UBA Basketball, Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Standings

Jerone Dodd is no stranger to international business or basketball. Dodd is the owner of one of the top sports clothing companies in Japan (Hangtime Sports). Dodd also played 6 season in Japan on the professional level.

Dodd, a Morehouse alum, was named to the All-SIAC 1st team in 2000 while winning 3 Conference titles in 4 years and then took this show to Japan. Dodd has played in both the BJ-League and the JBL2 for the Tokyo Apache, Saitama Broncos and Renova Kagoshima.

Q: Congratulations on becoming the director of international operations. How do you plan on bringing the great country of Japan to the UBA?

A: Its an honor. Our first major event will take place from July 16-18th, 2010 at the UBA's inaugural Playoff Classic in Atlanta, GA. We will bring a select Japanese team to showcase the talent here as well as bridge the gap for future collaboration. Outside of that, we are in the planning phases of establishing Japanese franchises for the 2011-12 season.

Q: Tell us a little about Hangtime?

A: Hangtime is a team sports apparel brand I created in 2003. While our primary market was initially Japan, we have expanded our operations and clientele to all continents. Our goals are to create the latest in quality basketball style and wear for affordable prices. We also have a full-service athlete management division as well. You can check us out at www.hangtime-sports.com or contact us at info@hangtime-sports.com

Q: You were a great college athlete, how did you end up in Japan?

A: I attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and my dreams were to play professional ball. Unfortunately, coming from a small school can be a challenge when it comes to exposure, so I went out on a limb and just came to Japan for a home-stay at first. I met now good friend Jun Okayama (5'9''-G-78, college: Salem Intern.) at Run & Shoot in Atlanta back in 2002 and ended up staying with his family and participated in club play (amateur) on a team called Playaz Club. We eventually made it to the national tournament and that was how I got my first look and opportunity with the Saitama Broncos. I definitely took the unconventional road, but it was a blessing in disguise because I had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the culture through living with a Japanese family and even teaching English.

Q: What was the best moment for you in Professional Basketball (Japan)?

A: I have two. The first being getting my first contract with Saitama. The second would be my initial days with Renova Kagoshima (JBL2), where I had the opportunity as the first foreign player to really spread my wings not only as a player, but business-wise as well.

Q: Who is the best basketball player in Japan? And Why?

A:That is a tough question. As far as Japanese players go, the Takeuchi brothers and Kawamura (Tochigi) would be at the top of my list. These guys are all national team members and have good size for their positions as well as good skill sets. As far as imports, I can't name 1 because there are so many talented players in not only the JBL, but also the BJ-League. Some of my favorites now include guys like Josh Bostic (6'5''-F-87, college: Findlay (OH)) (Kyoto), Okusa (Tochigi), Reda Rhalimi (7'0''-C-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) (Kyoto), Jeff Newton (6'9''-C-81, college: Indiana) (Ryukyu) and some of the older veterans who are still putting in work like Ace Custis and Honeycutt.

Q: Why the UBA?

A: The UBA has been in my sights since it was the URBL because a good friend of mine, Jermaine Barnes (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Low Country Sports Management, college: Atlanta Christian), was involved since its inception. Once I got the news that Barnes had acquired the league as one of the owners, it was only natural for us to work together. I think we both understand the trends of globalization and as the world gets smaller, we want to take advantage of the rise of basketball in Asia as a major sport. I was also impressed with the UBA's concepts for grass-roots initiatives, creative marketing and I think I have a valuable piece of the puzzle being established in Japan.

Q: As far as international coaching. Who was your favorite and who was the toughest?

A: I would have to say Joe Bryant would be my favorite coach having played under. He is definitely a player's coach who cares about the players as people first. While his style is definitely different from traditional Japanese coaching styles, he was a major NBA icon who helped pave the way for the BJ-League and the Tokyo Apache. As for toughest, I would consider Sameshima Toshihide of Renova Kagoshima because we had different views and concepts that didn't match at times. But it was all a learning experience and I am grateful for all of the coaches I played under.

Q: The UBA Playoff Classic will have high level players, do you think the Japanese players can compete on the UBA level?

A: A lot of guys assume the Japanese can not play, but one would be surprised at the level of some players. I think that Japan is undergoing a major transformation in terms of basketball level of play and getting stronger every year. Many people are pushing for both leagues (JBL & BJ-League) to join, but politics are ruling the day for now. With all of that being said, I think the Japanese have a strong spirit and can compete on the UBA level. It will be part of the growing process.

Q: You are a CEO of a major company, Professional Basketball player and now Director of International Operations. With so many responsibilities, will you continue to play or is this it?

A: Great question! I have definitely moved beyond the point of trying to compete on the professional level as a player. There are new dreams to be realized and that is one thing I believe is missing with a lot of players. There is much more to get out of the game with all the opportunities that come with traveling to other countries and being involved with so many professionals. That is one thing I always urge young guys to do...keep an open mind and keep growing as a person and not only a player. One day it will be time to move on. At the same time, you can never count me out because there is still a lot left in the tank!

Q: There has been talk of the UBA's expansion to other international markets besides Japan. Can you give us some insight into some possibilities for the future?

A: Well right now we have identified and are discussing the possibilities of expanding to Europe as well as the Caribbean markets. We are still in the early stages, but Bosnia and Bermuda are on the radar. Anthony Witherspoon, CEO of Investment Atlanta Inc. and Investment Bermuda Inc., has expressed some interest in partnering but we will have to see how things develop. We have common ground (he is former coach of Clark Atlanta Univ., a rival of Morehouse College) and may also be able to utilize and leverage the soon to be launched Diversity Prep Teen Magazine, which Witherspoon is Associate Publisher of.

Q: What makes the UBA different from other leagues that have expanded internationally such as the IBL and the ABA?

A: First of all, we worked hard to make sure that the UBA domestic model is a sustainable and repeatable model that all the owners could utilize as a foundation to diminish the prospect of teams crashing and other problems related to communications, scheduling, travel and the feasibility of the league's model and integrity. Internationally, I think one advantage we have in terms of our initial expansion into Japan and other markets is that we have established people on the ground who will be able to assist in branding and marketing the UBA uniquely in each country. Another thing that sets us apart is that we are a community first league, meaning that we understand the importance of working with the community, governments and youth as a rule and not exception. There will also be many peripheral opportunities for players, coaches and owners in the UBA in terms of exposure, partnerships and expanding the business.

Q: Who are some of your major influences and what words of advice can you give younger players who seek to play professional basketball?
A: There are so many people to name, but I would say that all of my family members (Dedan, Somer, Brenda, Jaheem) and relatives played a primary role in all the things I do as well as all of my teachers, coaches and good friends such as Corrie Carter, Darius Goodwin, Jermaine Barnes, Jun Okayama, Akiko Horikawa and Toshihiro Tanimura. As for aspiring pro players, I would say that nothing beats hard work, but knowing your own self and abilities is half the battle. Turn your weaknesses into strengths, play against people better than you, learn something from everyone and play with confidence. Its all about desire and mind over matter.

Check out Hangtime at www.hangtime-sports.com

UBA - Men Basketball