Tag: Pro Basketball Association

March 11, 2021March 11, 2021

Silver State Mustangs join the Pro Basketball Association

Henderson, Nevada – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Thursday that the Silver State Mustangs had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer season. Marcus Mooney is the owner of the Mustangs out of Henderson, Nevada. He’s been coaching and training basketball for over 20 years. The goal of the organization is to bring professional basketball to Henderson.

Marcus Mooney – Owner – Silver State Mustangs

“The Mustangs have acquired some of the most athletic, high IQ players from all over the United States to bring competitive exciting games for our fans. We will be active in the community as well as becoming mentors for those who are looking to get to the next level through different camps and clinics. We Got You…. we want to thank Chris Terrell and the whole PBA family for allowing us the opportunity to play for a great organization.Go Mustangs!!!!!” Marcus Mooney – Owner – Silver State Mustangs

Silver State Mustangs Home Uniform reveal

The Mustangs will play in the Southwest Division and Regional Director of League Operations Samantha Stukes has been working to assemble an all-star cast of top level teams in the division. Silver State joins Las Vegas Huskies and Nevada Pharaohs in the greater Southern Nevada area. The 7 City Knights were announced just last week in the Phoenix area. The New Mexico Bullsnakes make Albuquerque home. And the Southwest Desertcats (owned by Stukes) play out of El Paso, Texas. The division now features six teams and that is the blueprint model of the PBA. Travel that is limited to divisional play where each team plays the others once at home and once on the road in a 10 game regular season over 17 weeks followed immediately by a single elimination playoffs where the first round between top clubs is at the home of the higher seed, again in division.

Southwest Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

When a team comes out of the Southwest they’d be matched up in the Second round, again single elimination, against the neighboring division, at the home of the higher seed. The classic model noted above works to keep travel costs down by eliminating the need for flights. Hotels are far and few between as well except for once when travelling from one side of the division to the other. Southwest Desertcats can make a Vegas weekend out of it and the clubs out of Nevada can do the same when they play in El Paso and Albuquerque. That one trip all season can be planned for and budgeted but keep the rest of the travel to a minimum and that allows for greater financial flexibility. The PBA is currently in conversation with clubs in California who are trying to throw their hat into the ring. It’s possible with the right team in the right market that the division could see expansion once again before the Pro Draft Combines at the end of the Month.

50 teams Nationwide – 2 round Draft = 100 Players DRAFTED!

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 48 teams (From Seattle to New York City and everywhere in between – America) in the two round draft which means 96 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

March 10, 2021March 10, 2021

Pro Basketball Association announces PBA Florida

Orlando, Florida – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Tuesday that the league would host a bubble in the Orlando area that would allow teams in Florida to participate in the PBA, all while reducing expenses and profit sharing with those organizations. The PBA took some of what was successfully done by the NBA this past playoff season and has implemented it throughout the Country in key markets around the US but also gave teams the option of the classic model where they’d host home games in their own arena and travel within their region to play divisional opponents on the road. “The bubble” helps cut down on travel, venue, and other organizational costs and allows teams within the association that choose that model, the ability to pool resources and play with the door money on the line. It’s a hot concept that sweeping the Country. Central Florida will join Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth as markets that will be hosting a PBA bubble this season.

The PBA Florida “Bubble” will be held at “the Well” on Athletes Row in Apopka, Florida; a short 15 minute drive from Orlando and 30 minutes to Walt Disney World. The league plans to have International World Class Tournaments and Events featuring some of the top Pro clubs around the World as a part of their product offering in Florida in the coming months and this venture and the establishing of a strong foundation in the Sunshine State moving forward helped push this the forefront. The PBA is the top Spring-Summer Pro League in the United States with 50 teams Nationwide as members of the Association. PBA Florida helps the league expand into that State. Of the 50 teams in the United States, the Pro Basketball Association is located in arenas from Seattle to New York City and just about everywhere in between. The plan is to add eight of the best organizations in the State of Florida to play in the Bubble and to award them franchises in the Pro Basketball Association. Meetings have already been ongoing with interested pro teams in and around Florida over the past several weeks.

50 Teams Nationwide – The Pro Basketball Association

A little about the League

The Pro Basketball Association currently has six current or former NBA people in position in the league office as well as 17 International Scouting Directors all over the World helping to place PBA players abroad. One crucial component to the PBA mission statement is to provide full 20 category box scores and full game branded video – equipped with league commercials, team branding and merchandise, as well as TV quality pro level games streamed online for a Global audience and already has been featured on NBC, Fox, and CBS as well as inking deals with Wilson Sporting Goods (the current basketball of the NBA is also the official basketball of the PBA), YouTube, Media company 1891, and the Eurobasket Network as league partners. If you want Pro – You want the PBA.

The Well – Athletes Row – Apopka, Florida

The Well formerly known as the Cooper Sports Complex offers sports activities & classes for adults and children. The facility also includes a restaurant if your hungry and need to get something to eat while attending a game. The Well also has meeting rooms and is non-smoking, wheelchair accessible and has available parking. The Well also is home to Church services on Sunday mornings and proudly serves the Apopka community and surrounding areas. Sunday evenings will be home to teams in the Association as a part of PBA Florida; designed to be a weekend destination for clubs from across the State to be able to participate in a Covid free, safe zone where all precautions are taken to ensure your viewing enjoyment of Pro Basketball at affordable prices – convenient to shopping and entertainment options for the whole family!

Homer Gray – Regional Director of League Operations – PBA Florida

The Pro Basketball Association has named Homer Gray and Sam Brown as the Regional Directors of League Operations for PBA – Florida. Homer Gray is a Graduate of Valencia Community College and Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. As a former Pro Basketball Player with International playing experience, Gray brings the perfect match of skill sets to the position. He is a basketball coach and trainer since 2008 and has an extensive background Internationally. Gray was the assistant coach for Jamaica’s Men’s National Basketball Team in 2010. The coach of the Nigerian National Basketball Team from 2011-2013 and specializes in the fundamentals of basketball including skill development, shooting, ball handling, and the mental preparation and confidence for the game. Gray has been successful training numerous professional athletes, both international and NBA but also spends time working as a professional trainer for all levels from beginner to pro. His experience and connections in the Central Florida area will be a key asset for the PBA in the region.

Sam Brown – Regional Director of League Operations – PBA Florida

Sam Brown born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He is a Community Leader for the Apopka Area Chambers of Commerce. Basketball has been his ticket in many communities, around different arenas and facilities around the Country. Sam spent 12 years in Northern Virginia on the AAU and High School Basketball Circuit as a Coach and Youth Basketball Trainer. During his time in Virginia, he launched his Non-Profit Organization, Travel Basketball Association. TBA became a household name for the Woodbridge Community as Sam trained, coached, and mentored kids through his TBA “Train to Compete” Basketball Program. In 2015, Sam partnered with Big Time Hoops where he became the Youth Tournament Director for all of the Mid-Atlantic United States. He organized competitive tournaments for thousands of Student-Athletes from 3rd thru 12th grade. His tournaments allowed Student Athletes an opportunity to be seen by College coaches and scouts. Sam’s competitive spirit, energy, passion, and love for basketball can be recognized on and off the court. He’s an excellent business person with the proven track record in organization for larger events with many teams and participants.

“The Pro Basketball Association is really excited to partner with Homer and Sam with PBA – Florida. We’ll announce more about the International component in the near future and having 8 high level teams competing in the Pro Basketball Association in one central location during these difficult times is life changing for players, coaches, and fans alike. We love being able to offer this to the greater Orlando community from an entertainment aspect. And having some of the top pro level clubs from the State of Florida all at one facility is a special thing. Add in our contacts from a league standpoint as it relates to the NBA and Pro leagues in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela, to name a few; really give the PBA players and coaches an opportunity to take their game to the highest levels possible. Homer and Sam exemplify what we’re looking for with the Pro Basketball Association and we’re looking forward to several pending announcements from teams shortly.” PBA Deputy Commissioner Ricky Benitez

50 teams Nationwide – 2 round Draft = 100 Players DRAFTED!

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

March 6, 2021March 10, 2021

Seven City Knights join the Pro Basketball Association

Phoenix, Arizona – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Saturday that the Seven City Knights had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Owner Lawrence Taylor is entering his 10th season in minor league basketball having began the organization back in the 2010-2011 season as an expansion franchise in the ABA based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The team relocated to the Phoenix area a couple years ago and has had a lot of success in the new market being embraced by the community there.

PBA Regional Director and VP Samantha Stukes shown here with Seven City Knights owner Lawrence Taylor.

“The Seven City Knights and Lawrence Taylor (shown far left) are a perfect fit with what we’re trying to do in the PBA. The Southwest division has teams from El Paso with the Southwest Desertcats, New Mexico Bullsnakes in Albuquerque, Vegas Huskies and Nevada Pharaohs. Add Phoenix to that mix and that’s the market we wanted to be in and Lawrence and his decade of team ownership are a welcomed addition to the Pro Basketball Association. Samantha Stukes is the owner of the Southwest Desertcats, Regional Director of League Operations for the Southwest Division, and is the PBA’s Vice President of Social Media. Her relationship with Lawrence just made it feel like family from the beginning. His organization will be well received by all the teams except after that jump ball then it’s FIRE in the desert”.

Seven City Knights will be representing the PBA in Phoenix in White, Black, and Gold and will be looking for players to draft at the upcoming PBA Draft Combine held in two locations Nationally – 3/27 in Rochester NY and 4/3 in Dallas, TX

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

March 6, 2021March 6, 2021

Lionheart Kings join the Pro Basketball Association

Binghamton, New York – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Saturday that the Lionheart Kings had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Team owner Chris Cartwright is a successful entrepreneur, AAU club team owner and organizer, and has a long history in the Binghamton area as an accomplished pro level athlete playing point guard for the Binghamton Bulldogs in the ABA. “Lionheart” Cartwright has something that those in Binghamton can really cheer for.

Chris Cartwright – Hometown hero to many Binghamton boys and girls

Prior to his ABA experience, Chris was All-SUNYAC First Team twice at Buffalo State, has an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance and was All-East Region in 2015. For the 5’9 point guard to dominate at the collegiate and professional levels like he has in Upstate New York for a decade is amazing in itself, competing against giants and starring on his successful teams; but to transition so quickly to adept businessman, now working with multiple teams at varying age groups, hosting tournaments, taking teams around the State just a few years removed from his playing experience really illustrates his skill set on and off the basketball court.

Now bringing the Pro Basketball Association to his hometown of Binghamton really brings his journey full circle. Two years ago he was the point guard for the Binghamton Bulldogs and now he owns his own professional team. So if you’re asking yourself about the name of the team – Lionheart Kings – You only need to go so far as the article below to know, the Captain for those years for the Bulldogs nickname was “Lionheart” because he played with the heart of a lion and did whatever the team needed to win averaging 24.4ppg and 6.2apg. He’s winning in business now too Binghamton. Hometown hero makes good!

Chris Cartwright – 12 Sports Athlete of the Week (wbng.com)

PBA Northeast Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

The Lionheart Kings join the Pro Basketball Association’s Northeast Division and in doing so join the Pennsylvania Peacemakers just an hour down 81 as the Peacemakers make the Scranton-Wilkes Barre area home. The division also features the Rochester Razorsharks who are the 7x PBL Champions, the Buffalo Blaze, the MidCoast Sternmen in Maine, New York Generals in the White Plains (Westchester County area of New York), Akron Aviators, and Buckhannon Bears. There is expected to be another couple announcements coming out about the division shortly. Later this month on March 27, Rochester will be the home of the 2021 PBA Draft Combine where 96 players will hear their names called as players selected in the pro draft to the 48 current professional teams Nationwide in the PBA.

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

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Missouri Program Select joins the Pro Basketball Association

Springfield, Missouri – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Thursday that the Missouri Program Select had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Owners Thomas Holloman and Kobe Holloman, both from Springfield, Missouri, will make up a terrific Father and Son team in the Pro Basketball Association.

Thomas is a business entrepreneur and former College athlete. He has coached AAU for 20 years and managed over 70 teams! He has extensive experience as a Tournament Director and is also a Health Care Provider. His son Kobe also is a entrepreneur and former College athlete who also like his Dad is a Health Care Provider. The Holloman men have been working together with the AAU program for years, so Kobe has grown up in the business of basketball.

Thomas Holloman and son Kobe Holloman – Missouri Program Select

“Every once in awhile you get a chance to speak with guys that just are a perfect fit for what you’re attempting to accomplish as a league” says Chris Terrell – PBA Commissioner. “Thomas and Kobe have been ingrained in the community in Springfield for years and Thomas has 2 decades of experience running huge tournaments and has 70 teams. They both come from the medical field and make it their mission before on and off the basketball court to make a difference in people’s lives. There has got to be some 500 plus families in Springfield that know these men to of been there for their kids. A lot of those kids have grown up over the last 20 years to be incredibly talented basketball players in the City of Springfield that is known to be a hotbed for basketball.”

“Every aspect of owning an organization from organizing facility, and coordinating extremely large groups for travel, and just being around hundreds of kids that grew up to be high level adult basketball players hungry to play at the next level…. wow! Perfect! The community loves these guys and they’re making a difference and offering now, with this venture, a celebration for Springfield that everyone can embrace. The father and son part of this story really adds another heartfelt dimension. If I’m in Missouri, Kansas, or Arkansas…. anywhere near the heart of USA in general and want to go play for someone in an area that will support this team – Missouri Program Select in Springfield has got to be super high on my shortlist. This is why I love this game!” PBA Commissioner Chris Terrell

Midwest Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Texas Tribe join the Pro Basketball Association

Conroe, Texas – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Thursday that the Texas Tribe had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Spring-Summer Season. Owner and Coach Emmitt Welch has been a staple in the Houston basketball community since his high school days at Klein Forest High School where he played for legendary coaches Larry Petri and Cary Black. Welch went on to play his collegiate ball at Dallas Christian College, where he was named an all-American as a true freshman and is top 10 on the all time scoring list. Welch was a High School basketball coach in Dallas Texas For three years before coming to Houston and being the Assistant Head Coach at Lone Star College in Kingwood. The Tribe will make their home in Conroe, which is less than an hour’s drive North of Houston and approximately 30 miles North of Spring, Texas.

Welch is also a well known players coach with a knack for winning in the recruiting business. The Texas Tribe are an organization who’s sole purpose is to build basketball beyond borders by being a pipeline for local Houston talent by providing them FIBA overseas and G-league opportunities. The Tribe have signed players from all across Texas. The Tribe will set the standard for professional basketball in Houston and show the true meaning of player development.

Southeast Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

“We’re really excited about everything that Coach Welch and the Texas Tribe bring to the table. We were looking for a geographic rival with our Houston franchises to help with travel. At less than an hour north of Houston and about 30 minutes away from Spring, we feel like that they’re a natural fit. Those short commutes in division really make a World of difference for budgeting for travel but far enough away from one another where they’re not tapping into the same fan base. Add Shreveport-Bossier and that Gulf Coast area and we’re excited about the Western half of that Southeast Division. Coach has some high level players and is in a good position to put an exciting product on the court.” PBA Commissioner Chris Terrell

If you want Pro – You want the PBA

March 3, 2021March 3, 2021

Nevada Pharaohs join the Pro Basketball Association

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Wednesday that the Nevada Pharaohs have joined the PBA for the 2021 Spring-Summer Season. Team Owner Trevill “Trey” Martin and the Pharaohs played this past season in the ABA. Trey played high school basketball locally at Sierra Vista and then at College of the Desert. He played 6 seasons professionally in the ABA and is now going into his second year of ownership.

“I Have a vision to bring real professional basketball to Las Vegas on a huge scale. This city has emerged as the new Mecca of hoops and I don’t see any reason we can’t showcase the talent we have here. I also believe the community will rally behind our team and will support our league in a huge way, we’re extremely excited and looking forward to the season kicking off in May.” Nevada Pharaohs Team Owner – Trevill Martin

“We’re super excited about Trey and the Vegas Pharaohs. They fit perfectly into what we’re doing in the Southwest Division. From Las Vegas in the West to El Paso in the West; the Southwest Division FB: @PBASW has several pending announcements and the Pharaohs are a big one. Regional Director Samantha Stukes specifically recruited the Pharaohs because of their work in the community, their branding, some of the live streams, game video, and interviews they’ve done, and also their social media. Trey and his team know what it takes at this level and have put a group around them that will win on and off the court this season.”

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

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.

“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.

“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

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 21, 2021February 21, 2021

Southwest Desertcats join the Pro Basketball Association

El Paso, Texas – The Pro Basketball Association announced on Sunday that the Southwest Desertcats had been awarded a franchise for the PBA Spring-Summer Season. Owner Samantha Stukes is an El Paso, TX native determined to change the culture of basketball in the Southwest! Her passion and purpose for community and change is the driving force on what has taken her down the path of professional basketball. She has studied the game all her life and is constantly on a mission to learn, improve, and evolve her knowledge of the sport both on and off the court.

Samantha Stukes – Owner Southwest Desertcats

Stukes’ is the founder of Bonafide Basketball, an El Paso based youth program dedicated to teaching student-athletes from ages 4 to 18 the importance of intangibles like discipline, dedication, persistence, and integrity. These same traits are the backbone to placing over 50 student-athletes to college scholarships since 2014. In 2019, People Magazine and Arm & Hammer named Samantha Stukes the face of their “Thank You Coach” campaign and commercial, along with being featured in three issues of the magazine with her Bonafide Basketball girls. Together, with her teams over the years the Bonafide program earned 12 NCAA-Certified events at the open elite divisions at tournaments throughout the country. Her young primary teams are following suit competiting and placing in local and regional tournaments and leagues as well.

Now with new ventures on the horizon, it is the goal for Stukes to be able to combine the youth and community work she is so passionate about into the business side of professional basketball bringing it all full cycle with the Southwest Desert Hoops, El Paso’s Premier Men’s and Women’s basketball organization. No one is doing what the Desert Hoops Organization is doing in this region with the Desertcats (currently ranked #2 in the ABA) and Desert Lynx teams and they are happy to pioneer it and bring more change and pride to the city of El Paso and the Southwest region!

“We’re super excited about Samantha, the Southwest Desertcats, and the Southwest Division. We’re currently reviewing teams and considering options in Midland-Odessa, Lubbock, Amarillo, San Angelo, Abilene, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Tuscon, and Phoenix to fit with the Desertcats in that division. They have a great coach in Jesus Aragon. Coach Laselle Taylor, who is our International Scouting Director told me about Coach Aragon and then I got a chance to talk to Marcus and Tim with their organization. Wow what a great program they have! So excited about these terrific mentors and teachers of the game. Samantha will also be named Regional Director of League Operations for the Pro Basketball Association and be over our Southwest Division. It’s a great day for El Paso and the Southwest.” PBA Commissioner – Chris Terrell

Southwest Desert Hoops

“Bringing respect, credibility, and integrity to a game that has changed so many peoples lives for the better is what it’s all about. Somewhere, we got lost in the hype and the clout and forgot about the leg-work. We have to start back at the beginning and transform the culture back to what makes this sport so special. Not just for us but so we don’t lose the beauty in the art of hoop and the hard work that makes it all worth it. Keeping respect for the game at the forefront of the mission.” Samantha Stukes – Southwest Desert Hoops