The Air Canada Centre was a roar Wednesday night, not because the Toronto Raptors picked up a much needed win over Philadelphia. Not because franchise player Chris Bosh had yet another double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Not because of the exciting brand of basketball we were treated to see with DeMar DeRozan and Sonny Weems both in the starting lineup. No, it was because fan favorite Reggie Evans who has yet to play a regular season minute for the Toronto Raptors had finally suited up for first time.

Its true, this is a hockey town, and that is why the fans of Toronto were in love with Reggie Evans before he ever played a regular season game. His reputation precedes himself and the hardcore fans always take the time to educate the casual fans they know.

Here is a quote from Rotoworld

Evans played five minutes, but oddly the Toronto fans were chanting his name: “We want Regg-ie,” as he is clearly a crowd favorite in Toronto for his work ethic.

Source: Rotoworld.com

Evans said the racaous reception felt good:

“It felt real good,” Evans said of the ACC welcoming committee. “I guess the fans appreciate hard work.

Source: Raptors TV

He later admitted it was a bit strange that the he had already endeared himself so much to the fans without playing a single regular season game for the Toronto Raptors.

Hey, this is Toronto, we hate pus**’s like Vince, and love tough guys like Oak, and guys who will lay it on the line like JYD and Matt Bonner. Evans is both, I don’t know…maybe its nostalgia….maybe we are reminded of our love affair with Wendel Clark, whatever it is, we love tough guys, and now Reggie Evans finally appreciates that Toronto loves him too.

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