IBL Champion Albany Legend Players Land Jobs on Five Continents
January 10, 2011 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Albany Legends News Release
Albany, New York ¬" Capturing the IBL title in July 2010 was only the beginning for the 2010 Albany Legends. Since bringing home the IBL trophy to Albany in the inaugural season, several players are now playing or played in Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, the NBDL and other independent North American leagues.
¬ÅThis is an exciting example of the high quality of the basketball that is available to fans of the Capital District. The IBL player development focus is one reason why the Legend ¬â¢s are a member of the IBL and it has clearly paid off! The IBL spring schedule allows us to bring solid talent to the best fans in the IBL and the players benefit by gaining exposure and experience to take advantage of world wide opportunities. This is a win-win for the fans and the players and it is an exciting time to be an Albany Legend ¬Â said Legend ¬â¢s co-owner and VP, Bob Hord. Moreover, with the IBL spring schedule, many Legends veterans will be back here in Albany to defend the IBL Championship in 2011.
Here are the 2010 Albany Legends who are ¬Åon the professional basketball circuit ¬Â in the USA and across the world!
Kyle Cuffee, (St John ¬â¢s) who played two games with the Legends during the Edmonton Energy series (7 ppg and 3 reb) signed with the 2010 Springfield Armor of the NBDL (NBA Development League) where he averaged 7.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 10 games.
Both former Legend ¬â¢s Kenny Satterfield (Cinn ¬â¢01 / NBA Nuggets & Sixers veteran) and Gordon Klaiber (Fairleigh Dickinson) remain teammates in the IBL off season and are both playing well for the Saitama Broncos of the Japan BJ League. Kenny is averaging 16 points and 7.1 assists while Gordon is putting up 12 points a game and 7.4 rebounds.
Rashaun Freeman (UMASS), who appeared in two games with the Legends, with a game high 19 points and 14 rebounds before re-injuring his foot is now playing in Belgium for the VOO Verviers ¬" Pepinster of the Ethias League. He is averaging 14 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Belgium organization. (see file photo below).
Evan Lane (St Rose), the Legend ¬â¢s work horse who played in twenty one games for the Legends is playing in the Tunisia, Africa D1 League for the Juenesse Sportive Kairouaise. This is the top league in the country where is his averaging more than 10 ppg. Speaking with Evan Lane from Tunisia, Evan said ¬ÅWhen I got cut from Germany in 2009, I was devastated and I never thought I would play professionally again. The Legends gave me that second chance. The competition there made me a much better player and helped me prepare to come overseas and succeed. In addition, I was able to fill a niche on the Legends in front of home town Albany fans who have always supported my ups and downs. I am looking forward to coming back to the Legends when the season ends here in Tunisia. It is in Tunisia where I have faced all sorts of new situations that the Legends really prepared me for. The style of play is different and the language barrier is tough in the locker and on the floor. The Legend veterans showed me how to bring my best every day and keep cool regardless of the adversity. Early on, I could never guard DeAndre Thomas but after practicing every day for 3 months against him, you grow into a pretty good defensive player. ¬Â Evan can be reached on elane804@gmail.com and welcomes your correspondence.
Rashad ¬ÅAce ¬Â Woods (Kent State) averaged 17.2 ppg and 6.5 rebounds for the Legends in 8 games is currently playing in Saudi Arabia with plans to return to the states at the conclusion of the season.
Deandre Thomas (Indiana / Robert Morris) played with a Chilean National Team in South America this past summer and recently signed with the 2011 Lawton Fort Sill Cavs of the PBL while another fan favorite Damone ¬ÅDa ¬â¢Man ¬Â Morris had a brief stay with Heartland Prowl of the ABA.
The season home opener is Friday April 15, 2011 at 7 pm and all home games will be complete before Memorial Day weekend in time for fans to begin enjoying out-door, summer activity. Home court is the CBA Athletic Facility, 12 Airline Drive in Colonie which features air conditioning, nearly 1000 seats and close, accessible parking.
The Legends will announce the complete 2011 home schedule in the coming days and weeks. Visit www.iblhoopsonline.com for more information. Season Tickets are on sale now starting at $99! Call 518-439-6707 today.
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International Basketball League Stories from January 10, 2011
- IBL Champion Albany Legend Players Land Jobs on Five Continents - Albany Legends
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