Big Ticket Dreams: An Interview with Will Tong
(August 28, 2025) – The following article was submitted by Curtis J. Phillips.
At just 23 years old, Calgary’s Will Tong is carving out his path in professional basketball. Nicknamed “Big Ticket” after NBA legend Kevin Garnett, Tong brings both size and skill to the court. His journey has taken him from playing for the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) SAIT Trojans in his hometown of Calgary to competing on a bigger stage, the Canadian Elite Basketball League with the Calgary Surge where the game is faster, more strategic, and filled with higher expectations.
We caught up with Tong, a lanky 6-foot-9 forward, at the CEBL Championship weekend in Winnipeg, Manitoba held August 2024, 2025.
Q&A with Will Tong
Q: You’re 23 and playing professional basketball now. Did you ever dream this would happen?
Will Tong: Yeah, I dreamed this for sure. Just playing on a big stage, seeing new competition, new levels—it’s been a blessing.
Q: What did it mean to you to play for SAIT Trojans?
Tong: It meant a lot. I was playing for my home city, surrounded by family and friends. That was special.
(Tong averaged (2023-2024 21 games 9.0 ppg 111 rebounds 19 blocks, ACAC Second team South All Conference; 2024-2025 21 games 10.0 ppg 124 rebounds 20 blocks, ACAC Second team South All Conference)
Q: How does the level of CEBL competition now compare to playing in the ACAC?
Tong: In the ACAC, whatever you were good at, people here are great at. The game moves faster, and it takes more strategic play. It’s about moving at your own speed and understanding the game on a deeper level.
Q: Growing up, were there Canadian players you followed?
Tong: Not too many. For me, it was mostly about my basketball family. I looked up to my older brothers, watching them play.
Q: Can you tell us about your siblings and where they play?
Tong: My little brother just transferred to the University of Regina. My little sister Yar plays Division I at UT Martin in Tennessee. My older brother Manyang plays at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
(Tong has eight other siblings: Abuk, Ajang, Alvel, Luai, Malong, Manyang, Tong and Yar )
Q: Sounds like you could field your own team. Ever thought of doing that?
Tong: [Laughs] Yeah, we could bring five to a court for sure. Maybe next summer when we all have more time.
Q: Who was the first in your family to pick up the game?
Tong: My oldest brother, Tong. He started at Father Lacombe. He used to beat me all the time in the driveway. But over time, I caught up, started dunking, and things came full circle.
Q: You grew up playing a lot outdoors—did you ever play in the snow?
Tong: Yeah, all the time. Playing outside in the snow was a big part of my childhood.
Q: What are you focusing on right now besides basketball?
Tong: Honestly, just recovery—getting my body right and staying mentally ready for the next season.
Q: What are your career goals?
Tong: Win awards, win championships, and give back to the community by training younger kids.
Q: Do you think it’s possible to make a living in the CEBL?
Tong: For sure. I believe I can.
Q: Finally, what does it mean to you to play for Calgary on this stage?
Tong: It means a lot—playing for the city, for the fans, and for everyone who’s supported me. I’m ready.
A few hours after this quick sit down interview the Calgary Surge beat Winnipeg Sea Bears 90-79 in front of more than 9,000 fans at the Canada Life Centre and two days later on Sunday August 25 fell to defending champion Niagara River Lions 79-73 with 7,129 in attendance.
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Curtis. J Phillips, Canadian Basketball Historian
cjphillips@shaw.ca
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
emilyp@acac.ab.ca
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