Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse, renowned as one of the country’s most celebrated athletes, is set to bring his speed and agility from the track to the basketball court this year. The NBA has announced that De Grasse will join the roster for the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, highlighting not just his athletic prowess, but also his passion for basketball.
De Grasse, who has earned seven Olympic medals, including two golds for the 200-meter race in Tokyo and the 4 x 100-meter relay in Paris, has a deep-rooted connection to basketball. As a student, he played for the high school basketball teams at Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy and Milliken Mills High School, even going up against current NBA star Andrew Wiggins during their high school years. His enthusiasm for the sport is palpable, as he hosts an annual basketball tournament, the Andre De Grasse Holiday Classic, in Markham.
This year’s All-Star Celebrity Game will mark De Grasse’s return to the event, having previously participated in 2018 in Los Angeles. He will be joined on the court by fellow Canadians, including actor Simu Liu, who is no stranger to the game after playing in the 2023 event in Utah. Adding to the Canadian presence, rapper GloRilla, who has been seen courtside supporting Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram, also joins the lineup.
With such a vibrant roster and athletes crossing over from different sports, this year’s Celebrity Game promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and entertainment. Fans can look forward to seeing how De Grasse’s sprinting skills translate to basketball, adding a unique flair to the event.