Blue Ducks pick 5 from open tryouts
March 23, 2004 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Melbourne, Florida â The Brevard Blue Ducks held their open tryouts Sunday at the Clemente Center at Florida Tech in Melbourne.
New head coach Robert Reid and player personnel director, Derek Howard looked on as about 60 hopefuls from around the U.S. ran up and down the hardwood floor, trying to impress the Ducks staff with their talent.
By the end of the day, with players huffing and puffing, Reid and Howard made their final selections and picked five of the tryout participants to return to the Blue Ducks veterans training camp, which begins April 1st. Joining the Ducks will be Anthony Slater from Fort Pierce, FL (Florida Atlantic; SEBL) Rodney Gray, from Katy, Texas (St. Edwards), Reggie Elliott, from Largo, FL (Marcel University; NBDL, CBA), Malcolm Fields, from Fairborn, Ohio (Central State University; NBDL) and Harold Pierson from Orlando, FL (Embry Riddle) .
"It was awesome," said Reid, clearly enjoying his first day of official duty as Ducks head coach. "To see this athletes lay it all out for a shot at the pros. I liked the energy I saw. It more than made up for the lack of experience in some of these guys."
Though a long shot, the USBL prides itself in being the "League of Opportunity," allowing players from all walks of life and experience levels to try out for teams and a chance at playing professional basketball.
"You never know when you'll find a diamond in the rough," commented Howard.
The Blue Ducks are a member of the United States Basketball League (USBL), which serves as a minor league to the NBA. In its 19-year existence, over 140 players have graduated from the USBL to the NBA. Stars such as Avery Johnson, Spud Webb, Manute Bol, Mugsy Bogues, Chris Childs, Anthony Mason and Darrell Armstrong all got their start in the USBL.
The team begins its third season April 16th with a road game. Opening night at Florida Tech's Clemente Center is Thursday, April 22nd. Tickets are available now by visiting the Blue Ducks website at www.BrevardBlueDucks.com or calling (321) 751-BLUE (2583).
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United States Basketball League Stories from March 23, 2004
- Blue Ducks pick 5 from open tryouts - Brevard Blue Ducks
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