Family Affair In Dallas
February 27, 2008 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Dallas Defenders News Release
(Dallas) - While the Dallas Defenders are staunch advocates for families in the Metroplex, Defenders Owner Erin Patton didn't anticipate that theme, literally, playing out on the squad itself during the franchise's inaugural season.
The Dallas Defenders and the Alfred J. Loos Fieldhouse served as a family reunion of sorts this season for two of its players, Antonio Meeking and Tony Gipson, who are also cousins. Gipson and Meeking were instrumental in the Defenders early-season run for the lead in the West before taking their talents to new heights.
Meeking became the first major call-up this season for the Dallas Defenders and PBL had their first, major call-up of the season when he was called up to play Division 1 for the Italian men's basketball league's Indesit Fabriano Basket. Meeking played for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats in 2005-2006.
Gipson, a cat-quick shooting guard from LSU, attended a Defenders open tryout in November and pounced on a roster spot. He quickly worked his way into the Defenders starting line-up and became a leading scorer. Based on his positive experience in Dallas, Gipson eventually convinced his cousin Antonio to join him in Dallas and the two cousins demonstrated the strength of their basketball family ties to Defenders opponents, including a victory of West powerhouse Quad Cities. Gipson recently signed with the Dakota Wizards in the NBADL.
"Both Antonio and Tony were model players on and off the court," said Defenders Owner Erin Patton. "It was a special experience to see their family bond materialize and we were very fortunate to have them join us for our inaugural season campaign. Both are NBA-caliber players and we wish them all the best as they pursue their dreams."
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