Jellybean Drops 23 in Loss

January 8, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Cape Cod Frenzy News Release


Dartmouth, MA – Joe "Jellybean" Bryant often tells friends and colleagues that he was the "original #23," but Friday night Bryant put on a truly original performance. The Boston Frenzy's 50 year old player/coach scored 23 points in an 85-77 loss to the New Jersey Skycats at the Tripp Athletic Center.

Being the original "23" refers to the number 23 that Joe wore as an NBA star for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets. The number was later made famous by Michael Jordan. Wearing number eight on Friday in honor of his son, Bryant was the one bright spot in one of the ugliest offensive games of the year.

"Jellybean" had 14 points at the break – almost half of Boston's 33 halftime points. New Jersey wasn't much better. The Skycats led 37-33 at the intermission with the two teams combining for 30 turnovers.

The offense picked up a bit in the second half, and things stayed close until the final five minutes. After tying the game at 69, the Frenzy gave up a delay of game technical foul. Skycats point guard Omar Cooper hit both free throws. New Jersey extended to a double digit lead and never looked back.

Troy Brown and Marques Houtman were the only two other Frenzy scorers in double figures. Brown finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds – his second consecutive double double. Houtman had 11 in a mild shooting performance.

The Frenzy (3-8) have not won a game since December 8th – losing four straight to Nashville, Harlem, and New Jersey twice. The Frenzy hit the road Saturday to take on Willie Shaw and the Harlem Revival. Boston still has not beaten Harlem this season in four tries.

John Humphrey missed Friday's game because of a contractual commitment to the AND1 Tour. Humphey's currently the second leading scorer in the ABA Eastern Division.

The Frenzy made more roster news on Friday when they announced an agreement with 6-8 power forward Leland Anderson. The Attleboro, MA native played his college ball at Michigan and Providence. The Frenzy hope he can add size and depth to a depleted front court.

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.



American Basketball Association Stories from January 8, 2005


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