Atlanta Blaze Excited for 2018 MLL College Draft
March 6, 2018 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
KENNESAW, GA - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) has announced that the 2018 MLL Collegiate Draft will be held Wednesday, April 18 at the US Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Md.
"Every year the Collegiate Draft is one of the most anticipated events on the MLL calendar, and we are very grateful to US Lacrosse for hosting us in their beautiful new facility," MLL Commissioner Alexander Brown said. "As we are partnering with US Lacrosse for our All-Star Game this season, we are very excited by our collaboration on the draft."
The scheduled date in April marks a first for the league. 11 of the 17 drafts in MLL history were held at the conclusion of the NCAA schedule, while six drafts from 2011 to 2016 were held in January. The 2018 draft will be the first held while the collegiate season is in progress.
Through savvy trading, the Atlanta Blaze will have three of the first 11 picks. Of this strategic position, General Manager Spencer Ford said, "For the 1st time in 3 years the Atlanta Blaze are in a very good spot as the College Draft approaches. We have put together what we feel to be a very competitive roster leading into Training Camp. Knowing where we need support, due to the fact that Camp would have taken place, enables us to take players who are not only very good but can fit in right away. Having 3 of the first 11 is very exciting as there are some phenomenal players who are MLL ready and will give us the needed legs as we enter phase 2 of the season."
Head Coach Liam Banks agreed, and testified to the importance of Ford's moves. "Our GM Spencer Ford has put us in an excellent position going into the college draft. Our plan is to leave the draft as a stronger team and we are set up to do so. In the upcoming weeks we will continue to evaluate the college players and entertain trade offers. Having 3 of the first 11 picks gives us a lot of options to strengthen our team."
Under newly appointed Head Coach Liam Banks and third-year General Manager Spencer Ford, the Atlanta Blaze are ready to take Major League Lacrosse by Storm. Led by returning captains Adam Ghitelman (8), Scott Ratliff (2), and Kevin Rice (22), the Atlanta Blaze will kick off the 2018 season with home games on Sunday, April 22 and April 28th at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw. Single Game Tickets are on sale now! Click HERE to buy tickets. Questions? Click HERE for more information.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from March 6, 2018
- Atlanta Blaze Excited for 2018 MLL College Draft - Atlanta Blaze
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