After graduating from high school in his native Sweden, Daniel Johansson was looking for a place to study and play basketball at a high level. He found that place at the University of Toronto where he spent the last four years studying political science while playing on the Varsity Blues basketball team.
“My time at U of T has been amazing. I’ve gained friends for life and learned a lot through the ups and downs in both basketball and my academics,” says Johansson by email from Stockholm, where he has since returned to pursue a professional basketball career with Umeå BSKT in the Swedish Basketball League.
“I enjoyed how friendly and welcoming most people were at U of T, and I felt at home very quickly after arriving in my first year.”
After five years of living in Toronto, Johansson says he got used to most things about Canada, except one.
“I tried eating poutine once or twice and I can’t say it was for me.”
But, he will remember his friends fondly.
“I will miss my teammates and everyone that works with and around Varsity Blues basketball. From the strength & conditioning staff and the people in the MacIntosh Clinic getting us ready to perform on the court, to the staff setting up events at Goldring Centre, everyone has been so supportive and professional,” says Johansson. “I have gained my friends for life.”
He remembers a game versus The University of Nevada, Las Vegas at a preseason tournament in the Bahamas in 2016.
“We were the underdogs, but managed to win by playing as a team with great contributions from players and coaches. Following that game we built great team chemistry and had a great season,” says Johansson. “I also really enjoyed beating Ryerson on their home floor this past season. That was a great team win, as well.”
Johansson is looking forward to taking some of those lessons in camaraderie back the basketball court in Sweden, and spending time with family and friends.