The Akron Wingfoots of Las Vegas will have revenge on their minds when they travel to Portland to again meet the Denver Truckers in the SEAMCO Portland NABL Challenge Cup January 13-15. The Wingfoots lost the series to Denver last year, although no less than five of the players from that tourney went on to a pro career with FIBA teams.
The Akron Wingfoots of Las Vegas will have revenge on their minds when they travel to Portland to again meet the Denver Truckers in the SEAMCO Portland NABL Challenge Cup January 13-15. The Wingfoots lost the series to Denver last year, although no less than five of the players from that tourney went on to a pro career with FIBA teams. Denver, under player coach Ryan Menten, has an outstanding team lined up or the series:
Ryan Menten (6’4”)PG/SGWarner Southern College
Neil Foster (6’3”) SG/FWarner Southern College
Heath Bailey (6’11’’) F/CAngeloStateUniversity
Jared Buckmaster (6’10’’) F/CMontanaStateUniversity
Jay Van Hook(6’9”) F/CCentralWashingtonUniversity
Jack Wolfinger (6’11”) SG/FSt. John’s University
The Akron Wingfoots of Las Vegas, headed by coach Jevon Banks, are busy looking for players to fill out their roster for the cup, which will be the opener for both NABL teams. The first player added to the Wingfoots roster is Chris Richardson (6'6") sf UNLV.
NABL Notes: More NABL Grads playing international ball include point guard Alton Mason (Arizona St. Ohio Valley Bulldogs) playing in Aris, Greece and point guard Andy Harper (Albertson Col, Denver Truckers) playing for the Worcester Wolves in the UK with fellow Albertson and NABL grad Ty Shaw, who is player coach of the EBL team. Guard Damien McSwine (Loyola, Ohio Valley Bulldogs) is headed to Turney to continue his stellar FIBA career with Tuborg.
NABL SEASON TO BEGIN IN JANUARY AND END IN JULY IN LAS VEGAS
The 2006 NABL season will begin in January with a Challenge Cup in Las Vegas and end in July with all eight teams in the NABL Continental Cup in July. NABL NOTES.....2002 NABL Coach of the Year Ozell Wells has advanced from coaching the Gregorio Luoperon team in the Dominican Republic to coaching the legendary Neptune Cork team in the Irish Super League.
The 2006 NABL season will begin in January with a Challenge Cup in Las Vegas and end in July with all eight teams in the NABL Continental Cup in July. NABL NOTES.....2002 NABL Coach of the Year Ozell Wells has advanced from coaching the Gregorio Luoperon team in the Dominican Republic to coaching the legendary Neptune Cork team in the Irish Super League. Former Hawaii Chief Justice Sueing (U Hawaii) is now playing with Etzella Ettelbruck in Luxombourg. Another former Chief, Llewellyn Smalley has been in Finland with UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki. Former Kansas City Steer Harold Arceneaux (Weber St) is in Korea with ET Land Blackslamer. Former Akron Wingfoot forward Jermaine Green (N Texas) is in Lithuania with Panevezys Aukstaitija.
Here are ten more NABL All Americans now playing pro ball with FIBA teams overseas. The NABL sent over 50 players to FIBA teams last year and are hoping to exceed that number this season. Unlike the intellectually bankrupt American minor league system, NABL players are selected for both their character and their ability to play fundamentally sound basketball.
Here are ten more NABL All Americans now playing pro ball with FIBA teams overseas. The NABL sent over 50 players to FIBA teams last year and are hoping to exceed that number this season. Unlike the intellectually bankrupt American minor league system, NABL players are selected for both their character and their ability to play fundamentally sound basketball. No headbands , individualistic play, overdribbling or street ball for the NABL...only serious players looking to play the real type of basketball, the lack of which has made the USA an also ran in International competition. Former Akron Wingfoot Chris Jeffries, the stellar 6-5 swingman from Washington College is playing well for the Anastasia club in Uruguay, after last year having a banner year in Ireland….former Wingfoot guard Dirk Rhinehart (Kalamazoo) is back for a third year in Germany with Osnabrucker SC…..another former Wingfoot guard, Brandon Woudstra (Northwestern IA) is also in Gemany this season, with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen club, after spending last year in Holland……former Wingfoot guard Whitney Robinson (C Michigan) is in Israel with Elitzur Maccabi Netanya….. Mensah Taylor (Gardner Webb), a former Wingfoot swingman, is now in Germany with TuS Treis-Karden Former Kansas City Steers guard Cortez Groves (Kansas St) is leading the Australian National Basketball League in scoring for the Wollongong Hawks…former Steers forward Nate Green (Idaho St) is in Israel, playing for Baitar Benyamina…..former Steers forward Mike English (UMKC) is in Austria, playing for the Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions Former Denver Trucker swingman Jamal Thomas (Angelo St) is with Fuerza Regia Monterey in Mexico…..another former Trucker , Emile Shepherd (Seattle Pacific) is also in Mexico with Pascolas de Navojoa.
DEREK HOWARD WILL AGAIN COACH THE NABL KANSAS CITY STEERS
The Kansas City Steers have always been successful on the court. In the early 1960's led by Bill Bridges and Gene 'Bumper' Tormohlen, they won the American Basketball League title. Two years ago they swept into the NABL, won almost all of their games, and sent several players to FIBA teams around the world.
The Kansas City Steers have always been successful on the court. In the early 1960's led by Bill Bridges and Gene 'Bumper' Tormohlen, they won the American Basketball League title. Two years ago they swept into the NABL, won almost all of their games, and sent several players to FIBA teams around the world. A huge measure of that success was Derek Howard, a solid Canadian who has extensive experience in developmental coaching of young players aspiring to be professionals. Now, Howard will again lead the Steers when he is not busy with his pro scouting duties. Again, the Steers are looking for top players from the Midwest who want to play fundamentally sound basketball in hopes of getting that call from a FIBA team. NABL NOTES: In 2002, the Akron Wingfoots were at their nadir of existance. Their coach, Ramon Veal and several renegade players stole the team van and equipment and missed several college games that had been scheduled. It just turned out to be 'darkest before dawn'. Replacing the corrupt players was a squad that included Mike Homick (Albertson), Ty Shaw (Albertson), and Skouson Harker (Oregon / Montana Billings). What a success story these three have become! Homick returned to his native New Zealand where he has become a solid contributor for the Aukland Stars. An alternate on the New Zealand Olympic squad, he almost became the sixth Wingfoot to become an Olympian. Skouson Harker parlayed his Wingfoots experience into a position in Germany before landing with the Birmingham Bullets of the BBL in the UK. Now he's the player-coach, a tribute to his work ethic, character, and knowledge of the game. Ty Shaw became Player of the Year with the Worcester Wolves in the EBL in the UK, and he too was named player coach this year. These three remarkable men couldn't remove the stain of the social vandals that hurt the Wingfoots, but they give faith that the Wingfoots and the NABL are an outstanding conduit for FIBA teams to get solid players who are solid citizens.
Jevon Banks took a 5-8 Akron Wingfoots team in midseason and proceeded to right the ship, winning five straight games so the Las Vegas based quintet could finish over .500 for the NABL season. Banks, who was a top point guard for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, has been rewarded with a full season in which to guide the team.
Jevon Banks took a 5-8 Akron Wingfoots team in midseason and proceeded to right the ship, winning five straight games so the Las Vegas based quintet could finish over .500 for the NABL season. Banks, who was a top point guard for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, has been rewarded with a full season in which to guide the team. It is a team that has to be rebuilt as 6-9 Eric Rhinehart went to Germany, 6-1 Will Brown and 6-9 Isiah Epps to Mexico. In all 20 Wingfoots went on to FIBA teams around the world. In the ofseason, Banks completed his college studies at UNLV, so he is now prepared to enter the collegiate coaching ranks after prepping this season with the Wingfoots. Another former Wingfoots point guard, Larry Brown, seemed to do quite well as a college, ABA, NBA, and Olympic coach!
KELII BANDMANN RETURNS AS PLAYER COACH OF HAWAII CHIEFS
Former Texas Pan American star and Hawaii native Kelii Bandmann will return as player coach of the NABL Hawaii Chiefs. Bandmann will welcome a squad of eight Islanders looking to move on to FIBA pro teams. The Islanders have been undefeated for the past two seasons and are a breeding ground for excellent players with character who are looking for a chance to play international ball.
Former Texas Pan American star and Hawaii native Kelii Bandmann will return as player coach of the NABL Hawaii Chiefs. Bandmann will welcome a squad of eight Islanders looking to move on to FIBA pro teams. The Islanders have been undefeated for the past two seasons and are a breeding ground for excellent players with character who are looking for a chance to play international ball.
MIKE STINNETT RETURNS AS COACH OF MARATHON OILERS IN NABL
Mike Stinnett, the well respected head of the Kentucky Pro Am in Owensboro, KY, will return to coach the Marathon Oilers this season. Stinnett is responsible for dozens of fundamentally skilled young men with good character getting pro jobs with FIBA teams around the world. He will continue that mission with both the Oilers and the Pro Am.
Mike Stinnett, the well respected head of the Kentucky Pro Am in Owensboro, KY, will return to coach the Marathon Oilers this season. Stinnett is responsible for dozens of fundamentally skilled young men with good character getting pro jobs with FIBA teams around the world. He will continue that mission with both the Oilers and the Pro Am. NABL NOTES: The Akron Wingfoots of Las Vegas have already placed three more kids with FIBA teams. Steve Hodge (Marineros, Mex), Erik Rhinehart, (Rasta Vechta GER), and Reggie Winkfield, (MDS Star of the Sea Belfast, IR) all have moved on to pro careers after their stints with the Wingfoots.
NABL NOTES: Ryan Menten Returns As Player - Coach of Denver Truckers
Ryan Menten, the NAIA All American from Warner Southern, will return to the Denver Truckers as the teams player - coach. Menten, still an outstanding player and a budding coach, welcomes the return of 6-9 center Jay Van Hook (Central Washington), who is a prime candidate to get a FIBA job this season.
Ryan Menten, the NAIA All American from Warner Southern, will return to the Denver Truckers as the teams player - coach. Menten, still an outstanding player and a budding coach, welcomes the return of 6-9 center Jay Van Hook (Central Washington), who is a prime candidate to get a FIBA job this season. The NABL also congratulates Skouson Harker (Montana Billings), who was an NABL All American with the Akron Wingfoots a few years back. Harker began his FIBA career in Germany, then moved to the Birminghm Bullets in the UK. He is now the player coach of that squad, and is destined to an outstanding coaching career after his playing days are concluded.
The NABL, which began in 1938, begins its 67th season as the national club league in the USA with the same eight teams returning. Teams will play in Las Vegas, Honolulu, Louisville and in several NBA venues again this year as teams train world class FIBA style players for FIBA teams around the world. Last year the Akron Wingfoots alone sent 20 players to FIBA teams and the NABL sent almost 50.
The NABL, which began in 1938, begins its 67th season as the national club league in the USA with the same eight teams returning. Teams will play in Las Vegas, Honolulu, Louisville and in several NBA venues again this year as teams train world class FIBA style players for FIBA teams around the world. Last year the Akron Wingfoots alone sent 20 players to FIBA teams and the NABL sent almost 50. The NABL is a highly fundamental league that emphasizes basketball played in the correct manner.
MARATHON OILERS IMPOVE TO 10-3 WITH SUMMERTIME STREAK
The FOE Marathon Oilers are currently 4-0 and will compete in the finals of the Owensboro Dust Bowl Tournament on Saturday night. The Oilers who are 10-2 in the past two weeks in summer league play, and 10-3 overall, defeated the YPD Pistons 65-62 in the semi-finals last night. Former Southern Illinois standout Lamar Owen led the Oilers with 24 points and 8 rebounds.
The FOE Marathon Oilers are currently 4-0 and will compete in the finals of the Owensboro Dust Bowl Tournament on Saturday night. The Oilers who are 10-2 in the past two weeks in summer league play, and 10-3 overall, defeated the YPD Pistons 65-62 in the semi-finals last night. Former Southern Illinois standout Lamar Owen led the Oilers with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Oiler coach Michael Stinnett feels that Owen is a steal for a European club based on his play the past two weeks. The Oilers will play the Evansville Stars in the final game. The Stars feature former Oilers Randy Holbrook and Larry Ferguson.
OHIO SQUAD WINS THE KENTUICKY PRO AM; MARATHON OILERS THIRD
The New Beginnings Hawks routed TSEC Select 73-53 in a battle of out-of-state teams Sunday in the championship game of the Kentucky Pro-Am basketball tournament at Brescia University’s Campus Center. FOE Marathon Oilers finished third. Tournament Most Valuable Player Jay Adell scored 27 points -- 24 in the first half -- to lead New Beginnings (Columbus, Ohio).
The New Beginnings Hawks routed TSEC Select 73-53 in a battle of out-of-state teams Sunday in the championship game of the Kentucky Pro-Am basketball tournament at Brescia University’s Campus Center. FOE Marathon Oilers finished third. Tournament Most Valuable Player Jay Adell scored 27 points -- 24 in the first half -- to lead New Beginnings (Columbus, Ohio). TSEC Select, from Lake County, Ill., got 11 points from Michael Kuderer and 10 from Quincy Moman. "It was a good year and I think the talent level overall was better than last year," said tournament director Michael Stinnett. All-Tournament Team: Tony Rice (Wagner), Ike Jefferson (Hampton), Quincy Moman (Wisconcin Parkside), Dewayne Marable Miles), Co Co Cofield (N. Dakota St), Dwayne McNeil (Hampton), Jeff Gibbs (Otterbein), Dontae Jones ( Mississippi St), Antonio Hardin (Grand Valley). MVP: Jay Adell (Ohio U). Carson Jones Sportsmanship Award: Eric Freeman (Kentucky Wesleyan).
Danny Osby scored a game-high 16 points as TSEC Select of Lake County, Ill., beat defending champion FOE Marathon Oilers 62-60 in a thrilling Independence Bank Kentcky Pro-Am winner's bracket quarterfinal game Saturday at Brescia University's Campus Center. Antwain Barbour, who played at the University of Kentucky for two seasons, had 15 points for FOE Marathon Oilers.
Danny Osby scored a game-high 16 points as TSEC Select of Lake County, Ill., beat defending champion FOE Marathon Oilers 62-60 in a thrilling Independence Bank Kentcky Pro-Am winner's bracket quarterfinal game Saturday at Brescia University's Campus Center. Antwain Barbour, who played at the University of Kentucky for two seasons, had 15 points for FOE Marathon Oilers. The Oilers remain aalive in the tournament’s losers bracket. New Beginnings 63, Ten Deep 58 -- Isaac Jefferson and Jerry Adell scored 16 apiece to lift New Beginnings to victory in another winner's bracket quarterfinal. Ronnie McMahan, who played at Vanderbilt, led Ten Deep with 23 points. Music City 55, Elizabeth 53 -- Dontae Jones, who played at Mississippi State and for the New York Knicks, had 17 points as Music City edged Elizabeth (Ind.) in a winner's bracket quarterfinal. 2001 NABL Player of the Year Will Carlton paced Elizabeth with 13 points.
KENTUCKY PRO AM ROLLS ON WITH EXCELLENT BASKETBALL
Three former University of Louisville players scored in double figures as Louisville's Finest advanced in the Independence Bank Pro-Am basketball tournament on Friday with an 83-72 victory over KCE Next Level at Brescia University's Campus Center. Alvin Sims (17 points), Tony Williams (17 points) and Tick Rogers (14 points) led Louisville. Gabe Martin had a game-high 22 points for KCE.
Three former University of Louisville players scored in double figures as Louisville's Finest advanced in the Independence Bank Pro-Am basketball tournament on Friday with an 83-72 victory over KCE Next Level at Brescia University's Campus Center. Alvin Sims (17 points), Tony Williams (17 points) and Tick Rogers (14 points) led Louisville. Gabe Martin had a game-high 22 points for KCE. Northern Indiana Stars 62, Michigan Ballers 50 --Antonio Hardin had 24 points and Mo English 20 in Northern Indiana's victory. Midwin Francis tossed in 16 points and Cameron Rowe 12 for Michigan. Crofton All Stars 67, ABE Sports 63 -- Maxie Stamps had 22 points, and Derek Robinson and Mike Wells added 17 and 16, respectively, in Crofton's win. ABE was led by Derrick Miller's 20 points and Luther Hall's 14. Ten Deep 80, State Farm Insurance 60 -- Jeff Gibbs scored 25 points and Ronnie McMahan, a former standout guard from Vanderbilt, added 20 as the Tennessee-based Ten Deep rolled over State Farm. Sean Hampton led State Farm with 19 points. Team Ohio 51, YPD Pistons 36 -- Josh Helm had a big game with 24 points and Team Ohio held YPD to five fourth-quarter points to get the win. TSEC Select 52, Texas Roadhouse 47 -- Michael Kuderer, Danny Osby and Dewayne Marable scored nine points apiece as TSEC used a balanced effort to get by Texas Roadhouse. Damon Garris, a former Kentucky Wesleyan player, and Carlisle Green, an ex-Brescia standout, had 12 points each for Texas Roadhouse. Fitzgeralds 70, Owensboro Family Eye Care 57 -- Former KWC star Lorico Duncan had 21 points in Fitzgeralds' win over Owensboro Family Eye Care. Ryan Sydney had a game-best 24 for Owensboro Family Eye Care
