From Scarborough to the Stars: Niko Carino’s Journey as Drake’s Right-Hand Man and Filipino Trailblazer in Canadian Basketball
As a first-generation Canadian with Filipino roots, Niko grew up in Scarborough, Toronto, where basketball was more than just a sport—it was a way of life. Influenced by his father, who played college basketball in the Philippines, Niko was introduced to the game at a young age. Although he realized early on that a professional basketball career wasn’t in the cards for him, his love for the game never waned.
Niko’s involvement with basketball took on new dimensions when he co-founded OVO Bounce, a summer pro-am tournament that drew NBA stars and became a Toronto staple. As Drake’s right-hand man since the early days of OVO, Niko’s influence extended beyond music, helping to push basketball culture in Canada to new heights.
In the post-pandemic world, Niko was approached by the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) to help establish a professional team in Toronto. His condition? The team had to be based in his hometown of Scarborough. This led to the creation of the Scarborough Shooting Stars, where Niko serves as a co-owner. The Shooting Stars have become more than just a basketball team; they represent a culture of community and winning, offering accessibility and inspiration to the youth of Scarborough.
Niko’s role in the team reflects the same level of dedication he learned from working closely with Drake. “I learned from Drake a lot in terms of, he’s involved in everything of his creation… that’s what I did with this,” Niko explains. His hands-on approach has led the Shooting Stars to early success, including a championship in their second year.
As a Filipino-Canadian, Niko has broken barriers, showing that with dedication and a commitment to uplifting those around you, success in unexpected fields—like owning a professional sports team—is possible. “Growing up, I wanted to be the starting point guard for the Raptors… Now, I just want to inspire those that look like me,” Niko reflects. His journey is a powerful reminder that finding your purpose can lead to remarkable achievements, not just for yourself but for your entire community.
Source: SLAM
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