IBL Update
May 30, 2013 - International Basketball League (IBL) News Release
The IBL season is at the halfway mark with some expected results and surprising outcomes. With full season teams eligible for the playoffs and branding teams getting acquainted with the IBL all are in full competitive mode as the season presses on. As the IBL steps into its 6th week, the team standings see the Bellingham Slam (9-1) in the lead, Vancouver Volcanoes (8-3), Salem Sabres (4-5), Portland Chinooks (3-5), Japan Tornadoes (1-4), Kitsap Admirals (0-4), and the LoneStar Strikers (0-3). As the season continues, keep checking scores and standings, especially with the two new teams gearing up for their first season in the IBL the Seattle Flight and the East Bay Pit Bulls, as well as the six year veteran team, the Olympia Reign.
"Half way through our season already, we have seen some great competition and look forward to more as we get our first look at the Flight this weekend and Pit Bulls next week. Our development is purposeful as a collaborative, efficient men's professional basketball league dedicated to our teams success, focused on providing family friendly events for our fans in great communities! We also look forward to an even higher number of players moving on to fall positions propelled by the competition, experience and resume building they enjoy as a part of the IBL," the Commissioner shared as the league starts looking towards the end of the season and into 2014. "We are inspired by our development so far, next season will be our tenth, and also our partner, the bj-League's tenth season, we will have some very special celebrations and are building to bring in more competition, opportunity and development for our teams, players, coaches, officials and communities."
Playing in the International Basketball League (IBL) is the best way for athletes to transition into the professional game right after college,as players continue their career or are looking for a new path of opportunity. The athletes compete at a high level during spring into summer, stay in shape, advance their skills, gain stats, video and increase opportunities to be noticed with an international audience. Hundreds of players have advanced overseas, others into the D-League with thousands of athletes competing including former NBA players. With an average score of 120 points per game at an average game time of 48 minutes the IBL is fast paced competition in a family friendly environment.
The IBL has some strong talent including current IBL Leading Scorer at 27.1ppg, 6'9 FJared Cunningham, 6'4G Jacob Stevenson who is also the All Time IBL Leading Scorer for the moment with 2389 points in six seasons and his former teammate, 6'4"G Paul Hafford,right behind him with 2329 points in seven seasons. Always a standout 6'6"F Chehales Tapscott is second with most double doubles in a row in one season currently at ten which we expect to go up this weekend, newcomer to the IBL 6'3"G Tysaiah Curry who has lead the league in scoring, and this week's 6'9"F Daniel Deane with a record tying 29 rebounds in a single game, who have been honored so far this season as Players of the Week. Each and every one of these players are not only statistical leaders, but also within their team, recognized for their hard work and contributions on and off the court.
Players move into positions with the NBA Development League (D League) as well as international leagues overseas such as our partner the Basketball Japan League (BJL), Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL), Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Portuguese Basketball League (LCB) and many more. It isn't just players moving up from the IBL, under Director of Officials Tommy Nunez, there is a strong development plan for officials who are participating in camps, clinics and programs where opportunities are developing to become part of rosters from D1 to the D-League.
• Discuss this story on the International Basketball League message board...
International Basketball League Stories from May 30, 2013
- IBL Update - IBL
- Slam Atop IBL at Season's Midway Point - Bellingham Slam
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.
