Jay Triano

Jay Triano, born on September 21, 1958, in Tillsonburg, Ontario, is a Canadian former professional basketball player and coach. He played college basketball at Simon Fraser University, where he made significant contributions to the team's success, leading them to a national championship in 1976. Triano was selected 30th overall in the 1981 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Triano played five seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Trail Blazers and later with the Atlanta Hawks and the Canadian national team. His stint in the NBA was relatively brief, but he distinguished himself as a key contributor to the Canadian national program, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, where he participated in various international competitions and helped elevate Canadian basketball on the global stage.

After retiring as a player, Triano transitioned into coaching, where he achieved notable success. He became the head coach of the Toronto Raptors and the Canadian national team, emphasizing player development and strategy. Triano’s coaching legacy includes a commitment to advancing basketball in Canada and fostering international talent, establishing his reputation as a pivotal figure in the sport's growth in the country.