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Cape Cod's Sanders premiers in PBA

April 15, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Cape Cod Frenzy News Release


For many players, the ABA is a stepping stone to a lucrative basketball career. When Cape Cod Frenzy GM Ian McCarthy reached out to former Providence Friar Rob Sanders last summer, it was with this goal in mind. Sanders was known as an explosive player at Providence College, where he teamed with current Boston Celtics forward Ryan Gomes between 2001-2004. Many thought he was on the way to an NBA career of his own.

Like so many high profile basketball players, that dream got sidetracked when he did not return to school for his senior season. Disillusionment with the coaching staff at Providence, bad advice from so-called supporters, and the birth of his son all contributed to a two-year layoff from the game.

Enter Frenzy GM Ian McCarthy: He knew Rob Sanders' older brother, Gerry Lancaster, back in 1990-92. The two had each played for Hall of Fame coach Bob Tipson at Champlain College in Vermont; where Lancaster was a star player and McCarthy was a walk on. McCarthy explained to Lancaster his philosophy regarding player development, and getting exposure for his brother. Lancaster agreed that the ABA and the Cape Cod Frenzy were a good avenue to help restart Sanders' career.

Sanders immediately made himself known as one of the elite players in the ABA. The first game of the season, in Montreal, he scored 30 points, hauled down 18 rebounds, and won the game on a tip in at the buzzer. In a game against the eventual ABA champions, the Vermont Frost Heaves, Sanders exploded for 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks. The Vermont radio broadcasters were so impressed they awarded him "Player of the Game" - the first time they ever gave a visiting team's player that honor. Sanders also showed that he can do much more than just score, rebound, and block shots. For example, he posted 14 assists against the Brooklyn Comets in February.

A a result of his fine play, he was awarded a birth in the 2007 ABA All Star game in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There he scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. He also finished runner up in the slam dunk competition. In March, Probasketballnews.com rewarded Sanders with the honor of being chosen the 12th Best Minor Leaguer in the Nation.

McCarthy was contacted by Boston area Philipine-connection Choy Layon, who sent Sanders' profile to several PBA (Philipine Basketball Association) teams. The Welcoat Dragons chose to sign Sanders to a lucrative contract and flew him out to the Philippines on Thursday.

Today he made his professional debut for the Welcoat Dragons against the PBA champion San Miguel Beerman. And what a debut it was! Sanders posted 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He dazzled the crowd in the Araneta Colliseum with several incredible slams and alleyoops, and dominated the game for his new team. The Araneta Colliseum is famous worldwide for Muhammed Ali's 'Thrilla in Manila'!

"Several people said to me that the PBA hasn't seen a player as explosive as Sanders," stated resident agent Boyet Ocampo after Sunday's game.

Sanders will finish the season with Welcoat over the next two months, and then evaluate his options from there. One goal he would like to accomplish this summer is to play for an NBA summer league team. At 6'7 240 lbs with a 40" vertical leap, and an inside-out game to match, he is perfectly suited for the NBA game.

But for now he is happy to be playing in a good situation, and is grateful for the opportunity that the ABA and the Cape Cod Frenzy afforded him to get his career back on track.

For more information on the Cape Cod Frenzy and Rob Sanders, please feel free to contact Frenzy GM Ian McCarthy at ian@capecodfrenzy.com or visit www.abalive.com.

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.



American Basketball Association Stories from April 15, 2007


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.

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