Update: Raptors announce training camp and pre-season schedule

For the fifth time in franchise history, and fourth in a row, the Raptors are heading west to British Columbia for training camp. This time out, after checking into Vancouver the previous four times, the Raptors will be basing their operations in the province’s capital city of Victoria.

Don’t start getting too excited just yet though, it’s only August 3rd. The Raptors’ training camp won’t begin until September 26th, running until the 29th at the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) at the University of Victoria. There will be an intra-squad scrimmage, open to the public, on the 28th, so keep that in mind. Given that gap in time however, the official press release is light on other schedule details. Though we do get this winning quote from coach Dwane Casey, straight from PR:

“It’s an honour to visit a different part of Canada and prepare for our season in the first-class facilities at the University of Victoria,” said Casey. “We are extremely proud being Canada’s only NBA franchise. Our players and staff feel enthusiasm for basketball in every city we have visited. We don’t ever want to take that for granted.”

It’s a small news item, but consider this the first official step in the Raptors’ 2017-18 campaign. Also, I was just reminded that the Raptors have gone to Italy, Spain, and, uh, Buffalo in years past for their training camps.

Update: Almost immediately after this post was published, the Raptors officially sent out their pre-season schedule for the 2017-18 season. As promised league-wide, it is shorter than last season’s — down from seven games to five — which is a blessing. (We don’t need to put even more miles on Kyle Lowry’s body, thank you very much.)

In any case, adjust your calendars accordingly because here it is:

If I’m reading that correctly, the Raptors will play one (1) game in Toronto before the start of the regular season. And they’ll get to spend some time in Hawaii. Not bad.

Yes, it’s early August, but: get ready.