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Benitez leaves Lightning

May 30, 2005 - World Basketball Association (WBA)
Southern Crescent Lightning News Release


Sometimes success brings on other suitors.

Southern Crescent Head Coach Ricky Benitez, after leading the Lightning to a 9-5 record, announced his resignation. The Lightning have been perched on top of the WBA's Eastern Conference standings for the entire season.

Benitez said he has been approached by another pro team that is a member of a league that plays during the traditional basketball season. "The end of the Lightning season would over-lap with my other duties, and I would not want to put either organization in that position," said Benitez. "It was necessary for me to step down, so the Lightning can move forward and find a coach who will be able to provide undivided attention, as they contend for a championship," he added.Benitez could not yet comment publicly on his other opportunity, but said an announcement would be made with in the next week.

Lightning Co-owner Todd Hannon said, "we had a feeling this was on the horizon, because Ricky has had some other offers from teams in other leagues." Hannon went on to say, "Ricky helped to put us in a great position in the standings, and we are very grateful, we will now have to try to bring a coach in that can keep pace." Hannon indicated the search is already on to replace Benitez. He said the Lightning are committed to bringing another championship to Peachtree City, and they will hire the best available Head Coach, within the time frame they have to search.

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