How have Raptors players performed in international competition?
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors have become famous for their ability to unite the best basketball players from all over the world in Canada. Masai Ujiri is one of the global game’s greatest ambassadors, and that has often been reflected in his ability to add stars from around the globe.
On top of the fact that they now have three Canadian players on the roster right now, countries like Cameroon, Spain, and Nigeria are also represented on the squad. While some Raptors stars are at the Rico Hines runs, a handful of players have been balling for their respective countries.
International play can be difficult to gauge at times. With the size of the ball varying, styles of play contrasting with what the NBA usually puts on display, and the talent level varying from team to team, FIBA competition is very uneven. However, it’s always encouraging to see current Raptors piling up the points.
Several Raptors have been invited to their respective country’s training camps or starred in competition. It’s time to take a look at these Raptors and how they have played over the past few weeks. Are they getting prepared for a dominant regular season?
How are the Toronto Raptors performing internationally?
PG Dalano Banton (Canada)
Banton’s play might be the one Toronto is watching closely. Suiting up for Canada in 2022 FIBA AmeriCup play, Banton is one of many who are trying to prove just how far Canadian basketball has come in the last few years. The results have been largely positive for Toronto’s oversized guard.
Banton has scored between 16 and 20 points in all four games of AmeriCup play. Team Canada is letting Banton strut his stuff as a ball-handler and shooter, and he has rewarded them several times over by taking over games against Colombia and Brazil.
Dalano Banton is showing out for the Toronto Raptors.
Not everything has been amazing, however. If you take out his best performance against Colombia, Banton has shot 39% from the field while connecting on just three of his 18 3-point attempts. The flaws we saw on offense last year are still starting to sprout up against inferior competition.
Banton will be locked in a tough battle for minutes as the backup point guard, as Malachi Flynn and Scottie Barnes will be breathing down his neck. While the efficiency is still somewhat gnarly, Banton has been one of Canada’s best players on both ends in this competition.