Butler to the Big Apple

Published on March 1, 2005 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Great Lakes Storm News Release


Birch Run, MI (March 1, 2005) – Great Lakes Storm center Jackie Butler has signed with the NBA's New York Knicks, it was announced Monday by the Continental Basketball Association League Office and the Knicks front office. The signing marks the tenth CBA-to-NBA call-up of the 2004-05 season.

Butler posted 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per contest in 41 games played (40 started) for the Storm. He also added 1.7 assists and 1.5 blocked shots per game, while shooting 51.0 percent (300 of 588) from the floor and 71.5 percent (138 of 193) from the free-throw line.

"I am glad that the New York Knicks finally realized Jackie's NBA potential," said Storm Head Coach Russ Bergman. "Of all the big men I have ever coached, Jackie by far has the best hands and softest shooting touch of any of them."

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound center posted his best all-around game of 32 points, 23 rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals on January 2 against the Yakima Sun Kings. He notched season highs of 34 points on January 25 against the Rockford Lightning, and seven assists on February 25 against Yakima.

The Coastal Christian Academy High School ('04) product was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves training camp in 2004.

Butler is the third Storm player (fifth NBA call-up) in franchise history to be called-up to the NBA. Jermaine Jackson was called up once in 2001-02, on two separate occasions during the 2002-03 season, and Leon Smith was called up after the 2003-04 season.

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The Storm's next game is on Wednesday, March 2nd at home against the Gary Steelheads. Great group ticket packages and mini-plans are now on sale for the 2004-05 season. For details call a Storm representative at (989) 624-4665.

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