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A's Announce Final Roster on Eve of Season Opener

October 31, 2013 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Orangeville A's News Release


ORANGEVILLE, Ontario. - In less than 24 hours the Brampton A's will take the court for the official start of the inaugural season for the franchise. In addition to 8 previously announced members, 4 new players are joining the team to round out the roster. Canadian Jesse Tipping and Americans Flenard Whitfield, Melvin Council, and Steven Idlet are the newest additions.

In Jesse Tipping, The A's have added depth at the wing position. The 6'5" University of Waterloo graduate is a 3-point shooting threat and brings high basketball acumen. "Adding Jesse gives us nice depth, as like all of our other guys he can play multiple positions and has a very high basketball IQ," said GM/Head Coach David Magley. Tipping will be joining his younger brother Jameson on the team, who is off to a rousing start, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in The A's second preseason game against two time defending NBL Canada Champions, the London Lightning.

Flenard Whitfield came to camp without hype, the 6'8", 245 lb power forward was identified at a tryout event because of his size and ability to run. Since arriving in Orangeville for Camp in early October, the Western Michigan graduate has impressed everyone with his work ethic and potential, "I had other guys penciled in for the job but Whitfield ultimately won. He is a warrior that works and his potential to ultimately develop into a very good player is limitless," said Coach Magley.

Melvin Council was a last minute addition. After the first two pre-season close loss games Coach Magley identified the need for more stability at the guard, and with Council the need for a veteran who can defend and play was recognized. Assistant Coach and former St. John Millrat Head Coach, David Cooper recommended Council, whom he had coached last year in Saint John. He came in on Tuesday, worked out and impressed Magley, "Melvin is a real pro, he is solid and has great experience and we are excited to have him help round out our roster." Council scored 37 points in an NBL play off game last season and will provide needed depth.

Steven Idlet will be joining college teammate Scottie Haralson from Tulsa University, as the 6'11, 245 lb centre has just returned from a stint in Lithuania. This is not the first time Magley has seen Idlet's ability, as he played alongside his son at Tulsa University, "I have always been impressed with Steven's skill set for someone his size. When we first started our program I went after him early. He chose to go a different direction, but when circumstances changed he contacted me and we moved quickly. You simply can't pass on a guy with his potential."

All 4 guys who made the final roster spots should be ready to join The A's in their opening game in Moncton tomorrow, November 1st.

The A's return home for a back-to-back season opener, where they will play the first ever regular season games in the Powerade Centre on November 15th & 16th. The A's are looking to Pack the Powerade, filling every seat in the 5,000 capacity arena.

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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from October 31, 2013


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