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Rockford Names Daleo Head Coach

May 7, 2002 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Ohio Valley Greyhounds News Release


The Rockford Lightning announced on May 6 that former Rockford assistant (1997-99) Chris Daleo [Day-lee-o] has been named head coach of the Lightning.

"Chris is a guy that is all about the community and getting involved with the local fans," said Lightning General Manager Mike Tuite [Too-it]. "Plus he knows basketball, he was very successful at Barat College (1999-02) and has a good Basketball mind. We're very happy with this addition."

As head coach at Barat [Bare-it] College (Lake Forest, Ill.) last season, Daleo led the Bulldogs to a 33-6 record and was second in the NAIA ranks with 98 points per game. In 1999-00 Barat went 24-9 and led the entire nation (NCAA included) with over 101 points per game.

"This is a homecoming of sorts for me, " said Daleo. "Rockford is the CBA's longest tenure franchise. We need to build fan support and I'm going to do everything in my power to make it grow— whether that be clinics, camps or speaking engagements. In the CBA you have to wear a lot of hats and these are the roles I relish in."

Tuite sees Daleo's hiring as the beginning of some positive changes for the Lightning. "Things are looking up. We tasted the success and were so close to that championship trophy last season that we're striving to bring it back next year."

The next phase in the Lightning's development plan is bringing in an assistant coach. Of the names being considered is 2002 All League First-Team Member Jeff Sanders, who has expressed interest in taking on a player/coach role with the team next year. "We are definitely interested in pursuing Jeff in a player-assistant role. I plan to get Chris and him together very soon," said Tuite.

Daleo, 37, is originally from Chicago and has lived in the Rockford area for the last eight years. He and his wife, Karen, have one son, Satchel (5), and one daughter, Maris (3), named after baseball legends Satchel Page and Roger Maris.

Steelheads name Todd DeMoss President, General Manager

Managing Partner Jewell G. Harris Sr. and the Gary Steelheads Organization formally announced on April 30 Todd DeMoss as the President and General Manager of the Gary Steelheads.

"DeMoss brings his own version of the triple-post offense to the Gary Steelheads' organization," Harris said. "He has experience in the executive, financial and operational aspects of minor league basketball."

He was recently the Vice President, Franchise Development and Chief Operating Officer for the International Basketball League. He worked directly with each IBL franchise, providing guidance with business operations in corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and marketing.

He has spent his whole career in minor league basketball, particularly the Continental Basketball Association. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native started his pro sports career as a Director of Basketball Operations and Head Athletic Trainer for the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets. With the Bullets, he founded and served as president of the Continental Basketball Athletic Trainer's Association (CBATA).

He spent eight years at the team level in the CBA.

In 1991, DeMoss was Executive Vice President and Director of Basketball Operations for the Columbus Horizon. After three seasons, he was named Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Shreveport (La.) Storm. In 1996, DeMoss moved to the Florida (West Palm Beach) Beachdogs, where he served in a similar capacity.

With each team, DeMoss was responsible for increasing revenue and turning a profit. He moved to the CBA League office from 1997-99 as Director of Team Operations. DeMoss started the CBA Travel System and turned it from a deficit into a profit-making venture.

In the IBL's inaugural season, DeMoss led IBL franchises to overall sales of $9 million. He also developed the IBL's insurance program and travel partnership system.

From players to front office to marketing to familiarity with the CBA, DeMoss has done it all.

A 1989 graduate of the University of Iowa, he is married to Cynthia.

CBA IN THE NBA

CBA PLAYERS ON NBA ROSTERS

CBA-to-NBA Call ups: 6
Former CBA players on season ending 2001-02 NBA rosters: 50
Former CBA players on 2001-02 NBA opening night rosters: 46
NBA roster spots held by former CBA players: 63
Former CBA players on 2001-02 NBA playoff rosters: 28

Atlanta: Emanuel Davis, Ira Newble, (Reggie Slater), Leon Smith*, Mark Strickland Boston: Mark Blount
Charlotte: (Eldridge Recasner), David Wesley Chicago: (Kevin Ollie)
Dallas: Greg Buckner, Adrian Griffin, (Darrick Martin)
Denver: Voshon Lenard, George McCloud, (Shawnelle Scott)
Detroit: Chucky Atkins, Michael Curry, Damon Jones, Mikki Moore
Houston: Moochie Norris
Indiana: Kevin Ollie
Los Angeles Clippers: Earl Boykins, Tremaine Fowlkes, Jeff McInnis, (Eldridge Recasner)
Los Angeles Lakers: (Mike Penberthy)
Memphis: (Isaac Austin), (Isaac Fontaine)
Miami: Anthony Carter, Mike James, (Sam Mack)
Milwaukee: Rafer Alston, Anthony Mason, Mark Pope
Minnesota: Sam Mitchell
New Jersey: Jamie Feick, Donny Marshall, (Reggie Slater), Aaron Williams
New York: Howard Eisley, Larry Robinson
Orlando: Darell Armstrong, Troy Hudson, Jaren Jackson (Bo Outlaw)
Philadelphia: Raja Bell, (Ira Bowman)
Phoenix: Bo Outlaw
Portland: Rick Brunson
Sacramento: Chucky Brown
San Antonio: Bruce Bowen, Stephen Jackson, Amal McCaskill, Charles Smith
Seattle: Randy Livingston, Art Long, Ansu Sesay
Toronto: Chris Childs, Jermaine Jackson
Utah: Rusty LaRue, John Starks
Washington: Tyrone Nesby, Chris Whitney

( ) indicates waived or traded players
2002 CBA-to-NBA call up
*called up to Atlanta twice

CBA PLAYERS/COACHES ON NBA COACHING STAFFS Former CBA players/coaches on season ending NBA coaching staffs: 37 Former CBA players/coaches on NBA playoff rosters: 16 Head coach positions held by former CBA players/coaches in 2001-02: 10 Assistant coach positions held by former CBA players/coaches in 2001-02: 29

Atlanta Hawks: Eric Musselman and Rick Mahorn (assistants). Boston Celtics: Lester Conner (assistant): Charlotte Hornets: Paul Silas (head). Chicago Bulls: Norm Ellenberger and Pete Myers (assistants). Cleveland Cavaliers: John Lucas (head), Jerry Eaves, Ron Ekker and Keith Smart (assistants). Denver Nuggets: Mike Evans (head), [Mike Evans (assistant]. Detroit Pistons: Rick Carlisle (head) and Tony Brown (assistant). Golden State Warriors: Mark Osowski and Clifford Ray (assistants), [Dave Cowens (head)] Los Angeles Clippers: Dennis Johnson and Morris McHone (assistants). Los Angeles Lakers: Phil Jackson (head). Memphis Grizzlies: Sidney Lowe (head), Scott Roth and Michael Adams (assistants). Miami Heat: Marc Iavaroni (assistant). Milwaukee Bucks: George Karl (head), Don Newman, Terry Stotts and Mike Thiabault (assistants). Minnesota Timberwolves: Flip Saunders (head) and Don Zierden (assistant). New Jersey Nets: Eddie Jordan (assistant). Portland Trail Blazers: Maurice Cheeks (head), Dan Panaggio and Herb Brown (assistants). Sacramento Kings: Elston Turner (assistant). Seattle SuperSonics: Bob Weiss (assistant). Toronto Raptors: Stan Albeck and Craig Neal (assistant). Utah Jazz: Kenny Natt (assistant). [ ] indicates position has change

2000-01 SEASON RECAP

On Nov. 16, 2001 two of the CBA's longest running franchises, the Rockford Lightning (24 years) and Sioux Falls Skyforce (13 years), tipped off a 2001-02 campaign that would see veterans persevere and newcomers emerge. In the 56th campaign of the oldest basketball league in the world records fell, stars were born and a first-year franchise won it all.

The Lightning took the inaugural clash, 121-95, in what was a preview of playoff action to come, behind a 28 point, 12 rebound performance by the leagues most senior member, Jeff Sanders (35). The former Chicago Bull would go on to win a season high four Player of the Week awards and All-League First Team honors after averaging 18.4 points and 10.0 rebounds in all 56 Lightning games.

At the other end of the floor Sioux Falls' 21-year-old phenomenon Leon Smith (the season's youngest player), who would be traded to the Gary Steelheads after four games, posted the first of his 22 double figure performances in rebounding. In seven of 28 games the 6-10 center pulled down over 20 rebounds and on Dec. 12, versus the team that traded him, he snagged 30, good for fourth best in CBA history. On Jan. 14 Smith was called up to the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. He would return to the Steelheads 20 days later only to permanently rejoin his teammates in Atlanta on March 6. In all the CBA had 6 call ups to the NBA in 2001-02.

For a CBA connection on long NBA road trips Smith needn't look further than teammate and fellow call-up Ira Newble, the expansion Flint Fuze's second call-up of the CBA season (Jermaine Jackson: Toronto Raptors). Newble posted 8.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 42 games (35 starts) with the Hawks. The Atlanta roster had more former CBA players in 2001-02 than any other NBA club. Five of the 63 NBA roster spots held by CBA alumni in 2001-02 belonged to the Hawks.

The CBA's version of the Hawks became the first franchise north of the border since 1985 in 2001-02. The Saskatchewan Hawks, along with the Fuze, Fargo-Moorhead Beez and Dakota Wizards, joined the CBA fold in 2001-02 and made up the National Conference. Although their 66 quarters won (8-32) was a CBA record low, the Hawks did display some individual talent in Defensive Player of the Year Willie Murdaugh (18.7 ppg, 6.1 apg, 2.5 spg) and rookie sensation Sean Lampley (16.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg).

The Wizards and Beez effectively put North Dakota on the professional basketball map in 2001-02 with their tooth-and-nail fight for the National Conference regular season crown. Fargo-Moorhead claimed the head-to-head battle 5-3 but it was the Wizards that ended up on top at season's end with a league best 4.3 quarter point average. Dakota's fortunes were primarily due to the leadership of CBA Coach of the Year Dave Joerger and the yeoman's work of CBA Newcomer of the Year and Most Valuable Player Miles Simon (23.0 ppg, 5.1 apg), who's knack for either finding the upon bucket or the open man gave the Wizards a consistent presence at the guard spot throughout the season.

Simon was honored with four Player of the Week awards in 2001-02 and received more votes than any other player on the All-Star ballot and All-League ballot. On Feb. 5, 2002 he set a CBA record with his 60th consecutive free throw. The streak, previously set in 1984 by Robert Smith of the Toronto Tornados with 56, began on Jan. 21.

While the Wizards and Beez battled it out in the National Conference all season long, the Skyforce dominated the American Conference in the early going compiling a 10-3 record in December and a 10 game winning streak beginning on Nov. 25. At the end of January the Skyforce maintained a 15 quarter point edge over Rockford and a 27.5 edge over Grand Rapids but the loss of key players such as guard Randy Livingston, who was called up to the Seattle Supersonics on March 8, began to take its toll in the season's second half, allowing the Lightning and Grand Rapids Hoops to close the gap on first place.

Grand Rapids' success was due in part to the veteran leadership of Head Coach Mark Hughes, who led his team to American Conference highs in quarter point average in January (3.73) and February (4.07), but also due to their four representatives on the All-League First and Second teams. Scoring and assist leader Sean Colson (1st team, 23.7 ppg, 7.9 apg), James Collins (1st team, 20.6 ppg), Terquin Mott (2nd team, 17.9 ppg, 10.0 rpg) and Antonio Smith (2nd team, 11.4 rpg) along with all-time CBA games played leader Willie Simms (481 games) proved to be the most consistent and potent starting five throughout the season.

The Hoops' playoff fate was determined, however, on March 23. They kept their hopes momentarily alive with a 126-111 victory (6,1) over the Fuze. Those hopes were extinguished, however, when the Lightning took five quarter points in a 117-109 win over Gary, eliminating them from contention. Dakota then helped clinch Rockford's fourth American Conference regular season title with a 94-87 (6,1) victory in Sioux Falls. Rockford and Sioux Falls each finished with 213.5 quarter points, and even though Sioux Falls won the season series 7-6, Rockford won the tie-breaker by capturing more quarter points (47.5-43.5) in their head-to-head matchups.

The January acquisition of rebounding king Dickey Simpkins (20.5 ppg, 11.9 rpg) and improved play of 2002 Rookie of the Year Kenny Inge (11.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg in Feb/March) made Lightning fans forget the loss of December call-up Mike James to the Miami Heat, and contributed greatly to Rockford's second half success and momentum entering the playoffs.

The Beez entered the post-season fueled by the high-octane backcourt of Rico Hill (14.6 ppg, 6 rpg), Billy Keys (15.7 ppg, 5.6 apg) and three-time player of the week and All-League First Team member Ruben Nembhard, who's 22.1 points, 6.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game were all team highs.

The Wizards' depth (During regular season: Seven players with double-figures in ppg to the Beez four) and grueling defense (three players on All-Defensive Team), however, proved too much for the Beez' overworked trio. Dakota swept Fargo-Moorhead in three games of a five game series which saw Nembhard, Hill and Keys combine to average 45.3 of 48 minutes per game and produce 70 percent of the Beez' offense. The Wizards won behind the balanced play of Simon (18.0 ppg, 5.7 apg), Chris Porter (18.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Andy Panko (18.3 ppg), Courtney James (12.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and Kevin Rice (12.7 ppg, 2.7 spg).

In Game Four of the American Conference Finals, the Lightning used an 11-2 run to close the game and defeat the Skyforce 104-93, earning their first trip to the CBA finals since 1989. After losing Game One, the Lightning took the next three behind the frontcourt duo of Simpkins (15.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg) and Versile Shaw (18.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg).

7,200 strong turned out on April 6 to witness just the second CBA Championship in 11 years to pit both regular season conference champs against each other and only the second championship ever to be decided in one game. CBA fans saw a neck-and-neck battle with deadlocks at the ends of the first two quarters (33-33, 59-59), 21 ties and 21 lead changes. In the end the CBA's best and most consistent team all season long, the Dakota Wizards, took home the Jay Ramsdell Championship trophy with a 116-109 victory in their first CBA season.

Simpkins led the Lightning with 32 points and 16 rebounds in the defeat while Miles Simon capped off his record setting season with a 24 points, 9 assist performance and 2002 Playoff Most Valuable Player honors. The 6-4 guard became the first individual to ever receive three annual awards in the CBA— making more memories and closing another chapter in professional basketball's oldest league.

IT HAPPENED IN THE CBA

On Nov. 19, 10 days before the start of the 1984-85 CBA season Jerry Sloan, head coach of the expansion Evansville Thunder and a University of Evansville graduate, left to become an assistant coach with the NBA's Utah Jazz. The Thunder cycled through three more head coaches during the season, before finally settling on Roger Brown, then the Indiana Pacers all-time leading scorer. Sloan returned to Evansville on a scouting assignment during the All-Star Game on Feb. 17, 1985, to a barrage of boos upon his introduction. In 1988 Sloan was named Head Coach of the Jazz, a post he has maintained through the 2001-02 NBA campaign. Had his CBA career extended into the 1984-85 season he would be one of 11 former CBA players or coaches that held head coaching positions in the NBA in 2001-02.

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