Gary Durrant was born in rural Jamaica; he came to Canada at the early age of 13. Durrant had to learn hard and fast how to make it in a new society with unfamiliar people. Using basketball as a catalyst, Durrant’s strength and determination won him many victories both on and off the court. He would later finish his High school career attending Milford Academy in Connecticut. There he would be named Valedictorian of his graduating class, Captain of the basketball team and be nominated to the McDonald’s All American Basketball All-Star Team.

Durrant’s achievement of excellence in both academics and athletics earned him a full scholarship to Florida Atlantic University (NCAA Division 1). In his Senior year as Captain, Durrant would lead his team to upsets of major Division 1 opponents, including highly ranked teams. Durrant was selected to compete in the 1999 NCAA Slam Dunk Competition – an event which he would go on to win and remains the only Canadian in the history of the NCAA to do so. In addition to his athletic and leadership achievements, Durrant graduated with degrees in Sociology and Exercise Science.

After playing in NBA Summer League and several American Semi-Professional leagues, Durrant went on to a successful career playing Professional Basketball in Europe. His career would see him explore and live in several different European countries such as Greece, England, and Italy. When asked of his more memorable times of living in Europe he would tell you that teaching English at local schools, learning Italian as a second language and later becoming fluent were certainly among them.

After playing basketball overseas Durrant returned to Toronto to teach youth who are often termed by the school system as ‘At-Risk’. Armed with a Post Graduate Bachelors Degree in Education and a strong commitment to give back, Durrant started a non-profit organization called Gary Durrant Basketball Association. This organization provides diverse youth from across Ontario a safe place to learn fundamentals for basketball and for life. Now, after years of teaching on and off the court, Durrant is emerging as a leader in the field of personal development and the achievement of excellence. Providing leadership to individuals, teams, organizations, corporate professionals, and communities at-large; Durrant is blazing trails for others who are determined to experience excellence. One of Durrant’s philosophies is taken from a native belief which states ‘we are in a relationship with our community.’ Durrant has made it his mission to work with men, women, children and youth to ensure that we all progress along a path of unified success.

With the understanding that we all deserve the opportunity to become our best selves, Durrant is often out at community events speaking to young people, parents, community leaders, and the corporate sector – spreading the message of personal development and challenging others to be change-agents in our communities, workplaces, homes and most of all – within ourselves. He can often be seen on Television Networks sharing his philosophy, as a Guest on shows or as a Basketball Analyst. Inspiring, compelling and down-right enlightening, Durrant lives his message; he knows the value of leadership, hard work, volunteerism and community involvement, and he is committed to sharing these views as an active role model in his community.