The Audley: More Than a Trophy
Introduction
I never set out to have a trophy named after me.
In fact, the first time I heard it was going to happen, I was shocked. I didn’t know how to process it.
What made it even more interesting was how it all unfolded.
David Magley, president of The Basketball League and a good friend of mine, was trying to keep it a surprise. But in my usual way of trying to support the business and help wherever I could, I kept inserting myself into conversations—offering ideas, asking questions.
Eventually, I backed him into a corner.
He had no choice but to tell me.
And just like that, the surprise was out.
The Audley.
A trophy named in my honor, to be presented to the most outstanding performer in the Basketball Super League Finals.
I was speechless.
Where It All Started
But the truth is…
None of this started with recognition in mind.
When I got involved with the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) I didn’t see myself as a pioneer, a trailblazer, or a builder.
I just wanted to be close to the game I loved.
So I followed my heart, allowed my passion to guide me, and led with my time, energy, and talents.
I started as a volunteer and was eventually unanimously appointed as Commissioner of the NBL Canada.
No grand plan.
No big vision of legacy.
Just alignment… and consistency over time.
The Moment It Became Real
It’s one thing to hear about something like that.
It’s another thing to see it.
To watch the Finals.
To feel the energy.
To see the players compete at the highest level.
And then to be there… standing on the court… presenting the trophy myself.
That’s when it hit me.
This isn’t mine anymore.
And in 2026, that feeling deepened.
Watching Duane Notice earn The Audley… that stayed with me.
As a Canadian, I’ve followed his journey for years. I’ve seen the highs, but more importantly, I’ve seen the adversity. The setbacks. The moments where things could have gone the other way.
And he kept showing up.
He kept doing the work.
So when I saw him lift that trophy, it didn’t feel like just another Finals moment.
It felt like validation.
Validation for the journey.
Validation for the struggle.
Validation for what it really takes to become “outstanding.”
In that moment, it became even clearer to me:
This trophy isn’t about a moment.
It’s about everything it took to get there.
What Does “Outstanding” Really Mean?
When you hear “most outstanding performer,” most people think about stats.
Points. Assists. Numbers.
But to me, it’s never been just about that.
It’s about:
Leadership
Composure
Presence
How you show up when it matters most
That’s what defines “outstanding.”
And when I think about what this award represents, I don’t just see a trophy.
I see years.
Years of commitment.
Years of showing up.
Years of doing the work.
The Work Behind the Name
My journey in basketball didn’t start with recognition in mind.
It started with service.
From my time as NBLCanada commissioner to my ongoing work supporting the growth of the game and the Basketball Super League, I’ve poured countless hours into this space.
Not for attention.
Not for awards.
But because I believed in it.
I remember a moment that stayed with me.
Vito Frijia, a successful businessman based in London, Ontario and owner of the multi-championship London Lightning, once shared something that really stayed with me:
I may not have contributed financially the way some owners did… but my sweat equity was just as valuable.
That meant something.
Because when people recognize your work like that, it hits differently.
More Than Recognition… It’s Responsibility
Fast forward 15 years…
And my name now adorns the trophy awarded to the top player who demonstrates excellence in the BSL Finals.
When your name is attached to something like this, it becomes bigger than you.
It’s not just recognition.
It’s responsibility.
Because now the question becomes:
What does The Audley stand for?
To me, it stands for:
Loyalty
Dedication
Hard work
Commitment
But more than anything…
It stands for presence.
Showing up.
Even when you’re tired.
Even when you’re unsure.
Even when you don’t know what’s next.
And choosing to keep going anyway.
The Standard
That’s what this really is.
A standard.
Because when your name is etched onto something that represents greatness, it forces you to reflect on what that name truly means.
And more importantly…
What it will continue to mean moving forward.
The Real Message
Most people will never have a trophy named after them.
But every single one of us is building a name that stands for something.
You don’t need a trophy.
You don’t need recognition.
You don’t need your name etched in anything physical.
What matters is:
What you do
How you show up
What you represent
Because over time…
That becomes your legacy.
Final Thought
Audacity isn’t just about bold moments.
It’s about consistency.
It’s about showing up—over and over again—
in a way that leaves something behind.
So here’s the question I’ll leave you with:
What will your name stand for?
