Volcanoes Lose MVP and All Stars, Rebuilding in Training Camp
Published on April 14, 2014 under International Basketball League (IBL)
Vancouver Volcanoes News Release
Vancouver, WA - Loosing some key pieces to overseas extended stays, the Volcanoes are re-building their roster to make a run for the 2014 title in the International Basketball League (IBL).
After a successful free agent camp in late March, The Volcanoes started their training camp April 1st inviting four from the tryout to be a part of training camp. "We use camp as a way to set expectations and put in the basics of our schemes", Joe Navarro shared, who is entering his third season as head coach. "Training camp is all about building. Right now we're just a bunch of guys playing basketball, hopefully by the end of camp we'll be a team."
The Volcanoes are returning their All-Star back court of 6'3" G Josh Tarver (Oregon St.), and 2012 IBL MVP 6'2" G Andre Murray (Portland St.), along with 7'0" C Gjio Bain (So. Mississippi) at center. "Whenever you can return a backcourt with that much experience you're always going to have a good camp," Navarro explained. "With this many returning players it's much easier to build the sets, we're way ahead of where we were last year." Also returning for the 2014 season is IBL All Star and 2013 IBL 6th Man of the Year, 6'4" G Mike Ward (Evergreen St.), 2013 IBL Defensive Player of the Year 6'5" F Kevin "ËPip" Bloodsaw (Ozarks), 6'3" G Kevan West (Concordia-Portland), and 6'9" C J.R. Moore (Portland St).
"Training camp has been a good experience for us this year," the former Beaver, Josh Tarver shared, who returns for his 4th season with the Volcanoes. "Getting us to the style of play and our philosophy of our system makes our team that much better."
"When it comes to team dynamics with training camp, maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial", added Andre Murray, a part of the Volcanoes roster for the past four seasons. "In practice that is what the coaches and players have showed so far. I'm looking forward to having a great season."
Although the loss of All Star and 2013 IBL MVP, Mr. Double Double, 6'6 F Chehales Tapscott and 6'4" F Paul Hafford both to the land down under will certainly leave some shoes to fill on the roster.
"We've really got a great mix of players right now that we are evaluating," said Navarro. "Getting 6'10" C Calvin Hampton (Oregon St.) back really is a game changer for us, and adding in 6'6" F Adam Herman (Concordia-Portland) fresh off the college court in to the mix with our other returners, our foundation is getting set. We will be looking at 2 or 3 guys coming back from overseas in the next couple weeks, and that should finalize our roster in the coming week or so."
Training camp now transitions into full practice starting Tuesday, going two to three times per week, with workouts in between at partner facility Shoot 360 in between to ensure they become a team ready to make a run for the ring. The Volcanoes open their tenth year on the court April 26 against the Bellingham Slam, a 2013 IBL Championship rematch, at Clark College. Tip off is set for 7:00pm .
International Basketball League Stories from April 14, 2014
- Volcanoes Lose MVP and All Stars, Rebuilding in Training Camp - Vancouver Volcanoes
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