Chico Force returning to revamped IBL in 2007
February 8, 2007 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Chico Force News Release
Chico, CA-The Chico Force has announced that the team is gearing up for its third season in the International Basketball League. Force fans can expect to see a Chico team committed to improving in a league that is quickly growing and becoming more competitive.
Chico Force Co-Owner Dan Rodrigues-"The IBL has made some impressive improvements heading into season three-it is our intention to mirror that as an organization."
Heading into the 2007 season, the IBL has made strides in several key areas, most notably, the quality of its players and venues.
Players-This season the Force will face a Santa Barbara team with two former NBA players on the roster: Sam Clancy (Pac-10 Player of the Year) and Erick Barkley (First round draft pick, Portland Trailblazers). The Phoenix Flame will feature former NBA star Cedric Ceballos. God Shammgod (Second round draft pick, Washington Wizards) will suit up for the Portland Chinooks in '07.
Venues-Two IBL expansion teams will enter the league playing in large-scale arenas. The Phoenix Flame will play in the 19,000 seat Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, while the Everett Explosion will call 9,000 seat Everett Events Center home. Several returning teams, including the Elgin Racers (Spartan Events Center) and Portland Chinooks (Stott Center) will play in significantly larger venues in 2007.
IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio-"I think we have a nice mix of teams playing in different sized venues. Arenas are great in the right market, but teams can have success without them--Elkhart drew over 2,500 fans per game last season playing in a high school gym."
The Chico Force's 2007 season kicks off with a home game versus Santa Barbara on Saturday, April 7. For more information, or to get involved with the Force, visit Chico's team page at www.iblhoopsonline.com.
• Discuss this story on the International Basketball League message board...
International Basketball League Stories from February 8, 2007
- Phoenix Flame to host tryouts for players, referees - Phoenix Flame
- Racers reach out to local schools with reading program - Elgin Racers
- God Shammgod joins Portland Chinooks - Portland Chinooks
- Jackson's new pro basketball team to play exhibition game - Hub City Hurricanes
- Chinooks add former Viking to 2007 roster - Portland Chinooks
- Chico Force returning to revamped IBL in 2007 - Chico Force
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Chico Force Stories
