Newark Express sign Elijah Thorpe of Newark, NJ
August 27, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Jersey Express News Release
August 28th, Newark, NJ. The ABA Newark Express is proud to announce the signing of Newark's own Elijah Thorpe for the 2006-2007 season.
Known as "E" in the Community, Elijah was born and raised in Newark. "When we scout talent for the Newark Express, we look for not only quality basketball players with potential to do great things on the basketball court, but quality citizens. Elijah is one of those citizens that represent what Newark is all about. I look at Elijah as a true role model for the youth of today. This young man has been on his own since he was 17 years old, and has accomplished so much. We're very proud to make him a part of the Newark Express family," stated co-owner Marsha Blount.
Elijah played High School Basketball from 1995 to 1997 for Eastside High School's Red Raiders in Newark From there he went on to play College ball at Essex County College, in Newark under the tutelage of then Head Coach Melvin Knight, father of Charlotte Bobcat star Brevin Knight. During E's two years at ECC they accumulated a record of 62-7, and were ranked in the top 20 for their defense. They reached the Nationals where he played against current NY Knick Steve Francis. Elijah finished his college playing days for New Jersey City University in 1999.
After college, Elijah took time away from the game to work to help support and care for his two nephews. He felt that his family was more important than pursuing his basketball dreams. In 2002, with the coaxing of a friend, he joined the Harlem Wizards show basketball club. He stayed with them touring from 2002 to 2005, and the passion he had for organized, competitive competition won out.
"I have a passion for winning that can't be described, I hate losing. Whatever the team needs on any given night, I'll do. If that means scoring 30, so be it, if I have to concentrate on defense, I'll do that to. My pride defensively probably separates me from a lot of players. I played under one of the most well respected and best defensive coaches in Mel Knight. I'm excited about the opportunity to play professionally in my own home town, and I'd like to see where it takes me," stated Thorpe.
To register for the final try-out on September 16th, or for more information on the Newark Express, log onto www.newarkexpress.com or e-mail Coach Moore @ rmoore@newarkexpress.com or call 973 586 0006.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from August 27, 2006
- Newark Express sign Elijah Thorpe of Newark, NJ - Jersey Express
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