#RoadToNationals: Edmonton Grads

Making their way to the U17 and Open division of Nationals, the Edmonton Grads are ready for their return to the Bballnationals stage. Originally founded as the Edmonton Commercial Graduates Basketball Club in 1915, the Grads are a staple in the basketball scene in Canada. Even Dr. James Naismith — creator of Basketball — said that their team was “an inspiration to basketball players around the world.”

Their youth basketball program was established in 1997 as a way to bring great basketball players together regardless of income, and the team does multiple fundraisers throughout the year. For the Grads, coming to participate in bballnationals was a no-brainer.

“We decided that Club Basketball needed a national presence and that the current Provincial and national programs were deficient in offering” said president Gerard Bleau. “What basketball in Canada needs is opportunity to all players.”

Bleau and the Grads look forward to “the diversity in play [and] seeing different styles of play from all the regions representing themselves.” Keep your eyes peeled for Kristen Ho and Nicole Fransson on the U17 team, as well as Moiyan Tourre and Kianna Mintz on the Open team.

Bbballnationals is the first truly national championship for club basketball in Canada. Teams from eight different provinces and one territory will compete at the Langley Events Centre starting August 3rd. For more information, visit www.bballnationals.com.

Written by: Nick Bondi