USBL Unveils 20th Anniversary Team
June 21, 2005 - United States Basketball League (USBL) News Release
MILFORD, CT - The United States Basketball League, Inc. (USBL) released the members of its "Top 20 and Beyond Anniversary Team" were chosen by a vote of executives, coaches, and administrators that have served over the years in the USBL.
An alphabetical listing is as follows:
Michael Adams (5-8, Guard, Boston College)
Adams played in 35 games for the Springfield Fame in 1985 and 1986. Adams averaged 20 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. Adams was a member of 1985 "All-USBL Rookie Team" and "All-USBL Second Team". The following season, 1986, Adams was a member of the "All-USBL Defensive Team". Adams also led the USBL in steals in both seasons of play.
Herman Alston (6-1, Guard, Keane College)
Alston averaged 18.3 points a game, in a career than spanned 144 games over seven seasons. Alston was a member of the 1995 "All-USBL Second Team" and the 1997 "All-USBL First Team". Alston's 144 games played is fifth all-time in the USBL. Alston is also third in field goals made (1,023), field goals attempted (2,102) and points scored (2,639).
Darrell Armstrong (5-10, Guard, Fayetteville State)
Armstrong played in the USBL from 1992-1994 for the Atlanta Trojans. During those three seasons, Armstrong was named to the "All-USBL First Team" twice and the "All-USBL Second Team" once. Armstrong is third all-time in steals with 259 and 10th in assists with 491. Over his three years with the USBL, Armstrong averaged 21.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 3.3 steals. Armstrong is also only one of five players to recorded a quadruple-double, when he scored 43 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 13 assists, and snatched 10 steals on July 3rd, 1992. Armstrong is currently a member of the Dallas Mavericks, coached by fellow Top 20 and Beyond Anniversary Team" member Avery Johnson.
Ken Bannister (6-9), Forward, St. Augustine's)
"The Animal" averaged 20.7 points and 8.7 rebounds in a 99 game career in five seasons of play. Bannister's breakout year was 1993, when he led the USBL in scoring (30.2) and was second in rebounding (9.0). This earned him the "USBL Player of the Year" honors. He was also named the Championship Game MVP for his 35-point performance. Bannister shot an amazing 72.9% (297-412) from the field in 1993. Bannister had 2,052 points, good for ninth all-time.
Manute Bol (7-7, Center, Bridgeport)
Bol helped "The League of Opportunity" started in 1985. Bol blocked 18 shots twice, a USBL All-Time Record. Bol also shares the All-Time record for the most rebounds in a game with 28. In 25 games for the Rhode Island Gulls, Bol averaged a triple-double, 14.2 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 11.2 blocks and was a member of the 1985 "All-USBL First Team" and the "All-USBL Defensive Team". Bol is a the USBL All-Time leader in triple doubles with 13 and is second in career blocked shots with 281.
Don Collins (6-6, Forward, Washington State)
This scoring machine played two seasons in Tampa Bay and led the USBL in scoring in both seasons. In 1986, Collins averaged 31.8 points and in 1987 Collins put up 31.0 points a game. Collins was named to the "All-USBL First Team" in both of his seasons of play and was named the "All-USBL Player of the Year" in 1987. Collins has the highest scoring average, 31.4, of anyone that scored over 1,000 points in USBL history.
Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues (5-4, guard, Wake Forest)
Bogues showed his talents in the USBL with the Rhode Island Gulls in 1987. Bogues captured the "Rookie of the Year" honors and was named to the "All-USBL First Team". In 23 games, Bogues averaged 22.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 3.5 assists. Bogues, ranked first and third in steals and assists, respectively, amongst the League leaders. Bogues also added the 1987 All-Star Game MVP for his 21-point, 13 assists performance.
Adrian Griffin (6-5, Guard, Seton Hall)
Griffin was one of the major contributors to an Atlantic City team won the 1998 and 1999 USBL Championships. In 1999, Griffin was named the "USBL Player of the Year" and the "USBL Post-Season Festival MVP". In his 49 games with the Seagulls, Griffin 21.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Griffin was also a member of the 1999 "All-USBL First Team" and "All-USBL Defensive Team". Griffin is presently a member of the Chicago Bulls.
Johnny Jackson (6-8, Forward, Mississippi)
"Mr. Double Double" has been the face of the Kansas Cagerz franchise for the past five seasons. Jackson is the USBL All-Time leader in rebounds (1,311) and counting. He is also the All-Time leader in Double Doubles with 70. Jackson was a member of the "All-USBL First Team" in 2001 and 2002. He was also named to the "All-USBL Defensive Team" in 2003. Jackson led the USBL in rebounding in 2001 (12.) and 2002 (11.7). Jackson was also married at halftime of a Cagerz game. Jackson is a late return to the Cagerz this season and will be looking to add a Championship to his already impressive resume.
Avery Johnson (6-0 Guard, Southern)
Johnson played for the Palm Beach Stingrays in 1988. While with the Stingrays, Johnson was named to the "All-USBL Rookie Team". Avery was fifth in the USBL in assists, (7.0) and second in steals, (2.4) in 1988. Johnson also holds the record for most seasons in the NAB after playing in the USBL with 16 seasons. Johnson is currently the Dallas Mavericks Head Coach.
Kwan Johnson (6-3, Guard, New Orleans)
There isn't much that Johnson didn't do in his USBL career. Johnson played eight seasons and appeared in 177 games, the most ever in the USBL. Johnson led the USBL All-Time in Points (3,453), Steals (316), Field Goals Attempted (2,753), 3 Point Field Goals Attempted (765), Free Throws Made (905) and Attempted (1,286). Johnson was the 2002 "USBL Player of the Year", when he averaged 25.9 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Brevard Blue Ducks, earning him "All-USBL First Team" honors. Kwan was also a member of the 2000 "All-USBL First Team" with the Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs.
Michael Lloyd (6-2, Guard, Syracuse)
In his four seasons of play, Lloyd led the Atlantic City Seagulls to two USBL Championships. In 1996, Lloyd was named the "USBL Rookie of the Year" and was named to the "All-USBL First Team" in 1998 and 1999. Lloyd's 23.6 points a game average and 2,031 points scored are each good for tenth in USBL history. Lloyd also has 206 career playoff points, second best in the USBL.
Anthony Mason (6-7, Forward, Tennessee Tech)
Mason played for the Long Island Surf in 1991, averaging 27.8 points and 11.2 rebounds. Those numbers earned Mason a spot on the "All-USBL First Team". Mason also pulled down a USBL high of 28 rebounds against Philadelphia. Mason parleyed his one season with the Surf into a long and glorious NBA career.
Ron Matthias (6-3, Guard, West Palm Beach Community College)
"The Terminator" made a living making other people look bad. Matthias averaged 18.6 points over a 123 game in six seasons. Matthias didn't shoot much from the outside, "because I don't have to." Matthias scored 2,293 points, good for 6th all-time. A crowd favorite who one coach termed, "the best penetrator to the basket I have ever seen."
Andre Perry (6-7, Forward, Alabama)
Perry was a force on the blocks for five seasons beginning in 1998. Perry led the USBL in rebounding for three consecutive seasons beginning with his inaugural 1998 campaign, when he averaged 11.0 rebounds a game. He then averaged 11.6 and 11.4 rebounds a game the next two seasons. Perry finished his career as the All-Time leader in rebounding with 1,179 before being passed by Johnny Jackson last season. Perry was also a member of the "All-USBL First Team" in 1999 and 2001 and the "All-USBL Second Team" in 1998 and 2000. Perry was also a member of the "All-USBL Defensive Team" in 1998.
Brent Scott (6-9, Forward, Rice)
Scott was a force to be reckoned with in his three USBL seasons. Scott averaged 24.2 points and 12.2 rebounds a game in 70 games for the Miami Tropics, Portland Mountain Cats, and the Atlantic City Seagulls. Scott was a "All-USBL First Team" in each of his three seasons and the 1996 "USBL Player of the Year". Scott also shared the 1997 Post-Season Festival MVP crown. Scott is second all-time in triple-doubles with 10, with an amazing 8 coming in a 29-day span. Scott is still a dominating force in the Spanish League.
Charles Smith (6-2, Guard, Georgetown)
In two seasons with the Florida Sharks, Smith led them to back-to-back titles in 1995 and 1996. Smith was a member of the "All-USBL First Team" in both seasons of play, as well as being a member of the "USBL All-Defensive Team". Smith was also the USBL Championship Game MVP in 1995 and 1996. Smith averaged 16.4 points and dished out 549 assists in 47 games.
John Strickland (6-7, Forward, Hawaii-Pacific)
Strickland played six seasons ion the USBL, 1995-2000. Over six seasons, Strickland was one of the most dominating players. In 1995, Strickland was named to the "All-USBL Rookie Team". He was voted to the 1997 "All-USBL Second Team" and the "All-USBL First Team" in 1998. Strickland averaged 22.1 points and 7.7 rebounds in 95 games. The Post-Season is when Strickland dominated, averaging 23.7 points and 9.0 rebounds. Strickland is the USBL All-Time leader in Playoff points scored with 213.
Roy Tarpley (6-9, Center, Michigan)
Tarpley played in 16 games for the 1992 Miami Tropics. Over those 16 games, Tarpley averaged 32.2 points and 17.0 rebounds, both league highs. This earned Tarpley "All-USBL First Team" and "USBL Player of the Year" honors. Tarpley has since resurfaced with the Dodge City Legend this season, holding the record for the longest time span between seasons played.
John "Hot Rod" Williams (6-11, Center, Tulane)
Williams played a big part in the USBL's early history. In 1985 and 1986, Williams played in 36 games and averaged 22.2 points and 10.1 rebounds. Williams was also a member of the 1985 and 1986 "All-USBL First Team". Williams also led the USBL in scoring in 1985, with 23.1 points a game. Williams went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA.
HONORABLE MENTION
Chris Childs - Spent two years with the Miami Tropics and then a long NBA career.
Norris Coleman - Second All-Time leading scorer in the USBL. A force on the blocks.
Lloyd Daniels - "Sweet Pea" first showed the world his talents in the USBL.
Richard Dumas - Proved that his troubles were behind him with the 1992 Miami Tropics.
Mario Elie - A short stint in 1987 was parlayed into a 12 year NBA career.
Dennis Edwards - If he shot it, it most likely went in. The 1998 Player of the Year.
Darrin Hancock - Is one of only two players with 3 USBL Championship Rings.
Damon Jones - The Miami Heat guard played on a talented 1998 Jacksonville squad.
Tim Legler - The ESPN analyst played 4 great seasons with the Philadelphia franchise.
Sam Mitchell - Toronto Raptors Head Coach played two season in Westchester in 1985-85.
Kareem Reid - "The Best Kept Secret" is no secret to people trying to guard him.
Lazarus Sims - "Z" always seemed to find the open man and his teams always won.
Curt Smith - 1998 Player of the Year. Set the standard for toughness at point guard.
Jermaine Walker - Was a scoring force for 5 seasons for Rex Morgan coached teams.
Spud Webb - Set the stage for little men becoming a force in the NBA. 1985 USBL vet.
COACHES
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Coached the 2002 Oklahoma Storm to the USBL Championship in his only season as the helm. Finished with a 20-13 record in his only season of head coaching experience.
Ken Charles
The Fordham grad and 5 year NBA vet has been with the Brooklyn Kings franchise since the inception in 1999. Charles currently has 83 career coaching wins, the fifth most in USBL history. His Kings have back-to-back 20 win seasons and are looking to return to the USBL Championship Game for the second consecutive year.
Darryl Dawkins
"Chocolate Thunder" made a stop in Allentown from the planet Lovetron and picked up 133 wins for the Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs, the second most by a coach from this or any other planet in the USBL. A two time USBL Champions, 2001 and 2004. The 1999 Co-Coach of the Year.
Francis Flax
Flax has coached the Kansas Cagerz for five seasons and has won 93 games, good for fourth all-time. Flax was the 2002 Co-Coach of the Year. His Cagerz have been the standard for excellent play and professionalism. Has sent Billy Thomas, Devon Brown, Jermaine Jackson, and Martin Lewis to the NBA from the Cagerz.
Gordon Gibbons
The 1987 USBL Coach of the Year for the Tampa Bay Stars. Won48 games in two seasons and has the fifth highest winning percentage ever, 77.4%. His 1986 Tampa Bay Flash finished at the top of the standings with a 22-8 record.
Ray Hodge
Hodge was a steadying force behind the revived Connecticut Skyhawks franchise from 1997 to 1999. The 1997 Coach of the Year. He led the Skyhawks to the 1999 title contest. Finished with a 60.9% winning percentage.
John Lucas
Lucas owned the Miami Tropics for three seasons and coached them for two, with a record of 38-9, the second highest winning percentage ever, 80.9%. Lucas was the Coach of the Year in 1993 and the Man of the Year in 1992. His Tropics won the USBL Title in 1992 and 1993.
Kevin Mackey This coaching wizard has 128 wins, the third most in the USBL. Mackey's Atlantic City Seagulls won three consecutive USBL Championships starting in 1997. Coached a cornucopia of talented players who later found their way to the NBA and to the lucrative overseas market. A two time Coach of the Year, Mackey is now a scout for the Indiana Pacers.
Rex Morgan
This USBL veteran coached 14 seasons with a variety of Florida based teams. His 196 wins are a USBL high. Morgan was the Coach of the Year in 1990 and his teams won Championships in 1990 and 1994. He also coached a USBL All-Star team to a silver medal at the 1991 Mundial Winston Tournament. An intense coach who was known for getting the best out of his players as well as the officials.
Eric Musselman
A two-time champion with the Florida Sharks in 1995 and 1996. Lost only three times in his career. Won the 1996 Coach of the Year Award. His teams once won 15 games in a row, a USBL record, and never lost at home. Finished with 53 wins and only 3 losses. His 28 games won in a season is a league standard.
Gerald Oliver
A coaching veteran, Oliver won the 1985 title with the Springfield Fame. Coached the Staten Island Stallions in 1986. Coached Sam Worthen, Michael Adams, Oliver Lee and Tracey Jackson. Is known throughout the world for his coaching abilities and his clinics. A coaching lifer who spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle Supersonics organizations.
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