Return of the Knights

Published on March 23, 2006 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Battle Creek Knights News Release


Battle Creek, Michigan - The Battle Creek Knights Professional Basketball Team announce the return of the following players from the 2005 International Basketball League Championship squad: Jamel Gooding, Logan Vander Velden, Ricky Willis, David Williams, and Eugene Seals. "Knights management is very excited about having Jamel, Logan, Ricky, David, and Eugene in the fold for this upcoming season," said Mike Lee, Knights co-owner.

Jamel Gooding, a 6'6" forward, attended Pontiac Central High School and Knoxville College. Jamel most recently played for the Toledo Ice of the ABA basketball league. Jamel was the team's third league scoring during the Knights inaugural season with 13.9 points per game average.

Logan Vander Velden, a 6'9" center, attended Valders High School (Wisconsin) and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Logan played professionally during 1995-1996 with the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. Logan has a full passport of overseas basketball experience while playing in Switzerland, Portugal, Japan, Venezuela, and Chile. Logan's leadership skills on and off the court was a key factor in the Knights being able to go 21-0 during the inaugural IBL season.

Ricky Willis, a 6'1" guard, attended Detroit Mackenzie High School and Western Michigan University. Ricky's WMU career was 2001 - 2005 and he was the team's assists leader during the 04-05 season. Ricky was second in assists with the Knights during the 2005 IBL season.

David Williams, a 6'9" center, attended Laingsburg High School and Saginaw Valley State University. David was an Argus Press All-Area Team Selection while at Laingsburg High School. David was a leader in games played, rebounds, and block shots, for the Saginaw Valley State University men's basketball team between 2001 and 2005. David provided quality front line depth for the Knights first IBL season.

Eugene Seals, a 6'6" forward, attended Saginaw High School and the University of Miami of Ohio. Eugene was a honorable mention USA Today All American while at Saginaw High School. He was a team captain while at Miami of Ohio his junior and senior season. Eugene was also named Miami's defensive player of the year his sophomore season. Seals was the Knights most versatile player during the 05 season because he could play all five positions on the court.

For ticket availability to watch these Knights play in their season opener on Friday, March 31st, game time 7:15 p.m., please contact the Kellogg Arena box office, at 269-965-3308.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International Basketball League Stories from March 23, 2006


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.

OurSports Central