CBA Weekly

December 21, 2006 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release

CHRIS ALEXANDER NAMED CBA PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The Continental Basketball Association announced today that Yakama Sun Kings center Chris Alexander has been named the CBA Player of the Week for the period of December 11 through December 17, 2006. This is the second consecutive week that a Yakama Sun Kings player has received the Player of the Week award, and the first time that a single franchise has had back-to-back Players of the Week since the Idaho Stampede's Eric Chenowith (Dec. 26, 2005) and Matt Freije (Jan. 2, 2006) accomplished this feat..

In three games with the Sun Kings, Alexander averaged 22.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.67 blocks. The Sun Kings were a perfect 3-0 on the week. In his first game for the Sun Kings, Alexander had 34 points and 12 rebounds in a 107-98 victory over Minot. In his second game of the week, Alexander dumped in 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Alexander also blocked a league high seven shots in a 96-94 win over Indiana. Alexander finished the week with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 block shots in a 133-104 thrashing of the Alley Cats. Alexander shot 66.7 % (26/39) from the field and 87.5% (14/16) from the line.

Other players receiving consideration were:
Ray Cunningham, F, Minot (20 ppg., 7 rpg.)
Jamario Moon, F, Albany (23 points, 10 rebounds in a 102-86 win over Butte)
Shaun Fountain, G, Indiana (20.6 ppg., 4.3 rpg., 7.6 apg., 3.3 spg.)
Odartey Blankson, F, Butte (16 ppg., 60% from the field)
Janerio Spurlock, F, Pittsburgh (29 points and 9 rebounds in a 110-106 loss)
John Millsap, F, Utah (21.0 ppg., 9 rpg.)
Malik Moore, F, Great Falls (19.3 ppg., 3.5 rpg., 6.3 apg.)

CBA MOURNS THE PASSING OF PAUL ARIZIN
The Continental Basketball Association is saddened by the passing of former NBA Hall of Famer and CBA superstar Paul Arizin, who passed away in his sleep in his Philadelphia Home on Tuesday, December 12, 2006.

Known as "Pitchin' Paul" because of his accuracy with the jump shot, Arizin scored 16,266 points for the Philadelphia Warriors from 1951 to 1962, and was a member of the Warriors' 1956 championship team. During his NBA career, Arizin was among the top ten players in points, field goal attempts, points per game and free throw accuracy. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.

Among Eastern League fans, Arizin was a star for the Camden (N.J.) Bullets, for whom he suited up in the 1962-63, 1963-64 and 1964-65 seasons. In three seasons with Camden, Arizin scored 2,071 points (averaging 25.5 points per game), and helped the Bullets finish atop the Eastern League standings three years in a row. He also was instrumental in the Bullets' 1964 Eastern League championship victory, the first CBA championship for a non-Pennsylvania-based franchise.

"Paul Arizin was fabulous," said Eastern League player and coach Sonny Hill in a previously conducted interview for cbamuseum.com. "Paul Arizin is truly one of the great players of all time. He was one of my heroes growing up, and for me to be on the same team with him when we were both in Camden, for him to pass the ball to me and tell me to shoot, was great. He was as tough as anybody else in the Eastern League."

Arizin leaves his wife, Maureen, four sons, a daughter, and 14 grandchildren.

DID YOU KNOW?
Paul Arizin, who died December 12, 2006, was one of six members of the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team with CBA/Eastern League ties. The other five members were Dave Cowens (coach, Bay State Bombardiers, 1984-85), Rick Barry (coach, Fort Wayne Fury, 1992-94), George Gervin (player, Quad City Thunder, 1989-90), Hal Greer (coach, Philadelphia Kings, 1980-81) and Isiah Thomas (former league owner, 1999-00).

RECENT CBA TRANSACTIONS

December 18
Pittsburgh Xplosion signed G Andre Joseph and G Alonzo Evans; placed G Bryant McAllister and G Wayne Copeland on Injured Reserve; activated C Greg Jenkins.

December 16
Minot Skyrockets signed G Tony Bennett.
Utah Eagles signed F Harold Arceneaux; waived G Damon Flint at 1 PM EST.

December 15
Minot Skyrockets waived F DayShawn Wright and G Andre Joseph at 2 PM EST.
Yakama Sun Kings activated F Elvin Mims; waived C Jeremy Eaton at 6 PM EST.

December 13
Indiana Alley Cats activated F Romeo Augustine and F Eric Walton; placed F Anton Currie on Injured Reserve; waived F Harold Rasul at 6 PM EST.
Minot Skyrockets signed G Andre Joseph; placed G Dale Miller in Injured Reserve.
Pittsburgh Xplosion signed C Frank Barr; waived G Marc Williams and F Harry Good at 6 PM EST.
Utah Eagles signed F Ali Berdiel; waived Paul Perdue at 6 PM EST.

December 11
Great Falls Explorers signed F Travis Garrison, C Ali Dauda, G Javon Harris; waived G Michael Webb, G Matt Vaughn, and C Brad Stricker at 5 PM EST.

CBA ARENA: THE ANDERSON WIGWAM

The Indiana Alley Cats' home court, the Anderson Wigwam, is one of the few buildings in CBA history that has hosted both CBA and NBA home teams, as the NBA's Anderson Packers (1949-50), featuring "Pop" Gates, Howie Schultz and lead scorer Frankie Bryan, once played in that facility. The last building to host both NBA and CBA teams in its history was the San Diego Sports Arena (now the iPayOne Center), home to the NBA's San Diego Rockets (1967-71) and San Diego Clippers (1978-84), as well as the CBA's San Diego Wildcards (1995-96). The building is named the "Wigwam" because it was built for Anderson High School, whose teams were known as the "Indians."

The Wigwam is the second-largest high school basketball arena in Indiana; only the New Castle Fieldhouse is larger. The original Wigwam was built in 1925, and is the second-oldest CBA basketball building; only Albany's Washington Avenue Armory (1889) is older. The Wigwam burned down in 1958, and was rebuilt in 1961. In the 1992 Indiana Hall of Fame Classic, Anderson's Kojak Fuller scored 69 points over a two-game period, including 10 of 12 free throws in the final three minutes of the first game. Also, four Indiana "Mr. Basketball" winners played at the Wigwam: Johnny Wilson in 1946; Roy Taylor in 1974; Troy Lewis in 1984; and Maurice Fuller in 1993.

Although Anderson High School has moved away from the Wigwam building, the school still uses the Wigwam for basketball events. The Wigwam survived a 1999 fire that destroyed several of the upper stories of the old Anderson High School building; but the damage to the Wigwam was minimal and repaired quickly.


Team Notes

Albany Patroons (5-2, 29.5 QP, 4.21 Avg., 2nd American Conference)
The Patroons finished up their early-season road trip with a 102-85 (6-1) victory over the Butte Daredevils. In the game, three Pats - Eric Williams (24 pts), TJ Thompson (24 pts) and Jamario Moon (23 pts) each scored 20 or more points. For Albany head coach Micheal Ray Richardson, it was his first trip back to Montana as a head coach; Richardson played his college basketball at the University of Montana. Albany finished their five-game road trip with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses, and return to the Armory for their first home game in two weeks.

Butte Daredevils (2-3, 15.5 QP, 3.10 Avg., 3rd National Conference)
The Daredevils hosted the Albany Patroons to open the week. Butte was led by Odartey Blankson's 14 points. Ronald Ross and David Bell each had 13 in a 102-85 loss. Anthony Richardson chipped in with 12 points. Next up for Butte was an overnight trip to Minot to face the division leading Skyrockets. A close game ensued but the Daredevils were defeated for the second night in a row, 108-104. Odell Bradley had 20 points to lead the way for the Daredevils. Odartey Blankson had 18 points while Nick VanderLaan had 15 points.

The Daredevils were also mentioned by ESPN.com writer Paul Lukas, who noted in his "Uni Watch" online blog the similarity between the Daredevils' uniforms and the "Commander Jumpsuit" worn by motorcycle legend (and Butte hometown hero) Evel Knievel.

Great Falls Explorers (1-3, 9.0 QP, 2.25 Avg., 2nd National Conference)
The Explorers had a busy week with a familiar face as they faced the Utah Eagles four times this week. The first contest was won by the Explorers 122-98. Travis Garrison led the way with 24 points and 6 rebounds. In their second meeting the Explorers again defeated the Eagles, this time by a score of 113-90. Sharp shooter Keith Salscheider had 23 points, while Malik Moore and Jamar Howard each had 14 in the win. In their third meeting, the Explorers winning ways continued 132-121. Malik Moore had 24 points and Eric Strand had 18 points in the victory. In their final game of the week, the Explorers completed their 4 game winning streak over the Eagles, winning 112-101 to complete the week. MAlik Moore again led the way with 28 points. Travis Garrison had 19 points.

Indiana Alley Cats (3-5, 31.0 QP, 2.63 Avg., 3rd American Conference)
Indiana journeyed to Yakama to take on the defending CBA Champion Sun Kings. The Alley Cats held an early lead but were unable to hold on, and were defeated 96-94 on a last second jumper. Shaun Fountain had 26 points and J.J. Sullinger had 21 points in the loss. Two nights later, against the same Sun Kings, the Alley Cats were again defeated by a score of 133-104. Erick Barkley had 34 points in the loss

Minot Skyrockets (6-3, 41.0 QP, 4.55 Avg., 1st American Conference)
The Skyrockets returned home to face the Yakama Sun Kings after a three game road trip. Home cooking was not good for the Skyrockets, as they lost 107-98. Ray Cunningham had 22 points and Willie Chandler had 21 points in the loss. The Skyrockets looked to return to their earlier winning ways when they hosted Butte. Lenny Cooke and Steve Castleberry each had 21 points in a 108-104 win. Minot ended the week on the road in Pittsburgh. The Skyrockets ran their away record to 4-1 with a 100-89 win. Ray Cunningham again led the way, this time with 27 points.

Pittsburgh Xplosion (0-6, 8.5 QP, 1.42 Avg., 4th American Conference)
Pittsburgh had a short week, as they hosted Minot in their only game of the week. The Xplosion were not able to win their first CBA game, losing 100-89. Janerio Spurlock was a scoring force again for the Xplosion, scoring 19 points. Greg Jenkins had 13 points and Issac Jefferson pulled down 12 rebounds in the loss.

Utah Eagles (2-6, 14.0 QP, 1.75 Avg., 4th National Conference)
The Eagles had a busy schedule this week, playing 5 games in seven days. The first of four games against Great Falls was held in Utah, with the Eagles losing 122-98. John Millsap had 26 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. In the next contest against Great Falls, the Eagles again lost 113-90. Rob Griffin had 19 points and Julius Nwosu had 18 points in the loss. In their third game of the week, Utah was defeated by Great Falls 132-121. John Millsap had 34 points. Josh Nigut had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Eagles. In the final game of the four game set, the Eagles were not able to gain a win, losing 112-101. Bryant Markson had 25 points in a losing effort. In their final game of the busy week, the Eagles next traveled to Yakama. A different opponent was what the Eagles needed, as they came away with a 95-90 win over Yakama. Robert Griffin had 20 points, and Bryant Markson had 16 in the win.

Yakama Sun Kings (7-2, 45.5 QP, 5.05 Avg., 1st National Conference)
The CBA defending champions started the week on the road, as they traveled to Minot to take on the Skyrockets. The Sun Kings came away with a 107-98 victory. Chris Alexander had 34 points and 12 rebounds in the win. Ralph Holmes had 22 points and 9 rebounds in the win. The Sun Kings next hosted the Indiana Alley Cats for two home games. The Sun Kings defeated the Alleycats 96-94 in the first contest. Galen Young had 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win. Two nights later, the same outcome, as the Sun Kings won 133-104. Elvin Mims had 23 points. Ben Ebong had 22 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. In their final game of the week, the Sun Kings hosted Utah. The Eagles managed to take the game 95-90 over Yakama. Ben Ebong had 25 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.

Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from December 21, 2006

• CBA Transactions - CBA 1
• CBA Weekly - CBA 1
• KBER and the Utah Eagles Announce Happy Holiday Family Plan - Utah Eagles

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