We are Raptors fans, first and foremost. But we’re also people. People with hopes, dreams, day jobs and favorite meals. Here’s a brief rundown of the fanatics that run this site for you, for free. Want to hear about upcoming events or pat us on the back, or tell us how we don’t know squat, or just say hey? Email us at info at raptorsrepublic.com.
AltRapsAltRaps started his online life as Scott in 1997, posting religiously to the alt.sports.basketball.nba.tor-raptors newsgroup on Usenet. Popular amongst the group there was his home game recap of Raptors games entitled “Scott’s Shots”. Giving people a sense of what the in-arena experience was like and using his unique wit, it gave group members an alternative to local media. Once Usenet started to be dropped by many internet providers, he got together with a few of the better members and helped create www.altraps.com. The daily Linkage post has become an instant hit. In “real” life, Scott attended all but one Raptors home game live until the end of this last season. Deciding to take a stance, he cancelled his tickets after seeing the cost rise consistently over the past few years, with little on-court return. He will miss the in-arena experience, but now has a lovely HD set that cost him 10% of what his season tickets did. The rest will be spent on lovely “talent” to watch the game with him. Email: altraps at raptorsrepublic.com
ArsenalistLong-time Raptors blogger and Arsenal supporter. Arse also happens to know a lot about how to make things work on the web which worked out well for the site. He likes loves hates despises follows the Raptors closer than he does his mutual funds. He’s a lethal 3-point shooter when he’s wide open and knows nothing about cars, Canadian politics, hockey, interest rates or how money works. He’s from Kashmir and he happens to be terrified of fish. His favorite show is The Wire and his favorite movie is Fargo. He also happens to rock the mic like El Presidente… Email: arsenalist at raptorsrepublic.com
Doc NaismithWhen not online doing Raptors related things such as work with forums, “Tweeting” and networking, Doc can be found …. ummm …. errr …. working with forums, Tweeting and networking. Doc got his start via the ESPN message boards back during the ‘00-’01 season but most will recall him from places like EBSports and most notably, RaptorsForum. Raised and current resident in the real Dr. James Naismith’s hometown of Almonte, ON, Doc was once part of a local group called the Naismith Foundation who petitioned to have the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame where it deserves to be in his hometown of Almonte. His closest claim to NBA fame is that he once played pick-up basketball with ex-National Team member and hometown boy “Kory Hallas” who once tried out for the Vancouver Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons, but to no avail. All time favourite player and who he tried to emulate during his high school days of playing hoops was none other than Rick Mahorn himself. “Thump & Bump” baby. Email: doc at raptorsrepublic.com
Raps FanA chronic sufferer of Raptered Fan Syndrome. A day 1 Raptor fan, who incurs the wrath of the fans for his off-the-cuff ramblings about the team. His girlfriend isn’t much happier, as their ‘quality-time’ is comprised by his incessant need to watch games, yell at the TV and down large quantities of chips/fries/wings and ginger ale. During the day, he moonlights as a technical business consultant, specializing in Social Media and Web 2.0 deployments. For RaptorsRepublic.com, Sam will be responsible for game pictures, videos and stoic articles about the many faces of the Raptors. Much love…Email: rapsfan at raptorsrepublic.com
LyNxAge 6-10: Wants to play in the NBA. Age 10-19: Wants to be the GM of the Raptors. That’s about as far as he’s gotten in his head to this point. In this Front Office, LyNx is the graphic designer that makes everything look prettier. He isn’t from Toronto, and doesn’t even live in the GTA most of the year, but instead is at Western for an Ivey business degree and some kinesiology know-how to take him to the top. Will it work? Chances are slim…but the dream is still alive. In the meantime, the only fades and shots he’ll be evaluating are the ones in his designs.
Have graphics needs? Shoot over an e-mail to fall.lynx4@gmail.com. He just might be able to make your project look as spiffy as RaptorsRepublic.com
James Ballswin (Realizar)A Raptors “fan-addict” since the birth of the franchise, there are few mortals who are as passionate about the Toronto Raptors he is. Fact: The blood that runs through his veins is RAPTOR-red!.
Not just a hardcore Raps fan, JBR is also an ol’ skool drum & bass junglist soldier… Fighting to keep the jungle alive!! (BOH!!)
Renown for his stylization marketing, promotions and public relation skills, he is honored to ensure that Raptor fans worldwide are always informed and entertained. In short, JBR’s passion is an invaluable part of the Raptors Republic team.
It must also be said that the man carries a genuine inner-greatness within him. His commitment and dedication to serving others through his personal and professional pursuits in special. His focussed approach in life is to strive hard in pursuing excellence. As a uniquely selfless person, he instills a powerful energy in others through his philosophical belief that “life is about using our talents to increase our knowledge and develop our abilities in order to fulfill our dreams by directly helping others realize greatness in achieving their goals”.
Finally, he is also a founding partner of Network Power, a Toronto-based group that provides income and wealth, business leadership and self-development training to home-business professionals across Canada. Email: realizar at raptorsrepublic.com
phdstevephdsteve comes to Raptors Republic from Raptorstalk.com where he first shocked Raptors fans with his open apology to Rob Babcock in May 2008 before calling for the team to trade Chris Bosh. He predicted the Jermaine O’Neal trade more than 1 month before it happened, speculated that there was a better chance of getting Lebron to come to Toronto than there was of Bosh staying in 2010, and even boldly (although incorrectly) called for a 50 win season from the Raps in 2008. Unlike many hoops “doctors” or NBA stat “professors,” steve actually has a PhD and teaches at York University in Toronto. He is also alumni from two of top basketball schools in North America: McGill University- the home of James Naismith who invented the game- and UCLA- the home of John Wooden who perfected the game.
phdsteve is a harsh critic of the Raptors and a voice for passionate and sometimes angry Raptors’ fans everywhere. His love for this team hurts. Send him your thoughts, comments, or questions at phdstve at gmail.com.
Tom ListonTom is an Equity Research Analyst by day and a long-time Raptors supporter at night. He is a recent season ticketholder (i.e. sucker for punishment) and an excellent referee from 125 feet away. He believes taking a charge and bruising for an offensive board are the two best plays in the game. You can contact him by email (tomliston at hotmail.com) or follow him on Twitter (@Liston)
