CBA Weekly Notes

Published on December 20, 2005 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release

2005 CBA Draft/Rookies Proving to be Fruitful for Teams

One month into the CBA's 60th anniversary season, the 2005 CBA College Draft that was held on Sept. 20, 2005, is proving to have been a successful one for the eight teams in the league. Leading the way has been No. 1 draft pick T.J. Thompson (George Washington) who scored a league-best 53 points on Nov. 27. The Albany Patroons guard leads the league with 390 points scored and sits second in the league in scoring average (27.9 ppg.). Also proving his worth this week was former University of Illinois standout and current Rockford Lightning forward, Roger Powell, Jr. Powell, drafted in the fourth round (30th pick) by Rockford was named the league's Player of the Week after averaging 27.0 points in three games last week. He leads the league in offensive rebounds (3.9 pg.) and is 12th in scoring (18.9 ppg.). One rookie drafted by Sioux Falls in the first round (seventh pick) was already called up to the NBA. Guard Stephen Graham (Oklahoma State) was signed by the Houston Rockets on Dec. 10 after averaging 21.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in eight games for the Skyforce. Rockford's second round draft pick (14th overall) was center Kenyon Gamble (Tuskegee University). All he's doing is leading the CBA with 39 blocked shots (2.8 pg.) and is third in field goal percentage (66.1 pct., 41-of-62). Overall, nine draftees have appeared in CBA games this season with 14 rookies overall seeing action.

Other rookies that have proven their worth include...
Ralph Holmes (4th round, 28th pick, Cal-State Fullerton), 14.8 ppg. and 5.6 rpg. for Yakama
Karlton Mims (Undrafted, Washburn Univ.), 12.3 ppg. and 2.9 rpg. for Michigan
Jermaine Blackburn (5th round, 37th pick, Boise State), 10.1 ppg. and 4.6 rpg. for Idaho
Geoff Husted (Undrafted, Gannon Univ.), 7.5 ppg. and 4.5 rpg. for Dakota
Marcus Campbell (Undrafted, Mississippi State), 6.5 ppg. and 4.1 rpg. for Rockford
Alfred Neale (1st round, 8th pick, New Mexico), 4.9 ppg. and 3.4 rpg. for Sioux Falls

Rockford Rookie Roger Powell, Jr. Named CBA Player of the Week

The Continental Basketball Association announced Dec. 19 that Rockford Lightning forward Roger Powell, Jr. was named the CBA Player of the Week for the week of Dec. 12 through Dec. 18. Powell became the first rookie to earn the CBA Player of the Week honor since last season when Jackie Butler (Great Lakes) won it twice (Jan. 3 and Feb. 28) and Charles Gaines (Michigan) won on Jan. 24.

Powell averaged 27.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 blocks in three games last week for the Lightning, who posted a 3-0 record and moved atop the Eastern Conference with a 9-5 record, 58.0 quarter points, and a 4.1 quarter-point average. The Lightning have won four in a row and lead the league with 58.0 quarter points.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward scored a season-high 32 points on Dec. 17 in a 131-125 victory over Dakota. In that game, he connected on a season-high 13 field goals in 18 attempts and tied his season-high with four assists. Two days earlier, Dec. 15, he pulled down 11 rebounds and went to the line a season-best 17 times (making 10) in a 111-96 win over Albany. He scored a then season-high 28 points versus the Patroons on 9-of-18 shooting with three assists, a block, and a steal. Powell put up 21 points on Dec. 18 in a 120-98 victory over Michigan with four rebounds, four assists and a season-high two blocks.

Powell has tallied 20 or more points in six of his last eight games, averaging 22.9 points and 8.0 rebounds during that span. For the season, the University of Illinois graduate is leading the CBA in offensive rebounds with 54 (3.9 pg.), while he has climbed to 12th in the league in scoring (18.9 ppg.). He leads the Lightning with 102 total rebounds (7.2 pg.) and is shooting 53.6 pct. from the field (98-of-183). Powell has also gone to the free-throw line 98 times, second-best on the Rockford squad.

Other players receiving consideration based on the submission of each team were...
Alpha Bangura, G, Michigan (25.8 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 2.5 apg.)
Jermaine Boyette, G, Idaho (19.0 ppg., 2.7 rpg., 6.3 apg.)
Rodney Buford, G, Sioux Falls (26.7 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 1.3 apg.)
Cheyne Gadson, G, Yakama (20.0 ppg., 5.5 rpg., 10.0 apg.)
Jimmie "Snap" Hunter, G, Gary (28.3 ppg., 6.7 rpg., 2.7 apg.)
Reggie Jessie, G, Albany (13.6 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 3.3 apg.)
Kasib Powell, F, Dakota (24.0 ppg., 7.0 rpg., 3.0 apg.)

CBA's 22nd Annual All-Star Game One Month Away from Tipping Off in Boise, Idaho

The Continental Basketball Association's 22nd annual All-Star Classic is just under one month 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 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).

The Ballots Are Out

The ballots for the 2006 CBA Athletes.com All-Star Classic have been sent out to the eight league coaches and designated media members in each of the eight markets. The ballots will be returned to the league office by Monday, Jan. 2, with the 2006 Eastern Conference Team announced on Wednesday, Jan. 4, and the Western Conference Team announced on 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 Alum Spotlight

Former CBA player Earl Boykins had his streak of 253 consecutive games played, which had been the sixth-longest active streak in the NBA, ended when the Denver Nuggets guard missed a 101-85 win against Charlotte with a strained left hamstring on Dec. 13. Boykins has missed four games and is hopeful to be back in George Karl's lineup on Wednesday, Dec. 21, when Denver hosts Washington. Boykins, an Eastern Michigan University graduate, played two seasons for the Rockford Lightning (1998-00), appearing in 47 games with 12.9 ppg., 2.2 rpg., and 272 assists. He was named a CBA All-Star in 2000. So far this season, the 5-foot-5 guard has played in 21 games with 12.0 ppg. and 4.3 apg. for the Nuggets.

Albany Patroons

(5-9, 41.0 QP, 2.9 Avg., 3rd Eastern Conference)

The Albany Patroons and Head Coach Micheal Ray Richardson have just completed their most successful week of the season. The Patroons have registered three wins in four games, including a home win vs. Sioux Falls on Dec. 19... Albany improved its record to 5-9, with 41. QP, now just 8.5 QP behind second place Gary in the Eastern Conference... the Patroons have also put together back-to-back wins for the first time as they enter the Dec. 20 game vs. Sioux Falls... Albany hosts the Rockford Lightning on Christmas night before heading out of town on a three game road trip... guard Reggie Jessie helped Albany win two of its last three games by averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals during that span. In a 96-95 victory over Michigan on Dec. 17, Jessie had a steal and three consecutive field goals at the end of the third quarter to push the Patroons' lead from four points (65-61) to 11 points (72-61).

Dakota Wizards

(7-5, 49.5 QP, 4.1 Avg., 2nd Western Conference)

Dakota won their fifth-straight home game on Dec. 12 by downing Sioux Falls, 101-94. Shooting guard James Maye came off the bench to score a game-high 26 points... the next night, however, the Wizards had their 5-0 home record snapped when Western Conference leading Yakama downed Dakota, 113-103... former Sun King's player Jeremee McGuire had his best game as a Dakota Wizard as he put up 15 points and dished out five assists against the team that waived him just one week prior. It was the first regular season home loss for Dakota since Jan. 29, 2005 vs. Rockford (120-109). The Wizards lost just six home games during the 2004-05 regular season... Dakota is currently in the midst of a five-game road trip that began in Rockford, Ill., Dec. 17, in a 131-125 loss. Dakota's road trip continues in Yakima (Dec. 20) and Idaho (Dec. 23) this week and will end on Chritmas Day in Sioux Falls when they face their Western Conference Rival Skyforce... all games can be listened to on KFYR Radio.

Gary Steelheads

(7-7, 50.5 QP, 3.6 Avg., 2nd Eastern Conference)

Gary began last week with a slim one-quarter-point lead for first place in the CBA's Eastern Conference, but surrendered the lead on Tuesday, Dec. 13, with a 106-97 loss to Idaho. The Stampede shot 50 pct. from the field and outrebounded the Steelheads by 14. In the loss, guard Jimmie "Snap" Hunter had a game-high 30 points on 12-of-25 shooting, including five free throws and a 3-point FG... the Steelheads' only win of the week came against Michigan on Thursday, Dec. 15, 93-81. Hunter outdid himself from the previous game with 34 points against the Mayhem, this time converting on 11 field goals (four 3-pointers) to go along with 8-of-10 from the charity stripe... Gary finished the week with a 106-97 loss at Yakama. Hunter had his streak of 30-plus point games halted at three when he scored 21 points vs. the Sun Kings (7-of-20). His one streak that did stay intact was his eight-straight games with a 3-point field goal, while he led the Steelheads twice in rebounding last week.

Idaho Stampede

(6-8, 43.0 QP, 3.1 Avg., 4th Western Conference)

The Stampede welcomed back forward Josh Davis, again, on Dec. 19. The 2004 CBA MVP and Newcomer of the Year was activated on Monday from the Inactive List after being released from the Milwaukee Bucks. Davis signed with the Stampede on Dec. 2, but was called up by the Bucks on Dec. 5... the Stampede kick off a four-game home stand Dec. 20 when Gary visits the Qwest Arena. Idaho is 4-0 against Eastern Conference foes this season and defeated Gary on the road, 106-97, on Dec. 13. The Stampede will then host two games against Dakota and finish the homestand against Yakama (Dec. 26)... the Stampede and US Marine Corps' Toys for Tots drive begins Dec. 20 and toys will also be collected on Dec. 22 and 23 this week vs. Dakota... this Friday, Dec. 23, the NBA will be visiting the Stampede, sort of. The Laker Girls will be performing as part of the game's halftime show.

Michigan Mayhem

(2-11, 26.5 QP, 2.0 Avg., 4th Eastern Conference)

The Michigan Mayhem suffered tough losses last week, extending their losing streak to six games. Michigan dropped a home contest to Albany on Dec. 14, 91-83. Guard Alpha Bangura had a team-high 22 points while Jermaine Williams and Roy Tarpley had six rebounds apiece... the Mayhem then embarked on a three-game road trip that began in Gary on Dec. 15 with a 93-81 loss to the Steelheads. In the loss, Bangura paced the Mayhem with 26 points while Tarpley had a game-high 12 rebounds... Michigan then met with the Patroons for the second time in four days, this time in Albany, and dropped a close contest, 96-95. Michigan fell to 1-2 in games decided by two points or less... in the loss at Albany, a player other than Bangura led the Mayhem in scoring for just the second time this season. Guard Karlton Mims had a team-high 27 points while forward Jamar Brown tied his season-best with 11 rebounds... Michigan wrapped up its road trip at Rockford, losing to the Eastern Conference leaders, 120-98. Despite the losses, Bangura still leads the CBA in scoring with 29.2 points per game.

Rockford Lightning

(9-5, 58.0 QP, 4.1 Avg., 1st Eastern Conference)

Rockford climbed into first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 9-5 (58.0 pts), going 3-0 in the fourth week of the season... currently on a four-game winning streak, the Lightning look to extend their streak with seven of their next eight games against teams with records below .500... guard Marlon Parmer recorded the first triple-double of the CBA season in a 120-98 victory over Michigan on Dec. 18. Parmer scored 10 points while picking up season-highs of 10 rebounds and 12 assists... rookie forward Roger Powell, Jr. earned the CBA Player of the Week honor averaging 27.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 blocks in three games last week. Powell is leading the CBA in offensive rebounds with 54 (3.9 pg.). He has climbed to 12th in the league in scoring (18.9 ppg.), and 11th in rebounds (7.3 pg.)... the Lightning had three players average over 20 points last week, including guard Cordell Henry (23.0), guard Ronnie Fields (22.7), and Powell (27.0)... as a team, the Lightning averaged 120.7 points over the three victories... Head Coach Chris Daleo needs just one more victory to tie Charley Rosen for second place on the all-time list for regular season wins at Rockford since the team moved to Rockford in 1985. Over the past four years, Daleo has led the Lightning to a 92-66 regular season record.

Sioux Falls Skyforce

(8-6, 54.5 QP, 3.9 Avg., 3rd Western Conference)

Last week, Sioux Falls went 2-0 at home against Idaho and dropped a road game against Albany... the 'Force defeated Idaho 105-103 (5,2) in a nailbiter Dec. 16 as guard Rodney Buford made two free throws with 2.7 seconds remaining to win the game... the next night, Sioux Falls won 108-96 (6,1) to improve to 6-1 at home this season... the 'Force went on the road Dec. 19 at Albany and lost, 100-93 (6,1), dropping Sioux Falls to 2-5 on the road... Monday night's visit to the Washington Avenue Armory was not a first for the Skyforce organization as they were defeated by the Albany Patroons 119-102 in front of 1,943 fans on Jan. 2, 1990... Buford was considered for CBA Player of the Week as he averaged 26.7 points along with 4.0 rebounds per contest in three games... former Skyforce forward Stephen Graham will face off against his twin brother, Joey, as the Toronto Raptors visit the Houston Rockets on Wed., Dec. 21... the 'Force staff and players visited the Children's Hospital and School this past week and delivered basketballs to all the children... the 'Force will continue their eastern road trip as they play the Patroons on Dec. 20, visit the Michigan Mayhem on Dec. 21, and then visit the Gary Steelheads on Dec. 23 before returning home for the annual Christmas night game against the Dakota Wizards.

Yakama Sun Kings

(10-3, 55.0 QP, 4.2 Avg., 1st Western Conference)

Yakama has won seven straight games, dating back to the Sun Kings 123-114 (5.5,1.5) home victory over Rockford on 12/02/05. The winning streak is the Sun Kings' longest since the team won seven straight (Jan. 17-31, 2003) during the 2002-03 CBA Championship season. Twice the Sun Kings have won eight consecutive games, 1994-1995 and 1996-1997... by going undefeated on its latest four-game road trip, Yakama established a new team record for most consecutive road wins, four... the trip also marked the first time the Sun Kings have ever gone undefeated on a road trip longer than two games... the Sun Kings brought back two all-time team favorites last week in veterans Anthony Goldwire and Rosell Ellis. Goldwire, drafted by the Sun Kings in the first round (7th selection overall) of the 1994 CBA College Draft, is returning for his third tour of duty in Yakima. He was a member of the Sun Kings CBA title teams in 1995 and 2003. He was a member of the CBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1994-1995 and was All-League First Team in 2003-2004 when he received three CBA-to-NBA Call-ups. Goldwire has played in the NBA for Charlotte, Denver, San Antonio, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Milwaukee and Los Angeles. The 34-year-old has also played professionally in Greece, Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Ellis, who recently played in Australia, is also back for his third stint with the Sun Kings. He previously played for the Sun Kings from 1999-2001 and 2002-2003. He was a member of the Sun Kings CBA Championship team in 2000 and played for the 2003 title squad before being traded to the now-defunct Great Lakes Storm in early 2003. Ellis was a CBA All-Star in 2001 and 2003. He has played in foreign leagues in Poland, Argentina, the Philippines and Indonesia. After five games back with the Sun Kings, Goldwire is averaging 11.8 points and 3.0 assists in 22.8 mpg. while Ellis is averaging 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 40.6 mpg.

Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from December 20, 2005

• Steelheads Lose at Idaho, 117-93 - Gary Steelheads
• CBA Weekly Notes - CBA 1
• Patroons Shoot Down Skyforce - Sioux Falls Skyforce
• Skyforce Update - Sioux Falls Skyforce
• Steelheads Visit Idaho Tuesday Night - Gary Steelheads

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