Mill Rats Bolster Roster
Published on January 15, 2013 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats, presented by Rogers, have bolstered their roster by the addition of several key players. Joining the team this week are 6'7 forward Kevin Francis, 6'4 guard Farnold Degand, and 6'6 wing Taneiko Robinson. Arriving next week is 6'6 power forward Kenny Jones.
"We had a sense of urgency to make these moves because we play alot of games the remainder of January, and we had not been getting it done the last 6 or 7 games," explained Mill Rats President & General Manager Ian McCarthy. "We owe it to our fans to be a position to make a deep playoff run and that's what we are doing."
FEAR THE BEARD! Kevin Francis returns to the Mill Rats.
Francis, a Brampton Ontario native, returns to the team he finished with last season into the playoffs. Last season Francis averaged 12.07 points and 6 rebounds per game on 46% shooting from the floor. His running shot as time expired on January 20, 2012 lifted Saint John to a 102-100 win over the Quebec Kebs at Harbour Station.
Farnold Degand is 6'4 combo guard who was recently in training camp with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League. He played collegiately at North Carolina State from 2006-2010. In 2007-2008 he averaged 6.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Degand hails from Boston, Massachusetts and is currently filling in for Melvin Council who was been moved to Injured Reserve status with a separated shoulder.
Robinson was a 3rd round draft pick of the Saint John Mill Rats in the 2012 NBL Canada Draft in Toronto. He participated in the Mill Rats training camp and in 1 preseason game. He returns to the club that drafted him in active duty to defend and bring athleticism and versatility to the team.
Kenny Jones, a Long Island NY native and resident of Kentucky, will join the team on January 22nd - pending FIBA clearance. Jones played his college basketball at Kentucky State and averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds per game. Professionally he has played with Kentucky Stallions (PBL) with 19.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on 63% shooting from the field. He has also played abroad in Germany and, earlier this year, in Chile where he was named All-Chilean DIMAYOR Forward of the Year.
To accommodate these additions the Mill Rats have released Joe Posey and Will Njoku, and placed Modibo Diarra on the inactive roster.
On Thursday, Jan. 17th, the Mill Rats host the Summerside Storm at 7pm. Directly preceding this game, Kennebecasis Valley High School and Moncton High will be playing a regular season game at 4pm. Upperbowl student tickets are available for only $5.25 plus the box office fee (with a valid student ID). Ticket allows entrance to both games. This deal expires at 6pm.
Joining us for halftime will be Apryll Stansfield, Social Media and Media Relations Coordinator for the Saint John Mill Rats. She will be singing and playing piano.
On Friday, Jan. 18th, the Mill Rats host the Oshawa Power for School Spirit Night. For the whole evening, student tickets are available in the upperbowl section for only $5.25 plus the box office fee.
Half time act on Friday will feature hip hop artist Mic Boogie and Audley Stephenson from Oshawa, Ontario, who will be performing "That's How We Ball" - the NBL dedicated track he wrote and co-produced with Audley Stephenson to show his support to the league.
Come on out and show your spirit by packing Harbour Station!
Flex and BOGO Packs are also available! Stop by the Mill Rats Fan Zone located in Brunswick Square or the Harbour Station Box Office for more info!
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from January 15, 2013
- Micah Brand Returns Home for Personal Reasons - Moncton Miracles
- Halifax Rainmen Release Forward Brant Bailey - Halifax Rainmen
- Mill Rats Bolster Roster - Saint John Riptide
- Saint John Sports Teams Combine with Season Ticket Holder Offer - Saint John Riptide
- Double Header Student Discount with the Mill Rats - Saint John Riptide
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.
