Jersey Express Execute 1st Ever Team Trade
August 24, 2010 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jersey Express News Release
East Orange, N.J. (Tuesday, August 24, 2010) - The Jersey Express of the American Basketball Association (ABA) have performed the first trade in franchise history, acquiring center Juan Paulino from the Seattle Mountaineers in exchange for future considerations. The Bronx native wrapped up his college basketball career at Wells College in New York this past year, a team which also goes by the name of the Express.
"We are glad to add a player of Juan's size and skill set," Jersey Express head coach Casaundra Smith stated. "He should allow us to establish an inside presence, which will help open the floor for others. With his addition, we can also expand on our offensive attack. Our half court game needed improving from last year, and we anticipate that Juan's trade will bring that to us."
Paulino, who stands 6-7, led all of Division III in rebounding his senior season at Wells College, pulling down an average of 16.5 boards a game. His (.699) field goal percentage was also the best mark in the nation, turning in 17.1 points a contest.
"I'm happy to welcome Juan to the Express family," owner Marsha Blount said. "(Mountaineers) Coach Sims reached out to me, and we worked quickly on completing the trade. It's a great situation for both Juan and us. We hope that Juan can be the inside presence and rebounding force that we've lacked in past seasons. He'll definitely get his opportunity to do what he does best - rebound."
After two standout seasons at Finger Lakes Community College, Paulino transferred to Wells College in Aurora, New York, for his final two years of eligibility. In two seasons at Wells College, he averaged 16 points and 15.8 rebounds a game and received NEAC Player of the Week accolades on five separate occasions. For his career, Paulino owns 15 different school records for the Express, and he finished his senior season by receiving All-NEAC First Team honors.
"The Express needed some inside players, and we have an abundance of inside players," Seattle head coach Don Sims remarked. "This trade will give Juan an opportunity to play before his family and friends in the NYC area. Juan, a Bronx native, will become part of the Jersey Express, one of the best franchises in the ABA."
The Jersey Express will be holding open tryouts for its 2010-11 roster this Saturday at 3:00 p.m., and the cost is $100 (money order only) if players register before Friday. Starting Saturday, the cost to participate will be $125, and cash will be the only accepted form of payment. Registration for tryouts will start promptly at 2:00 p.m. and close at 2:45 p.m. The address for the host site of East Orange Campus High School is 344 Prospect Street in East Orange, New Jersey, and anyone interested in pre-registering can do so online at www.jerseyexpress.net.
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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