About Eli

Eli is referred to as “one of Canada’s best basketball players.” His skills shot skyward during his five years at the University of Victoria, where he led the team to five straight Canadian University Championships. As a 6’1″ guard, Eli tops the list of UVIC all time scorers and was honoured by having his jersey number 13, retired. He was drafted by the NBA Seattle Supersonics in 1984 and was a member of Canada’s Olympic basketball program for an amazing 15 years.

Eli grew up literally under the BIG NICKEL in Sudbury’s Italian area of Gatchell. Although he came from a hockey and mining community, this short, skinny Italian kid became one of Canada’s greatest basketball players. Inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, Basketball BC Hall of Fame, University of Victoria Sports Hall of Fame, City of Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame.

Public Speaking

An excellent speaker, story teller and motivator, Eli tells his story of commitment, sacrifice, decisions and drive in sports. If you are interested in having Eli speak, please contact him

Topic: Leadership and being part of a Team Motivated to make Decisions

“I had the opportunity to listen to a presentation from Eli at a recent Sports Awards Banquet. I was impressed!
I watched Eli play at Uvic. and I’m well aware of his success in the game at all levels.
What I didn’t know, is what an amazing communicator he is.
At the Banquet he told the story of growing up in Sudbury Ontario. He talked about his choices, decisions he made to ensure he had a chance to compete at a high level in the sport he loved.
Yes it was about Eli, but he presented it in a way that it sounded like it wasn’t about him. He wanted the audience to understand that anything is possible if you work hard, have confidence and make good choices.
In other words…set goals…have a plan…and push forward.
Eli’s delivery was excellent. The right mix of humour and serious topics.
Eli Pasquale was a leader on the basketball court. After listening to his presentation, I believe he is a great leader off the court as well. People listen because he was successful in sports. But it wasn’t easy.
He is a perfect person to talk to a group about attaining goals and leading a productive life. I’m very happy I had a chance to see his presentation.”

Cliff LeQuesne

100.3 the Q!

“Eli Pasquale knows more than just a little about self-discipline, a sense of achievement, and motivation. He knows how to inspire his audience to believe in their dreams, learn from their challenges and to set driving goals. His ability to deliver his message in a humorous and entertaining manner has really added to the success and impact of our programs.” – Junior Achievement of BC