With The 2012/13 season around the corner i got a chance to speak to the leader of the defending APBL champs Beltway Bombers ceo and coach Chaz Dudley as he looks to lead his team back in the championship race here's what he had to say about this upcoming season.
Coach you guys are the defending champs. How is it going in the season with a target on your back?
The best place to be for a team and organization is when expectations are extremely high, and when your targeted. We don't sneak up on anyone or fly under the radar. Most teams along the East Coast are familiar with our level of pro talent, and the Bombers resume of winning games and chips over 19 years. All of my players very much welcome the challenge of opposing teams, and embrace the competition. We always have one goal as an organization...which is to win every game we play, while assisting my players in their professional careers. What opposing teams don't realize is our level of unselfishness, pre-game preparation, and sole agenda to winning. So while they are targeting us, we have already began targeting each team on our schedule. We're not so much defending our chip, as we are hunting to get another one.
How do you like the changes for the APBL and the new teams that have been added this year? Talk about the new rivalries in the DC area with the local teams joining the APBL.
The expansion of teams along the East Coast in the APBL is great, as it increases assorted competition and added exposure to the league. Brian Graham , the APBL Commissioner, is constantly screening new teams that meet his and the league's expectations. I anticipate that in a few years, the APBL will be one of the larger and premier professional leagues nationally. Within the Washington DC/Metro area, several new teams were added this season {Metro All Stars, Nova Hawks, Rockville Victors, Winchester Storm, West Virginia Monarchs, and Capitol City Express}. All of them are talented, well coached, and with great ownership. It will make for competitive games.
How do you go about building the Beltway Bombers team each season, after losing some key pieces off last year's team?
Over 19 years of owning and coaching my teams {Chaz Hoops NYC and the Beltway Bombers) at the pro level, I have been fortunate to have developed strong connections with many GM's, agents, scouts, player personnel directors, owners, players, camp directors, trainers, and coaches; both domestically and overseas. Because of those relationships, along with our team brand, and history of winning, I have a consistent pipeline to talented pro level players. I am always extremely happy and proud when my guys get the opportunity of a contract to play overseas, in the D-League, or in the Show. While I will miss them being a key piece to our success, fortunately I am able to tap into my resources to bring in additional talent that best matches the Bombers style of play and our mindset of winning. A players character, accountability and agenda, is as equally important, if not more-so than his talent. There are many talented players available, but not all of them meet my criteria. The formula to winning has remained the same for me and my team over the years
Where do you see the Beltway Bombers as a franchise in the near future?
Continue our tradition of winning games and championships, along with helping my players further their pro careers. The Bombers and Bomb Squad Dance Team want to strengthen our roots within the community, lend our name and support to several causes, as well as be a key component in the growth of the APBL. In the summer of 2013, we hope to have the Beltway Bombers Basketball Camp, which will provide parents and kids with a cost effective, accommodating, and fundamental teaching approach for players within a wide variety of age groups and skill levels.
The Hudson Valley Kingz quietly had the best season of their three-year existence during the 2012-13 season. The Kingz finished the season with an 11-5 overall record, good for second place in the Gateway Division of the Northern Conference of the American Professional Basketball League (APBL). Despite falling short in the playoffs, the Kingz have established a solid foundation that should lead to continued success in future seasons [read more]
The Hudson Valley Kingz quietly had the best season of their three-year existence during the 2012-13 season. The Kingz finished the season with an 11-5 overall record, good for second place in the Gateway Division of the Northern Conference of the American Professional Basketball League (APBL). Despite falling short in the playoffs, the Kingz have established a solid foundation that should lead to continued success in future seasons.
The Kingz won four games in their inaugural 2010-11 season in the Atlantic Coast Professional Basketball League (ACPBL). Their 4-14 record (.286 win percentage) was not impressive but yet was still respectable for the young franchise. In their second season, the team improved their winning percentage to .500, winning seven of their 14 total games. Their 7-7 record marked great improvement for a still relatively young team. However, in their third and most recent season, the Kingz were able to improve their win percentage to .688 and proved to many that they are a team on the rise in the new APBL.
The Kingz have established a solid foundation led by guard Doug Herring Jr. (6'3''-G, college: Utica). Herring, Jr. had a spectacular year for the Kingz, finishing among the league leaders in a variety of different categories. He was third in the league in scoring by averaging 31.7 points per game, seventh in rebounding at 12.1 rebounds per game, second in assists at 8.8 assists per game and first in steals at 2.9 steals per game.
He highlighted the year by setting the APBL single-game scoring and assists records. On February 10th, in a 137-117 over the Manhattan Pride, Herring, Jr. scored 66 points to set the scoring record. He also added 13 rebounds and 10 assists in that game. On March 2nd, he added the assist record to his resume with 20 assists in a 142-128 win over the North Jersey Pros. Herring Jr. also received First Team All-APBL and Second Team All-Defense honors to further establish himself as one of the best players in the APBL.
The Kingz frontcourt was led this year by power forward Anthony Cox (6'9''-C-83, college: Farmingdale St.), who also received Second Team All-APBL honors this season. Cox finished the year seventh in the league in rebounding at 14.6 rebounds per game and sixth in the league in blocks at 3.4 per game. He also proved to be a solid scoring option for the Kingz by averaging 21.1 points per game. Center Kevin Briggs (7'0''-C, college: ASA) was this seasons defensive anchor for the Kingz. He led the league in blocked shots at 4.9 per game and also averaged 9.6 rebounds per game. His defensive performance helped him receive First Team All-Defense honor and the APBL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Leading the Kingz franchise is third year owner and head coach, Donald Herring Jr. . Donald Herring Jr. . has worked continually to improve the team and his efforts have been rewarded by his teams gradual improvement on the court. In addition, he was recognized for his efforts by the leagues front office and was named the 2013 APBL Executive of the Year.
Although, the Hudson Valley Kingz fell short in the playoffs this season, Donald Herring Jr. . is hoping that the teams success can continue into the future. An APBL championship remains the ultimate goal and the Kingz have developed into one of the stronger teams in the APBL. With continued growth and development, an APBL championship may not be far away.
I caught with an overseas vet Kevin Jolley (6'3''-F-82, college: Quinnipiac) as he spoke about his career and the possible return to the DMV area to suit up with the Tri-City Suns check out the interview below.
1.Kevin you have been playing abroad for years now what's the key to maintaining a long pro career?
The main thing is working on your game to make your weakness a strength. The one thing I tell all the younger guys sometimes its better to be a good person than a great player [read more]
I caught with an overseas vet Kevin Jolley (6'3''-F-82, college: Quinnipiac) as he spoke about his career and the possible return to the DMV area to suit up with the Tri-City Suns check out the interview below.
1.Kevin you have been playing abroad for years now what's the key to maintaining a long pro career?
The main thing is working on your game to make your weakness a strength. The one thing I tell all the younger guys sometimes its better to be a good person than a great player. For the most part I can call most of my teams and go back and play there or at least the country. Also taking care of your body ICE plenty of ICE lol.
2.You returned to Iceland for a second stint how was it returning to a country you've had success in ?
Actually it was my 3rd time, I went for 3 weeks its nardvik but my team in Portugal wouldn't release me for some reason. I love Iceland one of my favorite places behind Lebanon the people where nice the leagues ran very well. It makes you feel at home , they have all the American restaurants we have at home unlike most European countries.
3.Coming from the dc area better known as the dmv which is a horned of talented players talk about some of your basketball experiences and battles in the dmv?
Basketball in the DMV where do I start. Well I was a late bloomer and I played AAU team from North Carolina so coming up I didn't have many battles. I remember the few times playing games at the run and shoot all night with players like James white, Chris McCray, David Hawkins and many more. Our area is a gold mind for basketball I like when I leave the country and play against a guy I've known since 14 years old..
4.What are your summer plans? And talk about the possibility of you suiting up in the APBl with the Tri-City Suns?
My plans this summer are to go to Cali and train kinds individually, work on my game to keep in shape and make up my mind if ill play my 8th season. I have a few offers already I just want to take my time and see how the summer plays out. Oh yea I'm going to play in the Drew league in LA that should be fun. As far as the suns, I've played a game with them already I will definitely keep playing with them. I played for the first them with shaq, man this guy is good makes the game looks so easy.. The team looks good so we should have a lot of wins
Finals MVP: Aaron Collins (6'0''-G) of NYC 524; Player of the Year: Fahreed Cheatham (6'5''-F-79) of Palmieri Jeans; Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Briggs (7'0''-C) of Hudson Valley; Sixth Man Of The Year: Tyrone Hill of Z*Philadelphia L.; Executive Of The Year: Doug Herring Jr. (6'3''-G) of Hudson Valley; Sportsmanship Award: Dominic Manuel of Alexandria A.; Outstanding Community Service Award: Reggie Winkfield (6'5''-G-81) of Rockville V.; Outstanding Community Service Award: Anthony Will [read more]
USBasket.com All-APBL 1st Team 2013
Herring Jr.
Morgano
Cheatham
Cuffy
Anderson
Finals MVP: Aaron Collins (6'0''-G) of NYC 524 Player of the Year: Fahreed Cheatham (6'5''-F-79) of Palmieri Jeans Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Briggs (7'0''-C) of Hudson Valley Sixth Man Of The Year: Tyrone Hill of Z*Philadelphia L. Executive Of The Year: Doug Herring Jr. (6'3''-G) of Hudson Valley Sportsmanship Award: Dominic Manuel of Alexandria A. Outstanding Community Service Award: Reggie Winkfield (6'5''-G-81) of Rockville V. Outstanding Community Service Award: Anthony Williams (6'2''-G-79) of Rockville V. Outstanding Community Service Award: Tavares Cooper (6'3''-G/F) of Rockville V. Clutch Performer of The Year: Fahreed Cheatham (6'5''-F-79) of Palmieri Jeans Coach Of The Year: Jamaal Schools of Rockville V.
2nd Team
G: Dele Ojo (6'0''-G-81) of Rockville V.
G: Terry Hosley (6'0''-G-85) of Bay Area Sh.
G: Angelo Hernandez (6'3''-G) of NoVa Hawks
G/F: Nate Young (6'6''-G/F-86) of Manhattan P.
C: Anthony Cox (6'9''-C-83) of N.Y. Wizards
1 Antoine Morgano NJP 35.7 2 Fahreed Cheatham PJD 34.3 3 Nate Young MP 33.1 4 Doug Herring Jr. HVK 31.7 5 Terry Hosley BAS 30.6 6 Angelo Hernandez NH 28.8 7 Kurt Cuffy 524 26.2 8 Corriche Gaskin HVK 25.0 9 Marcus Ashton WIN 24.7 10 Anis Taylor PJD
24.4
Rebounds Per Game
1 Kurt Cuffy 524 16.9 2 Danny Thompson BAS 15.6 3 Anthony Cox HVK 14.6 4 Tyrone Hill PJD 12.6 5 Fahreed Cheatham PJD 12.6 6 Antoine Morgano NJP 12.1 7 Doug Herring Jr. HVK 12.1 8 Nate Young MP 11.0 9 Korey Riley JAG 9.9 10 Brian Leggett NH
9.8
Assists Per Game
1 Andrew Gould MP 9.4 2 Doug Herring Jr. HVK 8.8 3 Dele Ojo RV 7.9 4 Roman Perez JAG 7.6 5 Brian Smith BB 6.5 6 John Hawthorne 524 5.8 7 Jeremiah King NJP 5.8 8 Cedric Stewart MAS 5.6 9 Karim Telfair TSE 5.6 10 Mike Mckenzie BAS
5.5
Steals Per Game
1 Doug Herring Jr. HVK 2.9 2 Brian Smith BB 2.9 3 Antoine Morgano NJP 2.6 4 Aaron Collins 524 2.9 5 Cedric Stewart MAS 2.7 6 Dele Ojo RV 2.4 7 Rogers Barnes BB 2.8 8 Anthony Williams RV 1.9 9 Jeremiah King NJP 1.9 10 Curtis McCollum BKF
1.9
Blocks Per Game
1 Kevin Briggs HVK 4.9 2 Danny Thompson BAS 3.9 3 Kurt Cuff 524 3.1 4 Mike Anderson BB 3.4 5 Brian Leggett NH 2.2 6 Anthony Cox HVK 3.4 7 Onyie Onunaku WIN 1.6 8 Naji Turner BKF 1.6 9 Antoine Morgano NJP 1.3 10 Andre Hardy CAP
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