The Ryerson Rams dropped their 2011-12 NCAA/CIS exhibition opener 93-71 to NCAA powerhouse Baylor Bears.
A big crowd was on hand to witness one the top programs in NCAA Basketball, the game was billed as double-header. Team Canada won a close game against Belgium in the earlier game.
Canadian Guard Brady Heslip (Burlington On) led the Bears charge by draining six big three-pointers and finished with a game-high 28 points in front of his family, friends and home crowd.
“The atmosphere tonight was just ridiculous it was a great feeling to be playing in front of my home, my fans, family, friends, it was an unbelievable experience.” mention Heslip in his post game interview.
“The one thing that is under appreciated at times with Brady is his competitive nature,” Drew said. “He talks on defense, hates to lose, feeds the post and plays off the pick-and-roll well. He does more than just shoot the ball; being such a good shooter allows the floor to be spaced out more for our post players.”
Perry Jones III barely broke a sweat and finished with 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. He added two three-pointers to go along with five rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Showing off his all-around game to a city that might potentially draft him one day.
Ryerson was led by three players in double figures – Bjorn Michaelsen (18), Jordon Gauthier (16) and Aaron Best (13).
Head Coach Roy Rana was without the services of his starting guard Jahmal Jones,a first-team OUA all-star and CIS all-rookie team a year ago. Jones is currently playing in China with the Canadian Men’s squad for the 26th Universiade Games
Ola Adeghoruwa one of the top defensive guards in the OUA also missed the game and is recovering from off-season surgery. Adeghoruwa set Ryerson’s single-season steals record last season.
“Toronto is a great city and the people have been really kind and hospitable to us,” Baylor head coach Scott Drew said. “Basketball in Canada is on the uptick and with the two games Saturday, the atmosphere was unbelievable.”
Baylor also routed 104-78 Canada’s Junior National team in an earlier game. Both Perry and Heslip scored over 20 points in that contest.
Heslip averaged 28.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game as a senior at Nelson High School (Burlington, Ontario) and was a three-time Halton all-star selection.
He transferred to New Hampton Prep and committed to Boston College in the fall of 2009 before changing his mind and opening up his options. As per NCAA rules he sat out last year and will now play his first true season as NCAA player with Bears.
<b>Game Notes</b>
Toronto Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo was in the building getting an up-front opportunity to witness Perry Jones III a future NBA lottery pick. Heslip who is also a current member of Canada’s Senior National Team didn’t play against Belgium.
