Tristan Thompson returns home to Toronto for the first time as an NBA player. Thompson says he's buying tickets for at least 22 friends and family members.

"There will be jitters," said Thompson, 20. "A lot of people I grew up with will have a chance to see me live out my dream. Hopefully, the gym will be packed with Tristan Thompson fans."

The new season opened with six Canadians, Steve Nash, Jamaal Magloire (Toronto), Samuel Dalembert (Houston), Joel Anthony (Miami), Cory Joseph (San Antonio) and Thompson -- on NBA rosters.

The presence of the Raptors and the willingness for Canadians to attend high schools in the United States have contributed to the surge.

"I think Tristan has a chance to be a real role model for kids there," said Ro Russell, who runs the AAU program Grassroots Canada, for which Thompson played. "Tristan is someone who loves working with kids and giving back to his community."