MLN Sports Zone - A Minor League News Magazine

Proven Avenue.
National Champions Hit CBA Draft Hopper.

Four players from the 2002 NCAA Final Four were selected among the first 15 picks of the 17th Annual Continental Basketball Association College Draft. Two players came from the NCAA Champion Maryland Terrapins.

The draft was conducted via teleconference from the CBA League Office in Boise, Idaho on September 17th.

University of Maryland teammates Byron Mouton [Idaho Stampede] and Lonny Baxter [Yakima Sun Kings], Indiana guard Dane Fife [Gary Steelheads], and Oklahoma forward Aaron McGhee [Rockford Lightning], were among the 40 players selected by CBA coaches during the five round draft.

"The coaching staffs in the Continental Basketball Association are required to do more homework, from a greater pool of player talent for this annual draft than any other league worldwide," said CBA Deputy Commissioner Wade Morehead.

"Our coaches must research hundreds of players by contacting agents, NBA coaches and college coaches to determine a select few who have the passion and commitment to compete and improve their skills in the CBA."

"The CBA draft is a proven avenue to a successful pro career," Director of Media Relations Bryant Kuechle tells MLN.

"Players like David Wesley, Moochie Norris and Chris Childs did time in the CBA. These three players are now showcasing their talents in the NBA".

Last season seven of the ten CBA All League team from were draftees. The leagues draft has a unique pool of talent. Players from top-notch college programs are a big part as well as veterans of other minor basketball leagues.

High School players are also no strangers to the CBA"s draft.

Elvin Mims [Yakima Sun Kings], University of Southern Mississippi standout, was the first overall selection, while high school star DeAngelo Collins [Sioux Falls Skyforce] from Inglewood, Calif. became the fourth high school player drafted in the CBA.

Additionally, University of California center Jamal Sampson [Dakota Wizards], will carry on the CBA family tradition following cousin Ralph Sampson.

Sampson was a former CBA head coach and player for the Rockford Lightning. The Seven-Foot center was also star at The University of Virginia.

The draft also provided some local flavor for teams.

Players drafted by CBA clubs from their home state included; Aaron McGhee [Rockford Lightning], Johnnie Selvie [Great Lakes Storm] from Connecticut; Abe Jackson [Idaho Stampede] from Boise State; Lonnie Jones [Gary Steelheads] from Ball State; and Trevor Huffman [Great Lakes Storm] from Kent State.

The college conference with the most CBA draft picks was Conference USA. The league produced five CBA draft selection.

The Big East Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, and Atlantic-10 Conference followed with four each. Three former players represented the South East Conference and Mid Atlantic Conference.

The league has a few twists that will catch fans eyes this year. Tipping of f the 2002 Campaign will be a match of defending CBA champions.

The 2000 CBA Champions Yakima SunKings will be at the Metro Center to visit the 2002 CBA Champion Dakota Wizards. There is one other contest opening night [Nov.15th]. The Idaho Stampede will be try to be rude guests to the Grand Rapid Hoops.

Another trick up the CBA's sleeve is an All-Star Showcase.

For the first time since 2000 the CBA will orchestrate a midseason contest on January 14th.

Last year an All-star Team was named on paper. The unavailability of a venue prevented a run.

The 2002 All-star game will pit the best of the American Conference versus the best in the National.

For the third time in franchise history [1996 & 2000] the Sioux Falls Skyforce will host the CBA All-star Classic.

The league will also unveil a new website. "The site will be more fan interactive," Kuechle says. "It will provide CBA fans access to live web-casting of CBA contests, and league wide statistics".

There is also some housekeeping to straighten out. The League has announced that the Flint Fuze outfit has been taken over by new ownership. The club has changed venues and switched their team name.

Under the new ownership of Greg Van Boxel, local real estate developer and expo center owner, and Joe Oesterling, a Saginaw Urologist, the Great Lake Storm will pick up where the Flint Fuze left off.

The organization will provide affordable family entertainment to the people of not only Flint, but Saginaw, the team"s home of Birch Run and all of Mid-Michigan.

"We"re very conveniently located, just off of interstate 75 at exit 136, and will be able to reach out to the areas to the north and south," said Van Boxel.

"It"s going to provide affordable family fun on a professional, exciting level. The Storm name fits very well for not only the elements outside but what fans will be experiencing inside."

Head Coach Jeff Grayer will return to lead Great Lakes" CBA franchise in 2002-03. "Jeff was instrumental in helping to form the Fuze a year ago". said Van Boxel.

"We think that his experience and his reputation is excellent and he is also a big promoter of camps for kids and likes to work with the youth in the area. He"ll fit very well with what we"re trying to do. That is promote family entertainment and reach out to the communities. He has all the right tools and is the right kind of person for our organization."

Grayer, a product of Flint Northwest High School, led the Fuze to a 17-23 [3.2 quarter point average] mark in 2001-02, his first season as a CBA head coach.

"I"m excited about the brand of basketball we will bring, an up tempo style with some very aggressive defense," said the Iowa State ["88] standout and NBA veteran.

"I am really happy and comfortable working with Greg and Joe, there is a relationship that is building that is going to create some very exciting entertainment for the Mid-Michigan area."

One last note. The League has added a new employee. Cindy King has joined the CBA office team. She is the new Director of Administration. Congratulations to Cindy. MLN will look forward to working with you and the rest of the office staff in 2002.