Everything Raptors 905's

[youreachiteach]

Performances like that are going to get him a look soon.

[SkywalkerAC]

Bruno with 16/7/3 with a block and 2 steals. I'm optimistic this experience playing his role on a winning squad in the 905 will pay off down the road.

[Bendit]

This guy who can't make the cut as a 905 walk-on:



Man on the one hand you feel for him, hanging onto that dream so tight and can't let it die. On the other hand, there's some line between believing in yourself and being semi-delusional, and he seems geared towards the latter. If a 6'1" 170 lbs 30+ year old can't figure out why he wasn't picked as a D-League walk on, I don't know what to say. He's had a good year or two in the NBL, but that's it. Went undrafted in 2006, is still trying to make a go of basketball at an age where some NBAers are starting to retire and just can't figure out why nobody is giving him the big paycheque.

As a husband/dad at some point you gotta wake up you need to make money.

That is sad. But uplifting too that he won't give up and his family/wife sticks with the status quo. That he could not get a team contract in China (and possibly even the Euro leagues) is telling. I think his age is probably working against him now...teams just don't see him as a good investment at 31-32.

[KeonClark]

This guy who can't make the cut as a 905 walk-on:



Man on the one hand you feel for him, hanging onto that dream so tight and can't let it die. On the other hand, there's some line between believing in yourself and being semi-delusional, and he seems geared towards the latter. If a 6'1" 170 lbs 30+ year old can't figure out why he wasn't picked as a D-League walk on, I don't know what to say. He's had a good year or two in the NBL, but that's it. Went undrafted in 2006, is still trying to make a go of basketball at an age where some NBAers are starting to retire and just can't figure out why nobody is giving him the big paycheque.

As a husband/dad at some point you gotta wake up you need to make money.

Wish we could turn back time...to da good olll daaays

[jacobdr4]

This guy who can't make the cut as a 905 walk-on:



Man on the one hand you feel for him, hanging onto that dream so tight and can't let it die. On the other hand, there's some line between believing in yourself and being semi-delusional, and he seems geared towards the latter. If a 6'1" 170 lbs 30+ year old can't figure out why he wasn't picked as a D-League walk on, I don't know what to say. He's had a good year or two in the NBL, but that's it. Went undrafted in 2006, is still trying to make a go of basketball at an age where some NBAers are starting to retire and just can't figure out why nobody is giving him the big paycheque.

As a husband/dad at some point you gotta wake up you need to make money.

I live in Halifax so I've watched him a couple times on the Hurricanes and he definitely doesn't move the needle much for me. He is currently coming off the bench and doesn't really get too many minutes. There are more skilled players on the Hurricanes let alone playing for the 905.

[S.R.]

This guy who can't make the cut as a 905 walk-on:



Man on the one hand you feel for him, hanging onto that dream so tight and can't let it die. On the other hand, there's some line between believing in yourself and being semi-delusional, and he seems geared towards the latter. If a 6'1" 170 lbs 30+ year old can't figure out why he wasn't picked as a D-League walk on, I don't know what to say. He's had a good year or two in the NBL, but that's it. Went undrafted in 2006, is still trying to make a go of basketball at an age where some NBAers are starting to retire and just can't figure out why nobody is giving him the big paycheque.

As a husband/dad at some point you gotta wake up you need to make money.

[Odin]

If he's willing; he's a lock for at least one of the two way contracts next year they're introducing. As is; if another trade happens that opens up a roster space; I wouldn't be surprised to see him claim it.

Charles F. Gardner: Kidd said newcomer Axel Toupane will not be active today but coach liked what he saw in Toupane’s first practice with team on Saturday.
– via cf_gardner

Milwaukee got him....Good for him but boo.

[Just Is]

Anyone who follows the 905 see Axel Toupane on the varsity team next year?

I think he should be in the NBA. Only question is what team. He played well with Denver last year in limited opportunity.

Sign him to a very team friendly, non-guaranteed minimum contract.

If he's willing; he's a lock for at least one of the two way contracts next year they're introducing. As is; if another trade happens that opens up a roster space; I wouldn't be surprised to see him claim it.

[Odin]

Anyone who follows the 905 see Axel Toupane on the varsity team next year?

I think he should be in the NBA. Only question is what team. He played well with Denver last year in limited opportunity.

Sign him to a very team friendly, non-guaranteed minimum contract.

[SkywalkerAC]

Raps starting to get desperate for dis length and dat athleticism, a little 3-point shooting wouldn't hurt either.

ps - only partially serious.

[SkywalkerAC]

[SkywalkerAC]

Pretty amazing to be able to watch Delon, Sullinger, and Bruno get out there for Mississauga.

https://www.facebook.com/nbadleague/...4745187985289/

[SkywalkerAC]

http://dleague.nba.com/games/20170110/GBORAP/

Then, Bruno starting to fill out the stat sheet more when his shot isn't on. 9/6/5 with a steal and a block in his last outing.

[JamesNaismith]

In terms of him being a better post defender, very much so in fact. He's staying on his man more, no longer chasing to help teammates with his length. He's also learning how to block shots better overall.

I still feel that grooming him into a role is hurting his mental game & we should really be allowing him to try and create his own offense more, as when he does get to the basket, it's Giannis-like. Fast, Deadly and usually a poster.

Couldn't disagree more. I think the way they are grooming him now is the right way.

In his first 2 years we gave him that free reign to evaluate what it is he does well and before I say what I think he does well, there is a GLARING hole in what he doesn't --- he is an AWFUL decision maker and has very low bball IQ

Of course to some degree a part of not understanding the game is the language barrier but there are tons of foreign players that enter the league now (Giannis being one as well) that do seem to catch on, Bruno has not. He at times has seemed completely lost. I think for now it's best to simplify the game for him. Tell him where he needs to be and what things he should do. Having him try to create for himself while more importantly be able to read a defence is just beyond his scope right now especially since he doesn't seem to have a feel for what they are doing.

He has shown 2 things....he can shoot a 3 (even in clutch moments) and he can use his length to guard perimeter and post. Once he gets REALLY good at those 2 things, knowing where to be for the open 3 and defending it can open up more avenues. Teams will rush to block his shot and he continues working on his handles and passing in the mean time when they do respond he can start surprising them more but trying to have him be the player that initiates the offence like Giannis would be a massive mistake and just make the 905 team completely disjointed at the same time...

He lacks 3 things Giannis has, footspeed, ballhandling and decision making. From the go, the Greek Freak showed great quickness and far more ballhandling potential. Its hard to create and be able to make decisions for your team offensively if you can't handle the ball to put it lightly, it's a recipe for disaster and think that's what we've seen. He simply doesn't have those characteristics to run an offence through. He's more a player that once he becomes proficient at what he does then other avenues will open up for him within that role. Not to mention he lacks the assertiveness and confidence of a lead player...which is fine because the vast majority of players in the league are role players, at this point he just needs to learn how to do HIS really well.

[Cody73]

I think people have to realize that he is now being groomed as a very specific kind of roleplayer - ie we've tightened the reins. Before he was out there jacking shots and trying to put it on the deck, and sometimes that showed well in the box score. I think he's been told that's not his game, that he has to play more like...Patrick? And that has deflated his numbers and perhaps his confidence as he adjusts.

I'd wager his defense has probably taken a small step forward.

In terms of him being a better post defender, very much so in fact. He's staying on his man more, no longer chasing to help teammates with his length. He's also learning how to block shots better overall.

I still feel that grooming him into a role is hurting his mental game & we should really be allowing him to try and create his own offense more, as when he does get to the basket, it's Giannis-like. Fast, Deadly and usually a poster.