Raptors rookie Dalano Banton reps Toronto in unique way

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There’s something sweet about a local boy playing professionally for his hometown team. Yet somehow, Toronto Raptors rookie guard Dalano Banton found a way to make it sweeter.

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Banton made history a few months ago as the first Torontonian — heck, the first Canadian — to be drafted by the Raptors when he was selected as the team’s 46th pick.

His jersey number is not 46 but, instead, 45. Why, you ask? Well, it’s his way of honouring the city he grew up in.

More specifically, it represents his former TTC route on the 45 Kipling, which travels along Kipling Ave. from Kipling station up to Steeles in Etobicoke.

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This local artist captures Dalano and our new team perfectly.

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Banton, who also wore 45 when he played for Nebraska, is from the Mt. Olive neighbourhood of Rexdale. Area residents — and Canadians in general — can’t wait to see what he and the rest of the Lowry-less Raptors are going to do this season.

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Banton has even come up with his own apparel line. In Your City offers up all kinds of athleisure wear.

It’s pretty much what everyone is wearing these days, so the 21-year-old not only has his eye on the ball but his finger on the pulse of what Toronto fashionistas need and want.

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The Raptors kick off the regular season Wednesday night at home against the Washington Wizards. Look for 45 to get a lot of love from fans.