Large Turnout, Hard Work at DC Combine
Published on September 28, 2009 under Premier Basketball League (PBL) News Release
Rockville, MD...They arrived from colleges and universities as geographically diverse as Michigan State, Wake Forest, and Nippon Science University in Japan. Scores of young men came to Washington DC in vans and cars from so many regions that a quick view of the parking read like an atlas at the AAA office: Colorado, Vermont, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, Indiana, Kansas, Connecticut ...
The Premier Basketball League conducted its second and final National Player Combine in the state-of-the-art Hanley Center at Georgetown Prep, an impressive and imposing athletic facility that handled the dozens of drills conducted throughout the day. Coaches, general managers and owners from the PBL studied the athletes as they were taken through increasingly demanding efforts in an effort to earn a spot on a team for the upcoming 2010 PBL season.
"We're looking for that diamond in the rough," said Vermont Frost Heaves head coach Jeff Strohm. "I'm keeping an eye out for the player who has that extra effort."
A North Carolina athlete, when asked why he made the specific choice to come to the PBL's tryouts, stated, "This league has earned the respect of minor league basketball. I came to try to get on a team with a league that has a good reputation." The prospect from Pennsylvania who stood at his shoulder agreed: "I'd heard how the league is doing things right and improving itself each year. I want to be part of that."
"We're looking for players who will help give us that extra edge, " said Ian McCarthy, general manager of the Manchester Millrats. "We aim to be right in the playoff mix, so this combine is important."
Representatives from each PBL team were on hand, observing carefully. Especially noticeable was the long table set up by the new Puerto Rico team entry into the PBL. The coaches were taking notes furiously and passing papers between them, closely following the various drills and games.
While the players were working to earn a spot in the league, PBL Supervisor of Officials Phil DiMaso also held a tryout for potential referees.
"It's busy, it's loud, and it's a vital part of our success as a league," said Tom Doyle, president and Chief Executive Office of the Premier Basketball League. "There is a lot of movement sure, but as you'll notice the high degree of organization involved. This is the second of the two steps necessary for us to find the very best players possible. Our league wants to showcase talent even better than in our previous seasons."
By the looks of the abilities of the competing athletes on the Combine basketball court, Tom Doyle's goal will most likely be met.
Premier Basketball League Stories from September 28, 2009
- Large Turnout, Hard Work at DC Combine - PBL
- Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
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.
