Raptors 905 Guard Duane Notice’s Insight On His Season Ending Injury

Playing for the Raptors 905 is an amazing experience. I love the sense of playing for my home town. It provides an extra level of motivation. Not to mention that it is very rare for my family to have the opportunity to watch me play live.

I am a combo guard, a defensive-minded player that's unselfish and shoots the ball. I pride myself on trying to make the right play as consistently as possible.

The Covid-19 pandemic has put a halt to basketball fluidity and after 5 months off of competitive basketball, I was excited to play in the CEBL. During my third game, in the last quarter, I made a drive to the basket and when I accelerated I fell. I thought I was tripped by another player, but I ruptured my Achilles.

I immediately cried because everything I had worked for was taken away for the first time. It didn’t hurt. I was fortunate enough to get surgery two days after. Now I am on an 8-12 month journey back to be better than the man and player I was before.

I have days where I am extremely optimistic and then a few days when I am pessimistic but I always rely on my faith, my work ethic and my family support to bring me out of the mental rut.

My days are somewhat consistent. I wake up around 9 am, spend time with my baby sisters, head to rehab, go to physio, maybe get some on-court work in and then head home and watch sports or read or continue to work on my show. I credit me keeping busy as well for giving me the mental peace and fortitude I need to compliment my road to recovery.

The CEBL was first class from when I was there playing to when I got hurt and even afterwards. They showed me genuine support and offered love and resources to help me through the tough time.

The commissioner was in constant contact with me. He even allowed me the opportunity to shadow the broadcasting process for the remaining games of the series. I chose to stick around my team because they are my brothers and I vow to always be there unconditionally. Besides I love the game of basketball and that kept my spirits high.

Take Notice is a play on my last name. It’s a call to action that anyone, specifically underdogs can embody. The ones who put in real work but are undervalued because of politics or underrated remarks. I have merchandise, I have a podcast video show and I have my documentary surrounding it.

The show is something I'm excited about, which is on my youtube channel. I interview my celebrity and high profile friends and peers. We tackle unique untold stories and current social issues.

The brand is growing and I am proud that it can resonate with a variety of people.

It is easy to give praise when things are favourable but during the struggle is where faith is most required and that is the mentality I have kept throughout the COVID-19 crisis and my injury. I am pretty spiritual, more so than I am religious, and I utilize both because without I have no purpose.