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Hotshots announce return of four players

December 13, 2005 - International Basketball League (IBL)
West Coast Hotshots News Release


Central Oregon Hotshots Head Coach JJ Anderson announced Monday that four core players of the 2005 Hotshots' team will return for the 2006 season. Fan favorite Arthur Lewis Jr. (PG), Oregon State alum JS Nash (PG/SG), IBL All-Star Steve Moss-Kelley (SF) and local product Travis Duncan (PF) will all be returning to Bend in March to get the second season under way.

"We are very excited to have these four players returning to the organization," said Anderson. "They are the only four players that we invited back because we felt they exhibited the type of play, the type of character and the work ethic that we need in order to be a championship team while also having a positive impact in our community.

The 5'10" lightning quick Lewis, affectionately known by teammates as the "Mayor" due to his large fan base, played briefly in Lithuania this fall and has returned to the U.S. where he is assisting at his Alma Mater, Bowie State and preparing for a tryout for a Maryland ABA franchise. "Arthur is a very gifted athlete, but more importantly a tremendous person and a tireless worker who has been well-received in the Central Oregon Community," noted Anderson.

Nash, a three-year starter at Oregon State University averaged 17 PPG, 7.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 17 games with the Hotshots last season. He is currently playing in Estonia and on track for the playoffs. "JS was likely our most well-rounded player and I think our system fits his game very well. I also feel that it says a lot that even though Corvallis is his home, he's returning to us here in Bend versus playing in Salem."

Co-Captain and IBL ALL-STAR, Steve Moss-Kelley will be returning to Central Oregon after concluding his season in Germany where he is averaging 27.1 PPG. The 6'7" forward was 19th in the IBL in scoring for the Hotshots at 20.8 PPG and led the team in 3 point field goals, averaging nearly 5 per game. "Steve is the consummate professional. He's traveled overseas several times, played in the CBA and loves to compete, but he said he enjoyed playing for us in Central Oregon more than anywhere else and we're excited to have him back."

The fourth member of the Hotshots to return is 6'9" forward Travis Duncan. The Mountain View HS product, who played at Sonoma State and Portland State returned to his hometown for the last six games of the season and had a positive impact with his versatility inside and outside. "Travis was able to come in and fill a role we needed at the end of the season," said Anderson. "I know this year he is excited to be involved from the get-go and take on a larger leadership role. Collectively, the group of players we have returning understand what it is we are trying to achieve as an organization and what I expect as a coach. It's exciting to feel that we are one large step closer to our goals."

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Two unique features distinguish the IBL from other professional basketball leagues:

1) Extremely low travel costs. The IBL promises a maximum of one trip requiring air travel. This means that teams will survive and thrive (financially) and IBL teams will be responsible members of their communities; in fact, all 17 teams that played in the inaugural 2005 season finished the season and 16 of those 17 teams are on schedule for the 2006 season (and the IBL has expanded by 9 teams as well).

2) An entertaining game. By allowing only one timeout per quarter and reducing the time between plays with an immediate inbounds, IBL games were fast and entertaining. In 2005 the IBL team scoring average was 127 points per game (and this game occurred in 2 hours).

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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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