Toronto Raptors, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, National Basketball Association

Toronto Raptors, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, National Basketball Association – CBSSports.com
Andrea Bargnani added 13 points and seven rebounds to help the Raptors win in his hometown. Danish forward Christian Drejer led Roma with 23 points.

With only two players taller than 6-foot-7, Roma struggled inside where the 6-10 Bosh was able to operate relatively uncontested.

Iceland guard Jon Stefansson hit a 3-pointer to put Roma in front 34-33 and Bargnani replied from beyond the arc a few minutes later as the lead swung back and forth in the second quarter. Christian Drejer was fouled by Joey Graham while shooting a 3-pointer, converting a four-point play that gave Roma a 45-44 lead at halftime.

Drejer and former Celtics guard Allan Ray continued their shooting streak to start the second half and Roma opened up a 65-58 lead toward the end of the third quarter.

Jason Kapono hit four straight free throws to put Toronto back in front 67-66 at the end of the third.

After Ray tied the game at 71 with another 3, Kapono and Anthony Parker

2007-08 NBA Season Team Preview – Toronto Raptors

2007-08 NBA Season Team Preview – Toronto Raptors
The big problem was the wings not being able to slash to the cup. I’m certain this team realizes that defenses will collapse on Chris Bosh, forcing the boys on the perimeter to make something happen. There aren’t too many players on the roster that are capable of this. Anthony Parker must get better, Delfino must be aggressive, and the point guard duo of T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon must penetrate.

Bosh & Bargnani Photo from City Hall

ESPN – Olympics Photo Wire

Raptors Notebook

Raptors Notebook
And last night, almost 2,000 of them came to the Palaverde arena to watch the show, and they stood several times before the tip-off to applaud for Andrea Bargnani, Jorge Garbajosa and Raptors assistant general manager — and former Benetton chief — Maurizio Gherardini. Coach Sam Mitchell, tipping the hand he is expected to play at the start of the regular season, had Chris Bosh, Bargnani, T.J. Ford, Jason Kapono and Anthony Parker start for the “home” team.

Mitchell’s Special moment

TorontoSun.com – Basketball – Mitchell’s Special moment
The Raptors hosted a group of Special Olympic athletes from the Treviso area as part of the NBA Cares program following the team’s afternoon practice.

On hand were Chris Bosh, T.J. Ford, Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Parker, as well as coaches Sam Mitchell and Jay Triano.

For Mitchell, interacting with Special Olympians is close to his heart as he majored in special education at Mercer University.

“The thing is, these kids never complain,” he said. “And that makes you appreciate all the little things.”

TSN looks at the season ahead.

TSN : NBA-RAPTORS – Canada’s Sports Leader
no matter what, the key to this season is going to remain Bargnani and his ability to adjust to life against NBA starters. Bosh thrived in that position when he was thrust there at Bargnani’s age and eventually reversed the fate of the team, now it’s up to Bargnani to push that momentum even further forward for Canada’s lone franchise.