The Raptors are back on the court, well, one is on the ice....

Steve Russell - Staff Photographer - @RussellPhotos

Basketball is back, it is one of my favourite sports to cover.

Media Day for photographers is a little tedious, but offers us the rare opportunity to have a basketball blog with a lot of horizontal pictures.

Toronto Raptors 2011 first round draft pick centre Jonas Valanciunas makes it to his first media day. He was under contract in Europe last year.

Toronto Raptors centre Jamaal Magloire is interviewed.

The team photographer's assistant keeps track of old end new names.

An excited Bryan Colangelo fist bumps with a less excited point guard Jose Calderon. The Spaniard will have to battle for the starting job this year.

Toronto Raptors 6'8" power forward Amir Johnson is interviewed.

DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry joke around between photo shoots and interviews.

Landry Fields releases his inner zoolander in front of Andrea Bargnani, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Toronto Raptors centre Jonas Valanciunas poses for Toronto Raptors' team photographer Ron Turenne.

Toronto Raptors centre Jonas Valanciunas can dribble.

Toronto Raptors power forward Amir Johnson.

Toronto Raptors power forward Amir Johnson does have an eye at the back of his head!

Toronto Raptors small forward Quincy Acy.

Toronto Raptors shooting guard Terrence Ross plays around while waiting for his time in front of the camera.

Toronto Raptors centre Jonas Valanciunas has a laugh at his first media day.

Toronto Raptors guard Landry Fields films some TV promos on a green screen.

Toronto Raptors centre Andrea Bargnani on the green screen.

Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry dances on the ice while waiting for his turn on the green screen.

Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan on the green screen.

New Toronto Raptors centre Jonas Valanciunas gets ready for his promos.

10/03/2012