Toronto Raptors due in Fort Myers on Monday to begin preps for rest of season

Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Jevon Carter (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

The Toronto Raptors will touch down in Southwest Florida on Monday to begin preparing for the resumption of the NBA season.

The NBA said select players and staff will leave Toronto for Fort Myers on Monday and the team will be in the area until early July, when they’ll head to the NBA Campus at Disney, near Orlando.

The team is expected to train at FGCU’s Alico Arena, which will remain closed to the general public and the media.

“We’re excited to say that we’re working on a faculty rental agreement with the Toronto Raptors,” said John Sinnett, associate AD for athletics communication at FGCU.

He said it’s a point of pride to be asked to host the defending NBA champs.

“It tells me that our facilities are up there in terms of something that could accommodate them.”

Former FGCU volleyball player Roberta Santos is married to the Raptors head coach Nick Nurse.

Before you think of going to sneak a peek at the NBA stars, “no matter what facility they’re in in the area, their individual workouts will be closed to the media and anyone in the area,” Sinnett said.

Still, it’s exciting for Dunk City to now be a hub for professional athletes preparing to resume the NBA season a COVID world.

“Obviously exciting news that they’re gonna be in the Fort Myers area as they gear up for the restart of the NBA season, so we’re excited to be able to assist them in their preparations here at Alico Arena,” Sinnett said.

“For us, it’s making sure the hoops are out there and they have what they need to get to work.”

He said both parties could work to extend the facility agreement if necessary.

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