Former BRIT champions look back fondly at tournament

We’re less than month away from the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament (BRIT) returning to the hard court.

The tournament is making its triumphant return after being cancelled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the excitement builds, previous champions are remembering the tournament fondly.

Robert Sacre, former NBA centre and three-time BRIT champion as part of the North Vancouver–Handsworth team, said the tournament brings a different kind of energy.

“I think it’s one of the best basketball tournaments in the world, to be honest with you, for high school. The atmosphere and the fan base is like nothing you could ever explain. Standing room only,” Sacre said.

He said he didn’t expect so much excitement when he first arrived at the tournament in 2005.

“The first year was just eye-opening to see how many people showed up to a high school game, and when the finals happened it was incredible,” he said.

Sacre then went on to play at Gonzaga University, and was later drafted into the NBA by the Los Angeles Lakers. He said his experience at BRIT was a good stepping stone for his career.

“Playing in that type of atmosphere helped me get ready for different, bigger and better places in basketball for sure,” he said.

Brent Charleton, who played with Vancouver’s Carson Graham in 1998 and 2000 – claiming the championship in 1998 – said it was a shock playing his first game at BRIT.

“It was the first time that we were in a packed gymnasium with enthusiastic fans, and so the pressure of performing in front of a large audience was learned through that experience. Whereas at home, the high school gyms were maybe half full,” Charleton said with a laugh.

Even though Charleton and his team won in 1998, he said what he remembers most is his team using their experience at BRIT in 2000 to help them throughout that season, even after losing in the final to Ross Shepard.

“They had a stacked team from Alberta. It was a galvanizing moment for our group in preparation for the rest of our season, competing against the highest level of competition and learning to handle defeat in a good way, and moving on and improving,” he said.

Charleton went on to play at Simon Fraser University, where he finished as the school’s all-time leading scorer for men’s basketball. He then played professionally in the Australian National Basketball League with the New Zealand Breakers, and then with the New Zealand Basketball League team the Harbour Heat.

He said he also made some great friends while at BRIT, and later played against them at provincial championships. Those friends included Jermaine Bucknor, who also went on to have a successful international career.

“Jermaine actually stayed at my house when he was trying out for one of the Canadian national regional teams when we were both trying out at the same time,” Charleton said. “It’s funny how you go from highly competitive situations to friendships after.”

Sacre is still involved in the game, as he works with the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League as senior advisor to the president. Charleton is now the president and CEO of EnWave Corporation, and he credits part of his professional career to his playing days.

“Those experiences that you gain can help support success in the business environment,” Charleton said.

Both Sacre and Charleton said the people who help run the tournament, both staff and volunteers, always put on a great event.

“The hospitality, every billet that kept us and had us at their home… Words can’t describe what great people live in Saskatoon,” Sacre said.

“The hospitality was like nothing you’ve ever experienced. It was great to be a part of that.”

Sacre, who now resides in Spokane, he says he’ll never forget the first taste of real winter weather he experienced while at BRIT.

“That was something I had never seen or felt in my life. I never knew what your nose hairs felt like when they froze (until) I got to Saskatoon,” Sacre said.

“I thank Saskatoon for getting me ready for Spokane weather.”

Both Charleton and Sacre encouraged everyone playing, volunteering, or watching the tournament to soak in as much as they can.

“I can’t really put words to describe it unless you’ve been there. And if you’re a player and it’s your first year at this tournament, I’d definitely say just enjoy it, because there’s nothing else like it,” Sacre said.

“Those relationships off the court are just as important, so take advantage,” Charleton added.

BRIT takes place from Jan. 12 to 14.