Generals Announce Final Roster
November 2, 2009 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Dallas Generals News Release
Dallas (November 2, 2009) - After months of searching, the Dallas Generals finally announce their selections for the inaugural 2009-2010 team. Nearly 200 aspiring athletes turned out to showcase their talents, but in the end only 15 names remain.
The following players have received an invitation to training camp beginning Monday, November 2, 2009:
Anthony Miller (6'10''- Center, Michigan State University)
Experience: Lakers, Rockets, Hawks, 76'ers
Taurian Fontenette (6'2''- Guard, Paul Quinn College)
Experience: Mr. 720 - And-1 superstar with a 50" vertical - The Air Up There
Tyrone Rayson (6'6''- Forward, East Central University - Oklahoma)
Experience: All-First Team PBL incl. #1 RPG, #2 PPG, 06/07 ABA Finalist
Benny West (6'3''- Guard, Howard Payne University)
Experience: Mexico All-Star and Slam Dunk Champion, 06/07 ABA Finalist
Brandon Lee    (6'2''- Guard, Tarleton State University)
Experience: Mexico, Chile, 06/07 ABA Finalist
Jerome Rogers (5'10''- Guard, University of North Texas)
Experience: Finland, 06/07 ABA Finalist
Jonathan Hopkins (6'10''- Forward/Center, Texas A&M University-Commerce)
Experience: Mexico, Chile, Middle East, 06/07 ABA Finalist
Shawn Ward (6'6''- Forward, University of the Incarnate Word)
Experience: Mexico, Argentina, Middle East)
Jonathan Walker (6'3''- Guard, McMurry University)
Experience: Rookie
Jonathan Amos (6'4''- Guard, University of Toledo)
Experience: Rookie
Mike Jones    (6'8''- Forward, University of North Texas)
Experience: Mexico, Portugal
Kenneth Lawrence (6'0"- Guard, University of Louisiana-Lafayette)
Experience: ABA, WBA, Mexico All-Star 07, 08
Larry Satchell (6'9"- Forward/Center, University of Arkansas)
Experience: ABA, PBL, Mexico, Nicaragua
Brian Carter (7'0"- Forward/Center, Texas Christian University)
Experience: Rookie
Earl Rabb (6'5"- Guard, Midwestern State University)
Experience: Rookie
Commenting on the process, Head Coach, Chris Terrell states, "After hosting a couple tryouts this summer we pinpointed a few key players of note. From there we continued to ask them back and ultimately ended up with a list of 42 to mark the start of our Veterans Camp at the end of September." As weeks advanced, the Generals continued to identify those players that stood out among the rest, "42 dropped to 30, 30 to 22, and then 17. Each cut is difficult," says Coach Terrell. "These players give it their all everyday. Each and every one of them truly loves the game and to let so many go is never easy."
The final result is something rarely seen in any level of professional sports - a unique combination of talent, experience and chemistry. Brandon Lee, Jerome Rodgers, Jonathon Hopkins (AKA "J. Hop"), and Benny West - all played with the 2006-2007 Texas Tycoons. A team, lead by Head Coach, Chris Terrell, that went on to make a Championship appearance after clenching the Southern Division and Western Conference Titles with a final record of 25-5. The four went on to be named All-ABA and Coach Terrell was asked to coach in the All-Star game.
Anthony "Pig" Miller is an 8 year NBA veteran. At 6'10" and nearly 300 pounds, "Pig" will prove to be a dominating presence under the basket and his experience will aid in the development of his teammates, especially the rookies.
Taurian Fontenette (AKA "Mr. 720" or "The Air Up There") A street ball phenomenon who first gained fame for his 720 degree dunk (two complete spins in the air). His highlights clog the YouTube streams and landed him tours with AND1. His pure physical ability and high energy will boost his fellow teammates and allow fans to see something special.
Many players also have roots right here in Dallas and are passionate about representing the city they grew up in. Brandon Lee hails from Mesquite Poteet High School; Jonathon Amos attended Hillcrest; Earl Rabb grew up in Fort Worth which is where Brian Carter played college ball for TCU. Jonathon Hopkins and Jonathon Walker even played together at Carter High School.
Coach Terrell said going into camp, "The final result will be 15 guys that will provide us with all the tools necessary to compete for a championship." Now that we're here, 15 players prepare to dawn the red, white and blue of the Dallas Generals that meet every expectation the organization has set. They will take the court as a team for the first time December 5, 2009 at 7PM as they battle the North Texas Fresh of Fort Worth at the Fair Park Coliseum.
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.
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- Generals Announce Final Roster - Dallas Generals
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