Brevard Blue Ducks sign free agent Fife
February 24, 2003 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Melbourne, FL âThe Brevard Blue Ducks have brought another well-schooled player aboard with the signing of free agent Dane Fife, a product of Indiana University.
A 6'4" guard, Fife played four years at Indiana from 1998-2002, posting 8.9PPG his final season as a Hoosier. Immediately after, he was drafted into the Summer California Summer Pro League where he played for the Houston Rockets. He is currently playing in the CBA for the Gary Steelheads.
A former "Mr. Basketball" in the State of Michigan, Fife was a McDonald's and Parade All-America selection after averaging 25.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game as a senior at Clarkston High School (1995-1998). He was also named to the Detroit News' 1997 Dream Team and USA Today's Preseason Super 25 in 1997-98.
Fife is expected to back up Earl "Pep" Tyson - whose contract is expected back soon, at point. Tyson averaged 9.9 PPG and was third in the league with 5.2 APG for the Blue Ducks last season, leading them to the best record in the USBL.
"We're very happy to have come to terms with Dane and are looking forward to seeing him in veterans camp," commented Ducks owner, Mike Richman. "It's always good to have a player who comes from a well structured program. We were very pleased last year with the knowledge of J.B. Reafsnyder who came from another well structured program at Syracuse."
Fife brings to four, the number of players invited to the Blue Ducks camp this spring. He will join former Blue Ducks forwards D.J. Harrison, Darryl Hardy and former Orlando Magic player, Dennis Scott as the Blue Ducks try to defend their Eastern Conference championship.
The Ducks are still focusing on bringing back as many of their protected players from last season as possible in addition to signing more available free agents. There is also an open tryout, which will be held March 29th at the Clemente Center in Melbourne. Then there is a college draft that will be held on April 8th.
The Blue Ducks begin their second season in the United States Basketball League (USBL) on April 19th, playing at the Clemente Center at Florida Tech, in Melbourne. Tickets are available by calling (321) 751-BLUE (2583) or by visiting the Blue Ducks website at www.BrevardBlueDucks.com. A seating chart for the Clemente Center is also available on the site.
In their inaugural season, led by former NBA star Harvey Grant - twin brother of the Magic's Horace Grant, the Blue Ducks posted the best record in the USBL and took home the Eastern Conference Championship.
The USBL serves as a minor league to the NBA and is the oldest continuously running minor league in the United States. It has sent over 140 players to the NBA in its 18-year existence.
NBA stars such as Anthony Mason, Chris Childs, Mugsy Bogues, Spud Webb, Charlie Ward, Avery Johnson and Orlando's own Darrell Armstrong all got their start in the USBL.
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United States Basketball League Stories from February 24, 2003
- Brevard Blue Ducks sign two more free agents - Brevard Blue Ducks
- Brevard Blue Ducks sign free agent Fife - Brevard Blue Ducks
- Brevard Blue Ducks renew first two players from last season - Brevard Blue Ducks
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