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Former Hawkeye Standout Commits to River Raiders

October 8, 2003 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Cedar Rapids River Raiders News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (October 8, 2003) – Dean Oliver, a University of Iowa alum, averaged 1.8 points and 1.3 assists in 35 regular season games for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA has committed to play with the Cedar Rapids River Raiders of the United States Basketball League (USBL). He is the first to commit with the River Raiders for the 2004 season.

"As a native Iowan I am excited and proud to be the first player to commit to the Cedar Rapids River Raiders,” said Oliver. This is a unique opportunity for me to play basketball in my home state once again”.

“First of all, I need to focus on rehabilitating my left achilles tendon. Once I am 100% healthy, I plan to explore my options in the NBA and with overseas teams. When the NBA season and the overseas leagues end, then I will look forward to playing for the Cedar Rapids River Raiders”.

“I am excited to be part of pro basketball history in the State of Iowa. I think it will be fun to play in front of the great fans in Iowa that have supported me throughout my high school, college, and my career. I hope that I can help build a brand new basketball team that is fun to watch. I look forward to the challenge of winning a USBL championship and I hope the great fans in Iowa will support the River Raiders as we strive to do so..”

Oliver has made a commitment to play basketball with the River Raiders for the 2004 season but with some conditional factors. He is recovering from an achilles tear and wants to make sure that he is at 100% healed and in playing shape before returning to professional basketball. Also, he is keeping his options open with the NBA whereas they may have a spot for him prior to the NBA season starting.

"It’s a proud moment for our organization and competitively, a great start for building our team,” said Head Coach Dave Joerger. “If all of our players have Dean’s toughness, work ethic and character, we’ll be pretty competitive”.

The River Raiders will start its inaugural 30 game regular season in April of 2004 at the US Cellular Center in downtown Cedar Rapids. The River Raiders are an expansion franchise of the 19 year old USBL. Season tickets are on sale now! For more information call 319-373-2683 or visit our website at www.crriverraiders.com.

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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.

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