Express Guard Ahmad Mosby Named Aba Rookie Of The Year
April 19, 2010 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jersey Express News Release
Newark, N.J. (Monday, April 19, 2010) - The Jersey Express had a crew of players this season who played a major role in the team's success, and the American Basketball Association (ABA) has taken notice. Express guard Ahmad "Beanie" Mosby was named the 2009-10 ABA Rookie of the Year, while forward Devin Davis received All-ABA Second Team honors with honorable mentions going to center Antoinne Morgano and Mosby.
"First off, I would like to thank the owner and coaches of the Jersey Express, Marsha Blount and Sandy Smith. Without them, this would not have been possible," Mosby said of his league accolades. "Second, I'd like to thank my teammates for their support; without them this wouldn't have been possible. Being named Rookie of the Year for the ABA in my first season at the professional level shows me that hard work pays off."
Blount, who has been the owner of the Express since the team's inception five years ago, was happy to see the young and talented Mosby get this honor.
"I'm so very proud of Ahmad being named the ABA Rookie of the Year," she remarked. "He's a tremendous talent, and it's a first for our organization. I can honestly say that I don't expect him to be with us next season... the league awaits!"
Express head coach Cassandra Smith was also pleased to see Mosby get acknowledged by the league.
"This is what the ABA is all about," she commented. "I am so glad that this year we decided to give our local guys a chance to compete on this level. Ahmad is the kid next door who needed an opportunity to be seen on a higher stage than local fun leagues. I know he is looking for this to propel him further in his basketball career, and he has collected a few honors this season that will stand out on his resume."
Joining Mosby in receiving league hardware is Davis, who played a prominent role for the Express this season. Getting the nod to the All-ABA Second Team is something that humbled the young native of Red Bank, New Jersey.
"I am very proud about making the Second Team All-ABA," he stated. "This means so much to me. At the beginning of the season, I went from coming off the bench and playing two to four minutes a game to starting. All the hard work in practice paid off. When I got my chance to play, I took advantage and played as hard as I could. I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me and everyone who took a chance on me."
The third player to get applauded by the league is Morgano, a player who made a huge impression on his team all year long.
"Let me start by saying thanks to those involved in my selection of being an All-ABA Honorable Mention," he said. "In accepting the honor of being selected in any category involving the ABA is most appreciated. In my rookie season this year, I have experienced some wins and losses, on and off the court, yet we as a team stuck together and made this a successful season. Our eyes are on the prize next season. Thank you, Jersey Express."
Coach Smith was also grateful to have Morgano on her team this year.
"Antoinne Morgano's All-ABA Honorable Mention is well deserved," she stated. "He's been our garbage guy all season, doing all the dirty work, which went rewarded with honorable mentions for both the All-Star and All-League Teams."
The inspiring story that arises from the accomplishments of these three players is something that Smith hopes can motivate other young basketball players in the region.
"Hopefully, this will inspire more local players to want to follow in the footsteps of these great players," she remarked. "I just want to take this moment to thank them for trusting in our organization and representing us as true professionals. I hope that everyone's rookies were as talented and respectful as ours."
Showing how proud she is of the organization she leads, Blount closed out the season with positive comments for the entire team.
"The goal of this organization has always been to provide an opportunity for our local talent to shine, and I believe we've shown that they will do just that," she confirmed. "I'd like to give a special acknowledgement to our head coach, Cassandra Smith, for bring these three talents to the Express. She truly has the pulse of the local player pool and has guided the Jersey Express to its best season in five years."
Who will be the first Express player to go overseas or get an NBA tryout? Log onto www.jerseyexpress.net to cast your vote! Follow the Express on Twitter @ Jerseyexpress or join the Jersey Express 'Official' FB Fan page.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from April 19, 2010
- ABA Teams Looking for Interns - ABA
- Express Guard Ahmad Mosby Named Aba Rookie Of The Year - Jersey Express
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