Maritime teams prepare to tip-off in The Basketball League

Maritime teams prepare to tip off in The Basketball League – for their home openers.

For athletes there’s nothing like home advantage, and as the Halifax Hoopers get set to start their second season at home, that can be felt.

“I love Halifax. The community is just a beautiful place to be in. The team was wonderful last year. The owner was welcoming me back, so I was happy to come back,” said returning guard Antonio “Tone” Davis.

Halifax saw professional basketball back in the city in 2025 when Geoff Clyke brought a team from The Basketball League into the HRM.

After dropping their first two games last year, the Hoopers went on to win 14 straight, but stumbled in the playoffs, which lead to a shake up this year.

“A lot of new faces. A lot of more energetic excitement from the team,” Davis said. “Be better than last year and get out in the community and bring more faces out.”

“I learned not to sweat the small stuff. Things were going to happen,” added Clyke. “It’s just out of our control and we have to just keep rolling and we have to keep a positive mindset and we just have to keep moving.”

Adam Standford brings an impressive resume to the team, willing to fill in any position in the three, four or five spots.

“I was watching from last year. I sat out last year for personal reasons,” explained Stanford. “Just watching them, certain players like Tone and all of them, I just saw how they play and how I like to play. I said, ‘you know, that’s something I probably could see myself at’. And the next thing I know, I got to call and couldn’t say no to it.”

Sanford is from California, but has played in Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, China and Thailand through his career.

Both he and Clyke believe he can be a difference maker for a farther playoff push.

“We’re big on IQ and just learning from each other and learning how everybody plays,” Stanford told CTV News, after being in Halifax for a few weeks. “So just to be one of those guys who just basically tuning in, zoning in on everything. That’s what’s needed and also defense.”

“I think as a team, we’re taller and we’re better defenders. I think with Tony leading the group of the veterans and the new guys coming in, I think that we’ll have a great chemistry,” said Clyke.

Last season the team saw decent attendance numbers, and the plan for this year is to continue to grow the game on and off the court.

“Basketball is big out here. Last year it was really good seeing a lot of people come out and supporting us,” said Davis. “So you want to give back to the community with basketball and anything we could do to help, the kids especially, in training camps, tournaments, anything we can do to bring the basketball spirit and good fun energy back to the community.”

“It’s so important to give back to the community, give back to the kids specifically because the kids, they need a role model,” added Stanford. “Growing up you got certain kids that they don’t have a role model.”

“It’s very, very important that we stand on principle and put a good product and act accordingly in the community,” said Clyke.

Over in Moncton, messaging is the same for the Tri-City Tide.

“We started this last year. We really had a good turnout and good routine. I think a lot of people enjoyed it,” said Dustin Caissie, owner of the Tide. “We’ve been working a lot with youth organizations since last year and getting involved in the community. I think the community is really enjoying what we’re what we’re bringing to the court, especially how we’re doing it in a smaller venue.”

“It’s a lot more personal. The players are getting to meet the kids a lot more, and I think people are really enjoying the whole atmosphere to the whole product and everyone involved.”

For Jordan “The Euro” Robinson, coming to New Brunswick from California is a change, but a welcome one.

“I’ve only been here for a week, but yeah, we’ve gotten into the community, and it’s just really cool to be on the other side of it,” he added. “I remember being in that position as a kid and then seeing pro basketball players. So it’s cool to give back.”

The Tide opened their season in Saint John, beating the Port City Power 109-97. On Saturday in a double header weekend, they will host the Power at Crandall University at 7 p.m.

“You’re going to see a fierce defensive team,” said Caissie. “We’ve seen a lot of teams work together for a short period of time. We’ll be together a week and a half come Saturday. But the team is really meshing well. The guys are all, working out together outside of practices. They’re all training together. They’re going to the gym as much as they can.”

“I think you’re going to see some real chemistry on the court, which is rare to see this early in the season. I think the guys we have, no one’s on this team is looking for their number. They’re looking for the team to win. So I think it’s going to be a very exciting team to watch.”

As Friday night showed with a comeback win over Saint John as they were down 55-60 at halftime.

In Halifax, winning is the goal.

“It’s tough for everybody,” Davis said about last years early exit. “We have the same goal and they want to win championships. So we’re all on the same page and they’re going to come out and work out the kinks. Eventually, once it get that time, we’re all going to be on the same page and be good to go.”

Tip off for Halifax is at 7pm at the Zatzman Sportsplex against the Newfoundland Rogues.

According to Clyke, this year should see a good product in Halifax too.

“The Hoopers will be an awesome team this year. Make sure that you get out and you see our players.”

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