Steelheads' Schaper Named USBL Rookie of the Year
June 27, 2007 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Gary Steelheads News Release
GARY, Indiana (June 27, 2007) - The United States Basketball League has named Gary Steelheads' power forward Adam Schaper as its Rookie of the Year. Schaper, a Northwest Indiana prep product from Kankakee Valley High School, played a significant role in the Steelheads' successful USBL season.
The 6-foot-10 standout at Bethel College in South Bend surprised everyone when he not only made the Steelheads' roster, but earned a starting spot on opening night. Schaper paced Gary with 17 points, as the Steelheads defeated the Jackson Wildcats 114-79. Schaper scored in double figures in each of the team's first six games.
Perhaps Schaper's most impressive performance of the season came in a 110-87 victory over Dodge City on June 5th at the Genesis Center. Schaper hit 10-of-14 shots from the field, pacing the Steelheads with a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds. In forty minutes, Schaper committed just a single turnover.
For the season, the talented rookie averaged 8.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Schaper lead the team in offensive rebounds with 44, while shooting .526 from the field and .773 from the foul line.
"On behalf of the Gary Steelheads organization, we are very proud and excited for Adam for all of the hard work and dedication he has shown both on and off the court," said Steelheads' Vice President and General Manager Kevin Spudic. "He is very deserving of this reward, and we look forward to bigger and better things for Adam as he continues his professional basketball career."
Schaper was honored earlier this evening at the United States Basketball League's Tip-Off Banquet in Enid, Oklahoma, site of the USBL's Festival Post-Season Tournament. Gary head coach Cliff Levingston was a finalist for "Coach of the Year" honors, with the award going to former Steelheads' coach Dale Osbourne of the Dodge City Legend. Spudic was a finalist for "Executive of the Year."
The Steelheads begin tournament play on Friday against the Kansas Cagerz at the Mark Price Arena in Enid, Oklahoma.
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United States Basketball League Stories from June 27, 2007
- Steelheads' Schaper Named USBL Rookie of the Year - Gary Steelheads
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