Amid the Raptors’ quest to capture their first NBA championship, Michael Reio can already foresee something else — a surge in interest in amateur basketball across the country. The director and founder of Basketball World Toronto, a local non-profit organization that runs basketball programs for children and adults, says it might be a tad early to evaluate the full impact of this most successful Raptors season on recreational basketball. On an annual basis, there are approximately 275,000 people who attend the city’s basketball programs, and a total of 23,500 basketball course hours, according to the city. “The city won't be surprised if there is an elevated interest in its basketball programs and facilities due to the success of the Raptors,” said Shane Gerard, a spokesperson for the city's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division. “Ontario Basketball is very proud of what our partners from the Toronto Raptors have accomplished this season and we’re thrilled about all the interest in basketball it has generated across the province,” he said.

Source: thestar June 12, 2019 20:48 UTC