NBA STARS NAMED TO LEAD BREVARD\'S NEW BLUE DUCKS BASKETBALL TEAM
Published on March 13, 2002 under United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Palm Bay - Former NBA forward Harvey Grant of the Washington Bullets and Portland Trailblazers was named today as head coach for Brevard's first pro basketball team, the Blue Ducks, according to Blue Ducks president and CEO Michael A. Richman. He also confirmed the naming of Donald Royal as assistant head coach, formerly of the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets and Artis Gilmore of the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs as director of player development.
"As exciting as it is for Brevard County to have our first pro basketball team, it's a real thrill knowing someone of Harvey Grant's caliber will be directing our team," Richman said of Grant's appointment.
The Blue Ducks are part of the United States Basketball League, an independent league previously serving as the minor league organization for the NBA. More than 17 years old, the USBL has 10 teams and has launched the careers of such well-known players as Spud Webb, Anthony Mason, Chris Childs, Mugsy Bogues, Charlie Ward and Orlando's own Darrell Armstrong, to name a few.
The 6'9 Grant is a native of Augusta, Ga. and was selected by the Washington Bullets in the first round of the 1988 NBA Draft. Grant, an 11year NBA veteran had an 18 points per game high with Washington. His twin brother, Horace, currently plays for the Orlando Magic, another well-known Florida team that has thrown in their support for the Blue Ducks.
"To begin my USBL head coaching career and be a part of the first pro basketball team in Brevard County is a tremendous honor for me. Being named head coach for the Blue Ducks presents a wonderful opportunity for me to continue my goal to develop the best basketball minor league team in the USBL. I look forward to being on Florida's Space Coast along with some of the best minds in the nation for years to come," remarked Harvey Grant, USBL Blue Duck Head Coach.
As for the new assistant coach Donald Royal this is a first for him too in the USBL.
"I've dedicated my life to this team sport and now I'm committed 100% to this Blue Duck team effort in Brevard. As assistant coach to the second only Florida USBL basketball team and now part of this high energy organization, I'm thrilled to coach our future USBL and NBA stars with Harvey Grant," explained Donald Royal, USBL Blue Duck assistant head coach.
The Blue Ducks will hold their first game on April 19 playing their first two seasons at Bayside High, the county's largest state-of-the-art 2,250-seat gymnasium, located in Palm Bay until a 7,000-seat arena is constructed in the Viera area.
For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities with the Blue Ducks, contact Mike Richman, Brevard County Sports Management Group, at (321) 751-BLUE (2583) or visit brevardblueducks.com.
United States Basketball League Stories from March 13, 2002
- NBA STARS NAMED TO LEAD BREVARD'S NEW BLUE DUCKS BASKETBALL TEAM - Brevard Blue Ducks
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