Toronto native Dalano Banton on Friday called it a dream come true to play for his hometown Raptors ahead of the start of the 2021-22 regular season next week.
Banton, who was the 46th overall pick, became the first Canadian-born player to be drafted by the Raptors. He wore the No. 45 in college at Nebraska and does so now with the Raptors to pay homage to Rexdale, a neighborhood in Toronto.
The chance to play in his hometown has special meaning to him.
I feel like this is a dream come true every day waking up and being in Toronto, the city that I grew up in. Being able to play for the Raptors is something that I always dreamed of. I wake up and I live my dream but I just try to come into work every day and prepare just to get better. To play in Scotiabank Arena for preseason was big for me, it felt like a regular-season game honestly.
Banton wrapped up the preseason by averaging 5.2 points, three assists and 2.4 rebounds in five games with the Raptors. He was commended by head coach Nick Nurse for his improvement since joining the team and impressed with his shooting and work ethic to this point.
The team is still working to establish his role moving forward so it is possible Banton spends time with the Raptors 905 in the NBA G League. However, it is clear that he will be happy to be playing professional basketball in his hometown, in whatever capacity that is.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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