Gainesville brings in Benitez to shore up the ship

June 24, 2005 - World Basketball Association (WBA)
Gainesville Knights News Release


Ricky Benitez has been hired by the Gainesville Knights to help "right the ship."

Gainesville, a talent-laden team, who has struggled with consistency since mid-season, after coaching changes, has brought in Benitez to complete the season as the interim-Head Coach. Knights General Manager Curtis Richardson said, "Ricky is a great coach, and we needed some help in gaining some momentum heading into the playoffs and he was a natural choice with his coaching experience and knowledge of the WBA."

Benitez, who was the GM/Head Coach of the Southern Crescent franchise through the first half of the season, led the Lightning to a first place spot in the Eastern Conference before stepping down last month. "Southern Crescent may be a team we have to face in the playoffs and Benitez knows their tendencies better than anyone," added Richardson.

"This is a great opportunity for me to finish the WBA season out and hopefully help Gainesville sneak up and win a Tournament Championship," stated Benitez. "This Gainesville team is extremely talented and I think we can accomplish some big things," Benitez concluded.

Gainesville got its first win under Benitez' guidance last night, as the Knights travelled to Macon and surprised the Blaze 116-109.



World Basketball Association Stories from June 24, 2005


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