East Kentucky Coach Explores Various Avenues in Pursuit of Players
August 13, 2007 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
East Kentucky Miners News Release
PIKEVILLE, KY. - East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley continues to evaluate players for the 2007-08 season. The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) expansion team recently held its first free agent camp. Keathley had the opportunity to evaluate those in attendance at the free agent camp and continues to plan for the team's inaugural season.
"When looking for players to play in the CBA, it's really no different than recruiting on the college level," said Keathley. "You use the contacts you've made - whether it be overseas or in the states." According to Keathley, communication is key.
"You talk to college coaches, pro scouts, agents and NBA coaches to see who may be available come November," Keathley commented.
"Sometimes, you might have a player that may be holding out for a big money contract overseas and lose out on him at the last second. On the flip side, you get a guy who could be making six figures overseas but would rather play in the CBA and get exposure in front of NBA scouts." The CBA will host its annual draft Sept. 25. Each team will have six picks in the six-round CBA draft. East Kentucky plans to make the most of its six draft picks.
"The draft is something that my scout/administrative assistant coach and I are working on everyday," said Keathley. "We want to draft guys that we know will be able to come in to training camp and work to earn a spot on our active roster."
The East Kentucky team's recent free agent camp showcased the talents of several promising professional basketball players, some of whom may be invited back for another workout.
"I think there is a misconception out in the public that we select our talent from free agent camps only," Keathley commented. "This is not the case at all. The recent free agent camp was specifically designed to give local players an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of myself and other members of the organization.
Sometimes we are fortunate and able to find a player or two from an event such as the one we held August 4. But in most cases, the players who perform at events such as these just aren't playing at a level we are looking for. Our first free agent camp was a good one. We had 21 guys show up and work to make a dream come true. I wish all those guys continued success as they follow their hoop dream wherever it may take them."
East Kentucky will open its debut season on Friday, Nov. 16 on the road in Pittsburgh versus the Xplosion. The Miners will host Pittsburgh in a home opener on Sunday, Nov. 18 at the East Kentucky Expo Center.
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Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from August 13, 2007
- East Kentucky Coach Explores Various Avenues in Pursuit of Players - East Kentucky Miners
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