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Interview: Michael Irwin // Photography: Marianne Rothbauer, Rothbauer Studio

When did you first discover your love for Basketball?

I discovered the love for basketball when i was 13 years old. I was brand new to it but the challenge of getting better is what made me fall in love.

You attended Bishops University and played for the Gaiters for several years. Did you know then that you wanted a future in Basketball?

I would say I knew from a very young age about 15 years old that I wanted a future in basketball. Playing in University only helped me believe that it was more achievable. 

We hear you played pro in Lebanon , tell us a bit about that. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while playing overseas?

Lebanon was an unreal experience. Being half Lebanese and always hearing about my roots it was pretty cool to actually see it all. The craziest part of it all is that basketball brought me there. Before that, I had never been just heard stories. I was fascinated to explore and take in where my father was from but it was very hard to do because I was there to work. While being in Lebanon I would say the biggest challenge was just adapting to a new environment. You don't have any friends, or anyone to really help you out with things so you are kind of on your own until you make friends and get closer with teammates. 

Back in Canada you started to coach. What age groups and levels do you train? Take us behind the scenes of your daily life.

Here in Ottawa, I train kids from ages 6 all the way up to current professionals. I teach kids who are just beginning and learning the fundamentals and then on the other side I have high-level, elite players.  On an average day, my schedule right now looks something like this. I start off my day by heading to the gym at 5:30am to workout, then head to Louis Riel high for practice, where I coach the Jr. Boys basketball team. We start at 7am and finish around 830am. From there I would head home have my breakfast, answer emails, walk the dog and get myself ready for the day. Depending on the day I may have a meeting mid-afternoon or phone calls to make. From 1 pm - 9 pm is when i typically have clients ( individual or team training ) or a basketball game to coach.  That is typically my average day... It does change depending on clients, games, tournaments and little things like that but I typically live in the gym throughout the day. 

You are involved with charitable organizations. What does it mean to you to be able to make an impact in the Ottawa community?

Being involved in the community is something I always try to do. I have been fortunate enough to be part of the OC Express basketball team & at times the Ottawa Police Hoopstars. Both of these programs were created to bring the community together through Basketball. It gives the kids something to look forward to " playing against us " but it allows us to get into schools and educate these youth about real day to day things. To be able to make an impact in the community to me is huge. There is so potential out here and a lot of people just need a chance. Seeing someone smile, or knowing you have been able to brighten up their day or help them reach a new milestone in their lives is something that money cant buy! 

Throughout the year I run multiple basketball clinics & camps throughout the year such as March Break + summer camps.

I also have my own basketball program I started called "Team Believe " (@613believe) and its a basketball competitive program which right now is for ages U17 & U19 but over the next few years the goal is to go down to U12.

When you aren’t coaching what do you do for fun? Favourite spots in the city?

I feel when I am not coaching I am playing. I miss playing competitive basketball so I try to stay active with it. I currently still play in men's leagues and other tournaments around the city. I also like to watch movies, cook and I like to travel. 

What has the Raptors NBA Championship done for Basketball in Canada and specifically Ottawa?

The Raptors winning a championship last year was an amazing thing for Canadian Basketball as a whole. It gives all the youth hope and shows them that they could possibly reach that level one day. Being a trainer and coach over the last few months after the raptors won that championship I could see the growth of basketball skyrocket. I started to get phone calls from parents saying that their son or daughter is interested in picking up a basketball and quitting the sport they were currently playing. Its awesome for business but also means more competition which allows kids to compete and get better. 


What has the Raptors NBA Championship done for Basketball in Canada and specifically Ottawa?

One of my main goals would be the growth of my basketball program " Team Believe " which would help more kids play and give them a competitive and safe environment. I have a few other goals that I want to accomplish in the next few years as well but I have to keep those a secret for now : )