WCBL joins IBL in vision for minor leagues

March 28, 2014 - International Basketball League (IBL) News Release

Established in 2007, the West Coast Basketball League (WCBL) was created by Curt Pickering and Jim Parks with a commitment to giving college seniors, who have exhausted their collegiate eligibility, a "first look" opportunity, while playing under NBA rules. This creates a credible infrastructure for NBA, NBA Development League and international scouts to view these players, evaluating their skills versus seasoned professional veterans, just like the IBL. The WCBL hit the court in 2008 where they have seen over 12 former NBA players participate, including Toby Bailey, Fred Vinson, Samaki Walker and Lamond Murray. Over 280 players have gone on to the NBA Development League and overseas, also drawing attention to the likes of former NFL great Terrell Owens playing for the Santa Barbara Breakers, as well as former Los Angeles Clipper Keith Closs, being featured in SLAM magazine while also shopping his trade with the Breakers.

Pickering, who had his Breakers in the IBL under past leadership in 2007, has returned to the refreshed league as he sees a shared purpose with Commissioner Graf. "I take a visionary stance on the state of minor league basketball. What I see in the future is more teams across the USA merging together to create a unified structuring of spring and summer league basketball," the President of the WCBL shared.

When asked about the difference in the IBL today then back when he competed in the league as a single team Pickering stated that he believed that the WCBL and the IBL are dedicated and committed to the domestic relationship with the D-League and international relationships with leagues, teams and players globally. "Our history speaks for itself with all the international tours and players obtaining job opportunities here and overseas," the WCBL Division leader stated.

Seven teams will be in the WCBL Division within the IBL this season and they plan to keep integrating over the coming seasons with a shared vision and purpose. The Santa Barbara Breakers have won five of six WCBL championships, the Santa Monica Jump, Marina Del Rey Advantage and Newport Beach Surf have historically brought great competitive teams along with outstanding organizational skills and professionalism.

"Connecting the IBL regions of teams in Washington, Oregon and Texas with the California regions, will allow coaches, players and management greater exposure for their career advancement, attracting more minor league teams who want to join the WCBL and IBL in providing great entertainment and professional basketball conditions for players, coaches, management, media and fans. Through social media and relationships already established by the WCBL and IBL with the NBA, D-League and international leagues, a greater infrastructure and awareness of minor league basketball will be enhanced along with opportunities for each individual who wants to achieve their goals," Pickering added.

International Basketball League Stories from March 28, 2014

• WCBL joins IBL in vision for minor leagues - IBL
• From the Lone Star Strikers to the Delaware 87ers, Tiny Gallon's NBA dream continues - IBL
• Numerous IBL stars now performing well overseas - IBL

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