Dawkins shows support for US troops
Published on June 16, 2005 under United States Basketball League (USBL) News Release
MILFORD, CT - (June 16, 2005) Darryl Dawkins, Head Coach of the United States Basketball League's (USBL) Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs, has embarked on an 11-day tour featuring destinations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Dawkins is part of a morale-boosting mission for troops overseas that includes other NBA notables, LaPhonso Ellis and Artis Gilmore.
U.S. troops fighting to preserve our nation's freedom and safety will no doubt share a few laughs with "Chocolate Thunder" while getting a chance to play against the NBA greats as well. Despite the inherent safety risks of traveling in these areas, Dawkins was very enthused to be able to give back to the troops fighting overseas.
Dawkins' decision to take part in this tour for the troops overseas will result in his absence from the Pennsylvania bench for the rest of the 2005 season. Taking over the helm for the âDawgs is Dawkins' top assistant, Rick Nash.
Rick Nash is currently in his fifth year with the Pennsylvania franchise after beginning in 2001 as Dawkins' sole assistant coach. Nash started his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, Wheeling Jesuit University, in 1994. Nash then moved on to be the Assistant Coach at Kutztown University under Jeff Jones in 1996 where he handled recruiting, scouting, and academic assistance. Nash coached at Kutztown for five years until moving on to the ValleyDawgs in 2001. Pennsylvania has been in two of the past four USBL Championship games, winning in 2001 and losing in 2004.
Nat Amato now becomes Nash's Assistant Coach on the ValleyDawgs bench. He is in his third season with the âDawgs. Amato's other professional experience includes time with the Lehigh Valley Lightning and Morristown Blitz.
United States Basketball League Stories from June 16, 2005
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