‘An indescribable amount of energy’: Halifax Hoopers player encourages fans to attend home games

Players from the Halifax Hoopers are pictured. (Source: Instagram/Halifax Hoopers)

The Halifax Hoopers, Nova Scotia’s The Basketball League (TBL) team, are on a 14-game winning streak.

Forward Brandon Beloti attributes their success to the depth of talent on his team.

“We have just so many weapons on the team,” Beloti said in an interview on CTV Morning Live. “Seeing different guys being able to step up on any given night to lead to so many wins in a row. I mean, we’re just trying to keep it going the best way we know how.”

The team played their first home game at the Zatzman Sportsplex in on April 18, marking the official return of men’s professional basketball to the city.

“It’s a different level of energy getting to play so many games at home and the community being able to see everything that we have to offer, and it’s just been growing, more and more every win,” said Beloti.

“Every game we see new faces and we get to interact with our fans after the games also. It truly is a blessing to be able to bring such high-quality basketball to Halifax and to see the appreciation that the fans give us.”

Beloti, who is from New York, says each of the players has a different culture of basketball based on where they grew up.

“Being able to bring all of that together and put it on display and find so much harmony and love around the game that we all love, it’s an indescribable experience, you’ve got to come see it for yourself,” he said.

The organization is also committed to growing the game in the community and serving as motivators for young players in the province.

“Something that was taught to me as a young athlete is that you always aim for the highest heights. Even if you do fall short, you’re still in the position where you can be successful,” said Beloti.

“Some people may look at us and say ‘Oh, it’s not NBA basketball.’ All of us worked hard to try and get to the NBA, but those are the top 500 guys in the world some would say. Where do all the players that played high-level college basketball, high-level high school basketball play afterwards? Are we expected to just go to the gym and only play pickup? No, there is more basketball to be played out there. People want to see high-quality basketball and we have the opportunity to put it on display. So, you aim for those highest heights and maybe if the NBA doesn’t work out you can be a Halifax Hooper.”

Beloti is encouraging fans to come and check out a game.

“If I have to put it into words, the best thing I can say, when you bring a group of people together that are truly passionate about what they do for a living and, you know, we go out there and we play our hardest and it leads to a beautiful show for the fans to watch. It is an indescribable amount of energy and raw passion that you can see for yourself.”

The Halifax Hoopers next home game is Sunday at the Zatzman Sportsplex.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page