Snohomish County Explosion Announce 2008 Roster

February 22, 2008 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Snohomish County Explosion News Release


Monroe, WA- The Snohomish County Explosion begin defense of their West Division Title March 1st on McGough Court at the Monroe Sport Arena versus the Seattle All-Stars. On Friday, February 22, 2008 Explosion GM, Brad Sturlaugson, released the roster for the 2008 campaign. Nine players will be returning for the 2007 West Division Championship squad. They will be joined by six new faces. Below you will find the player's name, height, position, and jersey number; accompanied by a short player bio.

If you would like a disc of player headshots, please contact Zack Mennie. He can be reached by phone directly at 425-328-9825, or by email at zmennie@explosionbasketball.net.

Returning Players

Jamaal Miller, 6'1", G, #1

The 2007 mid-season addition of the play-making point guard proved to be a valuable addition to the West Division Champions. Miller averaged 19.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 4 rebounds in 8 games for the Explosion last season. Miller played with former Husky and current Portland Trailblazer Brandon Roy at Garfield High School.

Chris Weakley, 6'3", G, #3

The 3-point threat of Chris Weakley returns for another year with the Explosion. Weakley averaged 12.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Weakley led the team with 3-pointers made (57) and set an IBL playoff record with 10 threes in the 145-114 drumming of the Vancouver Volcanoes.

Justin James, 6'6", F, #11

The younger brother of former Seattle Supersonic, Jerome James, returns for his second season with the Explosion. James brings an athletic presence to the low post. He averaged 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He is a nice piece of the Explosion's athletic offensive attack.

Corby Schuh, 6'5", G, #22

Schuh averaged 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game in 2007. The scrappy lefty brings a fiery intensity and 32% 3-PT percentage to the floor. Schuh is also a teacher in the Marysville School District.

Donald Watts, 6'3", G, #23

The former UW Husky returns for the 2008 season. The 2007 IBL All-Star averaged 20.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Watts is a valuable veteran presence with a proven track record. He is the son of Sonics legend Slick Watts.

Justin Murray, 6'6", F, #33

The former WSU Cougar looks to build off of his 44-point output in the 2007 All-Star Game. Murray led the 2007 Explosion with 146 rebounds. He averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game last season. Murray will return to the team in May, as he is playing over seas in Dubai

Mike Jones, 6'10", C, #35

Jones returns as a dominate presence in the paint. Jones shot 75% from the field, averaging 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game playing limited minutes. Jones is physical post player who does shy away from contact nor back down from anyone.

David White, 6'11", C, #55

The 6'11" big man saw limited action in 5 games with the Explosion last season. The graduate of Highline High School averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds a game for Seattle University in 2007 and holds the Single Season Blocked Shot record. White has been an key part of the IBL's expansion into Asia. His love for the game and ability to speak fluent Chinese were valuable assets in bringing the Chinese Basketball Association's Shanxi Kylins to the IBL.

Rashaad Powell, 6'6", G/F, #99

The 2006 IBL All-Star Game MVP led the Explosion in Total Points (456) and Free Throws Made (137) in 2007. Powell had an 82% Free Throw Percentage and shot 49% for the field last season. The former Idaho Vandal averaged a team high 28.5 points per game, along with 4 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. He is currently playing with Murray in Dubai and will not join the team until May.

New Faces

Milton Wright, 6'2", G/F, #5

This Akron, Ohio native most recently played in the ABA for the Tacoma Navigators. Wright broke the Ohio High School State record for Triple-Doubles in a season and is 3rd in state scoring, averaging 25 points per game. He averaged 30 points per game for Seattle in the 3BA '05-'06 World Tour.

Sam Kirby, 6'0", G, #6

Kirby recently concluded the 2008 season at Seattle University. He was an All-League Freshman at Foothill HS, averaging 15 points per game. Foothill HS went on to win the State Title his freshman year.

Jamie Booker, 6'4", G, #20

This ex-Husky will be a new, familiar face to Explosion guard Donald Watts. After his four years at Washington, Booker played for the Harlem Globetrotters and overseas in Australia and Brazil. Booker was part of three championship seasons (two undefeated) at Portageville HS in Portageville, MO.

Kyle Keyes, 6'1", G, #30

Keyes adds to the strong back court of the Explosion. His professional stops include the Buffalo City Thunder (XBA-MBA '03), the Idaho Stampede (CBA '04), Harlem All-Stars ('06), and the King County Royals (ABA '07). Keyes averaged 21 points, 10.5 assists, and 3.1 steals for the Royals in '06-'07. The #1 Overall Draft Pick of the NW Summer Pro League has participated in the Sonics Pre-Season Workout during the '05-'06 season (invited by former Head Coach, Bob Weiss) and the '06-'07 season (invited by Assistant Coach, Jack Sikma).

Chris Keller, 6'5", G, #32

2008 marks Keller's rookie season of post-collegiate basketball. He had a full-ride to Northwest University who advanced to the NAIA Final Four in 2007. The 2003 Jackson HS graduate is a solid outside player that has a deadly 3-pointer and runs the floor well.

Jackie Jones, 6'8", F/C, #40

An ex-Oklahoma Sooner, Jones strengthens the Explosion's low post by playing hard, blocking shots, and "rebounding to win". Jones is a well-traveled veteran playing professionally in Spain, the Korean Basketball League, and the ABA.



International Basketball League Stories from February 22, 2008


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