Millrats Forced to Reload, Sign Mazur
March 5, 2009 - Premier Basketball League (PBL)
Saint John Riptide News Release
The Manchester Millrats were dealt two significant blows to their title quest this week. Centers Kenyon Gamble and Aaron Spears will not remain on the team's roster for the remainder of the season.
The 7'0 Gamble, who was leading the PBL in blocks at 3.9 per game, departed for a lucrative job in Qatar.
"We are proud to have been able to assist Kenyon to be in a position to receive that reward," stated Millrats General Manager Ian McCarthy. "He is a good person and a very high caliber basketball player. We always want to win, but our mission also centers around helping these young men further their careers."
Aaron Spears was diagnosed with a minor meniscus tear (knee injury) that was suffered in the Millrats last game at Buffalo on February 21st. With only four weeks left in the season, a return to action was not likely.
"The challenge in pro sports is that you can be thrown a curveball at any moment, and you need to be flexible enough to make changes on the fly and still not miss a beat," McCarthy explained, "we've made roster moves already this season to address certain team needs that worked out well, and we will do the same in this instance."
With the PBL transaction deadline looming on March 9th, and two important road games this weekend, McCarthy and Millrats Head Coach Rob Spon wasted no time searching for a replacement.
The Millrats are pleased to announce the signing of 6'11 264lb Marc Mazur. Mazur will be in uniform for this weekend's games against the Frost Heaves and the Kebs.
Mazur, who played collegiately at Detroit and hails from Clarkston, Michigan, played several years in the D-League, the CBA, and has had stints in countries such as the Baltics, Poland, Spain, Chile, and Portugal.
"Mazur is a big physical presence inside, a great rebounder, and has a nice touch from the outside as well," said Coach Spon. "He'll fit in great with us and he's played with some of our guys before so the chemistry will be there."
Manchester is currently 13-3 with a vice grip on first place in the Atlantic Division. They have won 13 out of their last 14 games (#1 in the PBL), including 8 in a row.
The Millrats defense is #1 in the PBL in points against (95.8), #1 in steals (11.7), and #1 in blocks (5.1).
Friday night at 7:05pm, the Millrats will visit the Burlington Memorial Auditorium to face their archrival, the Vermont Frost Heaves. Vermont has never lost in Burlington in their franchise's history. On Saturday, Manchester will head to Quebec City to face the Kebs. Manchester has never beaten Quebec in the Pavilion de la Jeunesse.
Premier Basketball League Stories from March 5, 2009
- Detroit's Bailey leaves for New Zealand - Detroit Panthers
- Detroit Panthers sign Odgra Bobo - PBL
- Panthers players instills lesson on finances and life - PBL
- Panthers players learn a different style of basketball - PBL
- Friday Night Battle in Burlington â Millrats in town! - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Friday Night Battle in Burlington â Millrats in town - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Millrats Forced to Reload, Sign Mazur - Saint John Riptide
- PBL Announces Addition of Dennis Truax - PBL
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