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CBA 1 Continental Basketball Association 1

CBA League Update

January 4, 2006 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release


Attendance and Averages, Checks and Balances The average attendance around the CBA is close to matching the average from a year ago. So far through 76 games this season, the average attendance for CBA games is 2,271, just 138 less than last year's average of 2,409. While nearly six teams are averaging 2,000 per game, there are two teams that are averaging more than last year. Rockford is averaging 2,279 per contest, up from last year's 2,209 average, while Yakama's league-leading average of 3,409 this season is nearly 1,500 more than a year ago (2,036). There have already been two games this season that drew over 5,000, doubling the total from all of last season. This year's home opener at Sioux Falls vs. Dakota had 5,914 in attendance while the Dec. 27 contest in Yakima between the Sun Kings and Idaho drew 5,063.

Idaho Forward, Matt Freije, Named CBA Player of the Week The Continental Basketball Association announced Jan. 2 that Idaho Stampede forward Matt Freije has been named the CBA Player of the Week for the week of Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. The first-year CBA player earns the award for the first time in his career and is the second Stampede player in as many weeks to win the award. Idaho center Eric Chenowith won the award last week.

Freije (FREE-gee), a 6-foot-9, 245-pound forward averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals in four games last week to help the Stampede to a 3-1 record and move them into second place in the Western Conference. Idaho sits just one-tenth of a quarter point (3.8 avg.) behind conference-leading Yakama (3.9) and is 12-9 on the season. In Idaho's lone loss of the week, a 108-104 overtime defeat at Sioux Falls on Dec. 29, Freije scored a career-high 33 points to go along with nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. He followed that performance by going perfect from the field (8-for-8) and from the free-throw line (7-for-7) in a 120-96 win at Michigan on Dec. 31. Freije ended that game with 27 points.

For the week, the 2004 Vanderbilt graduate shot 56.9 pct. from the field (33-of-58), 80.0 pct. from the line (28-of-35) and 50.0 pct. from behind the 3-point arc (10-of-20). He has started 20 of 21 games he has played in this season for Idaho and has scored double digits in all but one game. Freije is tied for the team lead in scoring (19.0 ppg.), second in 3-point accuracy (40.0 pct.), second in rebounds (6.5 rpg.), second in minutes played (758), and third in field goal pct. (47.4 pct.).

Yakama's Paul Woolpert Named CBA Coach of the Month for December The Continental Basketball Association announced Jan. 2 that Yakama Sun Kings Head Coach Paul Woolpert was named the CBA Coach of the Month for the month of December. It marks the first this season Woolpert has been named Coach of the Month.

Woolpert, in his fourth full season as head coach of the Sun Kings, led Yakama to a franchise record tying eight-game winning streak from Dec. 2 through Dec. 20 and a franchise record four-game road winning streak from Dec. 6 through Dec. 13. For the month, Yakama had a 4.2 quarter-point average and a .750 winning pct. to push them into first place in the CBA Western Conference with an overall record of 12-6 (3.8 QP average). Six of their nine wins in the month of December were by eight points or more.

Woolpert has a CBA career coaching record of 151-131 (.536 pct.) with three seasons of 30-plus wins, two as head man of the Sun Kings and one as head coach at Sioux Falls. He led the Sun Kings to the 2000 CBA Championship. His 151 victories is 16th all-time in CBA history, passing Charley Rosen (150) and putting him within 11 victories of Russ Bergman (162) for 15th place. His 282 games coached is 15th all-time in CBA history.

He is the son of Hall of Fame coach Phil Woolpert, who coached Bill Russell, K.C. Jones, and the University of San Francisco to an NCAA Championship in 1955 and again in 1956.

2005 CBA Draft Providing Dividends There have been 10 players selected in the 2005 CBA College Draft that have appeared in games this season for their respective teams. The 10th player to make his appearce was Yakama's fifth-round selection, forward Ronny Turiaf (Gonzaga) on Dec. 26 at Idaho. Turiaf, the 36th overall pick in the CBA Draft, was a second-round draft pick of the L.A. Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft (37th overall).

The 10 draftees to play this season are the most since 18 draftees in 2000 appeared in a shortened 2000-01 CBA campaign. Albany guard T.J. Thompson (George Washington) has become the first CBA No. 1 draft pick to play his rookie season since Gary's Ryan Blackwell (Syracuse) was the top pick of the 2000 draft and appeared in 22 games that season. Thompson is second in the CBA in scoring (25.3 ppg.), first in 3-point FGs (66), fifth in 3-point FG pct. (.431 pct.), and fourth in assists (5.8 apg.).

The Rockford Lightning's fourth-round selection, forward Roger Powell, Jr. (Illinois) has been named the CBA's Player of the Week (Dec. 19), is second in the league in offensive rebounds (3.5 pg.), and is fourth in scoring (22.2 ppg.). The Sioux Falls Skyforce's first-round draft pick, Stephen Graham (Oklahoma State) has already been called up to the NBA by the Houston Rockets (Dec. 10) and is averaging 22.5 points and 6.4 rebounds in 10 games for Sioux Falls.

In all, 15 rookies have seen action this season, including three for Rockford and two each for Dakota, Gary, Michigan, Sioux Falls and Yakama.

CBA's 22nd Annual All-Star Classic Set to Tip-Off in Boise, Idaho (Jan. 17, 2006) The Continental Basketball Association's 22nd annual All-Star Classic is two weeks away from tipping off at the Qwest Arena in downtown Boise, Idaho. This year's event will take place on Tuesday, January 17, at 7:15 p.m. (MT). The title sponsor of the 2006 CBA All-Star game is Athletes.com. The game will be preceeded by the Slam Dunk and Long Distance Shootout competitions at 6 p.m. For ticket information, contact the Qwest Arena ticket office at (208) 388-4667 or at... http://www.idahotickets.com. For credentials, contact Kris Kamann at the CBA Office (208-429-0101 ext.102).

CBA All-Star Did You Know? Did you know... that Eric Musselman, an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, was the winning coach in three CBA All-Star games (1990, 1993, and 1997), the most of any CBA coach? He also coached in two more CBA All-Star games where he ended up on the losing end (1993 and 1994). His father, the late Bill Musselman, was the winning coach in two CBA All-Star games (1987 and 1988). In all, a Musselman coached in seven of 11 CBA All-Star games from 1987-97. (Info. courtesy of CBA archives)

The Ballots Are BACK! The ballots for the 2006 CBA Athletes.com All-Star Classic have been returned to the league office from the eight league coaches and designated media members in each of the eight markets. The ballots will be counted and the 2006 Eastern Conference Team will be announced Wednesday, Jan. 4, and the Western Conference Team announced Thursday, Jan. 5. All-Star Head Coaches for the 22nd Annual All-Star game will be determined from the teams with the highest quarter-point average in each conference at the conclusion of game #90 on Sunday, Jan. 8. Those coaches will be announced on Monday, Jan. 9.

CBA Has Fourth NBA Call-Up of 2005-06 Josh Davis of the Idaho Stampede earned his second NBA call-up of the 2005-06 season on Dec. 29 as Houston Rockets General Manager Carroll Dawson announced the signing of the Wyoming product. Davis, who signed with Idaho on Dec. 2 and was called up by the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 5, has appeared in three games this season for the Stampede, averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while shooting 47.4 pct. from the field and 40.0 pct. from behind the 3-point arc.

The call-up marks the fourth this season for the Continental Basketball Association, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary season. In addition to Davis' two call-ups, Michigan Mayhem's Darrick Martin was called-up on Nov. 16 by Toronto and Sioux Falls Skyforce rookie Stephen Graham was called up by Houston on Dec. 11. At the time of the Rockets signing Davis, Houston had six former CBA players on its roster, including Rafer Alston, Lonny Baxter, Moochie Norris, Stephen Graham and David Wesley. Since Davis' signing, Graham has been released and has returned to the Skyforce.

CBA-to-NBA Call-Ups for 2005-06 Date Player CBA Team NBA Team Nov. 16 Darrick Martin Michigan Mayhem Toronto Raptors Dec. 5 Josh Davis Idaho Stampede Milwaukee Bucks Dec. 10 Stephen Graham Sioux Falls Skyforce Houston Rockets Dec. 29 Josh Davis Idaho Stampede Houston Rockets

CBA Alum Spotlight Former CBA player Keith McLeod is currently in his second season with the Utah Jazz and third year in the NBA. McLeod, a 2002 Bowling Green State University graduate, recorded a career-high 22 points the day after Christmas vs. Memphis by recording season-highs of seven field goals and seven free throws, while chipping in two blocked shots. He also registered a career-high 46 minutes in the 105-102 overtime victory against the Grizzlies. McLeod played 14 games for the Gary Steelheads during the 2003-04 season, finishing with 8.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. He shot 42.9 pct. from the field in those 14 games. So far this season for the Jazz, McLeod is averaging 6.8 points, 2.2 assists and 1.2 rebounds in 17 games.

Albany Patroons (5-14, 49.0 QP, 2.6 Avg., 3rd Eastern Conference) Albany is looking forward to a home game on Thursday, after playing three tough away games in four days. The two close losses were at Rockford by six combined points (128-127 and 117-112) and sandwiched a 24-point loss at Gary... the newest addition to the Patroons' roster this week, guard Cory Hightower, has contributed an average of 13.3 ppg and 4.6 rebounds... the Patroons' starting five are showing potential, which includes T.J. Thompson, Reggie Jessie, Carl Mitchell, James Thomas and Jamario Moon. Moon has averaged 20.6 ppg. over the past three games. Thomas, Albany's player of the week, averaged 14.6 points and 10 rebounds during that span... the Patroon additions of Thomas, Moon and Hightower will provide more balanced scoring and take some scoring pressure off of Thompson.

Dakota Wizards (10-10, 74.5 QP, 3.7 Avg., T-2nd Western Conference) Dakota rang in the New Year in style last Saturday, racing to a 108-96 win over the Western-Conference leading Yakama Sun Kings in front of 3,987 fans... the Wizards, who went 3-1 in their 4-game homestand, picked up six quarter points in the win... starting guard Maurice Baker led the Wizards with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists... Saturday's win over the Sun Kings was a first this season for the Wizards as the two teams played Friday night as well with Yakama posting a 126-112 win. Dakota had just eight players dressed on Friday with starting center Geoff Husted sidelined with the flu and shooting guard Billy Thomas out with a leg injury... earlier in the week, Dakota managed to grab back-to-back wins over the Skyforce, earning 11 of the 14 possible quarter points. Guard James Maye played well for the Wizards both nights, scoring 26 in Tuesday's win and 20 in Wednesday's victory... Dakota remains in second place in the Western Conference and will head back on the road for games against the Skyforce on Jan. 6 and Gary on Jan. 7, before they are back at home for yet another four-game homestand.

Gary Steelheads (10-9, 68.0 QP, 3.6 Avg., 2nd Eastern Conference) The Steelheads solidified their second-place position in the Eastern Conference with wins over Eastern Conference-leading Rockford (118-102) and third-place Albany (119-95). In both of those games, Gary grabbed early control and built huge leads on their way to victory. Gary set a club record for three-point baskets in the victory over Albany, hitting an incredible 17-of-20 shots from beyond the arc. Guard Eric Chatfield paced the barrage, hitting all five of his 3-point attempts. The previous record of 14 3-point field goals came in a game against Sioux Falls on December 1, 2001. The Steelheads continue to lead the CBA in 3-point percentage at .418.

Idaho Stampede (12-10, 81.5 QP, 3.7 Avg., T-2nd Western Conference) Forward Matt Freije was named CBA Player of the Week as he averaged 26 points last week and had a rare perfect game on New Year's Eve, connecting on all eight FG attempts and all seven FT attempts at Michigan. center Eric Chenowith continues to dominate on the boards. The league rebounding leader and double-double co-leader followed up his Player of the Week honors by breaking the Stampede franchise single game rebounding mark with 29 rebounds on Dec. 29 at Sioux Falls. That total broke his old record of 25 which he set Nov. 26 vs. Dakota. the Stampede had a very good December going 10-5 and moving up in the Western Conference standings from last place to second place. During the month they went on their longest winning streak of the season with five straight victories. They also improved their record against Eastern Conference foes to 6-0 and continued to build on their six-game home winning streak. Idaho is now 8-2 at the Qwest Arena. This Friday, Jan. 6, begins a four-game homestand for the Stampede which will take them into the All-Star break.

Michigan Mayhem (4-15, 43.5 QP, 2.3 Avg., 4th Eastern Conference) Michigan enjoyed a break last week, only playing one game. They played their New Year's Eve game against Idaho, losing 120-96, making them now 0-2 versus the Stampede. To promote the game, Michigan sold every seat for $5 and in return received their largest crowd of the season at 1,960. Michigan ended the 2005 portion of their schedule with a record of 4-14. Notable league leaders for the Mayhem include: forward Jamar Brown who is ranked fourth in the league for rebounds (9.2 pg.) and blocks (1.1 pg.); rookie guard Karlton Mims who is second in 3-point field goal percentage (45.0 pct.); and rookie forward Marcus Wallace who ranks fifth in 3-point field goal percentage (43.0 pct.). The Mayhem began a four-game road trip on Jan. 3 at Rockford (110-91 loss) and will travel West to take on Idaho (Jan. 6), Yakama (Jan. 7), and Gary (Jan. 12). Michigan hosts its first home game of the new year on Jan. 15 with a visit by Gary.

Rockford Lightning (15-6, 92.5 QP, 4.4 Avg., 1st Eastern Conference) Rockford maintained their Eastern Conference lead with a 2-1 record last week while improving its overall record to a league best 15-6 record (92.5 pts) with its 110-91 victory over Michigan on Jan. 3... the Lightning currently sit a total of 24.5 points ahead of Gary for first place in the East while playing only one game more than the Steelheads... guard Marlon Parmer, who has started every game for the Lightning this season, has been named Rockford's Player of the Week after averaging 23.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists in three games last week. He shot 53.0 pct. from the field and 50.0 pct. from behind the three-point line (4-for-8), while also hitting 82.0 pct. from the free throw line. Parmer is among the league leaders in points (22.3 ppg.), assists (7.4 pg.), steals (1.9 pg.), free throws made (6.9), and free throws attempted per game (9.0)... rookie forward Roger Powell scored a then career high 35 points in a 117-112 victory over Albany on New Years Day at the MetroCentre. He followed that performance up by recording a new career-high of 38 points on Jan. 3 vs. Michigan. He has moved up to fourth in the league in scoring (22.2 ppg.) while dropping to second in the league in offensive rebounds (3.6 pg). Powell also leads the Lightning in rebounds with 7.2 per game. With a 14-6 record and 87.5 quarter points through the first 20 games of this season, Head Coach Chris Daleo is on his fastest start since his first season with the team in 2002-03 when he started 13-7 with 85.5 quarter points. Daleo is in his fourth season as head coach and has already moved to second on the All-Time wins list with 97. His career winning percentage of .591 is first among all Lightning head coaches.

Sioux Falls Skyforce (12-11, 82.0 QP, 3.6 Avg., 4th Western Conference) Sioux Falls dropped two games on the road against the Dakota Wizards while winning two home contests against the Idaho Stampede...the 'Force lost back-to-back games in Bismarck, 107-96 (6,1), Dec. 27, and 87-86 (5,2), Dec. 28... Sioux Falls then returned home to defeat the Stampede 108-104 (5.5, 1.5) in overtime, Dec. 29, and 112-108 (4.5, 2.5), Jan. 2... rookie forward Stephen Graham had a career night in his first game back from the NBA as he scored a career-high 37 points and pulled down a season-high 13 rebounds on Jan. 2 vs. Idaho... forward Brandon Hunter was considered for Player of the Week after averaging 21.5 ppg. and 12.0 rpg. in two contests... a fan has made a half court shot for money in four straight games during the Dakota Adjusters Around the World promotion... the shot has been worth $100 for three of the games, however, on Christmas night the fan won $500 by sinking the half court shot. the 'Force began a three-game homestand this week on Jan. 3, dropping a 118-105 contest to the Western Conference-leading Yakama Sun Kings. The two teams meet again on Jan. 5 followed by a Jan. 6 contest against visiting Dakota.

Yakama Sun Kings (13-6, 76.0 QP, 4.0 Avg., 1st Western Conference) Head Coach Paul Woolpert was selected as CBA Coach of the Month for December, the first such honor for the Sun Kings since the 2002-03 season. The Sun Kings recorded a 9-3 record during December, highlighted by a franchise record-eight game winning streak to begin the month. The nine victories was the most by the Sun Kings in a month since the team won 11 times in January 2003 en route to the club's third CBA title... despite having a tremendous record for December, the Sun Kings added four new players in the month, including all-time Yakama favorites, Anthony Goldwire and Rosell Ellis, and Woolpert used six different starting line-ups... Yakama's five road wins in December was the team's most during a given month since January 2003... the Sun Kings established a new record for most consecutive road wins, four, by going undefeated during a four-game road trip in early December. Yakama brought back wins from Gary, Michigan, Rockford and Dakota... through the first six weeks of the season, the Sun Kings have yet to lose to an Eastern Conference opponent, going 6-0 vs. opposite conference teams this year... going into January, the Sun Kings own the Western Conference's best record at 13-6 and have the top road mark in the CBA at 7-4.



Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from January 4, 2006


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