MONTREAL — The Allianz enjoyed tremendous box office success in their inaugural season, but for the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CBLE) team to become a staple of Quebec summers, it needs everyone’s input.

And to this day, there’s no doubting Quebecers’ love for their professional basketball team. More than 1,000 subscriptions have already found buyers for the 2023 season and we are seeing more and more people wearing team-colored clothing.

“I have several friends who play at the LECB and they all say the same thing: it’s the best.” [endroit] where to play, the best atmosphere. “The fans have been incredible in every game, whether we win or lose,” said player Nathan Cayo, who is back for a second season, during Wednesday’s season-opening press conference at the Verdun Auditorium.

The team’s new assistant manager and assistant coach, Charles Dubé-Brais, has been at the forefront of building teams in France and China in recent years. This allowed him to understand the importance of community involvement to ensure the sustainability of a new organization.

“In Europe and elsewhere, the real will is that of the city and the people who live there,” he explained. A common problem in North America is that people wait to see if it’s successful before committing. If I have one appeal to Montrealers, it’s to do whatever it takes to make it work. We need input from the city, private companies and Montreal baseball lovers who love basketball.”

“Finally!”

While the dream of seeing a Montreal-born NBA team seems a long way off, basketball culture is still evolving there at breakneck speed.

According to Dubé-Brais, several elements, including the emergence of Quebecers in the silver circuit, sparked Belle Province’s enthusiasm for Michael Jordan’s sport. He was also happy to finally have the opportunity to earn a living in his homeland.

“There is a side [de moi] who says: “Finally!”, he started, the tone laughing. In a way, it was about time. It’s similar to soccer; These are the most popular sports around the world. I grew up in the 1990s only playing hockey and baseball. I have nothing against these sports, but we are an exception.

Much like his new instructor, Cayo had to leave his home province during his stint at Richmond University from 2017 to 2022 to reach the top level. According to him, basketball in Quebec has come a long way since he started his college internship and today.

“It’s incredible,” he said. Since I left we’ve had four or five players in the NBA and as many players in the NCAA. I think Montreal is becoming increasingly known for basketball.

“Especially for young people growing up, it’s motivating to see that there are people like them who can reach the highest level.”

Although the alliance has improved significantly with the arrival of American players Blake Francis, Ahmed Hill and Treveon Graham, they will once again be well represented by local talent. Nine of the 13 players who have signed up for the 2023 season, which begins May 26, are Quebecers.

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