2016-2017 ONL U15 Coach: Tony Wilson

This isn't Tony Wilson's first rodeo when it comes to Ottawa basketball.

Wilson has been coaching in the Nation's capital for over 30 years and has experienced tremendous success at many levels. His first coaching experience was back in 1984 with the uOttawa Women's Alumni Team. 

Since that time, Wilson has coached various high school programs (on and off), but began his journey with the KYBA back in 2004. At the time, girls basketball was still in its early stages of growth in Canada, so Wilson's daughter was required to play boys house league.

In 2006, Wilson would move up to coach his daughter with the Kanata Cavaliers. His teams (Bantam and Midget) would endure great success, winning bronze and silver medals in Division 2 and 3 respectively at the Ontario Cup.

Wilson has also coached at the Ontario Summer Games (2011), as well as the TIDP program for over 5 years.

Last season, Wilson helped lead the ONL U15 Boys team to a Gold Medal in Divsion 2 at the Ontario Cup, working alongside former President and current Head Coach of the McGill Redmen Basketball program, Dave DeAveiro. Two of Wilson's players last season, Darius DeAveiro and Ben Shoveller, went on to compete for Team Ontario this past summer.

In 2016-2017, Wilson will not only coach with ONL, but will also coach the Franco-Ouest Vikings Junior Boys basketball team. Wilson says his coaching is driven by passion:

"I am a coach because of my passion for the sport. I will foster the growth of my players through numerous opportunities I am fortunate to provide. I will mold a group of individuals to communicate, to be responsible and to hold themselves accountable. I will create an environment that encourages athletes to learn and develop on and off the court through good and bad times. I stress hard work and the motto that "you control your court time."

What else can we expect Wilson to bring to the table this coming season?

"I have a wealth of experience at many levels. I will teach work ethic and accountability to the team, coaching staff and, most importantly, your parents."

Tryout dates and times for U15 Ottawa Next Level are posted under the Competitive Program section.