Richard Breton is one of the most prolific and polarzing generational players in NL history. While he was highly regarded here on the rock, he ultimately made the decision to leave home for his collage and for the green lawns and perfectly landscaped campus that was Acadia University. Richard had a wonderful career with the Axemen and carved out a good niche allowing him to turn pro by at the age of 21. Want to see what the big man is up to these days?????? Saddle the horses and let's ride!
Can you give us an introduction? Name, high school, are you still involved with basketball now?
My name is Richard Brenton, from Marystown, Newfoundland. I went to Marystown Central High (MCHA) until grade 11 and then went to Prince of Wales Collegiate (PWC) for my grade 12 year. I continued to play high level men’s basketball until my job required me to travel (age 40). I was also the assistant coach of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and in 2018, helped them win the ACAA, placing 5th at the nationals in PEI. Since that time, I spend most of my basketball time helping train my 14-year-old son Vincent and introducing the game to my 9-year-old son Liam.
What got you hooked on basketball?
My father (Dave Brenton) played on the Memorial University varsity basketball team in the 1960s, which continued through men’s leagues for most of my childhood. I remember going to my father’s game/tournaments and would go into the locker room and sit on the bench. I believe this is where my love of basketball started. My aunt/godmother (Donna Brenton) was also an elite basketball player who played for Memorial University and is arguably one of the best female basketball players in Newfoundland history!
Tell me about your high school gym. Big? Where did fans sit?
We had a great gym in Marystown, and with my father being the principal and head basketball coach, I remember the big day in grade 11 when we got glass backboards and collapsible rims. Later in life, I found out they were installed due to me damaging the older style rims and the difficulty finding replacements or having the broken rims welded. Marystown and the surrounding communities had strong grassroots hockey and soccer programs, so there wasn’t a huge following for basketball.
Tell me who were some of the best teammates over the years? Discuss as many as you like and then given that I recognize how hard picking just a few can be!
That is an excellent question. I believe I grew up in the golden era of Newfoundland basketball. The best team in MUN history was my first year at Acadia. So I had the opportunity to play with some of the best players Newfoundland has ever seen. While on the Newfoundland provincial team, I had games against players like Peter Benoit, John Devereux, Leon Peddle, Blair White, Mike Woods and many others. There were also many very talented players in the province in my age group. Carl English, Greg Winter, Deon Langdon, Matt Chapmen just to name a few.
I was fortunate to play with Carl English on the Newfoundland Canada Games team, and even at 16 years old, he is one of the best players I have ever played with. As we all know, Carl had an incredible career at Hawaii, on the Canada national team and professionally in Europe for many years.
Why Acadia Vs MUN?
That decision was very hard and may have disappointed some, and made people upset. With my father and aunt playing for the Sea Hawks in the past, me going to MUN was a bit of a given. That is until Dave Nutbrown started recruiting me. MUN had planned for me to red shirt my first year to help me settle into university life. While Acadia were speaking differently with me not redshirting and that I would join the team right away. Looking back at it, with me playing a handful of minutes my first year, redshirting would probably have been a good idea.
I often thought about what it would have been like if I had gone to MUN. Not being able to play in front of my family on a regular basis is something I regret. I also believe the MUN team my senior year would have been hard to beat if I had stayed. That team would have been nice, with the likes of Jeff Saxby, Greg Winter, Deon Langdon and Matt Chapman.
My first year Mun won the regular season, that was arguably the best team they ever had. Acadia played them in the first round of the AUS playoff where we pulled out a close game, but I watched it all from the bench lol.
During my time at Acadia, I played against powerhouse teams like SMU and St. Francis Xavier (players like Fred Perry and Danny Oliver). These teams won the national title respectively my last three years of university play. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride lol. While at Acadia, I had two Newfoundland teammates that were exceptional players as well. The high flyer from Corner Brook Mark Seaborn and the incredible point guard from Deer Lake Savior (SAJ) Joseph.
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What was your record for points per game?! Season average?
While playing collegiately I was primarily a post player and worked mostly from the block and foul line extended. My record game while playing at Acadia was 35 points, with the highest points per game season coming in my senior year where I averaged 15 pts and 9 rebounds per game.
The highest competition I faced would have been the 2004 South American Cup in Venezuela. That tournament included the top club teams from each of the South American countries. There were many national team players from the respective countries and some former NBA players. In the tournament, I averaged 21 points per game and had the highest 3-point percentage for the tournament was one of those times when you feel like you can’t miss. (Holy wow!)
Have you played any basketball in the summer camps? NLBA?
I was a member of the Newfoundland provincial team from 15 to 19 years of age. During that time, our team competed at the 1997 Canada Games in Brandon Manitoba. During that tournament, we finished a respectable 5th!! I have to give recognition to my mother (Anne Brenton) for sacrificing her summers to travel with me to provincial team practices and tournaments, even accompanying me to Brandon Manitoba for the 1997 Canada Games
For this question I will have to mention a few coaches over my basketball career.
Childhood/High School: I would not have developed the passion for basketball without the influence of my father. As mentioned, my dad played for Mun in the 1960s and continued to play men’s league basketball until I was a teenager. Accompanying my dad to all of his games, and him putting the time in to show me how to play, gradually building up the importance of fundamentals. My love for basketball definitely came from my father. He continued to coach me until I made the move to St. John’s for my grade twelve year.
Provincial Team: While on the Newfoundland Canada Games team, I had the incredible fortune to have Clarence Sutton as an assistant coach. Clarence had an amazing basketball mind and had a gift for teaching young athletes. His calm demeanor and yet incense competitive nature made him such a good coach to play for.
University: During my university career I played for another renowned and highly respected coach for five years at Acadia. Dave Nutbrown was a very hard coach, with incredibly high standards. His attention to detail and scouting was second to none, and I believe over the five years, he made me a much better player. The Axemen had a winning record every season. My most memorable basketball season I was there, with playoff appearances each year and one conference championship.
Overseas: When I started playing basketball overseas, I quickly realized that 6’ 8”, 225 Lbs was not big enough to battle down low with some of the bigger players. My first year overseas, I was blessed to have a coach by the name of Paul Carter. Coach Carter had been involved in basketball his entire life, from a D1 NCAA player, to playing in Europe and onto professional coaching. He would joke he has never worked a day in his life. He had coached at a very high level, with him winning the Asian Pro Basketball championship in his previous position. Coach Carter was instrumental in helping me transition from the down low power forward to stretch 4/small forward I became with facing the basket footwork and a decent jumper from range.
My most memorable moment would have been during the AUS conference playoffs my senior year. The tournament was held at the metro dome in Halifax, and my parents traveled from Newfoundland to watch. With me going to Acadia, they did not have many opportunities to watch me play collegiately. During the tournament, I was recognised as a conference all-star, and having my parents present for that was incredible. (How awesome!)
Where have you traveled for basketball? Provincials?
During my basketball career I have been blessed to play in many places. As a member of the Newfoundland provincial team and the Acadia Varsity basketball team, I was given the opportunity to play all over Canada. Once my collegiate career was done, I was fortunate to play professionally in clubs in Norway, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay and Germany.
Who is the most difficult player you have had to guard?
Prior to playing in Argentia, I had transitioned to a stretch 4/small forward position. This was due to my athleticism and accuracy shooting from distance. When playing in Argentia, I was asked to go back to the power forward position. During a game, I had to guard the Argentina National team power forward (Ruben Wolkowyski). Standing at 6 ‘ 10” and weighing 280 pounds, he was a load and hard to defend.
What advice would you give to young NL ballers starting out qto ensure success?
No matter where you come from, if you have passion, constantly put in the work and believe, anything is achievable. Trust the process and try not to get to low with the lows, or to high with the highs. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.
Who is your Favorite NBA player?! NBA team?
From my childhood, my favorite team was the Chicago Bulls and like many other people my age, Michael Jordan was my favorite players. With the recent success of the Toronto Raptors, I would have to say they are my favorite team. That being said, I really don’t root for just one team. I prefer to just see great basketball. There are many players I like today, but when I am helping my son develop, I tell him to watch Luka Dončić.
Where are they now?
Today I live in Calgary with my wife Kim and two boys, Vincent (14) and Liam (9). I am an Occupational Health & Safety consultant that supports the oil & gas construction industry.
I would like to thank Ian for the opportunity to contribute to his Newfoundland & Labrador Basketball Stories Blog, it is very much appreciated. Going through this process has brought back some very fond memories. Thanks Ian!!
Ied why he chose to relocate to Wolfville and attend Acadia where Coach Nutbrown recruited him hard. He ultimately chose to take his 6ft8 240 body Like to Nova Scotia. Let's just stay that this decision...upset...a lot of folks who had a vested interest in where the big man would play his college ball. Lots of pressure for a 17 year old Brenton. This environment was what Richard needed and he thrived! When he was 21 he had his first pro contract in Norway!
To close, I would like to thanks to Richard for taking the time to answer my questions and reminisce about his hey days in Marystown, St. John's and Acadia! I really love the writing, the discussing and the dreaming! Thanks again Richard!
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