Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
February 21, 2023 - NBA G League (G League)
This past week the XFL kicked off its season and announced San Antonio would host the XFL Championship on May 13th, the United States Football League's Houston Gamblers named Curtis Johnson its new head coach, and NBA G League Delaware Blue Coats point guard Mac McClung won the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. Highlights from this week come from the XFL, NBA G League. Women's National Basketball Association, National Lacrosse League, American Hockey League, ECHL, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Premier Hockey Federation, and American Ultimate Disc League.
FOOTBALL
XFL
The XFL announced that the Alamodome, home of the San Antonio Brahmas, has been selected as the host site of its inaugural XFL Championship Game. The XFL's ownership group - Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital - made the announcement before the San Antonio Brahmas home opener against the St. Louis Battlehawks. The XFL Championship Game will be played on May 13 at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on ABC. "Our inaugural XFL season is officially rolling with our eight teams showing out and representing the passionate fans of their cities," said Dwayne Johnson, Owner. "From now through May, our athletes have their eyes set on the Championship game and we're pumped to bring this historic event to the Alamodome. Plus, on a very personal note, I started my wrestling career in San Antonio, specifically at the Alamodome. This was my very first Royal Rumble. The city, the fans - San Antonio and the state of Texas helped shape my career."
Dany Garcia on bringing the XFL championship to San Antonio
XFL owners Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale talk about what makes the league special and why it will last
A VERY impressive beer snake during the first XFL Sunday night game of 2023
Seattle Sea Dragons quarterback Ben DiNucci COOKS on opening XFL drive & former NFL wide receiver Josh Gordon scores
United States Football League
The USFL announced that NFL veteran offensive assistant coach and former Tulane Head Coach Curtis Johnson has been hired as the new head coach of the Houston Gamblers. Johnson immediately assumes duties from Kevin Sumlin. Johnson, 61, returns to professional football after two separate stints with the Saints as a wide receivers coach and senior offensive assistant. In 2009 he coached on the team that won Super Bowl XLIV. In addition to being the Chicago Bears' wide receivers coach, he held the same job at several universities including California, San Diego State, SMU, Idaho, and Miami, where he helped the 2001 Hurricanes win the National Championship. Johnson's first head coach job was at Tulane from 2012-2015. He takes over a Gamblers team that will be hosted in Memphis, Tenn., for the upcoming 2023 season.
Canadian Football League
The Edmonton Elks have signed American quarterback Vincent Testaverde Jr. Testaverde Jr. spent time with Texas Tech, Miami, and Albany during his college career. Following his college career, Vincent attended training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019), signed with the B.C. Lions (2020) and joined the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League in 2021. Vincent's father, Vinny Testaverde, played 21 seasons in the NFL, and ranks 16th with 46,233 passing yards and 18th with 275 passing touchdowns all-time.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American quarterback Shea Patterson. Patterson (6'2-202) signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. In 2021, he played for the Montreal Alouettes and the B.C. Lions. During his time in Montreal, he was primarily used as a short-yardage quarterback, seeing action in five games and recording 11 carries for 18 yards.
Indoor Football League
Following the 2023 League meetings, the IFL has made multiple rule changes and clarifications that will go into effect for the 2023 season. The most noticeable changes are as follows: The Deuce rule will now be in effect during the entire game. A Deuce is defined as: If a free kick (kickoff) passes through the uprights, a two (2) point "Deuce" is scored, and the ball will be spotted at the 5-yard line as the touchback spot. In prior seasons the Deuce was only available in the final 60 seconds of the half or game. Starting in 2023, it will be available throughout the entire game. As an add-on to the extension of the Deuce rule, the ball is considered LIVE if the kickoff hits the uprights or goalposts and comes back into the field of play. Either side can advance the ball. If receiving team recovers in the endzone, rouge is in effect. If ball goes out of play, regular out of play rules in effect.As soon as the previous play is completed and the ball is spotted, the 25 second play clock will begin. Positive yardage rule in the last 60 seconds of the game has been eliminated. In essence, this now allows for downing the ball or "victory formation".
Tulsa Oilers Football, proud member of the IFL, announced the addition of Jordan Jones. Jones (25) comes off a Defensive Rookie of the Year performance in 2022 with the Omaha Beef of the CIF, compiling 69 tackles, three being for loss, 1.5 sacks, a pass breakup, a blocked kick, and an interception. The Lawrenceville, Georgia native also played with the Green Bay Blizzard of the IFL in 2022, suiting up in two games and picking up three tackles.
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
Delaware Blue Coats guard Mac McClung WINS AT&T Slam Dunk Contest
Iowa Wolves center Luka Garza Named G League Next Up Game MVP
Women's National Basketball Association
The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury re-signed the face of the franchise and the Greatest of All-Time, Diana Taurasi, to a multi-year contract, the team announced. Taurasi will continue with the Mercury, the only WNBA franchise for which she has played, in Season 19 in 2023. Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman: "Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for the continued faith she demonstrates in our organization by returning year after year. The way she prepares her body, how much she cares about winning, and how much she cares about our franchise-on and off the court-are just a few of the things that make her a transcendent athlete and quite literally the greatest of all time. We look forward to more accolades, more historic moments, and more wins."
Diana Taurasi Will Return to Phoenix for Her 19th WNBA Season
Canadian Elite Basketball League
The Montréal Alliance of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), announced that Derrick Alston Sr. has been named the second head coach in franchise history. An assistant coach with the College Park Skyhawks, NBA G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, since 2022, Alston Sr. spent the previous seven seasons with the Westchester Knicks, first as an assistant before being promoted to head coach in 2019. Prior to joining the New York Knicks affiliate, Alston Sr. was a player development coach for the NBA's Houston Rockets from 2012-2015.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
Jeff Teat nets amazing 6 goals in the Riptide close loss.
Zack Greer nets crucial hat-trick in Desert Dogs win against the Firewolves.
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
The Bridgeport Islanders came back from a three-goal deficit and Otto Koivula finished it off in overtime.
ECHL
Plays of the Week
North American Hockey League
Top Plays of the Week - February 6-12, 2023
Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League announced on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors, that Kelly McCrimmon, former Head Coach, General Manager, Governor and Owner of the Brandon Wheat Kings, has been named this year's recipient of the WHL Governors Award. The WHL Governors Award is the highest honour the WHL bestows on an individual who has been associated with the League. The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to an individual who, through their outstanding hockey and overall contributions to the game, has impacted on the growth and development of the WHL.
WHL Top 10
Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard Hits 50 Goals In 40 Games
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the Week
United States Hockey League
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders head coach Mark Carlson notched his 750th career USHL win with a 7-1 victory over Muskegon. This puts Carlson just 33 wins away from tying P.K. O'Handley as the winningest coach in USHL history. Carlson, who's in his 23rd season at the Cedar Rapids helm, also serves as the President and General Manager of the RoughRiders and has been since 2014. Carlson was hired as the head coach of Cedar Rapids on July 7, 1999 and had since won three Anderson Cups (2004-05, 2010-11, 2015-16), and one Clark Cup (2004,05). He has also been selected as USHL Coach of the Year three times in his tenure (2004-05, 2010-11, and 2015-16). Carlson, who owns a career record of 750-546-110, is the only head coach in RoughRiders history.
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Top 5 - Week 20
Premier Hockey Federation
2023 PHF All-Star Showcase Recap
SOCCER
National Women's Soccer League
Houston Dash forward Diana Ordóñez signed a new three-year deal through the 2025 season. "Diana is a key piece in our style of play and adds another dimension to our attack," Dash general manager, Alex Singer said. "She has all the tools to be one of the best strikers in the world and is dedicated to honing her craft. We've been impressed with her desire to improve, commitment to the club, and we look forward to building with her. The organization is thrilled she's here long term."
BASEBALL
Florida State League
The St. Lucie Mets are pleased to announced their coaching staff for the 2023 season. Gilbert Gomez will become the 21st manager in club history. He will be joined on the staff by pitching coach Dan McKinney, hitting coach Eduardo Nunez, bench coach Yucarybert De La Cruz and development coach Regan Saulnier. Gomez, 29, begins his sixth season working in the Mets organization. He was St. Lucie's bench coach in 2022 and helped guide the team to its first Florida State League championship in 16 years. Gomez was the bench coach for the FCL Mets in 2021. In 2019 he was the bench coach for Single-A Columbia. Gomez spent 2018 as the hitting coach for the DSL Mets2.
OTHER SPORTS
Pro Beach Volleyball
One of the United States' most rabid volleyball hotbeds now boasts a team in North America's premier women's professional volleyball league, as Omaha businessman Danny White and performance artist Jason Derulo announced that they will launch a Pro Volleyball Federation franchise in Omaha, NE, during the league's inaugural 2024 season. "This is another special day for Pro Volleyball Federation," said Dave Whinham, a founder of Pro Volleyball Federation. "The reaction we have had since announcing the launch of the league just over ten weeks ago has been phenomenal. We always knew we wanted a team in Omaha, and we knew it would take a special ownership group to live up to the huge potential of the Omaha market. We know we have found that special group and are so excited to see what Danny and Jason will do to undoubtedly make Omaha a flagship franchise in our league."
Pro Volleyball Federation announced Atlanta as the league's third market bringing professional volleyball to one of America's most iconic cities. The announcement was also a historical one for the league, as it welcomed Atlanta businesswoman Colleen Durham Craig as the first female team owner within the league. "The exciting news continues for Pro Volleyball Federation, and our ability to open the 2024 inaugural season with a team in Atlanta is just another example of the positive momentum our league continues to demonstrate," said Stephen Evans, co-founder of Pro Volleyball Federation. "Atlanta has tremendous professional sports organizations, and with Colleen leading the way, Atlanta's Pro Volleyball Federation team is going to fit in well alongside the likes of the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, Atlanta United, and the Dream."
Pro Volleyball Federation continued its exciting run of league market announcements on Friday when it welcomed Columbus, OH, to Pro Volleyball Federation. The Columbus team is owned and operated by the Jeff and Beth Gilger Family. Columbus becomes the fourth publicly announced market for Pro Volleyball Federation's 2024 season and the third market announced this week, following the announcements of Omaha and Atlanta. "Columbus is home to one of the most passionate sports fan base in America," said Jeff Gilger, "and there is no doubt that this sport is going to take Columbus and all of Central Ohio by storm. The action is amazing, the atmosphere in the arena will be electric, and the ferocity with which the best volleyball players in the world will compete for every single point will quickly make fans out of those who may have yet to ever experience women's volleyball played at its highest level."
American Ultimate Disc League
The Carolina Flyers defense is one of the most effective at limiting opponents at the point of attack with their swarming handler coverage.
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
NBA G League Stories from February 21, 2023
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- 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.
