TORONTO -- Its been a tough pre-season for the Boston Celtics, but rookie Kelly Olynyk is still finding ways to impress. Cheap Athletics Jerseys . After a 99-97 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, his Celtics coaches and teammates have only positive things to say about the Toronto-born rookie. "Highly skilled," Jeff Green said. "Hes tremendously skilled. He can shoot the ball, hes got good range. He can run the floor and pass. For a guy just being in his first year hes very skilled for his position." Olynyks hometown debut turned into a Raptors victory when Terrence Ross scored 19 points and Landry Fields added 14 points to lead Toronto to its third straight win. Olynyks first trip home in an NBA uniform, even during pre-season, was one he had been waiting to cross off his calendar. "It was special," said Olynyk, who has played in the ACC before as a member of Canadas national team. "It felt good to get out on the court I grew up watching and grew up idolizing." Scoring 13 points (on 6-for-7 shooting) and grabbing nine rebounds in 26 minutes of action before fouling out in the final minute of the game, Olynyk heard an ovation from the crowd upon checking into the game. "Its something you dream about as a kid," Olynyk said. "Especially growing up in Toronto, being born and raised here. Its definitely special." Drafted by Boston with the 13th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the 22-year-old has impressed during summer league and pre-season campaigns. Playing for a Celtics team that looks drastically different than a season ago, Olynyk has the opportunity to play a key role this season and has already won over Green and head coach Brad Stevens. "Hes ahead of the curve for a young guy," Stevens said. Upon seeing Olynyk for the first time, Green immediately gave him the nickname "Sunshine." Asked why a seven footer prompted such a nickname, Green had a simple explanation: his flowing locks. "(The movie) Remember the Titans, the quarterback," Green said. "Same locks. When I first saw him, thats what I thought about." As for what Olynyk has been doing on the court, again Green broke it down simply. "He does what hes supposed to do and he does more so thats good." While Olynyk pieced together another strong individual effort, it wasnt enough to save a road-weary Celtics team that played in Brooklyn the night before. Boston put up a solid fight against the Raptors, but couldnt keep up with Torontos reserves in the second half. After holding a two-point advantage at half, Bostons offence fell apart late in the third quarter. Unable to score over the final 4:50 of the third, the Celtics missed their final seven shots to close out the quarter and allowed Toronto to go on an 11-0 run to take a 10-point lead into the fourth. "Defence leads to offence," said Ross. "Especially with the second unit." Raptors head coach Dwane Casey relied heavily on his bench in the victory. Jonas Valanciunas was the only starter to appear in the second half or log more than 14 minutes of play as five Raptors players reached double figures in points. "It wasnt any disrespect to Boston, but we need to find out what our second unit can do," said Casey. Kyle Lowry scored 11 points while Valanciunas and Rudy Gay each added 10 points apiece for Toronto. The loss dropped the Celtics to 1-5 in the pre-season. MarShon Brooks led Boston with 17 points, 15 coming in the fourth quarter. Jeff Green and Vitor Faverani added 13 points apiece. Athletics Jerseys China . -- Olympic medallist Jennifer Abel of Laval, Que. Athletics Jerseys 2020 . The Cottagers last victory came in a 2-1 home win over West Ham when Rene Meulensteen was still in charge. Since then, a miserable run of seven defeats and two draws has seen the club part with the Dutch coach and replace him with German Felix Magath. https://www.cheapathleticsonline.com/ . Which is to say, the top of this years draft class is not as dynamic or exciting as the 2013 class of Nate MacKinnon, Sasha Barkov, Jonathan Drouin and Seth Jones and its not as strikingly promising as the highly-anticipated 2015 slate of Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin.Paul Merson thinks Aston Villa should appoint either Nigel Pearson or Mick McCarthy as their next manager. Villas relegation from the Premier League was confirmed after last weeks 1-0 defeat at Manchester United, the first time they have fallen out of the top flight since 1987.Eric Black has been acting as manager since Remi Garde left his post in March and will remain in charge until a new manager is appointed. And Merson insists the clubs first big decision of the summer should be to appoint a manager with Championship experience, putting forward Pearson and McCarthy as two potential candidates that fit the bill for Villa. Merse thinks Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy would fit the bill for Aston Villa My first big signing would be the manager, the former Villa star told Sky Sports Now. The manager has to be right. It has to be a proven Championship (manager) and for me thats the main thing. He has to tick those boxes.Nigel Pearson has done it at Leicester. Mick McCarthy has done it for 15 years. For me, one of those two managers would have to be in charge and that would be my prime signing. What next for Aston Villa? How relegated teams have fared in the Championship after finishing bottom of the Premier League And whoever comes in to take the reigns at Villa Park, Sky Sports pundit Merson thinks they will have a lot of work to do to overhaul Villas squad, which is set for a bottom-placed finish in the Premier League.Theres a lot of work to do, Merson added. There are a lot of players on a lot of money. Oakland Athletics Gear. With £250,000 up for grabs in this seasons Soccer Saturday Super 6, Paul Merson gives you his thoughts on this weeks games Do you take a chance and get rid and start again or do you hope those players go into the Championship and come straight back up?Its all about the manager. He will be the biggest signing of the whole pre-season. Paul Mersons predictions See how Merse sees this weekends Premier League and FA Cup fixtures going Also See: Lerner accepts Villa blame Merse: Dont go out, Gabby Whats happened to Agbonlahor? Mersons predictions ' ' '