Coach Rana, Nike Summit 2011

Roy Rana

Roy Rana’s resume includes the following: numerous high-school championships, leading the Ryerson Men’s Basketball team to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in nearly eight years and head coach for Canada’s Cadet Men’s National Team this past summer.



Now he can add coach of the World Select Team at the Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, Oregon as he was appointed to the position this past Monday, March 21.

“It’s a unique opportunity,” said Rana. “The coaches who have done this before me are both very well renowned coaches.”

The Nike Hoop Summit is one of three annual senior high school basketball all-star games in the United States. Unlike the other two events, the Nike Hoop Summit is an international game that features a ten-player roster which consists of players from around the world. These players will face-off against the USA Junior National Select Team.

Rana is one of three Canadians selected to be a part of the World Select Team, along with 6’9 forward Kyle Wiltjer and 6’1 point-guard Kevin Pangos. This is the largest ever Canadian contingent to participate in this prestigious event, which takes place on April 9 and has already had previous experience coaching both players.

“I’ve had the opportunity to coach both Kevin and Kyle,” said Rana. “Both players represent Canada with a great deal of pride. We look forward to doing well in the game.”

Another aspect of this event Rana is looking forward to is the prospect of coaching a roster full of players with the potential to play professionally, whether it is in the National Basketball Association (NBA) or in a professional European league.

“Every single player on the world roster including the two Canadians are pretty special,” said Rana. “The event is loaded with future NBA players, at least 50 per cent of the players will go to the NBA at some point in time.”

Rana does not expect any of the players participating at the event will be interested in playing for him at Ryerson, but he does see this as a great opportunity to expand his already impressive resume.

“I doubt that we’ll see one of these guys come back to Ryerson,” said Rana. “But certainly building that network and building those connections in the U.S. and overseas.”