Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
May 5, 2020 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
This past week the BC Lions selected East Carolina linebackers Jordan Williams as the first overall selection in the Canadian Football League Draft, high school senior Daishen Nix signed to play in the NBA G League next season, and the Boston Pride selected Boston University star forward Sammy Davis with the first overall pick in the National Women's Hockey League Draft. Highlights from this week are from the Canadian Football League, NBA G League, Women's National Basketball Association, National Women's Hockey League, National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League and Major League Soccer.
FOOTBALL
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL) is proud to welcome Jordan Williams as the first overall selection in the 2020 CFL Draft. The BC Lions traded up from the No. 3 position to draft the linebacker out of East Carolina University.
Jordan Williams 1 on 1. The BC Lions linebacker joined Matt Baker moments after being drafted.
Nathan Rourke's football journey will take him back across the border. Rourke, Ohio's all-time touchdown leader and an Ontario, Canada native, was selected in the second round, 15th overall by the BC Lions. He was the highest quarterback taken in the CFL draft since 2001.
XFL
Former DC Defenders head coach and General Manager Pep Hamilton was named quarterbacks coach for the NFL Los Angeles Chargers.
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
High school senior Daishen Nix has signed to play in the NBA G League next season, it was announced today by NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Nix is ranked by ESPN as the top player in Nevada and No. 20 in the nation in the Class of 2020. The NBA G League gives top young prospects a chance to begin their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life skills training.
Daishen Nix, who is considered the No.1 point guard prospect in the class of 2020, has decommitted from UCLA and will join the new G League select team. Nix will be teaming up with Jalen Green and Isaiah Todd before becoming eligible for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Welcome To Tacko's Block Party: Every Tacko Fall Block From His Rookie NBA G League Season (2019-2020)
Women's National Basketball Association
New York Liberty No. 1 overall pick Oregon point guard Sabrina Ionescu joined NBA TV's GameTime to talk draft, her college experience, preparing for the WNBA and much more.
HOCKEY
National Women's Hockey League
A few words from first overall pick Sammy Davis.
Sammy Davis, the first overall selection in the 2020 NWHL Draft on Tuesday, has signed a contract for the 2020-21 season with the Boston Pride. "I'm very grateful that the Boston Pride made me the first overall pick in the NWHL Draft, and I'm excited to officially sign with the team to play pro hockey in my favorite city," said Davis, 23.
Federal Prospects Hockey League
The Danville Dashers are proud to announce the hire of Head Coach Gary Gill ahead of the upcoming 2020-21 season. Gill joins the Dashers after a successful coaching career, which most recently saw him spend time with the Columbus River Dragons last season.
United States Hockey League
After coaching Dubuque to their second highest winning percentage in the Tier-1 era, Oliver David was named the USHL Coach of the Year. The award was given to a Fighting Saints bench boss for the first time in the Tier-1 era. David led the Fighting Saints to a 33-13-2 record and the team was just a few games away from clinching a third playoff berth in three seasons with David at the helm.
The Sioux Falls Stampede named Marty Murray as the eighth general manager and head coach in franchise history. Murray, 45, spent the last eight seasons as the head coach and general manager with the Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). During his tenure with the Tauros, he amassed a 254-194-44 record, including six-straight winning seasons between 2014 and 2020.
North American Hockey League
Shane Wagner was elevated from Assistant Coach to become the third Head Coach and General Manager in Minotauros history. Wagner spent the last three seasons as outgoing Head Coach Marty Murray's assistant and helped take the Tauros to the 2018 Robertson Cup Championship game.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
The NLL celebrates the league and everything we miss about it right now.
Card games, life in quarantine, and his favorite game of the NLL Season. Toronto Rock goaltender Nick Rose breaks it all down in this episode of In Transition.
Premier Lacrosse League
Ahead of the 2020 season, we caught up with Whipsnakes head coach Jim Stagnitta to discuss: How the Whipsnakes have moved on from the Championship - How Max Tuttle will fit into their offense and Mike Chanenchuk's Tik Tok stardom
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer today announced that as of Wednesday, May 6, players may begin to use outdoor team training fields for individual workouts, in compliance with detailed health and safety protocols that were created in consultation with medical and infectious disease experts. All individual workouts are voluntary and may not be in conflict with local public health official or government policies.
Atlanta United's star striker Josef Martinez showcases some fantastic passing and finishing in this goal against the Philadelphia Union from August 31, 2019. He executes a beautiful spin before running on to the give-and-go from Darlington Nagbe to finish on an empty net
BASEBALL
Midwest League
The Bowling Green Hot Rods, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball and the Midwest League, announced that the 2020 Midwest League All-Star Game has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any tickets that have been purchased for the 2020 All-Star Game and its events will be honored in 2021. The game has been rescheduled for June 22, 2021 with the Home Run Derby taking place on June 21.
Possums Invading Baseball Fields
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
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Canadian Football League Stories from May 5, 2020
- Stampeders Sign QB Jake Maier - Calgary Stampeders
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
