What the 22-year-old initially anticipated as a small get-together for a little pick-up basketball with a couple of Toronto Raptors, has turned into a gala event.
Luckily, the good natured, easy-going Sibbald is taking next Thursday’s Direct Energy Driveway Challenge in stride.
In fact, the John Fraser Secondary and Sheridan College graduate admits to being a lot more nervous about being interviewed on television than tipping off against the Raptors’ Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker in a shoot-around.
Sibbald won the contest last April during half time at a Raptors’ game when he connected on more hoops at centre court than any of the other contestants.
Sibbald won the opportunity to play against the Raptors along with nine of his friends, with 20 more of his family and friends making up the crowd, with food and beverages being provided.
Now comes word, instead of competing on the driveway, all of Jefton Cres. will be closed off for a specially-built court complete with two baskets.
And to add some spice to the entertainment value, there will be a barbecue, and the Raptors’ Dance Pak will be in attendance, along with a number of members from the media, including Sun TV’s The Grill Room, City TV, and possibly The SCORE’s Cabbie on the Street.
“(Sounds) pretty big! I don’t know what to expect,” admitted the 6-foot-4 Sibbald who was interviewed just after returning home from the gym. “I’m a little bit nervous about appearing on the TV show.”
Whether he’s being coy or not, Sibbald maintains there’s been little preparation leading up to the game.
“I’ve been a couch potato,” said Sibbald. “We have a facebook group, but most of us have been working a lot. There’s not too much time for a pickup game.”
Instead, Sibbald has been practicing with his father, Randy.
“He used to play when I was younger, when we put up a basketball net about 18 years ago. He’s pretty rusty.”
Their game may be rusty, but Sibbald and his friends aren’t lacking when it comes to trash talk.
Asked whether he and his friends were watching video of Moon and Parker in action, the avid Raptors’ fan said, “I already know their weaknesses. I’ve watched them enough.”
Sibbald was even willing to make a predicition.
“We should win by 25 points,” he said tongue in cheek, adding his teammate Jeff promised, “to dunk over Moon.”
Regardless of the outcome, Sibbald said, “I’ll never forget this moment until I lose my memory from old age.”
dwiner@mississauga.net
