Continued development and playing my game – Chris Boucher

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Expectation on my development this year

I feel like I’ve always had big expectations for myself. Especially coming into this year, after everything that happened in the offseason, I felt like I didn’t do exactly what I wanted to do with Santa Cruz. I didn’t play exactly how I wanted to play, so it helped me kind of open my eyes … I wanted to get better.

During the summer with all the workouts, being with the Raptors for as long as I was, it helped open my eyes. Seeing guys like Pascal [Siakam] and Fred [VanVleet] working throughout camp just helped me because they were in the G League before, so I felt like if they were able to do it and I follow that same path, I'll get my chance.

The year has been an amazing year for me. I’ve been able to spend more time in the NBA and with my play in the G League, people are now respecting me much more as a player — they know what I’m capable of doing. That’s been a big change for me. It's just a blessing for me to be able to be in this situation and really show what I’m capable of doing.

On how much Jama Mahlalela and Raptors 905 coaches has helped my game

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Coach Jama has done an amazing job with me in terms of giving me confidence. He's helped me realize that I was always able to do the things I’m doing this season.

When I first got here, I was a little timid with my play — I showed flashes, but I was never able to do it on a consistent basis. Coach Jama and the whole staff with the 905, they’ve really made me realize that I can do it every day.

They've taught me how to be a leader and just how to play with a certain level of intensity, something I've always had but I wasn't able to put it on the floor consistently.

On playing and practice with a talented Raptors roster

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I think there’s a lot of things that have really helped me out this year in getting better. I feel like practicing with the Raptors helped me more than ever because a lot of these guys have been in the league — they know what it takes to play 82 games a year. So for me to continue to be there on a consistent basis and have the chance to play in some of the games, to be around and see what the NBA world is like, has helped me out a lot.

The one thing I would say that has helped me out the most is just being able to play a lot of basketball. Having a game here and a game there tomorrow, and flying out this way for this game and back there for that game. Every time I step on the floor, I feel like I get better.

On being back home in Canada and being able to speak French with some teammates

I always spoke French when I was in Montreal, so having somebody that could speak French — a couple of our coaches, Pascal [Siakam] and Serge [Ibaka] — that definitely feels good sometimes. But I feel like being back in Canada, being able to see my family, just knowing that I’m close and if something were to happen, I’m only a flight away.

There’s a lot of outside influences that can affect your game, but when you know you can take care of those things, you feel free minded and you can go out and play with a lot of passion.

Goals for the remainder of the season

First off, my goal in the G League is to win the championship. For me, I think it’s definitely possible for us to win, I feel like we’re the best team in the G League.

Secondly, I want to be a part of the Raptors for the playoff run — get all the experience and learn as much as possible. I feel like the playoffs are when the real teams, the best teams, come to play.

With Golden State, I saw a bit of it, but I want to be able to really be a part of the team. On a two-way contract, you can’t really play during the playoffs, but if they give me a chance to make the playoff roster, I would be able to be on the floor and see what’s going on. That’s what I’m looking for.

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