Sergio McClain named coach of Peoria team
April 17, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Peoria Kings News Release
Peoria, IL -- Peoria Manual High School legend and former University of Illinois Fighting Illini star Sergio McClain has been named head coach of the new Peoria expansion team in the ABA. The team, awarded to Prairie Basketball Enterprises LLC, will play in the ABA White Division and will begin play in November.
McClain played for his father Wayne McClain on one of the most heralded high school teams in the nation in 1997 and helped lead Manual to four consecutive state titles, a mark that stands alone in the Illinois High School Association record books. He was a three time All-State selection and capped off his high school career by being named Illinois' Mr. Basketball in 1997.
McClain went on to star at Illinois and started the Peoria-Champaign pipeline that continues today. He teams with Manual teammates Marcus Griffin and Frank Williams to lead the Illini to two Big Ten titles. His hard-nosed style made him a fan favorite as he pulled down the tough rebound, grabbed the loose ball and locked down opponents of all sizes and shapes.
"Peoria is a great sports town and a hotbed of basketball," said General Manager Mike Van Antwerp. "We are extremely excited to bring fun, fan friendly and affordable professional basketball to the community. We are committed to making a positive impact in Peoria by building partnerships with local businesses and non-profit organizations. Our goal is to involve and inspire children and schools. We are thrilled to bring Sergio back home as our first coach. He is not only a great player but a proven leader and winner."
McClain played for a number of great coaches in his career. In addition to his father Wayne, he played for legendary coach Dick Van Scyoc at Manual and Lon Kruger and Bill Self at Illinois. Sergio has coached at the Junior High level and has served as freshmen coach and top varsity assistant at Manual. He most recently was the top varsity assistant at Champaign Central High School.
For more information please contact Mike Van Antwerp at (217) 530-1535, email mikevan@prairiebasketball.com, or visit www.prairiebasketball.com.
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.
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