Blue Ducks name new G.M.
October 21, 2004 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Melbourne, FL â In search of help in getting the Blue Ducks back to a winning formula, the team today announced the hiring of a new executive from Miami, who has roots in Brevard.
Don Kelbick will join the Blue Ducks as GM beginning immediately, with the task of bringing the organization back to prominence in the USBL.
"We are pleased to bring Don into our organization," commented Ducks owner, Mike Richman. "He has a tremendous amount of basketball experience and will be an asset to our team."
Most recently assistant coach at Florida International University (NCAA Div. I), Kelbick also has done some college-level scouting for the New York Knicks. He's also worked with NBA players such as Carlos Arroyo and Raja Bell (Utah Jazz). From 1998-2000 he served as the Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach at Florida Air Academy in Melbourne.
He will wear many hats with the Ducks, assuming several front office responsibilities including coordinating marketing and sponsorship efforts, recruiting and training interns and even doing some scouting, working with Ducks player personnel director, Derek Howard. He will also work with players and may also find himself on the bench during games.
"Coaching on the small college level, you pretty much have to get involved in every aspect of operations," commented Kelbick. "From recruiting to scheduling to fundraising, marketing and promotions. Coaching the players was just a small part of what I had to do. I believe my experience has prepared me well for my role with the Blue Ducks."
The local connection is very strong for the Blue Ducks, with Kelbick joining personnel director, Howard â a former MCC coach and Tony Riopelle, who currently coaches at Westshore middle/high school.
"I think it's important we involve the community on all levels," states Richman. "Not only should we look at giving players an opportunity to play in the pros, but coaches and front office staff as well. And though we look for the best talent at all levels wherever we can find it, we will definitely have a bias toward individuals from central Florida, especially those from Brevard."
The Blue Ducks will begin their fourth USBL season in April and will play their home games at the Clemente Center at Florida Tech in Melbourne. Billed as the "League of Opportunity," in it's 20 years of existence, the USBL has sent more than 150 players on to the NBA. For more information call (321) 751-BLUE or visit their website at www.BrevardBlueDucks.com.
DUCK NOTES: The Detroit Pistons waived forward Terrence Shannon earlier this week. Bothered by a strained right quadricep, Shannon appeared in only two games for a total of 12 minutes for the Pistons. He registered a pre-season high of 4 points and 5 rebounds in a 10/16 contest against the Miami Heat.
As for the other Blue Ducks in NBA camps, Ousmane Cisse (Toronto Raptors) and Tony Bland (Sacramento Kings) are still on the rosters of their respective teams. Bland, the USBL's Rookie of the Year last season saw action Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers and performed well coming off the bench for coach Rick Adelman in the Kings loss, tallying 5 points while going 2 for 3 from the field and chipping in with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and no turnovers in 16 minutes.
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United States Basketball League Stories from October 21, 2004
- Blue Ducks name new G.M. - Brevard Blue Ducks
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