July 3, 2008
Incoming freshman basketball player Marc Trasolini (Vancouver, B.C.) is spending his last summer prior to college in an exciting fashion - playing basketball as a member of the U-18 Canadian National Team. The team is currently in training camp in Toronto playing in an exhibition tournament, the Jack Donohoe International Classic, prior to playing in the FIBA Americas Tournament in Argentina July 14-21.
The team will play New Zealand on July 4 and Lebanon on July 5 as part of the exhibition tournament.
"I am very excited to be playing again with the national team," said Trasolini, the 2008 British Columbia Mr. Basketball. "It's been a good experience so far. I hope we will play the USA in Argentina - I am looking forward to that game the most. My goal is to play on the Canadian National team which represents Canada at the Olympics games and this is a good step. So far training camp has been very good."
"We are excited for Marc to have this opportunity to participate in one of the most important aspects of basketball - to represent your country," said Santa Clara head coach Kerry Keating. "In addition, this will present Marc with an opportunity to compete at a high level and should aid in his preparation for and transition to college basketball at Santa Clara. We wish him all the best and will be following his team's progress."
Bronco fans can follow Marc's progress on the Canadian National team website: www.basketball.ca/hm/
He was named the 2008 Mr. Basketball for British Columbia and was on the All-Canadian First Team. His senior year he averaged 28 ppg, 12 rpg and 4.5 bpg, leading his team to a 28-3 record and a third place finish at the Telus British Columbia Boys AAA Championship. The 6-8, 220 pound forward averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks a game for Vancouver College his junior year under head coach John Tagalao. He also dished out three assists and averaged two steals a game.
Trasolini impressed many during his time with the Basketball B.C.s Under-17 team's trip to the United States. He helped the B.C.s earn a Bronze medal at the Canadian U-17 tournament last summer, putting up 30 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in the Bronze medal game against Ontario.
