Victor Raso Commits to Carleton…A Fresh New Start
HAMILTON, ON–Victor Raso is no long a McMaster Marauder…but that’s old news.
After sitting out this season, the 6’3 guard has transferred to play for the #1 team in the nation…the Carleton Ravens.
Raso was the captain of the 2011-2012 Marauders, selected as an OUA all-star and was named team MVP. However, it was time to move on, following the departure of Joe Raso (father) from the MAC program, where he sustained excellence for 18 years strong.
In other words, I was practically still in diapers when Joe Raso began his coaching career at McMaster.
The younger Raso did not want to rewind into the past as he mentioned both parties have moved forward; he respects current Coach, Amos Connolly and wishes the McMaster program nothing but the best.
As for Carleton?
“It’s the right fit. I went on my visit and everything I wanted was there…from how hard the guys work to how they compete everyday,” the 6’3 lead guard told NPH.
“It’s my style of basketball and it’s a great opportunity to play for the best team in the country.”
Prior to making his decision, I had the opportunity to chat with Raso and discuss his thought process; he stated he is looking for a program that is, “Ready to win, have a great coach to learn from and a good school.”
Carleton fits the bill.
However if you look at the current Ravens roster, there’s Philip Scrubb, Clinton Springer-Williams and Kewyn Blain –all high level guards that can play either perimeter position. All three mentioned will play considerable minutes next season with Scrubb currently at 28 per game, Springer-Williams (18), Blain (21), and multiple other guards averaging 10+ minutes.
Raso is not concerned as he feels he will earn the necessary minutes for him to thrive and ultimately help the team sustain their winning ways.
“There are other schools I could’ve chosen that would have provided me with more minutes but it’s about meaningful minutes for me, something I’m willing to sacrifice to win.”
Ryerson, Alberta, Lakehead and Windsor were the other four programs that remained on his list as he neared a decision.
Raso will bring leadership, work ethic, and the intangibles to the nation’s capital, after a long stretch without playing a CIS game.
In his extended “off season” Raso said he watched a lot basketball (CIS, CCAA, NCAA) while also helping out with Coach Jeff Joseph and Cardinal Newman HS, an NPH Top 25 Nationally ranked team.
As for Raso’s physical attributes, he emphasized the extra work that he put in toning his body, improving stamina and athleticism. All these traits will be more than necessary playing for Dave Smart who demands high intensity, 100% of the time.
Raso has two years of eligibility remaining; he will complete his Kinesiology degree at McMaster and will move to Ottawa in June to begin the transition.
In the meantime, he will watch Carleton attempt the three-peat at the CIS national championships in March.
