INAUGURAL
WBA SEASON CONCLUDES
WITH LANDMARK PERFORMANCES
ATLANTA,
GA. – The World Basketball Association
wrapped its inaugural season this summer highlighted
by stellar teams and individual performances on the court.
Theo Ratliff, NBA Portland Trailblazer, become the
owner
of the Rome 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 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 Carolina; Birmingham, AL; Little
Rock, AR; Norfolk, VA; Biloxi, MS; Tunica, MS; St.
Louis, MO and Tyler, TX.
League
President and founder Leroy McMath has recognized
a major 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 and European
Leagues. 2004 was a great year!” states McMath. |
