West Tennessee Heat join the Pro Basketball Association

The Pro Basketball Association announced on Friday that the West Tennessee Heat had been awarded a franchise for the 2021 PBA Season. Coach Jeremy McKinnie has been coaching for 17 years at every level including high school, AAU, Minor League and Semi-Professional. McKinnie started in Minor League Basketball as the Mississippi Eagles, in Southaven, MS. in 2014 under owners Bryan Settle and Scott Robinson in the CBA. The very first year the team finished in 3rd place. At that time, McKinnie was the only coach in the league to have players drafted directly to the NBA G-league. Afterwards, McKinnie was directly appointed a coaching position in Penny Hardaway’s Summer Pro-Am tournament called the Bluff City Classic where he coached players such as Ian Clark (Golden State Warriors), Lou Wiliams (LA Clippers), Will Barton (Denver Nuggets), Josh Selby (Kansas Jayhawks) and Willie Kemp (Memphis).

West Tennessee Heat was established February 2019 as an umbrella initiative under a 501(c)3 Team Memphis Heat-Lady Heat where the organization is seeking to help former athletes reach their goals, stay off the streets, and to help them establish International playing careers.

“Jeremy and everyone at the West Tennessee Heat are really great to work with. I’ve had the honor to get to know him these last several weeks. Jeremy is much appreciative to Coach Penny for the opportunity to serve in his pro-am league. In the Memphis area with his foundation, Jeremy really makes a difference in the community and in the lives of these young men. I’m happy to announce that the West Tennessee Heat will be joining the Pro Basketball Association and we’re looking at a terrific Southeast Division.”

Pro Basketball Association Commissioner – Chris Terrell

Pro Basketball Association Southwest Division – Current, pending, and proposed markets

The Pro Basketball Association will host a Pro Combine and Draft in two locations this year. March 27th at Fast Break Sports in Rochester, New York and April 3rd at the MAC in Lewisville, Texas. This is an INVITE only event. Players and/or their representation is encouraged to email profile and video to [email protected] to be considered for invitation.

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

For more information on the West Tennessee Heat and the Pro Basketball Association, visit us on social platforms @probasketballassociation and online at www.PBAplayers.com