Blue Ducks begin putting together 2005 squad
Published on April 21, 2005 under United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Melbourne, FL â Last year's hurricanes may have blown away any hope the Blue Ducks had of participating in the 2005 USBL season, but hope in turn is exactly what was given to area players, all of whom are optimistic about playing for Brevard's minor league basketball team.
"Mother Nature giveth and Mother Nature taketh away," quipped Ducks owner, Mike Richman.
"We lost a lot of hotel rooms in Brevard and along with it, the ability to accommodate our normal out-of-town players and participate in the USBL season. But what we gained was an opportunity. An opportunity to give others an opportunity. Specifically, local basketball talent the opportunity to play for the Brevard Blue Ducks this season."
So with a plan in place to recruit players this year from central Florida, with a focus on Brevard, the Blue Ducks hosted an open tryout â open that is, only to Florida-based players. The result? Five Brevard players were plucked from the tryouts and invited to pre-season camp for a legitimate shot at making the 2005 Brevard Blue Ducks team.
"We were pleasantly surprised with the level of talent we saw at the open tryouts," commented Richman. "There was some really good quality talent out there."
But not quite enough quantity. After meeting with his coaches, the owner announced a second open tryout to be held Sunday, May 1st at the Clemente Center.
"We did real well today," remarked Richman. "But we need to see some more players to put together a top flight Blue Ducks team."
The next and final open tryout will take place on Sunday, May 1st at the Clemente Center on the campus of Florida Tech in Melbourne. The facility is located at 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne.
Registration begins at 8:15 AM. The tryouts will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. The fee, which is reduced for Brevard county residents, is $125.00 if registered and paid in advance, or $100.00 at the door (cash only).
The Blue Ducks are looking for the best basketball players in Brevard. This is your last chance to try out for the team this year, so if you think you've "got game" the Blue Ducks want to see you May 1st in Melbourne!
Congratulations to the five local players who made the cut and will be invited back to the Blue Ducks pre-season camp:
Mark Christian â Cocoa Beach; Parrie Sheppard â Melbourne; Reed Tompkins â Melbourne; John Lamers â Indian Harbor Beach; Michael Thomas â Melbourne.
The team has also asked three local players back for a second look at their May 1st tryout:
Jermaine Smith â Palm Bay; Nick DeNitto â Melbourne; Corey Evans â Cocoa Beach
DUCK NOTES:
The Blue Ducks will once again play their games this season at the Clemente Center on the campus of Florida Tech in Melbourne. Tickets will go on sale as soon as a schedule is released. Season tickets for all Blue Ducks home games, 5-game flex-packs and individual game tickets will be available.
For tickets or information, call (321) 751-BLUE or visit the team's website at www.BrevardBlueDucks.com.
United States Basketball League Stories from April 21, 2005
- Blue Ducks begin putting together 2005 squad - Brevard Blue Ducks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
