River Lions call on Calloo
Victor Raso didn’t have to think twice to sign Maurice Calloo when the talented Canadian forward became available.
The 24-year-old Windsor native was in the midst of an outstanding season with Saskatchewan Rattlers where he was averaging 14.1 points and 6.2 rebounds over the first 10 games of the Canadian Elite Basketball League season before injuring his knee and being released.
Raso jumped at the chance to sign Calloo and quickly reached out to the 6-foot-10 forward.
“Mo is a Canadian who we’ve had our eyes on for a while. He’s young, talented, he has great size and can shoot the ball,” Raso said.
Raso signed Calloo with the hope we would be able to play at some point this season— doctors told him he needed about four weeks on the sidelines following surgery to repair his meniscus — and if that didn’t work out he would still get to know Calloo while he rehabbed with the team.
“I want to recruit him so I already have insight,” Raso said. “He’s a talented basketball player and he understood the situation.”
Calloo has played sparingly in two games with Niagara as he eases back into action.
“As he gets another week of practice, he’ll be able to contribute in a much smaller role than what would be if he was here all year, but he’s a depth piece,” Raso said.
Calloo said the transition to Niagara has been a breeze, even this late in the season.
“Usually you would think it’s pretty difficult, but the staff we have here and the teammates we have here, they’re all vocal leaders and they made this step easy for me,” Calloo said. “Coach Victor is a good guy and I knew it was going to be a good situation.”
Calloo is thrilled just to get an opportunity to continue his season and isn’t about to grouse about playing time.
“This is basketball,” he said. “We all started somewhere. It’s just like when I was a kid making my name. It’s rebuilding and taking the garbage minutes I get and making the most of my time.
“I’m grateful the opportunity was presented.”
Calloo had faith someone would come calling after his release.
“I just needed some time to get my knee healthy and I knew teams would reach out because I was playing pretty well there,” he said. “I was a main guy over there. I was staying ready and taking care of what I had to.”
Calloo has been impressed with the support the River Lions fans have shown.
“I came from a place where it was hard to get people to the games,” he said. “It’s amazing. It’s like having an extra body on the court with us. We’re very appreciative of all the fans coming out. It’s a good thing to see.”
The River Lions, who finished the regular season a perfect 10-0 at home, play host to either Ottawa or Scarborough Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the Eastern Conference semifinal. It will be the team’s first ever playoff home game at Meridian Centre.
The Shooting Stars (12-8) take on the Blackjacks (9-11) Friday.
Raso said the River Lions are preparing for both.
“The last two regular season games were versus Ottawa so that’s a relatively easy one. The pre-scout is already done and we know the adjustments,” he said. “Scarborough and Ottawa will be completely scouted and then when that game ends, we’ll send out the scout to these guys.”
The River Lions took Sunday and Monday off before getting back to work Tuesday.
“We have to take advantage of this time,” Raso said.
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