. Welcoming in new Head Coach Eric Khoury, Courtney talks about growing with Eric over the years and why he checks all the boxes.  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905  

Fresh from NBA Summer League and his recent appointment to Head Coach for the 905, Eric is officially the youngest Head Coach in franchise history. We learn about his journey thus far and how this opportunity presented itself over the course of 10 years with the Toronto Raptors.  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905  

Travon joins us from his home in Long Beach where he's enjoying downtime with Family. Highlighting the growth the 905 had this year with such a young team and the development that comes with that. Plus the highs and lows of a season. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

Keeping the momentum going - the playoffs are finally here and it's single-game elimination. Kevon talks about the mental approach in the quest to win a championship. In his second year with the 905, he credits the success both personally and as a team to the organization and culture Coach, Mutombo instills. Kevon touches on playing selfless basketball and how they have adjusted with all the talent including the assignments from the Raptors. Kevon is locked in on the playoffs and is ready for that first NBA call-up. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

The team is on a roll, clinching playoffs, and they're ready for the post-season to begin. David talks about the transition from college student-athlete to a professional basketball player. Adjusting to life as a pro and the challenges that come with it. We learn about what Louisville means to him, staying in Louisville for college was a no-brainer, being the hometown kid and having support from his fans made it easy. Appreciating the small things with your teammates and the lifelong bonds you make along the way. David talks to us about the diversity in Toronto and how welcoming Canadians are. He also speaks to the value and opportunity in a Two-Way Contract and how amazing the Toronto Raptors as an organization have been in his development as a pro. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

Fresh from All-Star where Alex competed in the Skills Challenge with his brothers Giannis and Thanasis. We learn about the inside story of how it came to be. Witnessing the NBA 75 and seeing his brother be a part of something so special was the highlight at All-Star. Just 20 years old Alex has experienced multiple countries and cultures which has allowed him to grow personally and professionally. We learn about “Rise” an upcoming American biographical sports-drama film that highlights their life journey.  Why playing for the 905 is the perfect place to be for where Alex is right now in his development. The Toronto Raptors as an organization pride themselves on development and Alex is proud to be part of such a great organization. The team is winning and the 905 will be in a position to compete for a Championship. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

Rooted in sports from the jump with friends and family that are professional athletes, Ashton has been surrounded by athletes his entire life. His transition to college basketball with the University of Kentucky and how that groomed him to become a pro. Ashton tells us what is working right now for the 905 who are sitting at the top of the standings in the league and what's lead to his great play. Ashton talks about some of the biggest challenges he has had to overcome in his life and how his family has been there for him through it all.   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/    

On this episode of the Raptor's 905 Podcast, we are joined by Reggie Perry. After being drafted in 2020 and playing with the Brooklyn Nets we go back to where it all started. Born and raised in Mississippi, Reggie tells Sav and D how his experiences growing up around the game of basketball have helped shaped him to become the player he is today.   Reggie has grown from watching his favourite players on TV to guarding them on the court, and shares insight on his experience learning from players like Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan from his time with the Brooklyn nets. They also discuss how Reggie plans to take what he has learned to help him continue to grow and accomplish even more in his current home with the Raptors 905. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

Raptors 905 Head Coach Patrick Mutombo joins us today to discuss the challenges and adversity facing our team this season. Our team is in a moment of growth and according to coach, this presents an opportunity for everyone to learn and progress not just for this season, but for entire careers.  How COVID has impacted him personally, the importance of coaching with a pure heart, and how creativity brings about success. Tap in to hear more. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

Welcome back a familiar voice and face to the 905 Podcast, Breein Tyree. We get right into Feb 25th, against the Delaware Blue Coats where Breein tore his ACL. This once was an injury that would not only be devastating to any athlete, but would influence future opportunities in a negative light. Breein talks us through the advancement in both health, technology, and physio that lead to a quick rehab and full recovery in six months. Breein used the time to improve his game both as a shooter and off the court on his mental. It also allowed for him to spend time with family which he is very grateful for. The 905 supported him through the entire injury process and believed in him enough to bring him back. Breein attributes this to his outlook on life and the relationships he builds within the organization as a professional. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

Savannah is joined by guest co-host Dhanung Bulsara and together they are welcoming breakout rookie Justin Champagnie to the show. A two-way player with the 905 and the Raptors, Justin gives Sav and D an inside look on the moves that have gotten him to this point in life to the hectic moves that are the life of a two-way. From a young dream to playing for Michigan State to feeling at home the instant he walked on the U Pittsburg campus; The intertwined life and connection he has with his twin brother, the twists and turns of an unconventional life path and why Toronto is the perfect fit. Tap in to hear all this and more. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/  

Raptors 905 Podcast” is back for a new season of game play and a brand new host, Selena Singh, joining Savanna each episode. If Selena sounds familiar to any of you, chances are you have been to a game and seen her as an in-arena host hyping you up. Today the ladies welcome Scarborough's own, former player and now Assistant Coach, Ashton Smith. We get to know Ashton's journey as a player, how basketball has evolved and what we can expect to see this season for our 905 team. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raptors905/

Patrick Mutombo joins us this week to talk about his journey to the NBA. The importance of relationships and mentors inside and outside the NBA/Sports industry. How instrumental Masai Ujiri was in helping him get his first job with the Denver Nuggets. His international playing days and how he transitioned to coaching. The game of basketball has provided so many opportunities in life that he's forever grateful. We hear about his African roots and that he makes sure his family is aware of their African heritage. Lastly, how he was built for life as a coach and the chaos and pressure that comes with being a head coach.

Matt Morgan is back with Charles and Savannah to talk about his return to the Raptors, how the game has changed over his lifetime and this difference between his first year at Summer League and today. Now a 905 “vet” we hear how Matt's mindset and style of play has changed, what his take on the Tokyo Olympics has been and how he's the WNBA's biggest fan.

On today's episode of the “Raptors 905 Podcast”, Charles and Savanna are joined by Raptors 905 Colour Commentator, Amy Audibert. We hear all about her journey as a woman in sports broadcasting, how she transitioned out of her playing career, why it's so important as a woman in sports to capitalize on every opportunity, and tells us about the importance of the Toronto Raptors all-female broadcast on March 24. 

On today's episode of the “Raptors 905 Podcast” Charles and Savanna are joined by Raptors 905 Head Athletic Therapist, Rayhan Malik. We hear all about his path to becoming a doctor, why the health industry fascinates him, and how he's shaped his career with the Raptors organization.  He tells us about some of his favourite moments with the 905, how he plans to pursue his NBA goals, and gives us his take on all of the NBA's recent injuries. 

In today's episode of the “Raptors 905 Podcast” Charles and Savanna are joined by the Raptors 905 Team Operations Coordinator, Tenneya Martin. She tells us how she got involved in basketball, her complex path to the Raptors 905 organization, and why no day in her role is ever the same. She talks us through what it means to be Indigenous in Canada, the recent tragedies tied to residential schools across the country, and why it remains important for everyone to diversify their circle and continue to educate themselves.

On today's episode of the “Raptors 905 Podcast” Charles and Savanna are joined by Director of Basketball Advancement for the Toronto Raptors, Shelby Weaver. We hear about her journey to the 905 and the risk she took moving away from her comfortable life in Halifax, why she takes so much pride in the 905's 2017 G League Championship, and why she chose to start her own businesses outside of her life with the Raptors.

On today's episode of the “Raptors 905 Podcast” Charles and Savanna are joined by Assistant GM/VP of Player Personnel for the Toronto Raptors, Mr. Dan Tolzman. Dan also has the distinction of being the very first General Manager of the Raptors 905 franchise.  We hear about the start of his journey through professional sports, what that first year in the League was like, and how the growth of the game and success of the 905 has played a key role in the success of NBA players, and other franchises inside and outside of our own. 

Savanna and Charles are joined by John Wiggins, Toronto Raptors Vice President of Organizational Culture and Inclusion who was a key part in bringing our Raptors 905 team to life. He chats about the early days, the conversations and situations that brought the first G-League team to Canada, and the importance this team plays in the landscape of basketball and the entire Raptors organization. We also hear about this past year in his new role and the lessons he has personally learned in these unique and challenging times. 

In part two, Courtney, Savanna and Charles sit down to talk about the growth in the organization, and all of the moving pieces that have contributed to its success.  Courtney tells us about not only the work in putting together the 2020-21 roster, but the importance of the personnel who have united the players, have brought out the best in them (and each other), and have helped create the conditions for success.  The organization that has proven time and time again that it is the platform for progress and growth within all aspects of sport. 

In part one of this two part episode we get to know our organizations VP of Basketball and Franchise Operations, Courtney Charles. From his early beginnings as a young athlete and track star, to his time as a varsity coach to his path to the 905 Savanna and Charles speak with him on the importance of mentors, the value of competition, the importance of diversity and the power that Basketball has in uniting us all. 

Welcome Jarron Cumberland our newest Raptor 905. Sit back as we get to know Jarron; how his dad discovered and nurtured his talent at a very young age, his unbelievable college career and what becoming a Raptor halfway through the bubble meant to him.

Coming off of an amazing G-League season,  join hosts Charles and Savanna, as they welcome Raptors 905 Forward, Alize Johnson, to the show.     He talks about where his journey in basketball began, and the challenges he has had to face over the years to get him to where he is today. Proving himself on and off the court, Alize is ready to show the world what he's got.  

Welcome Kevon Harris to the Raptors 905 and "The Raptors 905 Podcast".  Join Savanna and Charles as they get to know this Stephen F. Austin State University All-Time Scorer as he settles in as a new dad, and a new player with the 905.  We learn about his journey up to this point including getting waived by the Lakers because of Covid protocols with a teammate and dealing with a wrist injury during the bubble as well as what it means to him to "work hard" and to be a father his daughter will always be proud of.

Born into a basketball family, Tres Tinkle has used his dedication and drive to better his skills and forge his path and place in the game. Charles and Savanna hear about his beginnings, how his parents and sisters have fed into his competitive nature and what career he would love to have if basketball hadn't been an option growing up.  From mad bowling and LEGO building skills to the unusual way he passed the time during quarantine, join us as we welcome Tres to the show, to the 905 and into our hearts.

Wisconsin native Henry Ellenson, joins “The Raptors 905 Podcast” Savanna and Charles learn about his double life as a fisherman, the basketball family that he grew up in, and the journey that landed him with the Raptors 905, including a special college season he spent with his brother Wally.   Henry tells us what he learned from having basketball coaches as parents, why he declared for the NBA Draft after only one year with Marquette, and how his career came full circle as a Raptor. We hear about his size 18 shoe game, how he’s working to get back to the NBA, and so much more. 

Cornell star, Matt Morgan is our guest today.  We learn about his journey to the 905, the insanity of his Covid rookie year and the role his family, particularly his dad the coach, has played in his success. He tells Savanna and Charles why giving back to his community,  working and interacting with young people interested in the game, is so important to him. Why using his platform to promote social justice is "bigger than basketball" especially in setting an example for his three younger brothers.  We also learn a lot of fun stuff, like why he picks New Balance  over checks or stripes, what the secret to building team chemistry is and what being a part of the 905 means to him.

Matt Mooney’s path to professional basketball has not been a straight path. He speaks on his college journey that started at Air Force and eventually found him at Texas Tech and his dream of being in the national championship game. We learn about his dad and how he shaped and supported Matt, even at the end while he struggled with a terminal illness. We hear the joy Matt felt in having his dad see him play in the NBA Most importantly we learn how Matt finds the positive in all factors in his life, how his faith and positivity have factored in everywhere life has taken him, and how he has emerged to be a key leader and player in our Raptors 905 team.

Join Savanna and Charles as they get to know Mississauga’s own, Nik Stauskas. We hear about his journey from Canada to Division 1 University of Michigan to the NBA. How a Woj bomb on Twitter told Nik his future, how the ups and downs of his time in the League helped him grow as a person and as a player, and his role as an idol to up and coming Canadian players. Also the true story behind “Sauce Castillo”. Tune in for all of this and so much more.

Welcome to the Raptors 905, Breein Tyree. Join us as we learn about this ambitious and talented multi-sport player and the journey through sport that put him on the road to basketball.  We hear about his time on the Youth World Cup Soccer Team, his friendship with fellow Raptor Terence Davis, his thoughts on the Social Justice movement of the past year, what the best beach on the Jersey Shore really is, and who would win on the green, Bree or Steph Curry?

Raptors 905 lock down defender Gary Payton II is our guest on this episode of “The Raptors 905 Podcast”. Charles and Savanna learn about this amazing player who was born to be in the game. We hear of the Seattle Sonic legacy fuelled by Gary Payton Sr, what lessons were learned growing up in the game, what being a part of the 905 means to him and his personal development, and so much more. Join our hosts as we learn first hand on the art of the shutdown.

Join us as we welcome Jalen Harris to Toronto and to the 905. We hear first hand the intensity of the 2020 draft and the challenges that went along with that night, what Jalen’s hopes and goals are for this start to his career and what it means to him to be a Raptor.

What is the recipe for a successful season? How do you manage talent and personalities and what factors besides these do you consider when you put your team together? How do you do all of this during a global pandemic and from a different country than the rest of the League? Join hosts Savanna Hamilton and Charles Kissi as they sit down with Raptors 905 GM Chad Sanders.

Step into the world of Canada’s favourite G-League team, Raptors 905. In this introductory episode fans will meet our hosts, former Raptors 905 assistant coach, Charles Kissi and TV personality, Raptors 905’s own, Savanna Hamilton as they speak to what this team and the sport of basketball mean to them.  Step into the world of the players and personnel of the 2019 G-League Franchise of the Year. We’ll hear about triumph and heartache, the team’s strong bond with the Toronto Raptors, and the dedication and talent within 905 that has grown some of the best players in the NBA. #RoadtotheSix

Step into the world of Canadian basketball's favourite G-League team, Raptors 905. Join hosts, Charles Kissi and Savanna Hamilton as they take a deep dive into the players and personnel of the 2019 G-League Franchise of the Year. We’ll hear about triumph and heartache, the team’s strong bond with the Toronto Raptors, and the dedication and talent within 905 that has grown some of the best players in the NBA. #RoadtotheSix