Hire assistant coach Hopla to make ‘adjustments’

By: Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

Dave Hopla is a self-professed shooting “guru” who makes some of his living delivering motivational speeches and now he’s going to try to help the Raptors become better marksmen with his word and his deeds.

The team has hired Hopla as a “basketball development consultant,” which is a gussied-up title for shooting coach.

And for a squad that’s among the worst shooting teams in the NBA, any little bit of help can’t hurt.

(more…)

Aim is to Improve Accuracy

By: Mike Koreen
Toronto Sun

At best, the Raptors have hired the perfect guy to lead the team out of its season-long shooting slump.

At worst, they have another man to keep an eye on those evil road scorekeepers.

Dave Hopla, who, according to his personal web site, is “considered by many to be the top shooter in the world,” is back with the Raptors for the second time in the past three years. But this time he has a more significant role.

(more…)

(TORONTO) –The Toronto Raptors announced Monday they have hired Dave Hopla as a basketball development consultant. Hopla, considered to be one of the premier shot instructors in the world, joined the team today at practice and will accompany Toronto on its two-game road trip this week.

Hopla has worked with numerous NBA, WNBA and NCAA teams, including the Toronto Raptors during the team’s 2004 training camp at Brock University. His past clients include Ray Allen, Sue Bird and Kobe Bryant. Hopla also runs his own College and Youth camps during the summer.

Hopla is a New Jersey native and spent time playing basketball in the Continental Basketball Association, Europe and South America.

Link to Original Article.