Jammers sign three NBA veterans
November 12, 2004 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Detroit Panthers News Release
Detroit, MI. Byron "Skip" Willis, GM of the ABA Motown Jammers professional basketball team today announced the signing of three former NBA players. The team begins its inaugural season November 20th at the University of Michigan Dearborn Fieldhouse in Dearborn, Michigan.
Forward Willie Burton, Guard Jimmy King and Center Keith Cross have joined the team and according to Coach Willis, "Willie, Jimmy and Keith are able to provide our program with NBA experience both in the locker room and on the floor. These players have shown that they can still play and we are very fortunate to have players of their caliber."
Willie Burton, a graduate of DePorres High School in Detroit and an All American Forward at the University of Minnesota was a lottery pick in the 1990 NBA draft and played 8 years in the league. Burton played for the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged over 10 points per game in his distinguished NBA career and is excited about the opportunity to return to his hometown and provide veteran leadership for the team.
Jimmy King, a four year starting guard at the University of Michigan was an esteemed member of the influential "Fab Five" teams from Ann Arbor that played in 2 NCAA Championship Games and 2 other tournament teams as well. While attending the University of Michigan, King played with NBA stars Chris Webber, Jawan Howard and Jalen Rose. King was a first round draft choice of the Toronto Raptors in the 1966 NBA Draft and also played for the Denver Nuggets.
Keith Closs is a 7'3" center who attended Central Connecticut State University in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Closs was a standout center for the CCSU Blue Devils in the Northeast Conference of the NCAA. After college, he played for the Los Angeles Clippers for 3 years (1998-2000). While playing for the Clippers, he was coached by NBA coaching legend, Bill Fitch.
Burton, King and Closs are three players who will bring valuable experience and leadership to the development of the Motown Jammers.
For more information, email Matt Ulanoff, Director of Media Relations at mju68@yahoo.com or call 313 647 7274.
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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American Basketball Association Stories from November 12, 2004
- Jammers sign three NBA veterans - Detroit Panthers
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