Tag: PBA Pro Combine and Draft

February 28, 2021February 28, 2021

New Mexico Bullsnakes join the Pro Basketball Association

Albuquerque, New Mexico – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Sunday that the New Mexico Bullsnakes had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Owner Nick Lourneco has been a very successful team owner in the ABA in the Fall-Winter season and now brings his brand to the PBA for Spring-Summer.

It was all a dream and then it became a reality. For Nick Lourenco, it has always been about dreaming and taking on the world both figuratively and literally. Nick has seen the world from his native country of Angola. It has been quite a journey from Angola to Los Angeles to now planting roots in Albuquerque. Many experiences have lead him here to the Duke City to take on professional sports in a city that primarily follows college athletics. Nick Lourenco is the founder and owner of the New Mexico Bullsnakes of the American Basketball Association.

The Bullsnakes started just over a year ago as a franchise hoping to make an impact in the Duke City and a lasting impression on a city that loves basketball. If you’ve been to a Bullsnakes game, you’ll see Nick on the sidelines emotionally engaged with every play the Bullsnakes make on the court. For Nick Lourenco, it’s not just about business, but a passion. “I have always had a desire to get into professional sports and entertainment.” Nick said, “The Bullsnakes are a perfect opportunity to do that.”

But to really know Nick is to go back in time to his native country of Angola. Angola is a country located in south-central Africa between Namibia and Zambia. Angola was originally a colony of the European country of Portugal. The official language is Portuguese. If one were to fly to Angola from Albuquerque it would take exactly 21 hours and 13 minutes.

Yes, Nick is a long way from home where he has six siblings living in his native country. The journey around the world started when Nick entered the officers’ program of the Angolan Army. Nick completed his service to his country as a retired Army Captain. Nick can say “Go Bullsnakes!” in several different languages with Portuguese being his first language. Spanish and two dialects of his native Angola are also part of his language repertoire. After the military, sports were on Nick’s mind. He became a member of Angola’s National Team in European team handball. Yet, that wasn’t all Nick did in sports; he was a star in college as a member of the Cuban handball team.

Nick considers himself as a world explorer after having traveled to 20 different countries throughout his life. “Basketball, team handball, and soccer are my favorite sports.” Nick said. After sports, Nick began his professional career by achieving a degree in Engineering in Industrial Automation (BS) from ISPJAE located in Havana, Cuba. While Nick was at ISPJAE, he started a basketball team that regularly competed against other schools in Cuba. During his time in school, Nick met his wife which would bring him to the United States.

“I had never thought about immigrating to the U.S. until I met my wife who is a U.S. citizen.” Nick said “The whole process took two years before I could enter the country.” Nick and his wife moved to Los Angeles, CA where, for 18 years, Nick became involved in corporate America serving as a senior manager in human resources. Nick later remarried and found that entrepreneurship was really in his blood. For 18 years, Nick hit the ground running; starting several businesses from event staffing to even a Mexican restaurant. But in a city like Los Angeles where many Pro Sports teams reside, Nick knew that is what he wanted to do next. But why Albuquerque? “I left Los Angeles because of the stressful and fast-paced environment.” Nick said, “I wanted my children to grow up in a peaceful environment and have a better quality of life.” That quality of life started with the Bullsnakes being what Nick calls “his baby.”

This has been a dream and now a reality. But what is the plan going forward with the Bullsnakes? “The plan is to have a long-lasting impact in Albuquerque.” Nick said, “We want to have our own facilities and be a place where the basketball community comes together.” The Bullsnakes have made an impact and continue to grow in the new year. Nick spends a large amount of time operating the franchise. During his off time, he loves to spend it with family and go Salsa dancing. The inaugural season is halfway over, and the Bullsnakes Organization is running strong. The future is bright, and Nick Lourenco continues to live the dream.

Southwest Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

“Wow! Talk about checking all the boxes. Nick and his team in New Mexico are first class all the way. He’s a savvy businessman and has really worked hard to build his brand in the community. They’ve been covered by multiple media outlets in the last couple years, have a strong local following, is great with his business partners in helping to bring exposure to their brands, and it is incredible what he has brought and continue to brings to the community there in Albuquerque. We’re super excited about the New Mexico Bullsnakes. They fit perfectly between our franchises in Las Vegas and El Paso. Samantha Stukes with the Southwest Desertcats was instrumental in this process. Her relationship with Nick and their shared experience having worked together in the ABA, really allowed us to get together on having the organization in the PBA and to continue to play on into the Spring-Summer Season. Nick and the fans there in New Mexico and the PBA as a whole, are all excited about the coming season. Let’s go Bullsnakes!!!” PBA Commissioner Chris Terrell

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

The Pro Basketball Association 2021 PBA Pro Combine and Draft will be held in two locations beginning with 3/27 in Rochester, New York and then 4/3 in Dallas, Texas. With pending announcements the PBA will have a minimum of 42 teams (From Seattle to New York City and everywhere in between – America) in the two round draft which means 84 draft eligible players will become a part of the Pro Basketball Association. Players and/or their representation is encouraged to email profile/video to [email protected] or visit Pro Basketball Association Combine and Draft – Pro Basketball Association (pbaplayers.com) or follow FB/IG @probasketballassociation

February 28, 2021February 28, 2021

Detroit Panthers join the Pro Basketball Association

Detroit, MI – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Sunday that the Detroit Panthers had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Team Owner Cecil L. Hood is the founder of United Professional Basketball Association, one of the top basketball leagues in the city of Detroit that focuses on the growth of players in the inner city. UPBA16 was established in 2016 and has over 150 players in its organization. They are helping the youth get into college programs, search for opportunities overseas, and be an alternative program to keep them in a positive environment. UPBA’s leagues are played at “The Saint” , one of the most revered basketball courts in the country.

Cecil L. Hood – Detroit Panthers

The Detroit Panthers have their own basketball training facility where players can work on their game which includes a half court gym, film room, and workout equipment. Personally Cecil is a Detroit native who played the game at a high level. He was a red shirt freshman on the 2001 Kent State elite 8 team. Cecil is familiar with being around a winning program.

Cecil is the founder of The Detroit Panthers, a pro team that was created for the PBA. The Panthers will pull from Detroit and surrounding areas and will be built on the UPBA Elite foundation.

Midwest Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

“Cecil and his Detroit Panthers are a welcomed addition to the PBA. He and PBA VP Director of Marketing and Strategic Development, Jai Pradia, go back a long time and it made Cecil feel like family to us immediately. Having good people that care about the right things is paramount to the foundation of the league. He was a terrific player and has given back a lot to the community over the years. The UPBA locally there in Detroit is a well known and respected program that has developed a lot of really high level players over the years. We’re excited about the impact they make in the community and the level of basketball that they’ll bring to the PBA. The City of Detroit fits perfectly in our Midwest division and will be a natural rival with Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Elkhart, and others.” PBA Commissioner Chris Terrell

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

February 27, 2021February 27, 2021

Vegas Huskies join the Pro Basketball Association

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Saturday that the Vegas Huskies had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 Spring Summer PBA Season. Team owner Jamal Mullings has big plans for the city of Las Vegas and will fit perfectly in the Southwest Division of the PBA.

The Vegas Huskies are a Professional Placement and Development Organization originally based in Vancouver, B.C- Canada. Due to Covid-19, the Huskies have officially relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada- USA. The Huskies seek to establish Vegas as a professional basketball hotbed for player development and professional FIBA placement. We specialize in developing post graduate athletes while providing FIBA Exposure and Showcase opportunities that serve to place Huskies players on professional FIBA teams in Europe. Most recently the Huskies have elevated their status to the professional level after hosting their inaugural FIBA Showcase in Belgrade,Serbia where 50% of players received contract opportunities.The Huskies are thrilled and beyond appreciative to be joining the PBA as we seek to expand our professional footprint domestically, while providing high-level development and professional placement opportunities internationally.

“The PBA is really excited about the Vegas Huskies. Jamal and his group have a lot of experience Internationally and with the relocation to Vegas fit perfectly in our Southwest division. Between Vegas in the West and El Paso in the East there are a number of really talented organizations were talking to and will have news about shortly that will make the Southwest one of the best divisions in the Pro Basketball Association.”

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

February 18, 2021February 19, 2021

North Texas Prowlers join the Pro Basketball Association

Argyle, Texas – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Thursday that the North Texas Prowlers had joined the PBA for the 2021 Spring-Summer Season. Team owner Heath Tipton is a minor league pro, having successfully fielded teams in the MBL and ABA, among others. The Prowlers are a well respected organization, led by Head Coach Terry Williams and Assistant Ezell Craft, the Prowlers have a terrific team that will be competing in the Texas bubble where clubs share in game day costs such as facility, referees, operations, stats, video, DJ all at one North Texas location, the MAC, played Sunday nights from May until August.

Already slated to be in uniform for the Prowlers this PBA season include: 6’4 Guard Brandon Fields, 6’0 Guard Tay Merriwether, 6’6 Forward Ty Thomas, 6’9 Forward Dayton Mickens, 6’7 F/C Jonathan Durley, 6’5 Forward Sean McCary, 6’3 Guard Chris Bibbs, 6’3 Guard Myron Taylor, and 6’10 Center Ernest Vannorsdell. The Prowlers still have two draft picks in the upcoming PBA draft held after two National combines but they’re stacked.

Brandon Fields is an electric scoring combo guard capable of spending time at 1 or 2 that can create out of pick and roll and starred for the Texas Legends of the NBA G-League where he averaged 10ppg and 6apg just this past season including successive 25 point plus performances in back to back games with 26 points against the Sacramento Kings affiliate in Stockton followed up by 27 the following game against the Golden State Warriors G-League affiliate Santa Cruz two nights later. Santa Cruz had Jeremy Pargo in uniform in their back court trying to slow down Fields and the former NBA guard had his hands full. Stockton had Isaiah Canaan at guard when they matched up with Fields and Canaan who averaged 13ppg for the Philadelphia 76ers is another super high level player.

6’4 Guard – Brandon Fields has played in Lithuania, Ukraine, Italy, and extensively in the NBA G-League for multiple NBA teams including Mavericks, Clippers, and Jazz among others

Putting Fields experience into context helps outline how good of a player this really is for the Pro Basketball Association. The whole roster is high level, high power. Shooters, scorers, high flyers. Tay can run the squad and take pressure off of Fields. Ty Thomas is an experienced stretch forward with NBA range and experience in the top leagues in Mexico. “Bama” Mickens is a matchup nightmare at 6’9 and a face up and step out kind of game that is hard to defend with his length. Vanorsdell covers the rim and changes everything on the interior defensively… they’re the real deal. Get ready PBA! This isn’t your typical rec level semi-pro league ladies and gentlemen.

The Pro Basketball Association from it’s inception put people in position around the league that come from high level backgrounds. PBA National Director of Scouting Antoine Broxsie is a current NBA coach in the Houston Rockets organization. Laselle Taylor is the International Scouting Director for Mexico and has coached in all the top leagues down there for 4 decades. Eric Carr is a proven overseas coach in the Middle East. Zoran Milovic the same for Eastern Europe. Samir St. Clair coached in Japan and the Middle East and is the PBA Scouting Director for Japan. League Deputy Commissioner Ricky Benitez coached all over the World including the top league in Venezuela, Mexico, and in International tournaments in Chile, Hungary, and China and currently serves as advisor for Latin America. PBA Commissioner Chris Terrell coached in the CBA, the top league in China, with multiple first round NBA draft picks playing for him as well as a decade and a half overseas in Europe, Latin America, Canada, the D-League, etc. The Pro Basketball Association has scouting directors set up all over the World with top level agents in Countries like France, Australia, Argentina, and Austria to name a few. When a league puts an emphasis like that, the way it has, it’s bound to attract top level talent and help get that talent on to higher levels domestically and internationally. If you want Pro – You want the PBA.

PBA Pro Combine and Draft: Rochester NY 3/27 – Dallas TX 4/3

The Pro Basketball Association 2021 Pro Combine and Draft will be held in two locations beginning with 3/27 in Rochester, New York and then 4/3 in Dallas, Texas. With pending announcements the PBA will have a minimum of 42 teams (From Seattle to New York City and everywhere in between – America) in the two round draft which means 84 draft eligible players will become a part of the Pro Basketball Association. Players and/or their representation is encouraged to email profile/video to [email protected] or visit Pro Basketball Association Combine and Draft – Pro Basketball Association (pbaplayers.com) or follow FB/IG @probasketballassociation

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021

Pennsylvania Peacemakers join the Pro Basketball Association

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Thursday that a franchise had been awarded to the Pennsylvania Peacemakers to join the PBA Spring-Summer Season. Team President Isiah Walker is no stranger to minor league basketball having been successful in the Northeast Pennsylvania area as owner of the NEPA Stars and Stripes of the ABA (American Basketball Association) and consultant to the Harlem Globetrotters. The organization is also very active in the community with strong sponsor support and with youth basketball at all levels and in the hosting of tournaments and a Pro Camp that offers sessions, evaluations, video, competitive shootouts and combines as a part of their portfolio.

Northeast Division – Current, proposed, and pending markets

The Northeastern part of Pennsylvania fits perfectly within the Northeast division in the Pro Basketball Association. The PBA has the Buffalo Blaze, Rochester Razorsharks and New York Generals (White Plains) in the State of New York. Akron Aviators in Eastern Ohio. Buckhannon Bears in Northern West Virginia and MidCoast Sternmen in Maine it makes for shorter distance road trips where flights are not required. The team in the PBA model will have 5 road games over a 4 month season, working to keep teams in that 4-6 hour range makes for exciting basketball in the region. The Spring-Summer time of year also helps with road conditions and games that the fans aren’t kept from due to weather problems. Get ready PA! The Peacemakers are coming to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Pennsylvania Peacemakers President Isiah Walker is a former standout at GAR, Keystone College and Marywood. He combines basketball know how with marketing savvy and a community first approach that includes AAU programs, camps, tournaments, and combines. “Perfect combination for a franchise in the PBA” says Chris Terrell – PBA Commissioner. “The Walker family, the PBA, Walker League, and all of NEPA are really excited about this for the region.”

The Pennsylvania Peacemakers have a two-session tryout set for Sunday March 7th from 2:45-5pm (1st session) and 7-9:15pm (2nd session). A final tryout is set for Friday April 2nd from 8-10pm. All held at 340 Carveton Road Shavertown PA 18708. The cost is $100 pre-registration and $125 walk in. The PBA Draft will take place on April 10th and the regular season is set for tip off on May 1st and plays through August.

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021

Shreveport-Bossier Knights join the Pro Basketball Association

Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Thursday that the Shreveport-Bossier Knights had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. The Shreveport-Bossier Knights, owned by Miguel Pope, is a minor pro sports organization that was founded June 15, 2010 on the principle of “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1. Shreveport-Bossier Knights is currently a part of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Port-Bossier Attractions Association, Sports Commission, and the Louisiana Veterans First Business. With our 2017-2021 being part of E.F.L, and Triumphant Football League, The men’s basketball previously played in the UBL, and our women’s basketball in the WBDA. The Knights program often coordinates with different sport agents.

The mission of the Shreveport-Bossier Knights is to help all youth, young women, and men from various backgrounds achieve their football, basketball, and baseball dreams. The program is designed to not only teach the sport, but to network players from high school, college, to professional, and to be a mentor.

“Shreveport-Bossier Knights fit perfectly in our Southeast division. The PBA model is akin to minor league baseball in that we have divisional games that limit flights and overnights… it’s primarily a bus league. We try and keep distances down to 6-8 hours whenever possible. There are only 5 road games spread out over a 4 month regular season so that also helps teams by being active in their communities and promoting upcoming events and home games. Northeast Louisiana fits perfectly with our Southeast division. We currently have two teams in Houston and plans for a Gulf Coast team that is currently pending. Also have a teams in Alabama. We’re interested in speaking with first class organizations that are interested in a Spring-Summer Season throughout the region including Arkansas and Mississippi so this is an exciting time for the PBA, now about 2.5 months away from the start of our season, we’re in a really good spot. Shreveport-Bossier is our 43rd franchise announced for the 2021 Spring-Summer Season. From Seattle to New York City and everywhere in between. If you want Pro, you want the PBA.” Chris Terrell – PBA Commissioner

Southeast Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021

Naptown Pros join the Pro Basketball Association

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Wednesday that the Naptown Pros had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Owner Christopher Coley is also the Assistant Coach. Team Marketing Director is D. Cuevas. Coley, as the founder of Naptown Pros, developed the team to give players another path to securing professional playing contracts and an opportunity to gain experience, stats, and video in that pursuit. Also, for the community, and for the kids especially, to have a vehicle to help make them more active.

Coley was an assistant coach on an All-Army team for two years while serving his Country. He also played Pro Football for 12 seasons. Also Coley worked providing video services in the NBA for 18 years and has been a coach in minor league professional basketball for the last 15 years.

“Indianapolis serves as a key hub for the geography and logistics of scheduling in the Midwest for the PBA. With Louisville (Southeast) and Evansville (Henderson, KY) to the South (Southwest), St. Louis and Kansas City to the West, Chicago to the Northwest, Northern Indiana (Elkhart) to the North, Detroit to the Northeast, and Cincinnati to the East; it just connects all the dots. The PBA model is for clubs to have only 5 road games spread out over a 4 month period. The travel is kept to in-division opponents where we try and keep it in that 4-6 hour range whenever possible so we eliminate costly flights and overnights. Modeled after minor league baseball where a cluster of teams in a tight geographic area allow for the teams to bus to a road game, play, and go home. It’s amazing how many professional leagues at our level have folded over the years because they didn’t adhere to something along these lines.” Chris Terrell – Commissioner – Pro Basketball Association

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

February 16, 2021February 17, 2021

Wilson named Official Basketball supplier to the Pro Basketball Association

Chicago, Illinois – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Tuesday that an agreement had been reached with Wilson to become the Official Basketball of the PBA. The Wilson Evolution with the PBA embossed logo will serve as the Official ball beginning with the 2021 Spring-Summer Season. Basketballs will be available in arenas around the Country and select retailers will offer the ball for $79.95. The top quality Indoor Game Ball with PBA embossed logo will also be made available online.

The Wilson Sporting Goods Company is an American sports equipment manufacturer based in Chicago, Illinois. Wilson makes equipment for many sports, among them baseball, badminton, American football, basketball, fastpitch softball, golf, racquetball, soccer, squash, tennis, pickleball and volleyball. Wilson is currently also the Official basketball of the NBA.

“We wanted quality. Wilson is the official ball of the NBA and I have always been a big fan of the Evolution. The wide channel grip is excellent. I love it off the hand. We were approached by several manufacturers but I just kept going back to Wilson to work something out. I am really happy with the way the ball came out. The PBA logo looks great and the guys at Wilson were really good to work with. It looks nice but what really sold us on Wilson is the feel. Some things you look at and some things you put in your hands and you just know if it feels right. Our relationship with Wilson just feels right. Were looking forward to having Wilson front and center in our gyms across America this season in the PBA.” Chris Terrell – PBA Commissioner

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021

Montgomery Knights join the Pro Basketball Association

Montgomery, Alabama – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Tuesday that the Montgomery Knights had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Owner Syreeta Duncan is the proud owner of ABA men’s team River Region Generals, minor league team Montgomery Knights, and women’s semi-professional team Montgomery Lady Magic, which are located in the capital city of Montgomery, Alabama. She also has a youth team Jr Generals. Ms. Duncan has been recognized by many organizations for her leadership both in the community and as a female entrepreneur. Currently, Ms. Duncan is the second African American female to own a professional basketball organization in the state of Alabama. It is her goal to use professional basketball to help the youth and her community. She believes it’s more than just winning games, but in the sport of basketball that helps build character, leadership, and discipline. She is a firm believer, that with God anything is possible.

The Pro Basketball Association has also extended a position in the league office to Ms. Duncan. She will work closely with Angela Culliver, who is the Regional Director of League Operations in the Southeast. Ms. Duncan will be the Regional Director Liaison (Southeast) and will day to day help manage the communication and logistics within the division.

“We’re really excited about Syreeta and the Montgomery Knights. She makes the perfect team with Angela Culliver as they have worked together previously and each bring something unique to the equation. The Southeast Division is an area known for passionate fans and dedicated business partners. The SEC is some home to some of the best Sports on TV and we know this region is in great hands with these two working together helping make the PBA the top Spring-Summer league in the United States.” Chris Terrell – PBA Commissioner

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

February 14, 2021February 15, 2021

Henderson Hornets join the Pro Basketball Association

Henderson, Kentucky – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Sunday that the Henderson Hornets had been awarded a franchise in the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer season. Team owner Jeremy Arnett has been working with PBA Commissioner Chris Terrell and Regional Director of League Operations Charles Hickman on the move to the PBA. Arnett and the Hornets had previously played in the MSBA which was recently acquired by the Pro Basketball Association.

The Henderson Hornets are located in Henderson, Kentucky which is just across the State line (over the bridge) to Evansville, Indiana; neighbors on either side of the Ohio River. They’re two hours from Louisville, Kentucky. The same distance from Nashville, Tennessee, and less than 3 hours to the west of Cincinnati and the same to the east from St. Louis. The PBA format for the classic model is to keep teams in that 4-6 hour distance (no flights and no overnights) with only 5 road games played between May and August. This allows their clubs to be able to be profitable year one and focus their attention on first class game day operations and being in their community and promoting their brand to sponsors, partners and fans alike.

If you want Pro – You want the PBA