INTERNATIONAL  BASKETBALL  ASSOCIATION  1996-1997   

    In 1996-97 – the IBA’s second year – St. Cloud relocated to St. Paul where they became the St. Paul Slam.

 The league also added its first expansion team, the Magic City Snowbears of Minot, North Dakota. Over 170,000 fans passed through the gates during the IBA regular

 season and playoff games, an increase of over 54% from the first season. During the second season, Winnipeg’s Martin Lewis signed with the Toronto Raptors. This further enhanced the league’s credibility. The Black Hills Posse defeated the Dakota Wizards to become the AmeriSport Cup Champions.

  Season Awards 96-97 

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Dennis Edwards – Black Hills Posse 
COACH OF THE YEAR Duane Ticknor – Black Hills Posse 

FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS
Dennis Edwards Black Hills Posse 
Chuck Evans Black Hills Posse 
G. J. Hunter Black Hills Posse 
Mike Jones Dakota Wizards 
Bryant Basemore Magic City Snowbears 

SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS
Johnny Hilliard St. Paul Slam 
Peter Patton Dakota Wizards 
Robert Bennett Dakota Wizards 
Calvin Rayford Magic City Snowbears 
Corey Williams Winnipeg Cyclone