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WNBA STATEMENT REGARDING KELLY LOEFFLER
NEW YORK, July 7, 2020 – WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released the following statement:

“The WNBA is based on the principle of equal and fair treatment of all people and we, along with the teams and players, will continue to use our platforms to vigorously advocate for social justice.  Sen. Kelly Loeffler has not served as a Governor of the Atlanta Dream since October 2019 and is no longer involved in the day-to-day business of the team.”
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WNBA ANNOUNCES A 2020 SEASON DEDICATED TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
WITH GAMES HONORING THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT
AND THE #SAYHERNAME CAMPAIGN

TOGETHER THE WNBA AND WNBPA LAUNCH A NEW PLATFORM, THE JUSTICE MOVEMENT, TO AMPLIFY THE VOICES AND LEADERSHIP OF WNBA PLAYERS

– In Addition to Games, IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida Will Host Programming to Connect Players with Each Other and Their Communities

NEW YORK, July 6, 2020 – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) today announced the launch of a new platform, The Justice Movementand the creation of the WNBA/WNBPA Social Justice Council. The collaborative efforts of the League and the Players Association represent an unprecedented and bold new commitment to advancing social justice by the longest standing U.S. sports league for women, as well as the first labor union for professional women athletes. The mission of the Social Justice Council is to be a driving force of necessary and continuing conversations about race, voting rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and gun control amongst other important societal issues.

In its inaugural season, the Social Justice Council will cultivate designated spaces for community conversations, virtual roundtables, player-produced podcasts, and other activations to address this country’s long history of inequality, implicit bias and systemic racism that has targeted black and brown communities. With an intentional plan to educate, amplify and mobilize for action, the WNBA and the WNBPA will focus on engaging educators, activists, community and business leaders with players, team and league staff, and fans. With a common goal to build bridges to communities and create sustainable change, the League and the Players Association are committed to continuing this collaborative work at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, the Official Home of the WNBA 2020 Season.

The work of the Social Justice Council will be led by players like Layshia Clarendon, Sydney Colson, Breanna Stewart, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, A’ja Wilson and Satou Sabally, among others. Those who have proudly stepped up to champion and advise the players include Alicia Garza (Founder, Black Future Labs, political activist, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter), Carolyn DeWitt (CEO, Rock the Vote), and Beverly Bond (Founder/CEO, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! and Celebrity DJ).  The expanded list of Social Justice Council members, advisors, and programming will be announced at a later date.

The WNBA will begin its season in late July with a weekend of competition centered around the Black Lives Matter movement, during which teams will wear special uniforms to seek justice for the women and girls, including Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, Vanessa Guillen and many more who have been the forgotten victims of police brutality and racial violence. Throughout the season, players will wear NIKE-branded warm-up shirts that display “Black Lives Matter” on the front.   Additionally, “Say Her Name” will adorn the back of the shirts.  “Black Lives Matter” will also be prominently displayed on courts during games.

“We are incredibly proud of WNBA players who continue to lead with their inspiring voices and effective actions in the league’s dedicated fight against systemic racism and violence,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Working together with the WNBPA and the teams, the league aims to highlight players’ social justice efforts throughout the 2020 season and beyond.  Systemic change can’t happen overnight, but it is our shared responsibility to do everything we can to raise awareness and promote the justice we hope to see in society.”

“As many WNBA players–past and present–have said and, more importantly, consistently demonstrated, the reason why you see us engaging and leading the charge when it comes to social advocacy is because it is in our DNA,” said WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike. “With 140-plus voices all together for the first time ever, we can be a powerful force connecting to our sisters across the country and in other parts of the world. And may we all recognize that the league’s stated commitment to us – in this season and beyond – offers a pivotal moment in sports history.”

As part of The Justice Movement platform, the WNBA and players will continue to work together to drive impactful, measurable and meaningful change.

About the WNBA
The WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women.  Featuring 12 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and social responsibility.  Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.

In 2020, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association signed a groundbreaking eight-year CBA that charts a new course for women’s basketball – and women’s sports overall – with a focus on increased player compensation, improvements to the player experience, expanded career development opportunities and resources specifically tailored to the female professional athlete.  Key elements of the agreement are supported through the league’s new partnership platform, WNBA Changemakers. Inaugural WNBA Changemakers include AT&T, Deloitte and Nike.   For more information, visit WNBA.com.

About the Women’s National Basketball Players Association
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is the union for current women’s professional basketball players in the WNBA. The WNBPA is the first labor union for professional women athletes. It was created in 1998 to protect the rights of players and assist them in achieving their full potential on and off the court. The WNBPA handles the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements (CBA), filing grievances on their behalf, and counseling players on benefits and post-WNBA career opportunities. The new eight-year CBA, which commences with the 2020 season and runs through 2027, provides the foundation to chart a new course for women's professional basketball. The WNBPA also serves as a resource for current players, while they are competing internationally during the offseason. The WNBPA encourages players to participate in union activities – including executive leadership roles, team representative positions, and global community outreach initiatives. 

           

WNBA ANNOUNCES COVID-19 TEST RESULTS
NEW YORK, July 6, 2020 – In tests conducted of 137 WNBA players between June 28-July 5, seven players have tested positive for the coronavirus.  
Any player who tested positive will remain in self-isolation until she satisfies public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and has been cleared by a physician. 
Players and staff from 11 of the 12 WNBA teams will arrive at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida today.  The Indiana Fever will delay their travel by at least five days in an abundance of caution due to the CDC’s close contact self-quarantine requirements.
       
NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS
NEW YORK, July 2, 2020 – In tests conducted of 344 NBA players between June 24-29, an additional nine players have tested positive for the coronavirus. Twenty-five of 351 players have tested positive since testing began on June 23.
In tests conducted of 884 team staff between June 23-29, 10 have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Any player, coach or team staff member who tested positive will remain in self-isolation until they satisfy public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and have been cleared by a physician.


- NBA career spanned four decades as an Official and Referee Operations Administrator -

NEW YORK, June 30, 2020 – Joe Borgia, a former NBA official and current senior vice president, referee operations, announced his retirement today following a celebrated 32-year NBA career.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to officiate at the top of our profession and then transition to a role committed to the advancement and improvement of our officials,” said Borgia. “I am especially proud of the NBA Replay Center. Its continued evolution in improving our game is an example of the dedication the NBA’s Referee Operations department has to excellence and innovation.”

Borgia was instrumental in the design and development of the NBA Replay Center, which opened with the 2014-15 season. The state-of-the-art facility, based in Secaucus, N.J., has been a groundbreaking tool to enhance the performance of NBA referees and to accelerate the replay review process.

For five seasons from 2014-19, Borgia was the main point of contact for the NBA Replay Center. This season, he refocused his efforts on the newly created Coach’s Challenge. As he did with the Replay Center, Borgia developed the rules and handled the execution for the Coach’s Challenge, which was approved by the NBA Board of Governors for use during the 2019-20 season.

“Joe’s imprint on the NBA and contributions to a multitude of officiating platforms will be lasting,” said Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. “We thank him for his leadership, passion and committed service to the game, and wish him the best in his retirement.”

Borgia was hired to the NBA referee staff in 1988. He officiated 10 seasons before an injury forced him to retire in 1998. He joined the basketball and referee operations department in 1999.

He served as the NBA’s rules interpreter for more than 15 years, creating training videos and interpreting the rules of the game for officials, teams, broadcasters and media. Borgia made many in-game and postgame appearances on network television to give broadcasters and viewers clarity on rules interpretation and officiating calls. He was also instrumental in converting the NBA’s recruitment and development of officials from the Continental Basketball Association to the NBA’s D-League (currently the G League).

On the court, Borgia worked two of the most famous games in NBA history: the highest-scoring game (Detroit Pistons at Denver Nuggets, 186-184 on Dec. 13, 1983) and the longest modern-day game (Seattle SuperSonics at Milwaukee Bucks, which lasted five overtimes, on Nov. 9, 1989).

Borgia is the son of the late Sid Borgia, a legendary referee who officiated in the NBA for 20 years beginning in 1946. Sid Borgia also served as supervisor of officials during the latter years of his career.



– NBA G League to Donate $10,000 to Community Organization Selected by Each Team –

NEW YORKJune 29, 2020 – The NBA G League today recognized the Wisconsin Herd and Salt Lake City Stars for finishing the 2019-20 season with the best records in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, respectively.

In honor of their achievement, the NBA G League will donate $10,000 to a community organization of each team’s choosing. Wisconsin has selected the National Urban League and Salt Lake City has selected Represent Justice to receive the donation.

“The Wisconsin Herd and Salt Lake City Stars are exceptional organizations and well deserving of this recognition,” said NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim.  “Both teams played with purpose throughout the season to earn their spots at the top of the NBA G League.” 

The Herd finished with the NBA G League’s best record at 33-10 under head coach Chase Buford.  Wisconsin, the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, led the league in net rating and ranked third in defensive rating.  The Herd produced one GATORADE Call-Up – Rayjon Tucker to the Utah Jazz.

Led by head coach Martin Schiller, the Stars finished with a 30-12 record.  Salt Lake City, the NBA G League affiliate of the Jazz, won the 2019 MGM Resorts NBA G League Winter Showcase at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.  Salt Lake City produced two GATORADE Call-Ups – Juwan Morgan to the Jazz and William Howard to the Houston Rockets.  

The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

– Season Resumes on July 30 with Jazz vs. Pelicans and Clippers vs. Lakers in TNT Doubleheader 
– ESPN’s Game Coverage Restarts on July 31 with Celtics vs. Bucks and Rockets vs. Mavericks 
NEW YORK, June 26, 2020 – The NBA today released its complete game schedule and national television schedules for TNTESPNABC and NBA TV for the “seeding games,” which will be played July 30 – Aug. 14 to tip off the resumption of the 2019-20 season.
The 22 teams participating in the season restart will play eight seeding games each at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.  The team-by-team schedules for the seeding games are available here
On Thursday, July 30, the season will resume with a TNT doubleheader as the Utah Jazz faces the New Orleans Pelicans (6:30 p.m. ET) and the LA Clippers meet the Los Angeles Lakers (9 p.m. ET).
ESPN will tip off its restart game telecasts with a doubleheader on Friday, July 31 and four games on Saturday, Aug. 1.  Friday’s doubleheader will feature the Boston Celtics vs. the Milwaukee Bucks (6:30 p.m. ET) and the Houston Rockets vs. the Dallas Mavericks (9 p.m. ET).  Saturday’s schedule on ESPN will begin with a matchup between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets (1 p.m. ET). 
ABC will present two games on Sunday, Aug. 2, with the Portland Trail Blazers taking on the Celtics (3:30 p.m. ET) and the Bucks meeting the Rockets (8:30 p.m. ET).
NBA TV will televise seven games during the first week of the season restart, beginning with a matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers on July 31 (4 p.m. ET).
During the season restart, there will be a maximum of seven seeding games per day across three venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  Each team will be designated as the home team in four seeding games and the visiting team in four seeding games.  The tip-off time for each team’s last seeding game, scheduled to be played on Aug. 13 or 14, will be determined at a later date in order to provide the most compelling matchups to a national audience.  As part of the restart, the NBA and its broadcast and technology partners are collaborating to enhance game telecasts and bring fans an immersive, interactive viewing experience.  
The 88 seeding games, which were selected from the remaining 259 regular-season matchups, will count toward the final 2019-20 regular-season standings and regular-season statistics.  In the first step of the selection process for the seeding games, the matchups were chosen chronologically, starting from March 11, except in these instances:
  • A matchup featured a non-participating team
  • A matchup resulted in either team in the matchup exceeding eight total games
  • A matchup prevented any participating team from having eight feasible matchups

The second step in the selection process was matchup balancing.  There were eight instances in which selecting matchups chronologically prevented a matchup that was scheduled to be played two more times in the remainder of the regular season from being included among the seeding games.  In those cases, one instance of that matchup was added as a seeding game, and instances of repeat matchups as seeding games were removed where possible. 
For example: Milwaukee’s two remaining regular-season matchups against the Washington Wizards were scheduled to be played on March 21 and 27 and their two remaining regular-season matchups against the Brooklyn Nets were scheduled to be played on April 9 and 15.  If matchups for seeding games were selected in chronological order only, then the Bucks would have been scheduled to play the Wizards twice and the Nets zero times.  To balance the matchups, one instance of a Bucks-Nets matchup was added as a seeding game and one instance of a Bucks-Wizards matchup was removed as a seeding game.
The seeding games will conclude on Aug. 14.  If a play-in is required to determine the eighth playoff seed in either conference, it will take place on Aug. 15-16.  The first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs will begin on Aug. 17.

NBA_GLeague_2nd_horiz

MVP FRANK MASON III HEADLINES 2019-20 ALL-NBA G LEAGUE FIRST TEAM

– NBA G League Rookie of the Year Tremont Waters Leads All-Rookie Team 

– NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year Christ Koumadje Highlights All-Defensive Team –   

NEW YORK, June 26, 2020 – NBA G League Most Valuable Player Frank Mason III of the Wisconsin Herd headlines the 2019-20 All-NBA G League Teams, which were announced today along with the All-Defensive Team and the All-Rookie Team.

Mason is joined on the All-NBA G League First Team by Herd guard Jaylen Adams, Salt Lake City Stars forward Jarrell Brantley, South Bay Lakers forward Devontae Cacok and Memphis Hustle forward Jarrod Uthoff.  Brantley, Cacok, Mason and Uthoff have played in both the NBA G League and the NBA this season.

The All-NBA G League Second Team features Grand Rapids Drive forward Donta Hall, Lakeland Magic forward BJ Johnson and guard Josh Magette, Agua Caliente Clippers forward Johnathan Motley and Maine Red Claws guard Tremont Waters.  All five players have seen action in the NBA this season.

The All-NBA G League Third Team is composed of Long Island Nets forward Justin Anderson, Memphis guard Dusty Hannahs, Wisconsin forward Jemerrio Jones, Lakeland forward Vic Law and Delaware Blue Coats guard-forward Marial Shayok.  Anderson, Hannahs, Law and Shayok have played in the NBA this season, bringing the total to 13 of 15 players on the three NBA G League Teams who have competed in both leagues in 2019-20.      

Waters, the 2019-20 NBA G League Rookie of the Year, leads the NBA G League All-Rookie Team.  He is joined by Salt Lake City’s Brantley, South Bay’s Cacok, Grand Rapids’ Hall and Delaware’s Shayok.

Delaware center Christ Koumadje, the 2019-20 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year, headlines the NBA G League All-Defensive Team.  Joining Koumadje are Maine center Tacko Fall, Grand Rapids guard Tra-Deon Hollins, Canton Charge guard Sir’Dominic Pointer and Westchester Knicks forward Kenny Wooten.

The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

Below are the complete All-NBA G League Teams, the All-Rookie Team and the All-Defensive Team.  The league’s 28 head coaches and general managers selected each team.

2019-20 ALL-NBA G LEAGUE TEAMS

 


FIRST TEAM

Jarrell Brantley – Salt Lake City Stars^
Devontae Cacok – South Bay Lakers*^
Frank Mason III – Wisconsin Herd^
Jarrod Uthoff – Memphis Hustle*


SECOND TEAM
BJ Johnson – Lakeland Magic*^
Josh Magette – Lakeland Magic^
Johnathan Motley – Agua Caliente Clippers^
Tremont Waters – Maine Red Claws^


THIRD TEAM
Dusty Hannahs – Memphis Hustle*
Jemerrio Jones – Wisconsin Herd
Vic Law – Lakeland Magic*^
Marial Shayok – Delaware Blue Coats^


2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Jarrell Brantley – Salt Lake City Stars^
Devontae Cacok – South Bay Lakers*^
Donta Hall – Grand Rapids Drive*#
Marial Shayok – Delaware Blue Coats^
Tremont Waters – Maine Red Claws^

2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
Tacko Fall – Maine Red Claws^
Trae-Deon Hollins – Grand Rapids Drive
Christ Koumadje – Delaware Blue Coats
Sir’Dominic Pointer – Canton Charge*#
Kenny Wooten – Westchester Knicks*^


*Earned GATORADE Call-Up this season
^NBA Two-Way Player
#NBA Assignee

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NBA AND NBPA FINALIZE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FOR JULY 30 RESTART TO 2019-20 SEASON
NEW YORK, June 26, 2020 – The National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association announced today that they have finalized a comprehensive plan for a July 30 restart to the 2019-20 season, which includes stringent health and safety protocols, a single-site campus at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the goal of taking collective action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice.
In addition, the NBA and Disney have reached an agreement that makes the Arena, the Field House and Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex the venues for all games for the remainder of the season, which will resume with 22 teams returning to play and with no fans in attendance.
The NBA and the NBPA confirmed today an agreement on health and safety protocols that will govern the resumption of the season.  The rigorous program, which addresses risks related to COVID-19 and focuses on the well-being of players, coaches, officials and staff, was developed in consultation with public health experts, infectious disease specialists and government officials.
As announced on Wednesday, the NBA and the NBPA have agreed in principle that the goal of the season restart will be to find tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country.  Leaders from the NBA and the NBPA have also discussed strategies to increase Black representation across the NBA and its teams, ensure greater inclusion of Black-owned and operated businesses across NBA business activities, and form an NBA foundation to expand educational and economic development opportunities across the Black community.  In recognition that long-term change can only come from an informed and sustained commitment, conversations regarding these efforts will continue and additional details will be released at a later date. 

“We have worked together with the Players Association to establish a restart plan that prioritizes health and safety, preserves competitive fairness and provides a platform to address social justice issues,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “We are grateful to our longtime collaborator Disney for its role in playing host and making this return to play possible, and we also thank the public health officials and infectious disease specialists who helped guide the creation of comprehensive medical protocols and protections.”  

“It is very exciting to officially announce the restart of the 2019-2020 season,” said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts.  “It has taken true collaboration between the League and the Union – special kudos to our Executive Committee and several other team reps – along with the continued support and assistance from medical experts, public health officials and many others.  Additionally, our platform in Orlando presents a unique opportunity to extend the ongoing fight against systemic racism and police brutality in this country.  We will continue to work with our players and the League to develop specific plans in Orlando as well as long-term initiatives to bring about real change on these issues.”

“We’re glad to be able to provide a unique venue where the NBA can resume its season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.  “We look forward to welcoming the players, coaches and staff to Walt Disney World Resort as they prepare for the exciting return of professional basketball.”
The restart will begin with each participating team playing eight “seeding games,” as selected from its remaining regular-season matchups.  The complete game and national television schedules for the seeding games will be announced tonight.  The NBA and its broadcast and technology partners are collaborating to enhance game telecasts and bring fans an immersive, interactive viewing experience.  
At the conclusion of the seeding games, the seven teams in each conference with the highest combined winning percentages across regular-season games and seeding games will be the first through seventh seeds for the NBA Playoffs for that conference.  If the team with the eighth-best combined winning percentage (regular-season games and seeding games) in a conference is more than four games ahead of the team with the ninth-best combined winning percentage in the same conference, then the team with the eighth-best winning percentage would be the eighth playoff seed in that conference.
If the team with the eighth-best combined winning percentage in a conference (Team 8) is four games or fewer ahead of the team with the ninth-best combined winning percentage in the same conference (Team 9), then those two teams would compete in a play-in tournament to determine the eighth playoff seed in the conference.  The play-in tournament will be double elimination for Team 8 and single elimination for Team 9.
About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, is one of the premier sites for amateur sports in the nation.  The complex hosts more than 100 entertainment and sporting events each year and has accommodated 70 different sports featuring athletes from 70 different countries.  Designed to provide professional, amateur and youth athletes with experiences synonymous with the names Disney and ESPN, the 220-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including 16 baseball/softball fields, a 9,500-seat ballpark, 18 multi-purpose outdoor fields for soccer, football and field hockey, three indoor venues for basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dance and other indoor sports, a track & field facility and a cross country course.  For more information, visit 
www.disneysportsnews.com for news releases, photos and videos.  Follow us on Twitter at @ESPNWWOS and at Facebook at ESPNWWOS.

NBA_GLeague_2nd_horiz

WISCONSIN HERD’S FRANK MASON III NAMED 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 – Wisconsin Herd guard Frank Mason III has been named the 2019-20 NBA G League Most Valuable Player, the NBA G League announced today.  He earned the honor in a vote by the league’s 28 head coaches and general managers. 

Mason (5-11, 190, Kansas), who signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks last July, averaged an NBA G League-high 26.4 points, 5.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 23 games with the Herd.  Wisconsin went 18-5 with Mason in the lineup and finished with the league’s best record (33-10).

Mason shot 50.4 percent from the field, 42.5 percent from three-point range and 81.5 percent from the free throw line, joining the Fort Wayne Mad Ants’ Stephan Hicks as the only players in the NBA G League to record a 50/40/80 shooting season in 2019-20.

A 2019-20 Midseason All-NBA G League Team selection, Mason registered seven games with at least 30 points.  He scored a season-high 44 points against the Grand Rapids Drive on Feb. 19 and followed that performance by finishing with 36 points (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field) against the Drive on Feb. 23.  In his second-to-last NBA G League game of the season, he made 16-of-18 shots from the field and had 35 points against the Delaware Blue Coats on Feb. 27. 

This season marked Mason’s first action in the NBA G League after spending two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, who selected him with the 34th pick in NBA Draft 2017 presented by State Farm.  He was the 2016-17 consensus National Player of the Year as a senior at Kansas. 

In his NBA career, Mason has averaged 6.5 points and 2.5 assists in 96 games with the Kings and Bucks.  He has appeared in six games for Milwaukee this season.

Herd guard Jaylen Adams and Maine Red Claws guard Tremont Waters finished second and third, respectively, in voting for the 2019-20 NBA G League Most Valuable Player Award.

The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

NBA G League Most Valuable Players

2019-20: Frank Mason III (Wisconsin Herd)
2018-19: Chris Boucher (Raptors 905)
2017-18: Lorenzo Brown (Raptors 905)
2016-17: Vander Blue (Los Angeles D-Fenders)
2015-16: Jarnell Stokes (Sioux Falls Skyforce)
2014-15: Tim Frazier (Maine Red Claws)
2013-14: Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants)
Othyus Jeffers (Iowa Energy)
2012-13: Andrew Goudelock (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
2011-12: Justin Dentmon (Austin Toros)
2010-11: Curtis Stinson (Iowa Energy)
2009-10: Mike Harris (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
2008-09: Courtney Sims (Iowa Energy)
2007-08: Kasib Powell (Sioux Falls Skyforce)
2006-07: Randy Livingston (Idaho Stampede)
2005-06: Marcus Fizer (Austin Toros)
2004-05: Matt Carroll (Roanoke Dazzle)
2003-04: Tierre Brown (Charleston Lowgators)
2002-03: Devin Brown (Fayetteville Patriots)
2001-02: Ansu Sesay (Greenville Groove)

       

NBA and NBPA Advance Talks on Social Justice Efforts

NEW YORK, June 24, 2020 – Yesterday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, NBA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Oris Stuart and other league officials met with NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts, NBPA President Chris Paul, NBPA First Vice President Andre Iguodala and several players to further advance the league’s collective response to the social justice issues in our country.  This meeting was part of ongoing discussions between the NBA and the Players Association to address the game’s role in facilitating solutions to the persistent inequities plaguing the Black community.

The NBA and NBPA are both committed to fostering an environment that encourages candid conversations between players and league and team leadership and finding tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country.  The group that met yesterday agreed in principle that the goal of the season restart in Orlando will be to take collective action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice.  Conversations also covered strategies to increase Black representation across the NBA and its teams, ensure greater inclusion of Black-owned and operated businesses across NBA business activities, and form an NBA foundation to expand educational and economic development opportunities across the Black community.

While specific plans were not finalized, there was broad alignment about the direction and priorities of the efforts, especially with regard to supporting players’ activism and leadership.  In recognition that long-term change can only come from an informed and sustained commitment, conversations regarding these efforts will be ongoing, and additional details will be released at a later date.

“The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end,” said Paul.  “As a union of NBA players and as a league, it is our job to use our collective platform to both put a spotlight on those issues and work to effect change.  As players, we have taken a leadership role when it comes to using our voices and implementing practical solutions, but there is much work ahead both in Orlando and long-term to continue the momentum and bring about real, long-lasting change to our society.”

“The league and the players are uniquely positioned to have a direct impact on combating systemic racism in our country, and we are committed to collective action to build a more equal and just society,” said Silver.  “A shared goal of our season restart will be to use our platform in Orlando to bring attention to these important issues of social justice.  We look forward to engaging in ongoing conversations with the players and their Association about our joint leaguewide initiative and thank Michele, Chris and the other players for their leadership toward creating meaningful, long-term change.”

In addition to Silver, Tatum, Stuart, Roberts, Paul and Iguodala, attendees for yesterday’s meeting included NBA President of Social Responsibility & Player Programs Kathy Behrens, NBA Senior Vice President of Player Development Greg Taylor, NBA Senior Vice President of Content Business Operations Kori Davis Porter, NBPA Foundation Executive Director Sherrie Deans, Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers, CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.

NBA_GLeague_2nd_horiz

WESTCHESTER KNICKS’ IVAN RABB RECEIVES 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE JASON COLLIER SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

NEW YORK, June 23, 2020 – Westchester Knicks forward Ivan Rabb has received the 2019-20 NBA G League Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, as voted on by all NBA G League players.  The award honors the player who best represents the ideals of character and conduct on the court and in the community.

Rabb was an integral member of the Westchester community throughout the season. As part of his efforts, he helped unload 1,000 turkeys to Feeding Westchester in conjunction with Stop & Shop’s annual Turkey Express program.

In his third season in the NBA G League, Rabb (6-10, 220, California) averaged 16.5 points and an NBA G League-high 12.1 rebounds in 29 games.  He finished the season with three consecutive double-doubles and recorded a single-game franchise record 24 rebounds in a 115-104 loss to the Wisconsin Herd on March 6.  On Feb. 29, Rabb posted 32 points, 12 rebounds and six steals in a 129-115 victory over the Greensboro Swarm.

Rabb, who signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks last October, appeared in 18 games for Westchester before being waived on Jan. 13. He re-joined the Knicks’ NBA G League affiliate on Jan. 23 and finished out the season.

Rabb joined the Knicks after spending the previous two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 34th pick in NBA Draft 2017 presented by State Farm and traded to Memphis. Rabb was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection in two seasons at the University of California.

In his NBA career, Rabb has averaged 5.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 85 games with the Grizzlies.  He did not appear in an NBA game with the Knicks this season. He holds career averages of 17.0 points and 10.8 rebounds in 54 NBA G League games with Westchester and the Memphis Hustle.

The Sportsmanship Award honors former NBA G League, Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier, who passed away suddenly on Oct. 15, 2005.  Collier, a 2003-04 All-NBA G League First Team selection as a member of the Fayetteville Patriots, was a player and person who exemplified the qualities of a faithful teammate, husband, father, son, brother and friend.  He was preparing to begin his sixth NBA season at the time of his death.

Each NBA G League team nominated one player for the Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, which is voted on by all NBA G League players. Canton Charge guard Levi Randolph, who signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in January, finished second.  Long Island Nets guard Devin Cannady finished third.

The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award Winners

2019-20: Ivan Rabb (Westchester Knicks)
2018-19: Gabe York (Lakeland Magic)
2017-18: C.J. Williams (Agua Caliente Clippers)
2016-17: Keith Wright (Westchester Knicks)
2015-16: Scott Suggs (Raptors 905)
2014-15: Renaldo Major (Bakersfield Jam)
2013-14: Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants) 
2012-13: Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants)
2011-12: Moses Ehambe (Iowa Energy)
2010-11: Larry Owens (Tulsa 66ers)
2009-10: Andre Ingram (Utah Flash)
2008-09: Will Conroy (Albuquerque Thunderbirds)
2007-08: Billy Thomas (Colorado 14ers)
2007-08: Roger Powell (Arkansas RimRockers)
2006-07: Ime Udoka (Fort Worth Flyers)

MALIK ROSE AND DAVID BOOTH EACH NAMED NBA VICE PRESIDENT, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS

NEW YORK, June 22, 2020 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that two-time NBA champion Malik Rose and NBA front-office veteran David Booth have each been named Vice President, Basketball Operations.  Rose and Booth, who both begin with the NBA today, will report to NBA President, League Operations Byron Spruell. 

As Vice President, Basketball Operations, Rose and Booth will be responsible for interfacing directly with teams and players regarding league programs, rules, new initiatives and competitive elements.  Their roles are intended to further enhance and build upon the strong working relationship between NBA League Operations and its teams under the Respect for the Game umbrella as well as more broadly on all game-focused topics.

“We are delighted to add Malik and David to our talented staff in NBA League Operations,” said Spruell.  “Their collective wisdom, expertise and experience at all levels of the game make them ideal choices to expand our connectivity with teams and players and provide valuable input and perspective on a host of basketball-related projects.”   

Rose joins the league office from the Detroit Pistons, where he had served as Assistant General Manager since 2018.  Prior to that, Rose worked as General Manager of the NBA G League’s Erie BayHawks from 2015-18.  A 13-year NBA veteran who also served on the National Basketball Players Association’s executive committee, Rose won NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and 2003.  He played collegiately at Drexel University and graduated with a degree in computer information systems.  He also holds a master’s degree in sports management from Drexel. 

Booth joins the league office after most recently serving as Director of Player Personnel for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2014-19.  He has also worked in a scouting capacity for New Orleans and the Memphis Grizzlies. Booth was hired by New Orleans in 2010 after spending one season as an assistant coach at his alma mater, DePaul University, where he played from 1988-92 and earned a degree in communications.  He played professionally overseas from 1992-2005.

NBA_GLeague_2nd_horiz

MAINE RED CLAWS’ TREMONT WATERS NAMED 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

NEW YORK, June 18, 2020  Maine Red Claws guard Tremont Waters has been named the 2019-20 NBA G League Rookie of the Year, the NBA G League announced today.  The award, voted on by the league’s 28 head coaches and general managers, recognizes the first-year professional who most significantly contributed to his team’s success during the season.

Waters (5-10, 175, LSU), a two-way player with the Boston Celtics, averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.89 steals in 36 games for Maine.  He ranked sixth in the NBA G League in assists per game and 14th in steals per game.  Waters registered 10 games with at least 20 points and seven assists, including a season-high 33-point, seven-assist performance in a 155-131 road win over the Greensboro Swarm on Nov. 27.

Behind the 22-year-old Waters, the Red Claws finished in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 28-14 record.  Waters was named the NBA G League Player of the Month for November and earned a spot on the 2019-20 Midseason All-NBA G League Team in the Eastern Conference. 

Boston selected Waters in the second round (51st pick overall) of NBA Draft 2019 presented by State Farm after he averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 assists and 2.91 steals as a sophomore at LSU in the 2018-19 season.  Signed to a two-way contract last July, Waters has appeared in 10 games with the Celtics this season. 

Waters is the fourth Maine player to be selected as the NBA G League Rookie of the Year, joining Abdel Nader (2016-17), Tim Frazier (2014-15) and DeShawn Sims (2010-11).

Waters appeared in 36 of Maine’s 42 games this season.  The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

Salt Lake City Stars forward Jarrell Brantley and South Bay Lakers forward Devontae Cacok finished second and third, respectively, in voting for the 2019-20 NBA G League Rookie of the Year Award.

NBA G League Rookie of the Year Winners

2019-20: Tremont Waters, Maine Red Claws
2018-19: Angel Delgado, Aqua Caliente Clippers
2017-18: Antonio Blakeney, Windy City Bulls
2016-17: Abdel Nader, Maine Red Claws
2015-16: Quinn Cook, Canton Charge
2014-15: Tim Frazier, Maine Red Claws
2013-14: Robert Covington, Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2012-13: Tony Mitchell, Fort Wayne Mad Ants
2011-12: Edwin Ubiles, Dakota Wizards
2010-11: DeShawn Sims, Maine Red Claws
2009-10: Alonzo Gee, Austin Toros
2008-09: Othyus Jeffers, Iowa Energy
2007-08: Blake Ahearn, Dakota Wizards
2006-07: Louis Amundson, Colorado 14ers
2005-06: Will Bynum, Roanoke Dazzle
2004-05: James Thomas, Roanoke Dazzle
2003-04: Desmond Penigar, Asheville Altitude
2002-03: Devin Brown, Fayetteville Patriots
2001-02: Fred House, Charleston Lowgators

NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVES COMPETITIVE FORMAT TO RESTART 2019-20 SEASON WITH 22 TEAMS RETURNING TO PLAY

NEW YORK, June 4, 2020 – The NBA Board of Governors today approved a competitive format to restart the 2019-20 season with 22 teams returning to play and a tentative start date of Friday, July 31.  The Board’s approval is the first formal step among many required to resume the season.

The NBA is working to finalize a comprehensive season restart plan with the National Basketball Players Association.  The NBA and the NBPA are working with infectious disease specialists, public health experts and government officials to establish a rigorous program to prevent and mitigate the risk related to COVID-19, including a regular testing protocol and stringent safety practices.  The season restart is also contingent on an agreement with The Walt Disney Company to use Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, as a single site for a campus for all games, practices and housing for the remainder of the season.     

Based on the competitive format that the NBA Board of Governors approved today, the 22 returning teams would be the 16 teams (eight per conference) in current playoff positions and the six teams that are currently six games or fewer behind the eighth seed in their respective conferences.  Those two groups comprise teams with the NBA’s 22 best records.  

“The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts.  We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways.”

The season restart would begin with eight “seeding games” for each returning team and include the possibility of a play-in tournament for the eighth and final playoff seed in each conference depending on combined records across regular-season games and seeding games.  Once the 16-team playoff field is set, the NBA Playoffs would proceed in a traditional conference-based format with four rounds and best-of-seven series in each round.  The NBA Finals would end no later than Oct. 12.  (See below for the list of returning teams and additional details.) 

If, as tentatively scheduled, the season resumes on July 31, then the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery would be rescheduled for Aug. 25, the 2020 NBA Draft would be held on Oct. 15 and the 2020-21 NBA regular season would likely begin on Dec. 1, 2020.

The 14 NBA Lottery teams would be the eight teams that do not participate in the restart and the six teams that participate in the restart but do not qualify for the playoffs.  These teams would be seeded in the lottery and assigned odds based on their records through games of March 11.  The 16 playoff teams would draft in inverse order of their combined records across regular-season games and seeding games.

NBA Season Restart: Competitive Format Plan

The 22 returning teams for the season restart would be the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards from the Eastern Conference and the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns from the Western Conference.  

Each returning team would play eight seeding games, as selected from its remaining regular-season matchups.  At the conclusion of the seeding games, the seven teams in each conference with the best combined records across regular-season games and seeding games would qualify for the playoffs.

If the team with the eighth-best combined record in its conference is more than four games ahead of the team with the ninth-best combined record in the same conference, then the team with the eighth-best record would earn the eighth playoff seed.

If the team with the eighth-best combined record in its conference (Team A) is four games or fewer ahead of the team with the ninth-best combined record in the same conference (Team B), then Teams A and B would compete in a play-in tournament to determine the eighth playoff seed.  To earn the eighth playoff seed, Team A would need to defeat Team B once and Team B would need to defeat Team A two games in a row.

The 2019-20 season would conclude with a traditional playoff format with best-of-seven series in the first round, conference semifinals, conference finals and the NBA Finals.

With the NBA closing in on its return, the NBA released a 113-page health and safety memo detailing the protocols that will be in place to combat the virus and ensure the safety of those involved.

Movie nights, card games, ping pong (solo only) and DJ sets will be part of the NBA’s return to play too, providing players with ample activities to keep themselves occupied while they aren’t playing ball.

However, one thing not included in the memo was adult entertainment. Of course every player will have an Internet connection and will likely enjoy copious amounts of porn while they are sequestered in their rooms (and some not with their significant other or side piece).

Cams.com, a leading adult entertainment webcam company, would like to formally extend an offer to all participants in the NBA in Orlando a comped VIP membership to its site. Players (and coaches) who sign up via nba@ffn.com and verify their identity will be provided with a VIP membership and free tokens to the site which would allow them access to Cams.com’s roster of beautiful models 24/7. If they are ever lonely or need some extra motivation before a big game, all they need to do is use their VIP membership credential to log on to the site and they will have an array of beautiful models at their disposal. They can chat with them in private cam rooms via voice and video text. The models can provide companionship, fun conversation, sexy stripteases and more.

Take some time to mull over my offer. I really hope some players/coaches will reach out and take advantage. 

Vince Carter announces his retirement from the NBA after a record-setting 22-season career on today’s episode of WINGING IT WITH VINCE CARTER AND ANNIE FINBERG on The Ringer Podcast Network. Carter deep dives into his decision to walk away from the game, reminisces about his top moments from his illustrative career, speculates on what will come next, and much more. 

Listen to the full podcast on Spotify here.

Highlights: 
  • Vince Carter announces his retirement from the NBA (1:51)
  • How his love for golf helped him make this decision (4:35)
  • Vince walks through, team by team, his favorite memories with each franchise 
    • His top moments in college at UNC and why his biggest regret was a missed dunk (28:09)
    • In Toronto, winning Rookie-of-the-Year and the Dunk Contest (32:36)
    • Some of his biggest dunks including those over Hakeem Olajuwon (34:40) and Alonzo Mourning (35:26)
    • In Sacramento, speaking with protestors after the police killing of unarmed black man Stephon Clark, trying to get that game cancelled, and the parallels to today (45:30)
  • Vince painfully remembers the hardest fouls he ever took including one from Shaq (54:49)
  • Vince speculates about his next chapter, whether that’s in broadcasting, team management or ownership down the line (73:51)

Podcast Description: Vince Carter of the Atlanta Hawks returns to ‘Winging It’ for a second season with his co-host Annie Finberg. Vince and Annie are going off script to offer a behind-the-scenes look at what NBA players think and talk about, and an inside look at Vince’s 22nd and final season in the NBA. As well as talking to guests (from other players like Steph Curry to music stars like 2 Chainz), they’ll cover the Hawks’ season, the '19-’20 NBA season, the broader worlds of sports and pop culture, and much more. Whatever they’re talking about, just know they’re winging it.

OFICIAL: A JUGAR EN ENERO 2021


COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
8 de julio 2020
El director general del Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF), Luis G. Miranda Ramos, notificó hoy la decisión final de los apoderados del organismo de mover el torneo correspondiente al 2020 para la fecha de enero de 2021.

“Hemos decidido que lo mejor para el baloncesto femenino es mover el torneo para enero”, manifestó Miranda Ramos. “Nuestra Liga es el principal taller de la Selección, que se encamina a participar por primera vez en unos Juegos Olímpicos. Al moverse la celebración de dicha competencia para el siguiente año, tanto los apoderados, la Federación y este servidor entendimos que lo mejor era comenzar en enero para que el torneo sea parte de la preparación del equipo de cara a Tokio 2021”.

Originalmente, el BSNF tenía programada una reunión para el 15 de agosto donde se tomaría la decisión, pero Miranda explicó que al existir un consenso prefirió dar a conocer el cambio de forma inmediata.

“En enero buscaremos llevar a cabo un torneo más extenso a los celebrados en los últimos años. Planeamos aumentar a un mínimo de 20 juegos para cada equipo en la serie regular. También se estará elaborando un calendario sin juegos en noches consecutivas y un máximo de tres partidos a la semana para cada equipo”, añadió.

Otros de los cambios aprobados es la apertura de inscripciones para el sorteo de Nuevo Ingreso, que ahora será el 1 de octubre, y la celebración de los sorteos de Nuevo Ingreso y No Reservada en noviembre.

Por otra parte, Miranda informó que, al momento, los siete equipos activos en el BSNF han expresado su intención de participar en la venidera campaña y que espera al menos sumar un equipo nuevo mediante la expansión aprobada por la Junta.

“Todos los Alcaldes de los municipios donde hay una franquicia activa confirmaron su compromiso de respaldo a los equipos de su ciudad y a la nueva fecha escogida para el torneo”, dijo.

Los combinados activos en el BSNF son Gigantes de Carolina, Cangrejeras de Santurce, Atenienses de Manatí, Montañeras de Morovis, Explosivas de Moca, Indias de Mayagüez y Santeras de Aguada. Este último, según Miranda, está en proceso de ser vendido a un nuevo grupo de trabajo.

Miranda culminó señalando que más adelante los apoderados tomarán la determinación sobre celebrar el campeonato correspondiente al 2021 en la segunda mitad del año o si se mueven de forma definitiva para el mes de enero.

       
NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS
NEW YORK, July 2, 2020 – In tests conducted of 344 NBA players between June 24-29, an additional nine players have tested positive for the coronavirus. Twenty-five of 351 players have tested positive since testing began on June 23.
In tests conducted of 884 team staff between June 23-29, 10 have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Any player, coach or team staff member who tested positive will remain in self-isolation until they satisfy public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and have been cleared by a physician.


- NBA career spanned four decades as an Official and Referee Operations Administrator -

NEW YORK, June 30, 2020 – Joe Borgia, a former NBA official and current senior vice president, referee operations, announced his retirement today following a celebrated 32-year NBA career.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to officiate at the top of our profession and then transition to a role committed to the advancement and improvement of our officials,” said Borgia. “I am especially proud of the NBA Replay Center. Its continued evolution in improving our game is an example of the dedication the NBA’s Referee Operations department has to excellence and innovation.”

Borgia was instrumental in the design and development of the NBA Replay Center, which opened with the 2014-15 season. The state-of-the-art facility, based in Secaucus, N.J., has been a groundbreaking tool to enhance the performance of NBA referees and to accelerate the replay review process.

For five seasons from 2014-19, Borgia was the main point of contact for the NBA Replay Center. This season, he refocused his efforts on the newly created Coach’s Challenge. As he did with the Replay Center, Borgia developed the rules and handled the execution for the Coach’s Challenge, which was approved by the NBA Board of Governors for use during the 2019-20 season.

“Joe’s imprint on the NBA and contributions to a multitude of officiating platforms will be lasting,” said Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. “We thank him for his leadership, passion and committed service to the game, and wish him the best in his retirement.”

Borgia was hired to the NBA referee staff in 1988. He officiated 10 seasons before an injury forced him to retire in 1998. He joined the basketball and referee operations department in 1999.

He served as the NBA’s rules interpreter for more than 15 years, creating training videos and interpreting the rules of the game for officials, teams, broadcasters and media. Borgia made many in-game and postgame appearances on network television to give broadcasters and viewers clarity on rules interpretation and officiating calls. He was also instrumental in converting the NBA’s recruitment and development of officials from the Continental Basketball Association to the NBA’s D-League (currently the G League).

On the court, Borgia worked two of the most famous games in NBA history: the highest-scoring game (Detroit Pistons at Denver Nuggets, 186-184 on Dec. 13, 1983) and the longest modern-day game (Seattle SuperSonics at Milwaukee Bucks, which lasted five overtimes, on Nov. 9, 1989).

Borgia is the son of the late Sid Borgia, a legendary referee who officiated in the NBA for 20 years beginning in 1946. Sid Borgia also served as supervisor of officials during the latter years of his career.

NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS
NEW YORK, June 26, 2020 – In tests conducted of 302 NBA players on June 23, 16 players have tested positive for the coronavirus.  
Any player who tested positive will remain in self-isolation until he satisfies public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and has been cleared by a physician.  

SALT LAKE CITY STARS’ BART TAYLOR NAMED 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE BASKETBALL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR 

NEW YORK, June 24, 2020  Salt Lake City Stars Vice President of Basketball Operations Bart Taylor has been named the 2019-20 NBA G League Basketball Executive of the Year, the NBA League announced today.  Taylor earned the honor in a vote of NBA G League team basketball executives. 

In his fourth season as Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Utah Jazz’s NBA G League affiliate, Taylor oversaw a team that finished with the best record in the Western Conference (30-12) and earned at least 30 wins for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

Earlier today, Salt Lake City head coach Martin Schiller was named the 2019-20 NBA G League Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year.  Hired by Taylor and the Stars in 2017, Schiller led Salt Lake City to 14 consecutive victories from Nov. 15 to Dec. 27 – tied for the second-longest single-season winning streak in league history.  The Stars also won the 2019 MGM Resorts NBA G League Winter Showcase in December in Las Vegas. 

Taylor’s player acquisitions included guard Trevon Bluiett (14.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and forwards William Howard (13.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Juwan Morgan (14.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg).  Howard and Morgan earned GATORADE Call-Ups to the Houston Rockets and the Jazz, respectively.  


In addition to his role with the Stars, Taylor is in his fourth season as the Jazz’s Director of Scouting.  This is his eighth season overall with the Jazz organization, which hired him after he spent the 2011-12 season working in basketball operations with the San Antonio Spurs.

Memphis Hustle General Manager Daniel Marcus and Wisconsin Herd General Manager Dave Dean finished second and third, respectively, in voting for the 2019-20 NBA G League Basketball Executive of the Year Award.

The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

NBA G League Basketball Executive of the Year Award Winners

2019-20: Bart Taylor (Salt Lake City Stars)
2018-19: Trajan Langdon (Long Island Nets)
2017-18: Malik Rose (Erie BayHawks)
2016-17: Mike Gansey (Canton Charge)
2015-16: Adam Simon (Sioux Falls Skyforce)

NBA_GLeague_2nd_horiz

SALT LAKE CITY STARS’ MARTIN SCHILLER NAMED 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE COACH OF THE YEAR

NEW YORK, June 24, 2020  Martin Schiller of the Salt Lake City Stars has been named the 2019-20 NBA G League Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year, the NBA G League announced today.  Schiller earned the honor in a vote by the league’s 28 head coaches and general managers.   

In his third season as head coach of the Utah Jazz’s NBA G League affiliate, Schiller guided the Stars to the best record in the Western Conference (30-12, .714).  Salt Lake City improved on last season’s winning percentage of .540 (27-23).

The Stars excelled on defense under Schiller, ranking second in the NBA G League in points allowed (106.1) and fourth in defensive rating (105.0).  They held opponents to the third-lowest field goal percentage (44.5) and the lowest three-point field goal percentage (31.4).  On offense, Salt Lake City ranked third in the NBA G League in both field goal percentage (48.0) and three-point field goal percentage (36.8). 

Schiller was selected as the NBA G League Coach of the Month for December after guiding Salt Lake City to a league-best 9-1 record, including a 4-0 mark on the road.  The Stars won 14 consecutive games from Nov. 15 to Dec. 27, tying the second-longest single-season winning streak in NBA G League history.  They also won their final six games of the season.

With Schiller at the helm, Salt Lake City won the 2019 MGM Resorts NBA G League Winter Showcase in December in Las Vegas.  Schiller coached two players who earned GATORADE Call-Ups this season, William Howard (Houston Rockets) and Juwan Morgan (Jazz). 
    
Before joining the Stars, the Austrian-born Schiller served as an assistant coach in the German Bundesliga with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg (2015-17) and Artland Dragons (2010-15).  He has been an assistant coach for the German National Team since 2015.

The NBA G League Coach of the Year Award is named for the late Hall of Famer Dennis Johnson, a star NBA guard and NBA G League coach.  During his playing career with the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson won three NBA championships, earned five NBA All-Star selections and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team six times.  He was in his third season coaching in the NBA G League when he passed away in 2007.

Chase Buford of the Wisconsin Herd and Nate Reinking of the Canton Charge finished second and third, respectively, in voting for the 2019-20 NBA G League Coach of the Year Award.

The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.
NBA G League Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year Award Winners

2019-20: Martin Schiller, Salt Lake City Stars
2018-19: Will Weaver, Long Island Nets
2017-18: Mike Miller, Westchester Knicks
2016-17: Jerry Stackhouse, Raptors 905
2015-16: Dan Craig, Sioux Falls Skyforce
2014-15: Scott Morrison, Maine Red Claws
2013-14: Conner Henry, Fort Wane Mad Ants
2012-13: Alex Jensen, Canton Charge
2011-12: Eric Musselman, Los Angeles D-Fenders
2010-11: Nick Nurse, Iowa Energy
2009-10: Chris Finch, Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2008-09: Quin Snyder, Austin Toros
2007-08: Bryan Gates, Idaho Stampede
2006-07: Bryan Gates, Idaho Stampede

       

NBA and NBPA Advance Talks on Social Justice Efforts

NEW YORK, June 24, 2020 – Yesterday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, NBA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Oris Stuart and other league officials met with NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts, NBPA President Chris Paul, NBPA First Vice President Andre Iguodala and several players to further advance the league’s collective response to the social justice issues in our country.  This meeting was part of ongoing discussions between the NBA and the Players Association to address the game’s role in facilitating solutions to the persistent inequities plaguing the Black community.

The NBA and NBPA are both committed to fostering an environment that encourages candid conversations between players and league and team leadership and finding tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country.  The group that met yesterday agreed in principle that the goal of the season restart in Orlando will be to take collective action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice.  Conversations also covered strategies to increase Black representation across the NBA and its teams, ensure greater inclusion of Black-owned and operated businesses across NBA business activities, and form an NBA foundation to expand educational and economic development opportunities across the Black community.

While specific plans were not finalized, there was broad alignment about the direction and priorities of the efforts, especially with regard to supporting players’ activism and leadership.  In recognition that long-term change can only come from an informed and sustained commitment, conversations regarding these efforts will be ongoing, and additional details will be released at a later date.

“The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end,” said Paul.  “As a union of NBA players and as a league, it is our job to use our collective platform to both put a spotlight on those issues and work to effect change.  As players, we have taken a leadership role when it comes to using our voices and implementing practical solutions, but there is much work ahead both in Orlando and long-term to continue the momentum and bring about real, long-lasting change to our society.”

“The league and the players are uniquely positioned to have a direct impact on combating systemic racism in our country, and we are committed to collective action to build a more equal and just society,” said Silver.  “A shared goal of our season restart will be to use our platform in Orlando to bring attention to these important issues of social justice.  We look forward to engaging in ongoing conversations with the players and their Association about our joint leaguewide initiative and thank Michele, Chris and the other players for their leadership toward creating meaningful, long-term change.”

In addition to Silver, Tatum, Stuart, Roberts, Paul and Iguodala, attendees for yesterday’s meeting included NBA President of Social Responsibility & Player Programs Kathy Behrens, NBA Senior Vice President of Player Development Greg Taylor, NBA Senior Vice President of Content Business Operations Kori Davis Porter, NBPA Foundation Executive Director Sherrie Deans, Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers, CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.


BSNF ABRE PROCESO DE EXPANSIÓN


COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
23 de junio 2020
El Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF) aprobó una posible expansión para un máximo de dos equipos.

Luis G. Miranda Ramos, Director General del BSNF, abrió la puerta para albergar franquicias nuevas, preferiblemente, en las zonas este y sur de la Isla tan pronto como en la venidera campaña.

“Actualmente los equipos de nuestra Liga se concentran exclusivamente en tres áreas geográficas. Mi meta es volver a plazas que fueron exitosas en el pasado como Juncos y Ponce, aunque si aparece el interés de algún otro municipio también lo estaremos analizando. Lo único definido es que no serán más de dos equipos”, explicó.

El directivo recordó que previo a la cuarentena causada por el Coronavirus algunos municipios habían mostrado interés. En dicho momento, las conversaciones habían sido para adquirir un equipo mediante traslado. La aprobación de la expansión facilita el proceso para aquellos que inclinaban su interés a una franquicia nueva.

Los interesados deben enviar un correo electrónico a lgmiranda.bsnf@gmail.com. También pueden escribir al buzón de las cuentas oficiales de la Liga en Facebook y Twitter.

SIGUE EN PIE LA REUNIÓN

Por otro lado, Miranda indicó que la reunión para conocer la decisión final del torneo 2020 se mantiene para el sábado 15 de agosto.

En la misma, los apoderados deberán elegir entre llevar el campeonato a partir de octubre, atrasar la competencia para enero de 2021 o cancelar y esperar hasta agosto de 2021.

“Ahora mismo creo que existe un mayor consenso para iniciar en enero, pero de aquí a agosto pueden pasar muchas cosas. Así que no me quiero adelantar, esperaremos a la fecha designada y en ese momento dependiendo de la orden ejecutiva en vigencia, el respaldo de los pueblos y los auspiciadores tomaremos la decisión que en colectivo creamos que es la mejor”, respondió.

Miranda ha estado reuniéndose con los Alcaldes y/o representantes de los municipios en los que hay equipos activos en la Liga. De igual forma, el directivo trabaja en conjunto con el Presidente de la Federación de Baloncesto de Puerto Rico, Lcdo. Yum Ramos, y el Presidente del BSN masculino, Ricardo Dalmau, en la elaboración de los planes de salubridad para los torneos superiores.

El BSNF cuenta con siete franquicias en las ciudades de Carolina, Santurce, Morovis, Manatí, Moca, Aguada y Mayagüez.

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WESTCHESTER KNICKS’ IVAN RABB RECEIVES 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE JASON COLLIER SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

NEW YORK, June 23, 2020 – Westchester Knicks forward Ivan Rabb has received the 2019-20 NBA G League Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, as voted on by all NBA G League players.  The award honors the player who best represents the ideals of character and conduct on the court and in the community.

Rabb was an integral member of the Westchester community throughout the season. As part of his efforts, he helped unload 1,000 turkeys to Feeding Westchester in conjunction with Stop & Shop’s annual Turkey Express program.

In his third season in the NBA G League, Rabb (6-10, 220, California) averaged 16.5 points and an NBA G League-high 12.1 rebounds in 29 games.  He finished the season with three consecutive double-doubles and recorded a single-game franchise record 24 rebounds in a 115-104 loss to the Wisconsin Herd on March 6.  On Feb. 29, Rabb posted 32 points, 12 rebounds and six steals in a 129-115 victory over the Greensboro Swarm.

Rabb, who signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks last October, appeared in 18 games for Westchester before being waived on Jan. 13. He re-joined the Knicks’ NBA G League affiliate on Jan. 23 and finished out the season.

Rabb joined the Knicks after spending the previous two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 34th pick in NBA Draft 2017 presented by State Farm and traded to Memphis. Rabb was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection in two seasons at the University of California.

In his NBA career, Rabb has averaged 5.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 85 games with the Grizzlies.  He did not appear in an NBA game with the Knicks this season. He holds career averages of 17.0 points and 10.8 rebounds in 54 NBA G League games with Westchester and the Memphis Hustle.

The Sportsmanship Award honors former NBA G League, Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier, who passed away suddenly on Oct. 15, 2005.  Collier, a 2003-04 All-NBA G League First Team selection as a member of the Fayetteville Patriots, was a player and person who exemplified the qualities of a faithful teammate, husband, father, son, brother and friend.  He was preparing to begin his sixth NBA season at the time of his death.

Each NBA G League team nominated one player for the Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award, which is voted on by all NBA G League players. Canton Charge guard Levi Randolph, who signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in January, finished second.  Long Island Nets guard Devin Cannady finished third.

The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award Winners

2019-20: Ivan Rabb (Westchester Knicks)
2018-19: Gabe York (Lakeland Magic)
2017-18: C.J. Williams (Agua Caliente Clippers)
2016-17: Keith Wright (Westchester Knicks)
2015-16: Scott Suggs (Raptors 905)
2014-15: Renaldo Major (Bakersfield Jam)
2013-14: Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants) 
2012-13: Ron Howard (Fort Wayne Mad Ants)
2011-12: Moses Ehambe (Iowa Energy)
2010-11: Larry Owens (Tulsa 66ers)
2009-10: Andre Ingram (Utah Flash)
2008-09: Will Conroy (Albuquerque Thunderbirds)
2007-08: Billy Thomas (Colorado 14ers)
2007-08: Roger Powell (Arkansas RimRockers)
2006-07: Ime Udoka (Fort Worth Flyers)

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SIOUX FALLS SKYFORCE’S GABE VINCENT NAMED 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

NEW YORK, June 22, 2020 – Sioux Falls Skyforce guard Gabe Vincent has been named the 2019-20 NBA G League Most Improved Player, the NBA G League announced today.  He earned the honor in a vote by the league’s 28 head coaches and general managers.

In his second NBA G League season, Vincent (6-3, 200, UC Santa Barbara) averaged 20.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31 games.  He made an NBA G League-high 4.2 three-pointers per game and shot 40.3 percent from three-point range.

Vincent played his first 20 games of the NBA G League season with the Stockton Kings and his final 11 games with the Skyforce, the NBA G League affiliate of the Miami Heat, which signed him to a two-way contract on Jan. 8.  He has appeared in six NBA games for Miami this season. 

In the NBA G League, Vincent scored at least 30 points six times this season.  Three of those performances came in December, when he averaged 24.9 points and shot 49.1 percent from the field with Stockton.  He scored a career-high 35 points against the South Bay Lakers on Dec. 17 and matched that total against the Canton Charge on Dec. 21, making nine three-pointers in each game.

The Skyforce started the season 10-13 before adding Vincent to its roster.  Sioux Falls went 9-2 with him in the lineup and finished 22-20 overall.  The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

Vincent spent the entire 2018-19 NBA G League season with Stockton.  He averaged 8.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 24 games. 

Raptors 905 guard Paul Watson and Santa Cruz Warriors guard Mychal Mulder finished second and third, respectively, in voting for the 2019-20 NBA G League Most Improved Player Award.
All-Time NBA G League Most Improved Player Award Winners:
2019-20: Gabe Vincent (Sioux Falls Skyforce)
2018-19: Michael Frazier (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
2017-18: DeQuan Jones (Fort Wayne Mad Ants)
2016-17: Devondrick Walker (Delaware 87ers)
2015-16: Axel Toupane (Raptors 905)
2014-15: Joe Jackson (Bakersfield Jam)
2013-14: Frank Gaines (Maine Red Claws)
2012-13: Cameron Jones (Santa Cruz Warriors)
2011-12: Kenny Hayes (Maine Red Claws)
2010-11: Dar Tucker (New Mexico Thunderbirds)
2009-10: Mildon Ambres (Idaho Stampede)

MALIK ROSE AND DAVID BOOTH EACH NAMED NBA VICE PRESIDENT, BASKETBALL OPERATIONS

NEW YORK, June 22, 2020 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that two-time NBA champion Malik Rose and NBA front-office veteran David Booth have each been named Vice President, Basketball Operations.  Rose and Booth, who both begin with the NBA today, will report to NBA President, League Operations Byron Spruell. 

As Vice President, Basketball Operations, Rose and Booth will be responsible for interfacing directly with teams and players regarding league programs, rules, new initiatives and competitive elements.  Their roles are intended to further enhance and build upon the strong working relationship between NBA League Operations and its teams under the Respect for the Game umbrella as well as more broadly on all game-focused topics.

“We are delighted to add Malik and David to our talented staff in NBA League Operations,” said Spruell.  “Their collective wisdom, expertise and experience at all levels of the game make them ideal choices to expand our connectivity with teams and players and provide valuable input and perspective on a host of basketball-related projects.”   

Rose joins the league office from the Detroit Pistons, where he had served as Assistant General Manager since 2018.  Prior to that, Rose worked as General Manager of the NBA G League’s Erie BayHawks from 2015-18.  A 13-year NBA veteran who also served on the National Basketball Players Association’s executive committee, Rose won NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and 2003.  He played collegiately at Drexel University and graduated with a degree in computer information systems.  He also holds a master’s degree in sports management from Drexel. 

Booth joins the league office after most recently serving as Director of Player Personnel for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2014-19.  He has also worked in a scouting capacity for New Orleans and the Memphis Grizzlies. Booth was hired by New Orleans in 2010 after spending one season as an assistant coach at his alma mater, DePaul University, where he played from 1988-92 and earned a degree in communications.  He played professionally overseas from 1992-2005.
NBA Family Honors and Celebrates Juneteenth

Today, the NBA family will honor and celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest national holiday commemorating emancipation from slavery in the United States.  For the first time, league employees are being given paid time off on Juneteenth, with the opportunity to use the day to pause, further educate themselves and reflect on both the history and the current state of race in our country, and nearly every NBA and WNBA team will observe Juneteenth as an organizational holiday.

Understanding the importance of collective efforts to listen and learn, all league and team employees will be invited to attend a virtual screening of “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” the new Magnolia Pictures, Participant, and Color Farm Media film about the life and legacy of Rep. John Lewis.  Using interviews and rare archival footage, the film chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration.  The film features present-day interviews with now 80-year-old Lewis, political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and other prominent figures throughout his life, and explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. 

The screening will tip off a larger opportunity for NBA teams to take part in Magnolia Pictures, Participant and Color Farm Media’s virtual cinema program featuring private player and team screenings with a special bonus interview with Rep. Lewis around the July 3 release of the film.  As part of the collaboration, Magnolia Pictures will donate proceeds from the screenings to community organizations identified by the league and its teams.

Additionally, the Jr. NBA, in partnership with RISE and the NBCA, will host a Coaches Forum with youth basketball coaches and coach David Fizdale focused on race, equality and the impact of systemic social injustice on young athletes.  Participants in the closed session will engage in open dialogue and share their perspectives on how these systemic issues affect the youth sports experience.  Attendees will receive resources designed to help promote cultures of inclusion and address these issues in a team setting.

The NBA family will also recognize the important holiday across all social and digital platforms with unique content throughout the day aimed to educate fans on the importance and history of Juneteenth and amplify multi-generational voices and perspectives from the Black community and across the NBA family.  Live and featured programming on NBA platforms will include:
  • 1:00 p.m. ET: Conversations with Caron: featuring John Wall on NBA Twitter
  • 3:00 p.m. ET: Conversations with Caron: featuring Danny Green on NBA Twitter
  • 3:00 p.m. ET: SiriusXM NBA Radio Roundtable Discussion featuring Jason Jackson, Amin Elhassan, Eddie Johnson and Antonio Daniels
  • 6:00 p.m. ET: Conversations with Caron: featuring Justise Winslow on NBA Twitter
  • 8:00 p.m. ET: Caron Butler’s personal Juneteenth message
  • 8:00 p.m. ET: NBA GameTime feat. Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce on NBA TV 

This programming continues the NBA’s efforts to normalize the conversation on race and use its platform to dismantle harmful stereotypes about the Black community by sharing candid discussions and reflections from NBA players, governors, general managers, coaches and more. #BlackLivesMatter #Juneteenth


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MAINE RED CLAWS’ TREMONT WATERS NAMED 2019-20 NBA G LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

NEW YORK, June 18, 2020  Maine Red Claws guard Tremont Waters has been named the 2019-20 NBA G League Rookie of the Year, the NBA G League announced today.  The award, voted on by the league’s 28 head coaches and general managers, recognizes the first-year professional who most significantly contributed to his team’s success during the season.

Waters (5-10, 175, LSU), a two-way player with the Boston Celtics, averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.89 steals in 36 games for Maine.  He ranked sixth in the NBA G League in assists per game and 14th in steals per game.  Waters registered 10 games with at least 20 points and seven assists, including a season-high 33-point, seven-assist performance in a 155-131 road win over the Greensboro Swarm on Nov. 27.

Behind the 22-year-old Waters, the Red Claws finished in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 28-14 record.  Waters was named the NBA G League Player of the Month for November and earned a spot on the 2019-20 Midseason All-NBA G League Team in the Eastern Conference. 

Boston selected Waters in the second round (51st pick overall) of NBA Draft 2019 presented by State Farm after he averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 assists and 2.91 steals as a sophomore at LSU in the 2018-19 season.  Signed to a two-way contract last July, Waters has appeared in 10 games with the Celtics this season. 

Waters is the fourth Maine player to be selected as the NBA G League Rookie of the Year, joining Abdel Nader (2016-17), Tim Frazier (2014-15) and DeShawn Sims (2010-11).

Waters appeared in 36 of Maine’s 42 games this season.  The NBA G League canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season on June 4.  The regular season was suspended on March 12 and had been scheduled to conclude on March 28.

Salt Lake City Stars forward Jarrell Brantley and South Bay Lakers forward Devontae Cacok finished second and third, respectively, in voting for the 2019-20 NBA G League Rookie of the Year Award.

NBA G League Rookie of the Year Winners


2019-20: Tremont Waters, Maine Red Claws
2018-19: Angel Delgado, Aqua Caliente Clippers
2017-18: Antonio Blakeney, Windy City Bulls
2016-17: Abdel Nader, Maine Red Claws
2015-16: Quinn Cook, Canton Charge
2014-15: Tim Frazier, Maine Red Claws
2013-14: Robert Covington, Rio Grande Valley Vipers
2012-13: Tony Mitchell, Fort Wayne Mad Ants
2011-12: Edwin Ubiles, Dakota Wizards
2010-11: DeShawn Sims, Maine Red Claws
2009-10: Alonzo Gee, Austin Toros
2008-09: Othyus Jeffers, Iowa Energy
2007-08: Blake Ahearn, Dakota Wizards
2006-07: Louis Amundson, Colorado 14ers
2005-06: Will Bynum, Roanoke Dazzle
2004-05: James Thomas, Roanoke Dazzle
2003-04: Desmond Penigar, Asheville Altitude
2002-03: Devin Brown, Fayetteville Patriots
2001-02: Fred House, Charleston Lowgators

                  

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Announcement presented by Fifty-Five South Ventures
Ticket Packages for Enshrinement Festivities Available Now on Hoophall.com

SPRINGFIELD, MA (April 4, 2020) – Today on ESPN, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the nine honorees in the Class of 2020 presented by Fifty-Five South Ventures. The Class of 2020 will be enshrined in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Birthplace of Basketball, on Saturday, August 29, 2020.


As previously announced, in light of the unique circumstance surrounding the Class of 2020, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Election Process Committee suspended the Direct Election Categories for one year with the exception of the International Committee. This year’s distinguished class includes honorees from the North American committee, Women’s Committee and International Committee. To be elected, North American and Women’s Committee finalists must receive 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2020 includes: 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, 15-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA Finals MVP Tim Duncan, 15-time NBA All-Star and nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection Kevin Garnett, four-time National Coach of the Year Eddie Sutton, two-time NBA Champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich, 10-time WNBA All-Star and four-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings, three-time NCAA National Championship Coach of Baylor Kim Mulkey, five-time Division II National Coach of the Year Barbara Stevens and longtime FIBA executive Patrick Baumann.

“The Class of 2020 is undoubtedly one of the most historic of all time and the talent and social influence of these nine honorees is beyond measure,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “In 2020, the basketball community has suffered the unimaginable loss of iconic figures Commissioner David Stern and Kobe Bryant, as well as the game itself due to COVID-19. We have also banded together like never before in appreciation of the game and those who have made it the uniting force it is today. Today we thank the Class of 2020 for all they have done for the game of basketball and we look forward to celebrating them at Enshrinement in August.”


The Class of 2020 Enshrinement festivities will begin at Mohegan Sun on Friday, August 28th with the newly formatted Enshrinement Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala. The Class of 2020 and over 50 returning Hall of Famers will then journey to Springfield, Mass. for the annual celebratory events taking place at the newly renovated Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Springfield Symphony Hall on the 29th. The second day of events in Springfield will include a special community-focused Celebration Day on the 30th.

Ticket packages to the 2020 Enshrinement Ceremony and all Enshrinement events are on sale now and available online at www.hoophall.com or by calling the Basketball Hall of Fame at (413) 231-5513. Premium Sponsors of Enshrinement 2020 include Fifty-Five South Ventures, Nike, Baron Championship Rings, Mohegan Sun and Panini.


THE NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2020:

North American Committee:

KOBE BRYANT [Player] – Recognized posthumously, Bryant was an 18-time NBA All-Star (1998, 2000-16) and 11-time All-NBA First Team selection (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006-13). As an All-Star, he earned the Game’s MVP trophy four times (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011). He was also a five-time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010), the 2008 NBA MVP and Finals MVP twice (2009, 2010). He famously scored the second-most points in a single game in NBA history (81), led the NBA in total points for four seasons (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008) and ranks fourth on the NBA’s career points list (33,643). Often celebrated for his offensive prowess, Bryant was also a nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006-11). With USA Basketball, Bryant earned an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and 2012.

TIM DUNCAN [Player] - Duncan is a 15-time NBA All-Star (1998, 2000-11, 2013, 2015) and an eight-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999-2003, 2005, 2007, 2008). He is also a five-time NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), having earned Finals MVP three times (1999, 2003, 2005). In 2002 and 2003, he was named NBA MVP and in 1998 he won Rookie of the Year. Duncan is the only player in NBA history with 1,000 or more wins with one team, which he amassed in his 19 years with the Spurs. He is ranked in the top 10 for NBA all-time rebounds and blocks leaders. As a college athlete at Wake Forest, Duncan earned ACC Player of the Year and was a unanimous First Team All-American in 1996 and 1997. In 1997, he also collected the Wooden, Naismith, Rupp, and Oscar Robertson Awards, while being named AP College Player of the Year.

KEVIN GARNETT [Player] – Garnett is a 15-time NBA All-Star (1997-1998, 2000-11, 2013) and 2008 NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics widely regarded for his passion and intensity on the court. A nine-time NBA All- Defensive First Team selection (2000-05, 2008-09, 2011), he led the league in rebounds for four consecutive seasons (2004-2007) and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. While playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2004, Garnett led the league in total points, field goals made and total rebounds while earning NBA MVP. He is ranked ninth in NBA’s all-time leaders for rebounds. With USA Basketball, Garnett earned an Olympic gold medal in 2000. Garnett played 21 NBA seasons and is currently ranked fourth in all-time minutes played (50,418).

EDDIE SUTTON [Coach] – Sutton is a four-time National Coach of the Year (1977, 1978, 1986, 1995), eight-time Conference Coach of the Year (1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1986, 1993, 1998, 2004) and the first coach in NCAA history to lead four different schools in the NCAA Tournament. Sutton ranks in the top ten among Division I coaches in all-time victories and has recorded only one losing season in 37 years of coaching. He coached Oklahoma State University from 1991-2006 and tied the conference record for wins by a first-year coach with 24. Collectively, Sutton guided his teams to three Final Fours, six Elite Eights and 12 Sweet Sixteen appearances.

RUDY TOMJANOVICH [Coach] – Tomjanovich spent 34 consecutive seasons with the Houston Rockets organization as a player (1970-1982), assistant coach (1983-1992) and head coach (1992-2003). He was named The Sporting News NBA Coach of the Year in 1993. He is the only person in NBA history to score 10,000 career points as a player and win 500 career games with two championships as a coach. Tomjanovich led the Rockets to NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995 and is one of three coaches to win an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal. He led USA Basketball to a gold medal in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Women’s Committee:

TAMIKA CATCHINGS [Player] – Catchings is a 10-time WNBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005-2007, 2009, 2011,
2013-2015) and four-time Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). After winning WNBA MVP in 2011, she led the Indiana Fever to a WNBA Championship in 2012 while collecting WNBA Finals MVP honors. She played her entire 14-year WNBA career with the Fever, while being named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year five times (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012) and Rookie of the Year in 2002. As the WNBA all-time steals leader, Catchings was named a member of the WNBA Top 20 Players in the league’s 20-year history in 2016. With Pat Summitt’s Lady Vols, Catchings won a national championship in 1998 and was named a four-time Kodak First Team All- American (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001), as well as the consensus National Player of the Year in 2000.

Women’s Committee (continued):

KIM MULKEY [Coach] – Mulkey has led the Baylor Bears to three NCAA National Championships (2005, 2012, 2019) and ranks third all-time among head coaches in win percentage. In 2012, Mulkey was named the Consensus National College Coach of the Year earning the Naismith Coach of the Year, Associated Press College Basketball Coach of the Year, WBCA National Coach of the Year and USBWA National Coach of the Year. As the head coach of Baylor since 2000, she has guided her team to 17 NCAA Tournament appearances including 13 Sweet Sixteens, eight Elite Eights and four Final Four appearances. Her Baylor squad has also won 10 Big 12 regular season championships (2005, 2011-2019) and 10 Big 12 Tournament championships (2005, 2009, 2011-2016, 2018), earning her Big 12 Coach of the Year honors seven times (2005, 2011- 2013, 2015, 2018-2019). Mulkey is the first person, male or female, to win a national championship as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

BARBARA STEVENS [Coach] – Coaching in the collegiate ranks for over 40 years, Stevens is the fifth coach in NCAA women’s basketball history to reach 1,000 career wins. She has been named the Russell Athletic / WBCA Division II National Coach of the Year five times (1992, 1999, 2001, 2013, 2014) and Northeast-10 Coach of the Year 15 times (1988, 1989, 1991-1993, 1996-2001, 2003, 2011, 2014, 2018). As the head coach of Bentley University since 1986, she has guided her team to 22 25-win seasons and 10 trips to the Division II Fab Four, including a national championship in 2014. Stevens has been inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame (2002) and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2006).


THE NAISMITH MEMORIAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME DIRECT ELECT MEMBERS:


International Committee:

PATRICK BAUMANN [Contributor] – Recognized posthumously, Patrick Baumann greatly contributed to the game as a longtime FIBA executive and a member of the International Olympic Committee for more than 10 years. He initially joined FIBA in 1994, rising through the ranks and earning the title of Secretary General in 2002, a title he held until his untimely passing in 2018. He primarily focused on the youth sector and the expansion of 3x3 basketball as a global game, while developing programs and events to grow basketball worldwide. A native of Switzerland, Baumann held a number of positions on several esteemed sports councils and advisory boards and was a basketball player, coach and referee prior to joining FIBA.

NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVES COMPETITIVE FORMAT TO RESTART 2019-20 SEASON WITH 22 TEAMS RETURNING TO PLAY

NEW YORK, June 4, 2020 – The NBA Board of Governors today approved a competitive format to restart the 2019-20 season with 22 teams returning to play and a tentative start date of Friday, July 31.  The Board’s approval is the first formal step among many required to resume the season.

The NBA is working to finalize a comprehensive season restart plan with the National Basketball Players Association.  The NBA and the NBPA are working with infectious disease specialists, public health experts and government officials to establish a rigorous program to prevent and mitigate the risk related to COVID-19, including a regular testing protocol and stringent safety practices.  The season restart is also contingent on an agreement with The Walt Disney Company to use Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, as a single site for a campus for all games, practices and housing for the remainder of the season.     

Based on the competitive format that the NBA Board of Governors approved today, the 22 returning teams would be the 16 teams (eight per conference) in current playoff positions and the six teams that are currently six games or fewer behind the eighth seed in their respective conferences.  Those two groups comprise teams with the NBA’s 22 best records.  

“The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts.  We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways.”

The season restart would begin with eight “seeding games” for each returning team and include the possibility of a play-in tournament for the eighth and final playoff seed in each conference depending on combined records across regular-season games and seeding games.  Once the 16-team playoff field is set, the NBA Playoffs would proceed in a traditional conference-based format with four rounds and best-of-seven series in each round.  The NBA Finals would end no later than Oct. 12.  (See below for the list of returning teams and additional details.) 

If, as tentatively scheduled, the season resumes on July 31, then the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery would be rescheduled for Aug. 25, the 2020 NBA Draft would be held on Oct. 15 and the 2020-21 NBA regular season would likely begin on Dec. 1, 2020.

The 14 NBA Lottery teams would be the eight teams that do not participate in the restart and the six teams that participate in the restart but do not qualify for the playoffs.  These teams would be seeded in the lottery and assigned odds based on their records through games of March 11.  The 16 playoff teams would draft in inverse order of their combined records across regular-season games and seeding games.

NBA Season Restart: Competitive Format Plan

The 22 returning teams for the season restart would be the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards from the Eastern Conference and the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns from the Western Conference.  

Each returning team would play eight seeding games, as selected from its remaining regular-season matchups.  At the conclusion of the seeding games, the seven teams in each conference with the best combined records across regular-season games and seeding games would qualify for the playoffs.

If the team with the eighth-best combined record in its conference is more than four games ahead of the team with the ninth-best combined record in the same conference, then the team with the eighth-best record would earn the eighth playoff seed.

If the team with the eighth-best combined record in its conference (Team A) is four games or fewer ahead of the team with the ninth-best combined record in the same conference (Team B), then Teams A and B would compete in a play-in tournament to determine the eighth playoff seed.  To earn the eighth playoff seed, Team A would need to defeat Team B once and Team B would need to defeat Team A two games in a row.

The 2019-20 season would conclude with a traditional playoff format with best-of-seven series in the first round, conference semifinals, conference finals and the NBA Finals.

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NEW YORK, June 4, 2020 – NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim today announced that the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA G League season, which was suspended March 12, has been canceled.  The NBA G League’s regular season was scheduled to conclude on March 28.

“While canceling the remainder of our season weighs heavily on us, we recognize that it is the most appropriate action to take for our league,” said Abdur-Rahim.  “I extend my sincere gratitude to NBA G League players and coaches for giving their all to their teams and fans this season.  And to our fans, I thank you and look forward to resuming play for the 2020-21 season.”

In the coming weeks, the NBA G League will announce end-of-season award winners, including the Most Valuable Player, Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

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FIVE-TIME NBA CHAMPION BRIAN SHAW NAMED HEAD COACH OF NEW NBA G LEAGUE TEAM


Debuting under Shaw in the 2020-21 season, the new team will include recent NBA G League signees Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, Daishen Nix and Kai Sotto as they begin their professional careers while receiving mentorship and life skills training.  The team will be unaffiliated with any existing NBA G League franchise or NBA team.

“Brian’s extensive experience and success as an NBA player and coach make him a natural choice to lead the new NBA G League team,” said Abdur-Rahim.  “We look forward to watching these terrific young players develop their skills and grow as professionals under Brian's leadership.”  

“I’m excited to serve as head coach of the new NBA G League team,” said Shaw.  “This is a new and different challenge in my career, and I’m ready to get to work mentoring, coaching and developing the next generation of NBA stars.”

Before joining the NBA G League, Shaw served as head coach of the Denver Nuggets for two seasons from 2013-15.  He also held the position of associate head coach with the Indiana Pacers for two seasons (2011-13) and the Los Angeles Lakers for three seasons (2016-19).  He began his coaching career with a seven-year stint as a Lakers assistant from 2004-11.  Shaw was part of the coaching staff when the Lakers won NBA championships in 2009 and 2010 and the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013.

As a player, Shaw enjoyed a successful 14-year NBA career that included stints with the Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers.  The 6-6 guard won three consecutive NBA championships with the Lakers from 2000-02.  He also spent the 1989-90 season playing professionally in Italy.  Shaw helped the United States win the gold medal at the 1986 FIBA Basketball World Championship.
WNBA ANNOUNCES PLAN TO TIP OFF 2020 SEASON

– Each team to play 22 games; regular-season action tips off in late July –

– Players to receive full pay, full benefits in modified season –

– WNBA 2020 season will feature bold commitment to social justice –

NEW YORK, June 15, 2020 – After significant discussions with the league’s key stakeholders, including the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), the WNBA today announced elements of plans to return to the court to begin the WNBA 2020 season.  The league is finalizing a partnership that would make IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, the Official Home of the 2020 WNBA season highlighted by a competitive schedule of 22 regular-season games followed by a traditional playoff format.

Beginning in July, IMG Academy will be the home for each of the league’s 12 teams and serve as a single site for training camp, games and housing.  The top priority continues to be the health and safety of players and staff, and the league is working with medical specialists, public health experts, and government officials on a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that appropriate medical protocols and protections are in place.  Due to the fluid situation resulting from the pandemic, the league and players will continue to review the appropriate health and safety protocols and make necessary changes to the plan prior to arriving on site for the start of training camp and throughout the season.

“We are finalizing a season start plan to build on the tremendous momentum generated in the league during the offseason and have used the guiding principles of health and safety of players and essential staff to establish necessary and extensive protocols,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.  “We will continue to consult with medical experts and public health officials as well as players, team owners and other stakeholders as we move forward with our execution plan.  And, despite the disruption caused by the global pandemic to our 2020 season, the WNBA and its Board of Governors believe strongly in supporting and valuing the elite women athletes who play in the WNBA and therefore, players will receive their full pay and benefits during the 2020 season.” 

“As home to some of the world’s leading athletes, coaches and performance experts, IMG Academy is thrilled to partner with the top basketball players in the world and the entire WNBA family,” said Tim Pernetti, Executive Vice President, IMG Events & Media.  “We are truly looking forward to becoming the Official Home of the 2020 WNBA Season and working closely with the league in providing our best-in-class training and competition environment.”

Throughout this unique season format where all players will be at the same place, at the same time, a first in the league’s history, the WNBA will build on its commitment to social justice and will support players in launching a bold social justice platform as a call to action to drive impactful, measurable and meaningful change.  The WNBA 2020 season will include a devoted platform led by the players that will aim to support and strengthen both the league and teams’ reach and impact on social justice matters.  As recently announced, this began with the WNBA making donations from sales of its “Bigger Than Ball” women’s empowerment merchandise to the Equal Justice Initiative.  “The WNBA opposes racism in all its forms, and George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are the latest names in a list of countless others who have been subject to police brutality that stems from the systemic oppression of Black Lives in America, and it is our collective responsibility to use our platforms to enact change,” said Engelbert. 

In our discussions with the league, we emphasized and they agreed that a strong commitment to a 2020 season will give the WNBA the chance to show the world that it's taking the steps needed to secure our livelihood and well-being, while also providing the opportunity to amplify our collective voice,” said WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike.  “We have always been at the forefront of initiatives with strong support of #BlackLivesMatter, #SayHerName, the LGBTQ+ community, gun control, voting rights, #MeToo, mental health and the list goes on.  This is not only necessary from a humanitarian perspective, but it may be one of the biggest opportunities that this league has and will ever have.”

“As in recent CBA negotiations, the WNBPA Executive Committee worked tirelessly to represent the interests of all players as the league planned to launch a 2020 season,” said WNBPA Executive Director Terri Jackson.  “Our society has learned or perhaps has been reminded of an important lesson: women are integral to the economic stability of their families and their communities.  The league and the teams’ commitment makes a statement.”

Under the current plan, teams will report to IMG Academy in early July and regular-season action will tip off in late July after a team training camp period.  Although the WNBA 2020 season will be played without fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league will continue to build on the current momentum around the WNBA and the players, while offering fans a front row seat at home thanks to broadcast partners ESPN, CBS Sports Network and NBA TV and their ongoing commitment to women’s sports.  Regular season matchups and times for WNBA 2020 Tip-Off presented by AT&T, will be announced at a later date.

About the WNBA
The WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women.  Featuring 12 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and social responsibility.  Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.
In 2020, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association signed a groundbreaking eight-year CBA that charts a new course for women’s basketball – and women’s sports overall – with a focus on increased player compensation, improvements to the player experience, expanded career development opportunities and resources specifically tailored to the female professional athlete.  Key elements of the agreement are supported through the league’s new partnership platform, WNBA Changemakers. Inaugural WNBA Changemakers include AT&T, Deloitte and Nike.  








#TacleandoLaNFL: Notas sobe la NFL


NFL and Pluto TV Announce Extended Partnership, Continuing Iconic Lineup of Award-Winning Content, Game Replays and More
​Pluto TV's NFL Channel Will Feature Programming Dedicated to the NFL's 100th Season Celebration, Plus Action-Packed Games and Moments From Years Past, Classic Highlights, Past Seasons of NFL Films Award-Winning Series "Hard Knocks" and More

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 9, 2020) – The National Football League (NFL) and Pluto TV, the leading free ad-supported streaming television service in the U.S., today announced the extension of their partnership. Pluto TV's channel celebrating the NFL (Ch. 465) will continue to stream the most iconic and classic moments spanning over a decade of past seasons, to their growing audience of over 24 million users - for free.

The NFL Channel on Pluto TV is a specially curated feed of iconic library content devoted to providing NFL fans the best that NFL Films and NFL Media productions have to offer. Among the new programming coming to the NFL Channel are several series dedicated to the NFL 100 season-long celebration in 2019 including NFL's 100 Greatest, NFL 100 All-Time Team and NFL 100 Generations. The NFL Channel will continue highlighting programming like the award-winning series Hard Knocks, along with top-performing series such as NFL Game Replay, SOUND FX, NFL Top 10, Around the NFL and more. The channel will also continue showcasing highlights from the game dating back over a decade, and replays of some of the most iconic matchups in NFL history.

"For the many avid football fans that are part of Pluto TV's audience, having yearlong access to NFL content beyond the regular season is priceless," said Jeff Shultz, EVP and Chief Business Officer at Pluto TV. "With an incredible lineup of award-winning programming, alongside some of the most memorable highlights, replays and matchups of the past decade, we are excited to be able to offer this evergreen content to our viewers, no matter the season."

The channel will be continuously refreshed with new content including NFL Top 100 Players of 2019 and digitally-produced recaps, previews, press conferences, moments and more. 

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Pluto TV that provides fans with more exciting NFL content including our critically-acclaimed programming celebrating the NFL 100 season last year," said Jesse Wallace, NFL Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Distribution. "NFL fans enjoy having access to our classic games and programming year-round, and we're proud to give Pluto viewers access to more exciting content from their favorite teams and players."  

SoFi Stadium Update: Largest Ever Videoboard in Sports Completed



$1.37 Million Awarded in HeadHealthTECH Grant Funding to NFL Helmet Challenge Applicants
Funding will support innovators competing to create a new, top-performing football helmet
New York, NY (June 30, 2020) – The National Football League (NFL) and Football Research, Inc. (FRI) today awarded $1.37 million in HeadHealthTECH grant funding to four teams of innovators to support the creation of their helmet prototypes to be submitted as part of the ongoing NFL Helmet Challenge, a contest with an additional prize of $1 million.

The NFL Helmet Challenge is an innovation challenge that aims to stimulate the development by experts, innovators and helmet manufacturers of a new helmet for NFL players that outperforms, based on specified laboratory testing, all helmets currently worn by NFL players. The $1.37 million in grant funding awarded today is an extension of the NFL's HeadHealthTECH Challenge funding series and was designed to facilitate broad participation in the NFL Helmet Challenge. Applicants will use HeadHealthTECH Challenge funds to bolster their entry into the NFL Helmet Challenge competition. HeadHealthTECH funding is not required to participate in the NFL Helmet Challenge and other applicants are invited and encouraged to participate.

The Helmet Challenge will culminate in July 2021 with applicants submitting helmet prototypes for laboratory testing used by the NFL-NFLPA engineers to rank helmets over the last six years.

Awardees of HeadHealthTECH Helmet Challenge grant funding are as follows. Their submission descriptions appear in italics below as described by the winners in their grant applications.

  • Christopher Yakacki | Impressio, Inc. and CU Denver
Denver, Colorado - $491,999
Impressio, Inc. and CU Denver, relying on materials science research and additive manufacturing, are looking to create unprecedented energy-dissipating helmet liners using ultra-dissipative liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) and lattice designs to 3D-print player-specific helmet liners to reduce concussions. This project is supported by partners including EOS, nTopology, and Schutt.

  • Xenith, RHEON, BASF, The University of Waterloo | Xenith Project Orbit
Detroit, Michigan - $412,000
Xenith, an industry leader in football equipment, is looking to bring together experts in injury biomechanics, additive manufacturing, material science, design and computational modeling and optimization – BASF, RHEON Labs and The University of Waterloo – to create a new solution for energy management and a best-in-class on-field experience for the athlete.

  • Eric Wagnac (ETS) and Franck LeNaveaux | Kollide
Montreal, Québec - $238,545
The Kollide consortium combines the expertise of academic researchers (ETS) and four innovative Montreal-based companies (Kupol, Tactix, ShapeShift3D, Numalogics) who are looking to use their virtual design and non-planar 3D printing approach to create helmets customized to the player's head with a custom liner optimized to absorb and redirect impact.

  • Matthew Panzer | UVA, Nama Development and Topologica, Inc.
Charlottesville, Virginia - $223,047
Dr. Panzer and collaborators are looking to use their innovative cubic + octet foam metamaterial to design a new energy absorbing layer in a football helmet that will minimize risk of concussion. 

"By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines, the NFL Helmet Challenge aims to encourage revolutionary advances in helmet design," said Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President of Communications, Public Affairs and Policy, who oversees the NFL's health and safety work. "The awardees demonstrated the potential to do just that. We're very excited to support their efforts and test their prototypes next year. This is one more sign of the recent transformation in the protective equipment space – more in the last couple of years than over the previous decade – and we are committed to keeping this momentum going."

"The extraordinarily high level of engagement and breadth of innovative work happening right now in the protective equipment space is exciting to see," said Dr. Barry Myers, Director of Innovation at Duke University's Clinical and Translational Science Institute (Duke CTSI), who chairs the Oversight Committee that selected the winners. "The four winners awarded today all demonstrated the ability to develop a winning helmet, but there is definitely more to come from many of the other teams and start-ups we saw submit proposals and we look forward to opportunities to support these entrepreneurs in the future."

The HeadHealthTECH Challenge grant funding is just one of the many resources that the NFL has brought to bear to support potential applicants throughout the NFL Helmet Challenge process. Other available resources include those developed through the Engineering Roadmap, such as NFL video review data and finite element models of modern football helmets. Additionally, the NFL hosted a symposium in November 2019 to kick off the challenge, which brought together 300 engineers, manufacturing experts and innovators from across the country for three days of information-sharing and collaboration. The symposium provided potential applicants, including many of today's grant winners, with background on the current state of the science around helmets and head injuries in the NFL and information on the challenge and available resources.

For more information on the NFL Helmet Challenge and how to enter, potential applicants should visit: PlaySmartPlaySafe.com/NFLHelmetChallenge.

About the HeadHealthTECH Challenge Series
The HeadHealthTECH Challenge series is one component of the Engineering Roadmap, a $60-million comprehensive effort – funded by the NFL and managed by FRI – to improve the understanding of the biomechanics of head injuries in professional football and to create incentives for helmet manufacturers, small businesses, entrepreneurs, universities and others to develop and commercialize new and improved protective equipment, including helmets.
FRI awards the most promising HeadHealthTECH Challenge proposals with monetary grants and in-kind support. A panel of expert judges selected by Duke CTSI, in collaboration with FRI, reviews and provides feedback to all proposals. Every HeadHealthTECH Challenge applicant is invited to reapply and receives constructive feedback from Duke CTSI biomechanical experts to help refine innovations and increase chances for success on future submissions.

The HeadHealthTECH Challenges have awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to date to help advance the development of 13 new technologies:

About the NFL's Health and Safety Initiatives
The NFL is committed to advancing progress in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries. As part of the NFL's ongoing health and safety efforts, in September 2016, Commissioner Goodell launched Play Smart. Play Safe. — a league-wide health and safety initiative. At the heart of the initiative is a pledge of $100 million in support of independent medical research and engineering advancements and a commitment to try to protect our players and make our game safer, including through enhancements to medical protocols and improvements to how our game is taught and played. For more information about the NFL's health and safety efforts, please visit www.NFL.com/PlayerHealthAndSafety.

Commissioner Goodell Statement on Detroit Lions
Martha Ford has led the Lions with skill and grace for the past six seasons.  I have appreciated her business insights, her love of the game, her deep commitment to the NFL, and her personal kindness.  We are pleased that the Ford family will continue to own and operate this historic franchise.  Sheila Hamp has become increasingly involved in team and league affairs over the past several years and we look forward to working with her and the rest of the club's executive team.  

NFL Network and NFL RedZone No Longer Available on DISH and Sling TV
​LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2020: As of 9 pm ET NFL Network and NFL RedZone are no longer available to DISH and Sling TV subscribers.  While NFL Media remains committed to negotiating an agreement and has offered terms consistent with those in place with other distributors, DISH has not agreed.​
Without a distribution agreement in place for NFL Network and NFL RedZone, DISH and Sling subscribers will miss out on daily shows Good Morning FootballNFL Total Access and NFL Now and a newly launched Player's Choice series featuring classic games and long-form storytelling from the NFL Films archive.  
For the upcoming season, NFL Network remains the only place to watch all 65 preseason games, including a record 23 live out-of-market games. Regular season action on NFL Network continues with a slate of exclusive games kicking off with a trio of matchups at the start of the NFL Season in addition to two Saturday doubleheaders in Weeks 15 & 16. In addition to games, Sunday coverage on NFL Network features the most comprehensive pregame show on television – the Emmy-nominated NFL GameDay Morning.
An icon of the sports programming landscape, NFL RedZone takes fans from game to game to see the most exciting plays as they happen.  With host Scott Hanson, fans can follow the best of live NFL action from across the country and every touchdown from every game Sunday afternoons.
NFL content has never been more popular across the media landscape.  According to the Nielsen Company, 180 million people tuned into the 2019 NFL regular season with an average of 16.5 million watching per game. NFL games accounted for 47 of the 50 most-watched TV shows among all programming during the 2019 regular season.
As the only network 100% dedicated to coverage of America's most popular sports league, NFL Network is committed to serving the millions of NFL fans by reaching fair distribution agreements with the pay-TV industry.
NFL Network continues to be widely distributed across the United States, including distribution agreements with major cable, satellite, telco, and OTT providers throughout the country -- including DirecTV, Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Verizon FiOS, Fubo TV, Altice USA Optimum and Cox .

HBO SPORTS AND NFL FILMS RETURN WITH HARD KNOCKS: LOS ANGELES, CHRONICLING THE PRESEASON OF THE CHARGERS AND RAMS
HBO SPORTS® AND NFL FILMS RETURN WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED EDITION OF TELEVISION’S MOST ACCLAIMED SPORTS REALITY FRANCHISE
WHEN HARD KNOCKS: LOS ANGELES,
CHRONICLING THE PRESEASON OF THE CHARGERS AND RAMS
DEBUTS AUGUST 11, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO
------
HBO Sports, NFL Media And NFL Films
Announce Multi-Year Renewal Of The Franchise
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HBO Sports, NFL Films and the two Los Angeles-based NFL franchises are teaming up for an unprecedented and unfiltered all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League when HARD KNOCKS: LOS ANGELES kicks off its five-episode season this summer. One of the fastest-turnaround programs on TV, the 15th edition of the 18-time Sports Emmy®-winning series debuts TUESDAY, AUG. 11 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), with other hour-long episodes of the first sports-based reality series debuting subsequent Tuesdays at the same time, culminating in the Sept. 8 season finale.
HARD KNOCKS will have encore plays Wednesday nights and will be available to stream on HBO via HBO Max and partners’ platforms.
In an unprecedented programming move, the 2020 edition of the venerable series will spotlight both Los Angeles NFL teams: The Los Angeles Chargers of the AFC West and the Los Angeles Rams of the NFC West. The two franchises are set to share the spectacular new 70,000-seat SoFi stadium that is nearing completion in Inglewood, California.​
The arrival of HARD KNOCKS each August is a unique NFL tradition and NFL FILMS and HBO Sports are making plans for an all-new season of the most acclaimed serialized sports series on television.
One of sports television’s most successful and enduring partnerships, HBO Sports, NFL Media and NFL Films have reached agreement on a multi-year extension of the HARD KNOCKS franchise.
“The HARD KNOCKS franchise continues to excel as the preeminent sports reality series,” says Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports.  “Our partnership with NFL Films, which dates back to 1977, consistently produces groundbreaking television programming. We are grateful to the Chargers and Rams organizations to be able to present the 2020 training camp experience.”
“NFL Films cherishes the relationship we’ve had with HBO for over four decades, and specifically with the HARD KNOCKS franchise since 2001,” says NFL Films senior executive Ross Ketover. “To be able to announce this extension as we embark on an unprecedented two team series this summer brings us incredible pride and only heightens our excitement for the return of football.”
Camera crews will head to southern California in the next few weeks to begin filming, with the action heating up in August when the cinéma vérité show focuses on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches.
Under fourth-year head coach Sean McVay, the Rams are just a season removed from a Super Bowl appearance and have a roster featuring an intriguing mix of high-profile players, established veterans, and free-agent acquisitions.
After an injury-plagued 2019 campaign, the Los Angeles Chargers are looking for a return to the winning formula that helped them finish tied for the AFC’s best record in 2018. Led by fourth-year head coach Anthony Lynn, the Chargers overhauled roster features young, rising stars on both sides of the ball, a new quarterback behind center and an influx of veteran talent added this offseason.
Both franchises will also be debuting new logos and uniforms when they open their new, state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium home later this year. 
Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn said, “Having been part of Hard Knocks before when I was with the New York Jets, my biggest takeaway from that whole experience was that you get out of it what you put into it. There’s a reason that season was probably the most popular Hard Knocks ever. If you’re going to do a show, do it right. You can’t fake it. We didn’t have a problem providing access because we built a relationship with the crew. There was a mutual trust that exists to this day with those people, and many of them will actually be working on this year’s show. Broadcasting your internal business all over the world isn’t something you regularly want to do, but in a year with as many challenges as this one has had, I’m glad we can be part of bringing football back to the fans this summer.”
“We are looking forward to having Hard Knocks in our camp this year,” said Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay.  “Hard Knocks always offers a rare opportunity for our fans to see our players’ hard work to prepare for the season, as well as gives them a peek behind the curtain to observe these guys off the field, too.  This year will be special because the show will also get an unprecedented look at SoFi Stadium, Stan Kroenke’s vision for professional football in L.A.”
Dedicated NFL Films production crews will be in both southern California training camps, shooting more than 2,300 hours of footage over the course of the series, offering an inside look at the daily rigors of an NFL training camp. With access to players’ and coaches’ meeting rooms, training rooms, living quarters and practice fields, HARD KNOCKS will document hours of conditioning practices and meetings, chronicling players as they compete for a roster spot and bond off the field.
HBO has aired 72 memorable episodes and one anniversary special in its first 14 seasons.  No other sports reality series can match the production excellence, critical acclaim, awards and audience numbers posted by HARD KNOCKS. Episodes have averaged four million viewers over the past four years.
Winner of 18 Sports Emmy® Awards to date, HARD KNOCKS launched with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, followed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2002, and resumed in 2007 with the Kansas City Chiefs, subsequently spotlighting the Cowboys (2008), Cincinnati Bengals (2009), New York Jets (2010), Miami Dolphins (2012), Bengals (2013), Atlanta Falcons (2014), Houston Texans (2015) and Los Angeles Rams (2016). The 2017 edition chronicled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and captured the Sports Emmy® for Outstanding Serialized Documentary. The widely acclaimed 2018 series with the Cleveland Browns earned two Sports Emmy® Awards for production excellence. HARD KNOCKS has won a Sports Emmy® every year it has aired since 2008.​
Eight of the last ten teams featured on HARD KNOCKS have equaled or improved their win-loss record in the regular season. The Cleveland Browns launched the transformation of their organization on HBO and went from a winless 2017 season to coming within half a game (7-8-1) of a .500 campaign.  The 2019 season saw the Raiders improve their record to 7-9 from the previous year’s 4-12 mark.  The series featuring the iconic Raider franchise averaged 4.3 million viewers per episode, generating the highest viewership for the show since 2015 and the second-best viewership numbers for HARD KNOCKS in the past ten years.
Washington Post wrote, “Turning football players into people is what HBO’s HARD KNOCKS series does so well. The massive scope, meticulous editing and time-hopping special effects that highlight a production under massive time constraints are all impressive, but it’s the film crew’s access to NFL players that makes the program special.”  USA Today said, “Players’ lives and their hopes and dreams play out each NFL preseason on HARD KNOCKS. It’s that month-long human drama that makes the show so profoundly compelling.”
Winner of 129 Sports Emmy® Awards, NFL Films remains a gold standard in sports television, providing unprecedented access to and legendary storytelling about the sport of professional football. NFL Films is a part of NFL Media, the owned and operated media division of the National Football League, which is comprised of NFL Network, NFL Films, the NFL App, NFL.com and NFL RedZone.
HARD KNOCKS: LOS ANGELES will be narrated by Liev Schreiber, marking his 14th season with the show.

NFL AND BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME HOST THIRD ANNUAL QUARTERBACK COACHING SUMMIT



ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes Will Televise 



2021 NFL Pro Bowl from Las Vegas

AFC vs. NFC All-Star game will originate from Allegiant 

Stadium for the first time, January 31, 2021

ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes will televise the 2021 Pro Bowl from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, January 31. The National Football League officially announced the Las Vegas Raiders’ new stadium as the site of the game today.

“When the National Football League kicks off its first season in Las Vegas, we are delighted that ESPN and ABC will present two of the marquee events at Allegiant Stadium. We will celebrate the NFL’s top players at the Pro Bowl and showcase the Raiders’ first regular-season home game at their new world-class venue,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN Executive Vice President of Programming.

The 2021 Pro Bowl will continue to be a weeklong celebration of football, and will feature various activities in Las Vegas including the NFL FLAG Championship games, AFC and NFC team practices and, for the fifth consecutive year, the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown, where the NFL’s biggest stars from each conference compete in unique tests of their skills.

All NFL activities during Pro Bowl week will adhere to the latest public safety guidelines set by medical and public health officials, as well as operate in full compliance of all local and federal government regulations.

The 2021 Pro Bowl presented by Verizon will follow the traditional AFC versus NFC format and feature 88 of the best NFL players – 44 from each conference – as determined by a consensus of votes by fans, players, and coaches. Both teams will be led by offensive and defensive NFL Legends who will serve as captains representing each conference.

Tickets will go on sale later this year, but fans interested in receiving the latest Pro Bowl information may register at NFL.com/VegasPB for a chance to win a VIP trip to the Pro Bowl and other presale opportunities.