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The World Basketball Association (WBA) is Coming to Your City!
Publish Date : 12/9/2004 1:14:00 PM   Source : Sports News Onlypunjab.com

The World Basketball Association wrapped its inaugural 2004 season highlighted by stellar teams and individual performances on the court. Theo Ratliff, NBA Portland Trailblazer, became the owner of the Rome (GA) Gladiators and Rebound FX was named the official sports drink of the WBA.
History was made on the hardwood at the Williams Athletics and Assembly Center in Jackson, Miss. when the Southern Crescent Lightning captured the first ever WBA title with a thrilling 82-79 victory over the top seeded Jackson Rage. The two-day championship, which featured a final four semi-final match up, drew a crowd of 10,000 people to witness the crowning moment of the developmental league.

Among the standout individuals who elevated their game during this past season are WBA Player of the Year Mario Austin (Jackson Rage), John Oden (Jackson Rage), Markel King (Macon Blaze), Josh Powell (Peachtree Lightning), Marcus Taylor (Peachtree Lightning), David Young (Raleigh Knights) who was drafted in the 2nd round 2004 Draft by the Seattle Super Sonics, Kyle Davis (Rome Gladiators), and Morris Finley (Rome Gladiators). Several WBA players were also invited to participate in various NBA summer league programs including the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.

The WBA lead Minor League Basketball in attendance with the first place Jackson Rage averaging close to 4,000/game. The WBA season runs April through June. Teams in 2004 included: Jackson, MS; Macon, GA; Peachtree City, GA; Rome, GA; Raleigh, NC; Bristol, TN and Elizabeth Town, KY. The WBA is expanding in 2005 with teams in Greenville, SC; Birmingham, AL; Little Rock, AR; Norfolk, VA; Biloxi, MS; Tunica, MS; Knoxville, TN; Cincinnati, OH; and Newport News, VA.

In establishing the WBA, League President and founder Leroy McMath recognized a void among potential professional basketball players, coaches and personnel, on and off the court. Emphasis is placed on fundamental development, career development, community involvement and education. “Our goal is to create a marriage between professional sports and entertainment along with the local communities throughout the country” states McMath. “We believe the window of opportunity for NBA hopefuls is three years while maintaining opportunities in other leagues such as the NBDL, CBA, ABA and European Leagues. 2004 was a great year!” states McMath.

To keep up with the progress of the WBA, just log onto the web, www.wbaball.net. Media Contact: Public Relations Director, Dionne M. Muhammad 404-942-5728 or e-mail protected from spam bots