Dalano Banton Bio
Dalano Banton is a Canadian professional basketball player who has competed at various levels of the NBA ecosystem since being drafted in 2021. He played college basketball for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Nebraska Cornhuskers before beginning his professional career. Banton was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 46th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, making him the first Canadian player ever drafted by the Canadian franchise. He has since played for multiple NBA and G League teams, developing his game at the sport’s highest levels.
Early Life and Background
Dalano Banton was born on November 7, 1999, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to a Jamaican father and a Canadian mother. He grew up in the Mount Olive area within the Rexdale neighborhood of Toronto. Banton began playing basketball as a child at the North Kipling Community Centre and the Rexdale Community Hub, often playing pickup games in local parking lots. He also attended basketball camps hosted by former Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan in his neighborhood, which helped shape his early development in the sport.
Banton originally belonged to the 2019 recruiting class but reclassified into the 2018 class by the end of his high school career. He attended Redemption Christian Academy in Northfield, Massachusetts, and the MacDuffie School in Granby, Massachusetts, before ultimately completing his high school education at Central Toronto Academy in his hometown. He was a consensus four-star recruit and ranked among the top 100 prospects nationally in 2018, holding the number 80 spot from Rivals and number 92 from 247Sports. On November 14, 2017, Banton chose Western Kentucky over Kansas State, UMass, and Minnesota to continue his basketball career.
Path to Professional Basketball
Before reaching the college level, Banton developed his skills through local Toronto basketball programs and the mentorship opportunities provided by NBA players in his community. His participation in DeMar DeRozan’s youth camps exposed him to professional-level instruction and helped refine his fundamentals. The reclassification to the 2018 class accelerated his timeline, allowing him to pursue college opportunities a year earlier than originally planned.
His strong high school performances at multiple institutions across the United States and Canada attracted attention from major NCAA programs. The consensus four-star ranking placed him among the most sought-after prospects in his class, with several Power Five conference schools showing interest. His decision to attend Western Kentucky marked the beginning of his collegiate career in the United States.
Dalano Banton Career
College Career at Western Kentucky (2018–2019)
Banton began his college basketball career at Western Kentucky University during the 2018-19 season. As a freshman, he appeared in 31 games and made 12 starts while averaging 3.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. One of his most memorable performances came against number 15 Wisconsin, where he nearly recorded a triple-double with eight points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a career-high 38 minutes of action. He was one of only six players in Division I basketball that season to achieve a stat line of at least eight points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a single game.
His season highlights included three double-figure scoring efforts, with his best offensive output coming against Belmont and Saint Mary’s, both 11-point performances. Against Saint Mary’s, he also contributed six assists and three blocks. On April 10, 2019, Banton announced his intent to transfer from Western Kentucky, seeking a different collegiate environment for his sophomore season.
College Career at Nebraska (2019–2021)
Banton announced his commitment to the University of Nebraska on May 1, 2019, via Twitter. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he sat out the 2019-20 season, using that time to develop his skills on the scout team. He did participate in Nebraska’s summer trip to Italy in August 2019, where he averaged 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while helping the team post a 4-0 record.
During the 2020-21 season, Banton became the second player in Nebraska men’s basketball history to record a triple-double, accomplish achieved on December 17, 2020, with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 110-64 win over Doane University. He finished the season averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Following the season, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, later announcing on July 2 that he would remain in the draft and pursue a professional career.
Toronto Raptors Era (2021–2023)
Banton was drafted with the 46th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors, becoming the first Canadian player ever selected by the franchise. On August 14, 2021, he signed a multi-year contract with the team. Banton chose to wear jersey number 45 to honor the TTC 45 Kipling bus route, which served the neighborhood where he grew up in Rexdale.
He made his professional debut on October 20, 2021, in the Raptors’ season opener against the Washington Wizards, scoring his first career NBA points with a buzzer-beating three-point field goal at the end of the third quarter. During his time with Toronto, he also played for their G League affiliate, Raptors 905, to gain additional developmental experience. His most notable performance with the Raptors came on November 24, 2022, when he scored a career-high 27 points while adding four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in a 115-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Boston Celtics (2023–2024)
On July 3, 2023, Banton signed a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics, joining one of the NBA’s premier franchises. This move represented a significant step in his career, providing him the opportunity to compete for a championship-caliber team while continuing to develop his skills at the NBA level. He appeared in limited minutes during his time with the Celtics, serving primarily as a depth player on the roster.
Portland Trail Blazers (2024–2025)
On February 8, 2024, Banton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for a protected second-round draft pick. The move to Portland provided him with increased playing time and opportunities to showcase his abilities. On March 27, 2024, he recorded a new career-high of 31 points, along with five rebounds and nine assists, in a 120-106 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
During the Trail Blazers’ season finale against the Sacramento Kings on April 14, Banton went 0-for-15 on three-point field goal attempts, becoming the first player in NBA history to attempt that many three-point shots without making one in a single game. Earlier that season on November 4, 2024, he scored 20 points in under 12 minutes during a 118-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the first time such a feat was accomplished in franchise history and only the seventh instance across the entire NBA.
Texas Legends (2025–Present)
On October 7, 2025, Banton signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Dallas Mavericks organization. The Mavericks waived him ten days later on October 17, along with Dennis Smith Jr. and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Following his release, Banton joined the Texas Legends, the G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, where he continues his professional career while seeking another opportunity at the NBA level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Banton is a small forward who possesses good size for his position at 6 feet 8 inches. His background playing at community centers and local facilities in Toronto helped him develop a versatile skill set that translates well to modern basketball. His ability to handle the ball, facilitate for teammates, and contribute across multiple statistical categories has been a consistent element throughout his career, from his college days through his professional tenure.
Notable Milestones
Several historical moments have defined Banton’s early NBA career. Being the first Canadian ever drafted by the Toronto Raptors represented a significant milestone for both him and the franchise. His career-high performances against the Detroit Pistons and later the Atlanta Hawks demonstrated his ability to provide offensive bursts when given opportunities. The unique distinction of attempting 15 three-point shots without a make in a single game added an unusual entry to his professional record.
Dalano Banton Career Highlights
Across his NBA and G League career, Banton has accumulated experience with multiple organizations while continuing to develop his game. His professional journey has taken him from his home country of Canada to teams in the United States, providing diverse experiences at different competitive levels.
College Career Highlights
During his collegiate career, Banton achieved the rare feat of recording a triple-double at two different programs. His near triple-double performance at Western Kentucky against Wisconsin and his official triple-double at Nebraska against Doane University showcased his all-around court vision and ability to impact games in multiple facets. His improvement from his freshman to sophomore seasons demonstrated his work ethic and adaptability to different team systems.
NBA Career Highlights
In the NBA, Banton’s most productive stretch came during the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Raptors, when he recorded his then-career-high of 27 points against Detroit. His career-high of 31 points with Portland in March 2024 represented his peak offensive performance at the professional level. The milestone of scoring 20 points in under 12 minutes with the Trail Blazers placed him among a select group of players to achieve such rapid scoring bursts in NBA history.
Dalano Banton Family
Family Background
Dalano Banton was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to a Jamaican father and a Canadian mother. His multicultural background has been a part of his identity throughout his life and career. Growing up in the Rexdale neighborhood, Banton remained connected to his community through local basketball programs and the mentorship opportunities available in the area.
Personal Life
Banton has maintained ties to his Toronto roots throughout his professional career. His decision to wear jersey number 45 with the Toronto Raptors reflected his connection to the Rexdale community, honoring the TTC 45 Kipling bus route that served his neighborhood during his upbringing. His journey from local community centers in Toronto to the NBA represents a path that has inspired other young basketball players in Canada.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional period in Banton’s career as he joined the Texas Legends organization following his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. After a brief stint with the Dallas Mavericks’ main roster through an Exhibit 10 contract, he landed with their G League affiliate where he continues to develop his game and pursue another opportunity at the NBA level. The move to the G League provides him with regular playing time and the chance to refine specific aspects of his game. His career trajectory demonstrates the perseverance required to maintain a professional basketball career, as he has navigated through multiple organizations while continuing to work toward his goals at the sport’s highest level.