TORONTO – Toronto Metropolitan University’s basketball sensation, Aaron Rhooms, has clarified the true secret behind his team’s unprecedented success: his fundamental competence at the sport. While recent media coverage has focused on his 'belief' and 'family bond,' Rhooms confirmed that his primary contribution has been, in fact, putting the ball through the hoop.

“Look, I love my family, and I believe in myself, sure,” Rhooms stated in a post-game press conference, wiping sweat from his brow. “But if I couldn’t dribble, shoot, or defend, I don’t think all the positive affirmations in the world would get us to the U Sports Final 8. It’s mostly the basketball skills.”

Sports analysts, who had been busy crafting narratives around the intangible power of familial support, were reportedly left scrambling. “We were ready to launch a whole series on the spiritual connection between Rhooms’ grandmother’s wisdom and his three-point percentage,” admitted veteran pundit Barry 'The Oracle' O’Connell. “This 'being good at basketball' angle really throws a wrench in our plans for compelling television.”

TMU coach Evelyn Hayes echoed Rhooms’ sentiment, albeit with a touch more diplomacy. “Aaron is a phenomenal athlete, and his dedication is inspiring. But yes, his ability to execute plays and score points is, you know, quite helpful.” She then added, “We also feed them, and they practice. These things tend to contribute.”

Rhooms concluded by suggesting that while he appreciates the sentiment, future articles might consider mentioning his actual statistics or perhaps the hours he spends training, rather than attributing wins solely to his emotional support network.