Catching Up With Miners Coach Kevin Keathley
May 21, 2008 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
East Kentucky Miners News Release
PIKEVILLE, KY. - There's no offseason for Coach Kevin Keathley and the East Kentucky Miners. Since the conclusion of the team's inaugural season, a winning campaign in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), Keathley has continued to be involved in communities throughout Eastern Kentucky. In April, Keathley helped to observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month in numerous Eastern Kentucky counties. His involvement in communities during the month of April also included a stint as a guest speaker for Special Olympics Kentucky and various schools. "Part of the East Kentucky Miners mission is to get out and be a part of these wonderful communities," said Keathley. "I want to make an impact in Eastern Kentucky and hopefully with the support we show and have shown to various causes will make a positive difference in some capacity." East Kentucky ranked as the CBA's most explosive team during its debut season. The Miners scored a single-game record 194 points in a home finale against conference rival Atlanta. East Kentucky averaged nearly 110.6 points per game during its first season. The Miners were the CBA's top three-point (42.3 percent) and free throw (76.6) shooting team. As a team, East Kentucky shot over 50-percent. "I'm very proud of what we were able to accomplish in our first season," said Keathley. "We made the playoffs and did a lot of good things. We developed and improved several players. It was a good year and now that the foundation has been laid, myself and the East Kentucky Miners organization as a whole will look to build upon our loyal fan base." Some of the CBA's top performers played for the East Kentucky franchise. Forward James "Boo" Jackson was named the league's Newcomer of the Year and claimed an All-CBA First Team honor. Guard Josh Pace and center Steve Thomas were each All-CBA Second Team selections. Pace led the CBA in scoring, averaging 23 points per game. Thomas averaged a double-double of 14 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, splitting time between Atlanta and East Kentucky. Pace led the CBA in triple-doubles (3). Jackson was the CBA leader in double-doubles (27). Pace, Jackson and Mike Dean were among the CBA's top 10 scorers. Dean also joined the Miners during the second half of the regular-season. "I feel very fortunate to have had the players we had with the Miners last season," Keathley remarked. "Josh Pace and Jason McLeish provided us with leadership - both on and off the court." Pace is in the middle of a tryout circuit that will have him working out in front of three NBA teams. He drew the attention of several NBA scouts during his time in a Miners uniform. The Miners coach is already evaluating talent for the 2008-09 season. His work on the 2008-09 team started immediately after the conclusion of the team's first season. "I'm already out recruiting and looking to find the 2008-2009 East Kentucky Miners," Keathley confided. "There's a possibility of a couple of players returning for next season. For the most part, however, this will be made up of a new group of players. We had a good year and I want to get a little better in some key areas next season." Keathley is recruiting players much like an NCAA Division I coach. His experience as a recruiter in the college ranks paid early dividends during East Kentucky's first season. "It's really no different than college - you go out and recruit the very best players," Keathley acknowledged. "I also like to sign players who I feel would make good citizens - players who will wear the Miners uniform and represent the organization with class. Sometimes it's tough finding the right combination, but I think we did a pretty good job last season of having a great group of individuals - both on and off the floor." The high-scoring East Kentucky professional basketball team maintained an uptempo style of play throughout the 2007-08 season. According to Keathley, fans can expect the same during the 2008-09 campaign. "On the floor, I'm looking to continue to put an uptempo style of play in the Expo Center," Keathley said. "We led the CBA in scoring last season and that's something my teams will continue to do. I teach outlet break basketball with an emphasis on floor spacing. I'll be looking for players who can play multiple positions and be successful in our offensive and defensive scheme." The 2008-09 edition of the East Kentucky Miners team could consist of a former Kentucky Wildcat, or two. The tradition-rich University of Kentucky men's basketball program annually produces pro caliber players. "I would like to have a former University of Kentucky player or two wearing a Miners uniform next season," said Keathley. "I've started the early stages of developing my draft board for this year's CBA Draft and there's a couple of UK players very high on the depth chart right now." Keathley will conduct youth basketball camps during the months of June and July in Floyd, Johnson, Knott and Martin counties. "I'm looking forward to our upcoming basketball camps," Keathley commented. "I feel the camps will be very beneficial to the kids that attend. The camps are just another way we (the East Kentucky Miners) want to make an impact in area communities. The camps will provide the youth of these communities lessons in leadership, commitment, team work and the value of hard work. I encourage the parents of the communities to have their children attend one or all of the camps." In the offseason, along with preparing for the next season, the Miners coach is doing his part to contribute to all of Eastern Kentucky. From day one, Keathley promised an exciting brand of basketball. East Kentucky Miners fans will witness the same exciting brand of basketball during the 2008-09 season.
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Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from May 21, 2008
- Catching Up With Miners Coach Kevin Keathley - East Kentucky Miners
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