Welcome to RYBL's 2013-14 season, players and parents,
We are proud to present the RYBL Roundup, the newest addition to our website dedicated to keeping you informed on the latest happenings surrounding the league. As the season progresses, this space will be updated weekly with the following features...
- -players of the week.
- -progress reports from our coaches.
- -photo galleries of all the latest action (that will be archived)
-and much more!
If you ever have any issues or concerns with anything being posted on this page, you can contact Gabe at glee@richmond.ca. In addition, if you have any other additions you'd like to see added to this section, feel free to let any of the RYBL coordinators know either in-person or at the e-mail above- together we grow.
Week 14, (February 15)
This week, we had our first free open gym session of the 2013-14 season. We had a great turnout and hope more and more participants take advantage of this great opportunity to develop their skills in a recreational environment.
This week, we had our first free open gym session of the 2013-14 season. We had a great turnout and hope more and more participants take advantage of this great opportunity to develop their skills in a recreational environment.
Week 14, (February 15)
This week, we had our first free open gym session of the 2013-14 season. We had a great turnout and hope more and more participants take advantage of this great opportunity to develop their skills in a recreational environment. Full details regarding the open gym sessions are below.
This week, we had our first free open gym session of the 2013-14 season. We had a great turnout and hope more and more participants take advantage of this great opportunity to develop their skills in a recreational environment. Full details regarding the open gym sessions are below.
Alas, a Valentine's Day greeting from the boys and girls of our Small Ball program...
Week 13 (February 8)
There were no games this weekend in our league due to Family Day.
There were no games this weekend in our league due to Family Day.
Week 12, (February 1)
This week, we spoke with RYBL alumnus Billy Cheng of the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. Current RYBL players had the chance to watch Billy, along with two other RYBL alumni: UNBC's Jeff Chu and UBC's Isaiah Solomon), before they took the floor at UBC for their half-time performance last week.
RYBL: What is your fondest memory growing up playing in the league?
Billy: Playing on the rep team, along with all the best guys in Richmond.
RYBL: Would you say your love for the game of basketball growing up playing in RYBL?
Billy: Yes, because that's when I realized I wanted to get better and play at the next level.
RYBL: How would you describe the experience of signing autographs for the boys and girls after the game, having been in their shoes about a decade ago?
Billy: I am so grateful for the experience and have the ability to inspire the next generation. The kids showed me a lot of love, I'm glad I have some fans out there!
This week, we spoke with RYBL alumnus Billy Cheng of the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. Current RYBL players had the chance to watch Billy, along with two other RYBL alumni: UNBC's Jeff Chu and UBC's Isaiah Solomon), before they took the floor at UBC for their half-time performance last week.
RYBL: What is your fondest memory growing up playing in the league?
Billy: Playing on the rep team, along with all the best guys in Richmond.
RYBL: Would you say your love for the game of basketball growing up playing in RYBL?
Billy: Yes, because that's when I realized I wanted to get better and play at the next level.
RYBL: How would you describe the experience of signing autographs for the boys and girls after the game, having been in their shoes about a decade ago?
Billy: I am so grateful for the experience and have the ability to inspire the next generation. The kids showed me a lot of love, I'm glad I have some fans out there!
Week 11, (Jan. 25, 2013)
This past weekend, the boys and girls of our league got the chance to play at halftime of the game between the UBC Thunderbirds and the UNBC Timberwolves. It was the first time in almost a decade, RYBL participated as UBC’s half-time show.
Here's a timeline of how we got there.
Dec. 14, 2013: RYBL hosted a food drive, with the teams that raised the most amount of food given the opportunity to play at UBC. It was close call, but in the end the Magic of the Grade 4/5 division and the Jazz of the Grade 6/7’s earned the right to represent the league at UBC.
Jan. 22, 2013: CTV's Gary Rutherford was on hand at the Jazz's practice to film the team just three days before taking the floor at UBC.
This past weekend, the boys and girls of our league got the chance to play at halftime of the game between the UBC Thunderbirds and the UNBC Timberwolves. It was the first time in almost a decade, RYBL participated as UBC’s half-time show.
Here's a timeline of how we got there.
Dec. 14, 2013: RYBL hosted a food drive, with the teams that raised the most amount of food given the opportunity to play at UBC. It was close call, but in the end the Magic of the Grade 4/5 division and the Jazz of the Grade 6/7’s earned the right to represent the league at UBC.
Jan. 22, 2013: CTV's Gary Rutherford was on hand at the Jazz's practice to film the team just three days before taking the floor at UBC.
Jan. 25, 2013: After weeks of anticipation…
Week 10, (Jan 18, 2013)
Having just passed the halfway point of the 2013-14 in our Grade 4/5 and 6/7 co-ed league, we spoke with Karis Leung and Jason Glider, Co-coaches of the Hawks for their thoughts on their team's progress!
RYBL: How would you assess your team's performance in the first half of the season?
Karis: We started off as 12 individual who didn't really know each other, but I feel like they're a team now, they support each other and cheer each other on. It's been nice to see them develop chemistry amongst one another, and see them work and play as a team.
Jason: I've also noticed they're very positive, which creates a team work environment.
RYBL: Who has impressed you with their improvement and consistent effort?
Karis: I'd say one of the most improved players is Charles. He comes to every practice and all the games, and is very committed to the team. He has improved on his defense and his dribbling; he's now able to look up more and see where his team mates are so I think he's improved a lot.
RYBL: What areas do you think the team can still improve on in the final two months of the season?
Karis: Definitely boxing out, that's something we're still trying to learn and implement. We're trying to teach them that once they get one rebound, they'll be able to get a second, third and a fourth chance off that shot. And having fun, sometimes we focus a bit too much on the score and being competitive-- but when we start to see our team mates as people we support despite the score, the best games and experiences come from that.
Jason: Spreading out on offense, I've noticed that we have to work on our spacing a little more to open up driving lanes to the basket.
Week 9, (Dec. 24, 2013)
On the night before Christmas, we are present to you a special edition of the RYBL Roundup featuring the various father-son connections within the league. It is these strong family bonds that make this time of the year special, and keep our league running all year around.
On the night before Christmas, we are present to you a special edition of the RYBL Roundup featuring the various father-son connections within the league. It is these strong family bonds that make this time of the year special, and keep our league running all year around.
Week 8, (Dec. 14, 2013)
It was the final week of RYBL before the holiday break, which meant it was time for the annual Winter Jamboree. In the giving spirit of the holidays, RYBL participants and parents were asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Richmond Food Bank Society. With their help, the league was able to raise over 250 items for those in need! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the cause.
It was the final week of RYBL before the holiday break, which meant it was time for the annual Winter Jamboree. In the giving spirit of the holidays, RYBL participants and parents were asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Richmond Food Bank Society. With their help, the league was able to raise over 250 items for those in need! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the cause.
In addition, our photographer, Ray, was on the scenes to capture the action.
Week 6, (Nov. 30, 2013)
This week, R.Y.B.L is pleased to announce our new partnership with the Pita Pit at Blundell and Garden City (address: 8040 Garden City Road). The Pita Pit has supplied the league with “Player of the Game” certificates. Every week, the coach of every team will select a player from their team for the award based on sportsmanship, improvement and industriousness, until the end of the season!
The recipient of a “Player of the Game” certificate is entitled to one free 6’’ inch pita. They may be asked to have their photo taken with their certificate by the restaurant manager upon redemption.
R.Y.B.L. and the Pita Pit are both advocates of fresh thinking and healthy eating on and off the court. The Pita Pit offers a team special of a 9’’ pita, a bottle of water (or pop) and a choice of either two cookies or one bag of chips for $9 per player (a minimum of 10 players required for this rate)- coaches receive a free meal with their team’s order.
This week, R.Y.B.L is pleased to announce our new partnership with the Pita Pit at Blundell and Garden City (address: 8040 Garden City Road). The Pita Pit has supplied the league with “Player of the Game” certificates. Every week, the coach of every team will select a player from their team for the award based on sportsmanship, improvement and industriousness, until the end of the season!
The recipient of a “Player of the Game” certificate is entitled to one free 6’’ inch pita. They may be asked to have their photo taken with their certificate by the restaurant manager upon redemption.
R.Y.B.L. and the Pita Pit are both advocates of fresh thinking and healthy eating on and off the court. The Pita Pit offers a team special of a 9’’ pita, a bottle of water (or pop) and a choice of either two cookies or one bag of chips for $9 per player (a minimum of 10 players required for this rate)- coaches receive a free meal with their team’s order.
Sanjeev of the Grade 6/7 Hawks, celebrates his Player of the Game award with his coaches.
Photo Courtesy of Langara College Athletics Week 5, (Nov. 23, 2013):
This week, we sat down with one of RYBL's most celebrated alumnus, Elliot Mason of the Langara Falcons to discuss his experience growing up playing in our league.
Mason was named a PACWEST second team all star for his play last season. More recently, the former RYBL all-star posted a remarkable 34 points in an exhibition victory over Seattle Blue in October.
RYBL: What are some of your fondest memories growing up playing in the league?
Elliot: My fondest memories of RYBL are definitely the ability to play freely and the ability to play with an open mind. It was so much fun being able to play the game in a community environment where I could focus on getting better and having fun without the pressure of having to win the game. Also, many of the friends that I have today are through my years at RYBL and it really connected me with the basketball community in Richmond.
RYBL: Would you say your love for the game of basketball grew because of RYBL?
Elliot: I would definitely say so because me having such a good time at such a young age [at RYBL], I associated that good time with basketball, which helped me pursue that love further and discipline myself enough to train on my own- all that definitely stemmed from the fun I received from playing in games in a recreation style type of play.
RYBL: Fill in the blank: RYBL to me is ____________?
Elliot: A safe, fun and ideal way for youth to explore their passion for basketball.
RYBL: What advice do you have to any up and coming players currently in RYBL who want to get to where you are?
Elliot: Take the game seriously, but remember to have fun as well. If you’re playing on a team where you don’t think you fit in or you don’t relate well with the coach, just remember that you’re there to have fun. And don’t let anyone pressure you into a certain style of play that you don’t want to play because at the end of the day you play it to have fun. If anyone tries to take that away from you then don’t let that happen. Try your best at every game and go to every practice! You can get to wherever you want as long as you dedicate yourself.
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
This week, we sat down with one of RYBL's most celebrated alumnus, Elliot Mason of the Langara Falcons to discuss his experience growing up playing in our league.
Mason was named a PACWEST second team all star for his play last season. More recently, the former RYBL all-star posted a remarkable 34 points in an exhibition victory over Seattle Blue in October.
RYBL: What are some of your fondest memories growing up playing in the league?
Elliot: My fondest memories of RYBL are definitely the ability to play freely and the ability to play with an open mind. It was so much fun being able to play the game in a community environment where I could focus on getting better and having fun without the pressure of having to win the game. Also, many of the friends that I have today are through my years at RYBL and it really connected me with the basketball community in Richmond.
RYBL: Would you say your love for the game of basketball grew because of RYBL?
Elliot: I would definitely say so because me having such a good time at such a young age [at RYBL], I associated that good time with basketball, which helped me pursue that love further and discipline myself enough to train on my own- all that definitely stemmed from the fun I received from playing in games in a recreation style type of play.
RYBL: Fill in the blank: RYBL to me is ____________?
Elliot: A safe, fun and ideal way for youth to explore their passion for basketball.
RYBL: What advice do you have to any up and coming players currently in RYBL who want to get to where you are?
Elliot: Take the game seriously, but remember to have fun as well. If you’re playing on a team where you don’t think you fit in or you don’t relate well with the coach, just remember that you’re there to have fun. And don’t let anyone pressure you into a certain style of play that you don’t want to play because at the end of the day you play it to have fun. If anyone tries to take that away from you then don’t let that happen. Try your best at every game and go to every practice! You can get to wherever you want as long as you dedicate yourself.
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Week 4, (Nov. 16, 2013):
We often get questions from parents on how their children can improve on their skills outside of our Fall League. Our coordinator, Matt Winograd, introduced JUMP basketball for players from Grades 4 through 12. Here's what Matt had to say about the origin of the league's pilot program.
"JUMP basketball was created last year for a combination of reasons.
Participants of RYBL programs looking for other basketball options, RYBL was looking for a program structure to teach the fundamentals of basketball in combination with a focus on physical literacy (skills taught at the youth level that are transferable across all sports). JUMP basketball is designed to bring one’s game to the next level, no matter what the initial level is.
RYBL’s focus on skills, game concepts and strategies and fitness make this program a perfect supplement to participation in a league or a great program to get oneself into the game.
JUMP programs are taught by Chris Randing. Chris grew up playing in RYBL, and was part of the R.C. Palmer team that won the British Columbia AAA provincial championships in 2011, defeating Vancouver College in the finals.
Check out the Winter/Spring programs (soon to be released) to sign up for JUMP starting in January!"
-Matt Winograd
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
*a big thanks goes out to Ray Zukanovic, a parent in the Grade 4/5 division, for helping us take some of our photos this week- the ones of superior quality are Ray's, :-).
We often get questions from parents on how their children can improve on their skills outside of our Fall League. Our coordinator, Matt Winograd, introduced JUMP basketball for players from Grades 4 through 12. Here's what Matt had to say about the origin of the league's pilot program.
"JUMP basketball was created last year for a combination of reasons.
Participants of RYBL programs looking for other basketball options, RYBL was looking for a program structure to teach the fundamentals of basketball in combination with a focus on physical literacy (skills taught at the youth level that are transferable across all sports). JUMP basketball is designed to bring one’s game to the next level, no matter what the initial level is.
RYBL’s focus on skills, game concepts and strategies and fitness make this program a perfect supplement to participation in a league or a great program to get oneself into the game.
JUMP programs are taught by Chris Randing. Chris grew up playing in RYBL, and was part of the R.C. Palmer team that won the British Columbia AAA provincial championships in 2011, defeating Vancouver College in the finals.
Check out the Winter/Spring programs (soon to be released) to sign up for JUMP starting in January!"
-Matt Winograd
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
*a big thanks goes out to Ray Zukanovic, a parent in the Grade 4/5 division, for helping us take some of our photos this week- the ones of superior quality are Ray's, :-).
Week 3, (Nov. 9, 2013): There were no games at our usual Saturday locations due to the Remembrance Day long weekend.
Week 2, (Nov. 2, 2013):
This week, we are proud to present our first players of the week: Merrick Dudicourt (pictured on the left) of the Grade 4/5 division and Brooklyn Smith (right) of the Grade 6/7 division. Both players have improved tremendously since first joining the league! We spoke to both players about their experience with RYBL, so far.
This week, we are proud to present our first players of the week: Merrick Dudicourt (pictured on the left) of the Grade 4/5 division and Brooklyn Smith (right) of the Grade 6/7 division. Both players have improved tremendously since first joining the league! We spoke to both players about their experience with RYBL, so far.
 |  |
| About Merrick: This is Merrick's first year playing in RYBL, he also played in Summerslam this past summer. He enjoys learning the techniques of basketball and hopes to get better at shooting by the end of the season. When not playing basketball, Merrick also takes hip-hop dancing classes. Merrick is in Grade 5 and his favourite subject is gym class. | About Brooklyn: This is Brooklyn's second year playing in RYBL. She enjoys the continual learning aspect of basketball and hopes to improve on her shooting by the end of the season. Besides basketball, Brooklyn also plays volleyball. Brooklyn is currently in Grade 7 and her favourite subject is Socials Studies. |
And here are the best photos from this past weekend's action....
Week 1, (Oct. 26, 2013):
For our first edition of the RYBL roundup, we spoke to two of our outstanding coaches for their thoughts on the opening week of RYBL practices and games.
RYBL: What was your thoughts on your team after the first week?
Sean Berda, Coach of the Grade 4/5 Spurs: "We are an athletic and fast group of kids with lots of enthusiasm.
William Brown, Coach of the Grade 6/7 Bulls: "We played well! The players seemed to have the energy to play and made some good shots!"
RYBL: What type of skills did you focus on this past week in practice?
SB: Lots of ball handling!
WB: Shooting, one-one-one, and an overall "game-feel".
RYBL: What positives did you see from your players during the first game?
SB: Having fun and developing a passion to improve skills.
WB: They looked like they wanted to play and win. Guys were positive and I see a lot of potential!
RYBL: What type of things did your team not do well with that you can work on during this week's practice?
SB: Rebounding, throwing the ball into open space and letting our players run to the ball on the fastbreak.
WB: Fastbreak defence, passing the ball around and making sure we stay on our checks during defence.