New Jersey and Nebraska Host Newest USBL Teams

March 9, 2005 - United States Basketball League (USBL) News Release


Milford, CT – (March 9, 2005) New Jersey will once again be home to a United States Basketball League, Inc. (USBL) franchise, joining the expansion team in Nebraska as the newest sites for the 2005 20th Anniversary season. The New Jersey Flyers head into 2005 with high expectations and add to an Eastern Division that saw two of its teams face off in last year's USBL Championship. The proximity to other Eastern Conference teams, Brooklyn and Westchester, will undoubtedly give the fans a more intense feeling of rivalry within the New York City area.

Ron Eford will be the General Manager and Head Coach of the Flyers and plans to announce the rest of his staff very soon. Eford is excited about the 2005 season, "I am pleased to accept this position and look forward to working hard to maintain the high standards of the USBL." Eford has a unique perspective of the league, having played for the Connecticut Skyhawks (1996-97) and Long Island Surf (1999) after a successful college career at Marquette University. "Having been a former player, I know first hand the great opportunity the USBL affords. I am honored and appreciative of the opportunity to work for a dedicated league such as the USBL and to provide New Jersey basketball fans competitive games within a family atmosphere. Through hard work and dedication we will build to make the Flyers into a first class organization." Eford also has several years of international experience as a player and scout. Most recently he was General Manager, Coach and Owner of the New Jersey SkyCats of the ABA.

New Jersey is celebrating a homecoming with the Flyers now joining the USBL's 20th Anniversary celebratory season. As home to one of the original charter members of the USBL, the New Jersey Jammers, New Jersey has been home to many USBL teams and it is only fitting they are back to host in 2005.

The USBL also welcomes Nebraska to the Midwest Division. The team will have a formal press conference on Tuesday March 15th at 3:00 pm to release more information. The USBL will begin its 2005 season at the Kearney Events Center on Thursday, April 21st as they host the Kansas Cagerz. Terry Layton has been named the team's General Manager and Head Coach. "We are excited to kick off the season. We have a great venue and hope the fans of Kearney come out and support the team," stated Layton.

The USBL will have eight teams in 2005, split evenly between the Midwestern Division and Eastern Division. The Midwest will feature the Kansas Cagerz, Oklahoma Storm, Dodge City Legend and the expansion team in Nebraska. The Eastern Division will be comprised of the defending USBL Champion Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs, Brooklyn Kings, Westchester Wildfire, and New Jersey Flyers. All eight teams will compete in the Post Season Festival in late June.

Three organizations from 2004 have realized new obstacles and challenges. Cedar Rapids has decided to restructure their management and will be back for the 2006 season. Adirondack is under new ownership and will take this year to get its staff and marketing efforts in place for the 2006 season. The devastation of the hurricanes that blasted Florida and subsequently the local economy have resulted in a mutual decision by the USBL and the Brevard Blue Ducks organization to sit out the 2005 season and come back stronger in 2006.

Please visit www.usl.com for more information.



United States Basketball League Stories from March 9, 2005


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