Aaron Rhooms: A rising star in Canadian basketball
Aaron Rhooms remembers the moment basketball entered his life. He was nine years old, playing recreationally in Oakville with his cousin, Daniel. They used an old hoop salvaged from the roadside, a humble beginning for the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold star.
Rhooms credits his family for much of his success in the basketball spotlight. His mother and sister have been constants in the bleachers, enduring Toronto’s notorious weather and traffic to cheer him on.
“They always say, ‘We started this journey together, and we’re going to see it through,’” said Rhooms.
That family-first ethos is what fuels Rhooms’ success. His dedication and hard work helped him earn U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours in his first season, a campaign that began with challenges both on and off the court.
“The transition from high school to university was tough,” said Rhooms.
“But I was lucky to have a great coaching staff, particularly coach David DeAveiro, who put his trust in me and made me a starter right away.”
His strong debut season caught the attention of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), and Rhooms was drafted after his first year at TMU.
“I didn’t even know about the CEBL when I started university,” he said.
“I was just focused on playing hard and making an impact. To realize I was essentially a pro — it was something I never thought would happen so fast.”
Now a veteran leader for the Bold, Rhooms reflects on how far he’s come, both as an athlete and as a person.
“I’ve matured so much,” he said.
“I’ve had to learn resiliency and perseverance, and I feel more confident and well-rounded now.”
Rhooms’ passion for basketball is matched only by his commitment to self-improvement. As a business student at TMU, he’s found ways to balance his academic and athletic aspirations. Initially a science enthusiast in high school, Rhooms pivoted to business to better accommodate his basketball schedule.
“Business is practical,” he said.
“It’ll give me tools I can use in sports management or other fields after basketball.”
His scientific curiosity hasn’t waned. Rhooms likes to ask team therapists and dietitians with questions about training and nutrition, aiming to optimize his performance.
“I’m always learning,” he said.
“What foods improve performance? How can I prevent injuries? It’s all part of the process.”
Rhooms’ journey has been deeply rooted in his community, and representing Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area means everything to him.
“There wasn’t a big basketball culture where I grew up, but my neighbours supported me,” he said.
“They’d offer their nets and ask about my progress. That sense of community has stayed with me.”
Rhooms experienced the pride of representing Canada on the international stage as part of the 3x3 U23 Men's National Team.
“Wearing Canada across my chest was surreal,” he said.
“There’s a narrative that Canadian universities can’t compete with NCAA programs, but that’s changing. Canada Basketball is on the rise, and I’m proud to contribute to that growth.”
For Rhooms, the mid-range game is a “lost art” he has embraced, inspired by players like DeMar DeRozan and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I watch their film before games,” he said.
“Their footwork, their physicality — I try to bring that into my game.”
As for the future, Rhooms has a clear goal: becoming a professional basketball player.
“Success is intrinsic for me,” he said. “Whether it’s the NBA, Italy, or Spain, I want to feel content and ensure my family and loved ones are good.”