CBA 1 Continental Basketball Association 1

CBA Weekly Notes

Published on December 27, 2005 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release


10th CBA Draftee Makes Appearance in 2005

The 10th player from the 2005 CBA College Draft made his appearance on Monday, Dec. 26 in Boise, Idaho. Yakama's fifth-round selection, forward Ronny Turiaf (Gonzaga) made his professional debut against the Idaho Stampede, playing 20 minutes and finishing with nine points, five rebounds, six fouls and one blocked shot. 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).

Turiaff becomes the 10th player that was drafted in September's CBA Draft to appear in a game this season, 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 (26.9 ppg.), first in 3-point FGs (59), fourth in 3-point FG pct. (.444 pct.), and sixth in assists (5.6 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), leads the league in offensive rebounds (3.7 pg.), and is ninth in scoring (19.9 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) before averaging 21.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in eight 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.

Other Notable Rookies Include...
Karlton Mims, Michigan (Undrafted, Washburn Univ.), 14.4 ppg. and 3.1 rpg.
Ralph Holmes, Yakama (4th round, 28th pick, Cal-State Fullerton), 13.0 ppg. and 5.6 rpg.
Jermaine Blackburn, Idaho (5th round, 37th pick, Boise State), 10.2 ppg. and 4.6 rpg.
Geoff Husted, Dakota (Undrafted, Gannon Univ.), 8.8 ppg. and 6.5 rpg.
Kenyon Gamble, Rockford (2nd round, 14th pick, Tuskegee Univ.) 7.4 ppg., 6.3 rpg., 42 blocks
Marcus Campbell, Rockford (Undrafted, Mississippi State), 6.3 ppg. and 4.1 rpg.
Alfred Neale, Sioux Falls (1st round, 8th pick, New Mexico), 4.2 ppg. and 3.3 rpg.

Idaho Big Man, Eric Chenowith, Named CBA Player of the Week

The Continental Basketball Association announced Dec. 26 that Idaho Stampede center Eric Chenowith was named the CBA Player of the Week for the week of Dec. 19 through Dec. 25. The first-year CBA player and 2001 2nd round draft pick of the New York Knicks earns the award after averaging 18.3 rebounds during Idaho's 3-0 record last week.

Chenowith, a 7-foot-1 center, had rebound totals of 17, 21, and 17 last week and leads the CBA with a 14.5 rebound average in 18 games this season (261 total). Of his 18.3 rebounds per game, 17 per game were on the defensive glass, where he leads the league with 200 defensive boards. The 2001 Kansas graduate also averaged 11.0 points, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.4 pct. from the field and 77.8 pct. from the free-throw line last week.

For the season, Chenowith leads the Stampede in minutes played (695) to go along with 13.2 ppg. and 14.5 rpg. He has 12 double-doubles this season, just one behind league-leader Brandon Hunter of Sioux Falls (13). He also had a league-best 25 rebounds on Nov. 26 at Dakota and has had just three games when he didn't pull down a double-digit total in rebounds. The league average per game in offensive rebounds was 12.9 as of Dec. 24. However, when teams played the Stampede, that average dipped to 9.3.

Chenowith ranks second at Kansas in career blocked shots (242) and is among the top-five all-time in career rebounding. He has played for the Huntsville Flight and Roanoke Dazzle (NBDL), and Pau-Orthez (France) during his pro career, but is putting up his best numbers with the Stampede.

Other players receiving consideration based on the submission of each team were:
Maurice Baker, G, Dakota (20.0 ppg., 8.0 rpg., 7.0 apg.)
Ronnie Fields, G, Rockford (27.3 ppg., 5.0 rpg., 3.0 apg.)
Brandon Hunter, F, Sioux Falls (20.0 ppg., 12.8 rpg., 1.5 apg.)
Jimmie Hunter, G, Gary (25.0 ppg., 6.3 rpg., 4.3 apg.)
Karlton Mims, G, Michigan (21.0 ppg., 3.3 rpg., 5.3 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 three 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 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 Smush Parker is currently third in scoring for the Los Angeles Lakers with 11.6 ppg. in 28 contests. Parker, a former member of the Idaho Stampede in 2003-04, leads the Lakers and is sixth in the NBA with 49 steals, while his 1.75 steals per game average is 11th in the NBA. He is shooting 46.0 pct. from the field and 40.4 pct. from behind the 3-point arc. Parker has registered career-highs this season in points (22 vs. Minnesota on Dec. 2), field goals (9, vs. Minnesota on Dec. 2), steals (7, vs. Milwaukee on Dec. 6), rebounds (8, vs. Seattle on Nov. 24), and assists (6, vs. Denver on Nov. 2). He played in nine games for Idaho in 2003-04, averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds.

Albany Patroons

(5-11, 44.0 QP, 2.8 Avg., 3rd Eastern Conference)

Albany lost two home games last week after coming off their best week of the season. The first loss was to Sioux Falls on Dec. 20 (101-87), after beating the Skyforce the night before (100-93). The 100-93 victory over Sioux Falls was the first this season for the Pats' over a Western Conference opponent. Coach Michael Ray Richardson made a few roster changes in time for the Christmas night home game vs. Rockford, signing forwards Jamario Moon and James Thomas. Both players provided immediate contributions with Moon pooring in 31 points and Thomas pulling down 15 rebounds in a 128-112 loss vs. Rockford. Thomas, acquired in a trade with the Yakama Sun Kings, played 15 games this season for Philadelphia, averaging 1.5 ppg. and 2.5 rpg... rookie guard T.J. Thompson, who scored 20 points in both games this past week, remains the second leading scorer in the CBA, averaging 26.9 ppg. The Patroons are on the road for three games this week, two at Rockford (Dec. 29, Jan. 1) and one at Gary (Dec. 30).

Dakota Wizards

(7-9, 56.5 QP, 3.5 Avg., 4th Western Conference)

Coming off a five-game road trip, Dakota is looking snap its uncharacteristic six-game losing streak by opening up a four-game homestand, starting Dec. 27 against Sioux Falls and concluding with its annual New Year's Eve game against Western Conference leading Yakama Sun Kings... on Dec. 20 the Wizards went toe-to-toe with Yakama before falling 102-99... guard Maurice Baker had 27 points for the Wizards, while center Geoff Husted added 20 points and 17 rebounds... Dakota's 4-0 record against Idaho was snapped on Dec. 22 in a 104-98 setback in Boise and followed by a 93-84 loss on Dec. 23. The first loss on Thursday took an obvious toll on the Wizards as starting forward Kasib Powell and Husted each suffered injuries and were not available for Friday night's rematch. Picking up some of the slack for Dakota was shooting guard James Maye, who posted 19 points on Dec. 22 and 21 points on Dec. 23... Dakota finished its road trip in Sioux Falls on Christmas day capturing two quarter points in a 95-85 loss to the Skyforce. Dakota was led by guard Billy Thomas, who had 19 points and went 5-for-9 from behind the 3-point line.

Gary Steelheads

(8-9, 58.0 QP, 3.4 Avg., 2nd Eastern Conference)

Gary finished a two-game swing in the Western Conference with a 120-93 loss at the Idaho Stampede in the Qwest Center. Gary was outrebounded for the 12th time in 14 games and that fact prompted some roster changes. The Steelheads signed 6-foot-9 forward Edmund Saunders and acquired 7-foot-1 center Chris Alexander from the Dakota Wizards for cash considerations, both on Dec. 21. Their impact was felt immediately as the Steelheads outrebounded the defending CBA champion Sioux Falls Skyforce in an 85-77 win at the Genesis Center (Dec. 23)... on Christmas Day, Gary fought to a 40-40 standoff on the boards but lost at Michigan, 96-85... guard Jimmie "Snap" Hunter averaged 25.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in three games for Gary. He shot 50.0 pct. from the field and 77.3 pct. from the free-throw line. The Steelheads finished the week in second place in the CBA's Eastern Conference.

Idaho Stampede

(10-8, 66.5 QP, 3.7 Avg., 3rd Western Conference)

Idaho won four in row last week while center Eric Chenowith captured the CBA Player of the Week honor on Dec. 26... Chenowith averaged 18.3 rebounds last week and helped limit opposing teams to an average of just nine offensive rebounds per game... Idaho is currently riding its longest win streak since last season (Jan. 11-21) when it won five straight and are above .500 for the first time this season at 10-8... Idaho moved above .500 (9-8) with it's 93-84 victory over Dakota on Dec. 23 and improved to 10-8 with a 120-111 win over Western Conference leading Yakama on Dec. 26. That win snapped the Sun Kings' eight-game winning streak... the Stampede take their longest winning streak since last season on the road, beginning with a rematch with the Sun Kings in Yakima on Dec. 27, followed by contests at Sioux Falls (Dec. 29), at Michigan (Dec. 31) and back to Sioux Falls (Jan. 2)... Idaho will put its 5-0 record vs. Eastern Conference opponents this season on the line when it takes on the Mayhem in Michigan, Dec. 31.

Michigan Mayhem

(4-13, 40.5 QP, 2.4 Avg., 4th Eastern Conference)

Michigan finally broke their six-game losing streak by winning two of their four games last week. Michigan defeated Sioux Falls at home on Dec. 21, 86-82. It was the first win over a Western Conference opponent this season for the Mayhem... Michigan then topped Gary at home on Christmas Day, 96-85. Two of Michigan's four wins this year have come against Gary... Michigan is now 4-14 and only 3.5 quarter points from taking third place in the Eastern Conference... in the Christmas victory, forward Jamar Brown registered his sixth double-double with 10 points and 18 rebounds against the Steelheads. He is ranked fourth in the league with 9.2 rpg... Michigan has also undergone numerous roster changes with center Roy Tarpley and All-Star nominee Alpha Bangura being placed on injured reserved and guard Stais Boseman being released on Dec. 23. As a result, previous Mayhem players guard Jason Boucher and forward Duke Cleveland were brought back to the roster. With Bangura out, rookie guard Karlton Mims has stepped up and has averaged 21 points, 5.25 assists, and 1.5 steals for the week... Michigan gets some time off this week and will play their first game since Christmas on New Years Eve vs. the Idaho Stampede in Muskegon.

Rockford Lightning

(12-5, 74.5 QP, 4.4 Avg., 1st Eastern Conference)

Rockford increased their Eastern Conference lead with a 3-0 record last week, extending its season-high winning streak to seven games and improving its record to 12-5 record (74.5 pts). The Lightning currently sit a total of 16.5 points ahead of the Gary Steelheads for first place in the East... guard Ronnie Fields led the team averaging 27.3 points while shooting 48.4 pct. from the field last week and picking up 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals a game in the process. He has moved up to seventh in the league with 20.8 points a game... guard Marlon Parmer continued his push for an All-Star bid recording 23.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.0 steals a game for the week... forward Sidney Holmes averaged 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in three starts last week and picked up a CBA season record of eight steals against the Albany Patroons on Christmas Day... former CBA player of the week, rookie Roger Powell Jr., continued his impressive start to the season by picking up 24.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last week... Head Coach Chris Daleo has passed former coach Charley Rosen for second place on the all-time list for regular season wins with 95. His 95-66 record and .590 winning percentage is first among Lightning all-time coaches since the team moved to Rockford in 1985.

Sioux Falls Skyforce

(10-8, 68.0 QP, 3.8 Avg., 2nd Western Conference)

Sioux Falls went 2-2 last week, finishing the week with a 95-85 victory (5,2) over the Dakota Wizards at home on Christmas night. The annual contest was played in front of 4,518 delighted fans... it was the 17th straight Christmas night game for the 'Force as they improved their all-time record on Christmas to 9-8 (.529)... the week began for Sioux Falls with a 101-87 (6,1) win at Albany on Dec. 20... Sioux Falls' road trip took a turn for the worse, though, losing at Michigan, 86-82 (5.5,1.5) and then at Gary, 85-77 (6,1)... Sioux Falls has followed up three seperate two-game losing streaks this season with a victory... forward Brandon Hunter was considered for Player of the Week after averaging 20.0 ppg. and 12.8 rpg. in four contests... Hunter was invited for a tryout with the Houston Rockets this past week after posting 30 points and 16 rebounds in a win against the Patroons... Hunter missed the Dec. 21 contest vs. the Mayhem, but returned for the game in Gary, posting another double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds... the 'Force plays two games in Dakota this week (Dec. 27-28) before starting a five-game homestand on Dec. 29 vs. Idaho.

Yakama Sun Kings

(11-4, 61.0 QP, 4.1 Avg., 1st Western Conference)

The Sun Kings saw two franchise-best winning streaks snapped in last night's 120-111 (6,1) loss at Idaho. The loss ended Yakama's eight-game winning streak that began with a 123-114 home victory over Rockford on 12/02/05. The eight-game winning streak tied a franchise record for consecutive victories set during the 1994-95 season and tied in 1996-97. The loss to the Stampede also ended a team-best four-game road winning streak... Yakama made a trio of roster moves on Dec. 26, signing forwards Ronny Turiaf and Mark Strickland and placing first-year forward Richard Dionne on the Injured List. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Turiaf was drafted by the L.A. Lakers in the second round (37th selection overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft. During a routine physical before signing his contract with the Lakers, Turiaf was found to have an enlarged aortic root, requiring open-heart surgery on July 26th. His contract was voided when the potentially life-threatening condition was discovered. He began light physical activities in late-August, and has recently been working out in Spokane with his alma mater, Gonzaga. Turiaf has been medically cleared to play by the NBA team's medical staff as well as the doctor who performed his surgery. Yakama Head Coach Paul Woolpert made the Le Robert, Martinique-native a fifth round pick (36th selection overall) in September's 2005 CBA College Draft. Turiaf averaged 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 blocked shots as a senior last season. He ranks fourth all-time at Gonzaga in scoring (1,723) and rebounds (859), second in blocks (179), and is the Bulldogs career leader in free throws made (643). Turiaf scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds in 20 minutes in his professional debut at Idaho on Dec. 26. A NBA veteran of several seasons, Strickland appeared in 11 games for Rockford this season before being waived on Dec. 14. The 6-foot-10, 225-pounder was averaging 10.6 ppg and 5.5 rpg while shooting 60 pct. from the floor. The Temple-product hit 11-of-14 shots from the floor and 4-of-5 free throw attempts, recording season-highs in points (26) and rebounds (9) on Dec. 10 vs. the Sun Kings. Dionne is averaging 3.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 11 games for the Sun Kings this season.

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Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from December 27, 2005


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