Team Takeover Branching Out Up North

Ron Bailey, Publisher

December 22, 2008 – The time of boy’s youth travel teams being strictly neighborhood or regional affairs has long ago ceased; it’s not uncommon for them to be comprised of players from a specific state or maybe region, such as the Mid-Atlantic area or Greater New York. Such a growth is logical, as a greater base to pull players from will generally produce more talent.

In the past, a scant few players left their geographic area to play for teams far away, but the NCAA frowned upon that. As all movements do, travel team basketball has continued to evolve, producing something new and conceivably powerful. Witness Team Takeover Canada.

Grandy Glaze (55) is one of a many talented players to join Team Takeover via the Canadian susidiary.

That’s right, Team Takeover, led by Keith Stevens and Kenny Johnson has a presence in America’s northern neighbor.

“It’s going to be really good” said Mike George, Team Takeover Canada’s Director.

Based in the Toronto area, George has long been a figure in Canadian youth hoops, having led the C.I.A. (Characteristics Inspiring Achievement) organization, pumping out talented players in droves.

“We currently have 15 different players around the States”, attending and playing for different schools he said. Several, including Saint John’s Catholic Prep’s (Frederick, MD) Grandy Glaze and Matej Melinac are enrolled at schools in the D.C. area.

According to George, Team Takeover Canada will receive “gear and some financial backing” from the parent organization, a natural arrangement since “in basketball you need some kind of sponsorship”. Nike is Team Takeover’s primary sponsor.

That support extends to exposure as well, of which George said of Steven’s ability to provide it “Keith is experienced…He’s proven what can be done”. In George’s estimation, the assistance given the subsidiary will further expose his charges to American basketball players, young people which he defined as “stronger, tougher”.

Will it be a problematic adjustment? “Not really” answered George. “They (Canadian kids) are very mature and know how to handle things. Being here helps them prepare for the next level”.

Team Takeover Canada, which early on will focus on the older, high school age groups, also helps its parent.

“I think they are going to definitely help spread the brand name” opined Stevens, of how the Canadian group’s addition helps Team Takeover, while also expressing optimism that George’s players will in fact receive increased exposure and playing experience, all while finding success on the court.

Sounds like a winning formula, on several levels. No wonder additional expansion should be expected by Team Takeover.