Keathley's fast-paced coaching style helps Miners capture scoring title
April 2, 2008 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
East Kentucky Miners News Release
PIKEVILLE, KY. - East Kentucky head coach Kevin Keathley promoted an exciting brand of basketball upon his introduction during the Miners' inaugural press conference held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in July 2007. It's safe to say Keathley followed through on his promise. True to his word, Keathley coached the Miners to the CBA scoring title. East Kentucky led the CBA in scoring during its debut season, averaging 110.6 points per game.
East Kentucky, one of four expansion franchises in the Continental Basketball Association, broke a CBA single-game scoring record Sunday, March 2 in a 194-115 win over Atlanta. The Miners shattered the previous CBA single-game scoring mark of 183 points. East Kentucky's 194 points in a single-game rank as professional basketball's top all-time offensive effort. East Kentucky achieved the scoring feat in its final home game at the East Kentucky Expo Center. The previous CBA scoring record of 183 points was set by the Anchorage Northern Knights on February 19, 1979.
Anchorage defeated the Maine Lumberjacks 183-140 to set the previous scoring mark.
The Keathley-coached East Kentucky team produced all of its offense without the aid of a veteran CBA player.
"In laying the foundation for our franchise we looked for versatile players who could play multiple positions," Keathley confided. "For instance, guards like Jason McLeish and Bryant Northern, players who could excel in the open court game as well as a spread offense, fit in extremely well."
East Kentucky's average of nearly 111 points per game remains first in pro basketball. The Miners afforded all of Eastern Kentucky professional basketball's most explosive team.
Eight different East Kentucky players averaged double figures scoring during the team's first season. The Miners enjoyed success in an uptempo game throughout the campaign.
"In order for our team to be able to run up and down the floor we had to be in great shape - and we were," Keathley added. "On the offensive end, we had slashers - players who could get to the basket and were very tough to contain."
Miners guard Josh Pace led the CBA in scoring, averaging 23 points per game. East Kentucky players Mike Dean (21.8 ppg) and James "Boo" Jackson (21.4 ppg) ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, on the league's individual scoring list.
The Miners led the CBA in three-point percentage (42.3-percent) and free-throw percentage (76.6-percent). East Kentucky also shot over 50-percent from the field.
Keathley, who also set a single-game scoring record in the ABA, now has sights set on the 2008-09 season.
"I encourage everyone who enjoys fast-paced, high-octane basketball to catch the East Kentucky Miners during the 2008-09 season," said Keathley. "What better way to witness that exciting brand of basketball than to come out to the first game next season?"
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