A Rare Opportunity to Train Like a Raptor

Last month, 13 members of the CDS Sr. Boys’ Basketball team got to experience something truly unique. Team member, Sam Nixon’s father, Joey, had bid on an opportunity for eight adults to train like pros with Toronto Raptor’s Assistant Coach and Director of Sports Science, Alex McKechnie, on the Air Canada, Raptor’s Practice Court.

Mr. McKechnie is a legend in the NBA, having worked with some of the best players in the world, including winning five NBA Championships during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mr. Nixon won the opportunity to send a group to the ACC for a two and a half hour training session at a Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Foundation charity event. After learning he was the successful bidder, he persuaded the Raptors to let him bring his son’s basketball team instead.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Hudson Wildberger. “They had us doing the same drills they do with the NBA players.” His teammate Alex Railton agreed, “It was cool to see the level of commitment and training the professional athletes have and witness their overall commitment to the sport.”

The boys were put through a grueling two and a half hour practice, including various NBA style fitness tests where the boys could measure themselves against the Raptors’ Best. They finished practice with an intense, fun-filled inter-squad scrimmage. Mr. McKechnie drew frequent comparisons throughout the afternoon between the CDS students and the Raptors – chiding them to push themselves harder.

After practice, he gave the group a tour of the team’s locker room, facilities and let them help themselves to drink from the Raptor’s kitchen. All of the jerseys were hung up ready for the game that evening and the unexpected surprise was the chance to meet DeMar DeRozan.

“Neither the boys, Coach [Tony] Young nor I will ever forget this experience,” said Coach Peter Milonas. “It was extremely generous of Mr. Joey Nixon to set this up for the boys. As for me, I definitely picked up some new ideas for next season’s fitness training!”
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Land Acknowledgment

CDS wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. For thousands of years, these have been the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee peoples who also shared this land.  CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for these lands and waters for future generations.

School Information

13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5 
(905) 833-1220 

communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca

Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.