Bakersfield loses jam as team ceases operations

The Bakersfield Jam announced yesterday that the organization will cease operations, effective immediately.

The decision from owners Stan Ellis and David Higdon to shut down the team was announced to the Jam front office staff Wednesday afternoon. “It’s not a reflection on the economy”, Ellis said. “Our other businesses are doing very well. It’s simply this: we have other business opportunities out there that are scary phenomenal – they’re great. There is so much more potential in those businesses that it’s not fair to the other 300 people we employ to continue to incur the losses of the Jam.”

Ellis continued, “When you have bad business deals that start to go south, you cut your losses and go on to the next one. This is a simple business decision.” When commenting on the move to cease operations, Higdon echoed Ellis. “No one has told us we made a bad business decision.”

Jam head coach Scott Roth, who led the Jam to their first winning season (26-24 record) and a playoff berth this year mentioned low attendance as the driving force in the owner’s decision. “I don’t think fans ever caught on to the Jam. With that talent level that was in our arena on a nightly basis, if you’re not getting 1,500 to an NBADL game then you have a problem.”

The 2008-09 Jam season enjoyed many highlights that included guard Trey Johnson getting two, 10-day Gatorade Call-ups to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Also, Johnson and fellow guard Derrick Byars were selected to the NBAD League All-Star west team. Johnson was also selected to the 1^st Team All NBAD League Showcase team, and he and Byars were selected to the NBAD League All League second team, while center Nick Lewis was selected to the NBAD League Honorable Mention team.

Byars also set individual, single-season records in scoring (884) and minutes played (1,918), while Lewis set single-season records in rebounds (368) and games played (51), sharing that honor with forward Terrance Thomas. Jam guard Mateen Cleaves set the single-season assist record this year (297).

Giving local TV interviews in the back of the Jam’s brand new, state-of-the-art practice facility, Ellis spoke fondly of his involvement with the community over the last three years. “While we didn’t get the fan support needed to sustain operations here, David and I were fortunate to meet so many wonderful people that we may not have met otherwise. Because of that we’ll be renting our practice facility to youth organizations and other interested parties that need the space.”

Ellis and Higdon will now direct their attention to their existing business portfolio and their new acquisitions in the clean tech/renewable energy sector.

Sims is D-League MVP

NEW YORK, April 6, 2009 –Courtney Sims, who appeared in 32 games with the Iowa Energy, has been named the NBA Development League’s Most Valuable Player for the 2008-09 season. Sims, a 6-11 center, who is currently in the middle of his second 10-day contract with the New York Knicks, was selected by a vote of the NBA D-League’s head coaches. NBA D-League president Dan Reed will present Sims with his award prior to the start of an upcoming Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

Prior to his GATORADE Call-Up to the Knicks on March 23, Sims was leading the Energy with 22.8 points per game, while shooting 61 percent (277-of-458) from the field to go along with averages of 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 38.8 minutes. Twice called-up by the Phoenix Suns this season, Sims appeared in one game for Phoenix this season and has yet to appear in a game for New York.

“Courtney really has earned this honor, and I’m proud of him,” said Energy head coach Nick Nurse. “His development in the last 12 months has been outstanding - he has grown his offensive game, his competitiveness and his athleticism. The improvements in his game are a total credit to him for all of the hard work he's put in over the last year and if he can improve as much in the next 12 months as he has in the last, I know he'll be a great asset to the Knicks or any NBA team.”

The Co-MVP of the 2009 NBA D-League All-Star Game in Phoenix, Sims scored in double figures in all 32 of his games with the Energy, including 21 games with 20 or more points and six 30-plus outings, including twice notching a season-high 36-points. Additionally, Sims recorded 22 points/rebounds double-doubles and one triple-double when he opened the NBA D-League season with 22 points, 17 rebounds and an NBA D-League record-tying 11 blocks in a 113-101 road win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Twice honored during the season for his standout play, Sims earned NBA D-League Performer of the Week honors on Dec. 1 when he averaged a double-double of 22.5 points and 14.5 rebounds to go with 8.0 blocks while shooting 54 percent (13-of-24) from the. Later that month, Sims was named NBA D-League Player of the Month for December, as he averaged 24.3 points and 13.0 rebounds, shooting 62 percent (67-of-109) from the field, scoring in double figures in all six games and recording five double-doubles (points/rebounds) while leading Iowa to a 6-1 record during the month.

Sims appeared in three games for the Indiana Pacers during the 2007-08 season and has seen training camp, summer league and preseason action with the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets and Charlotte Bobcats since finishing his career at the University of Michigan. During his four-year career as a Wolverine, Sims averaged 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 131 games, earning a spot on the Big 10 Conference All-Freshman team in 2004.

“Courtney is a perfect example of what our league is about,” said Chris Alpert, vice president of basketball operations and player personnel for the NBA D-League. “He has utilized the NBA D-League as an opportunity to develop his skills and as a platform to showcase his ability to NBA teams. It's nice to see his hard work is paying off and it's encouraging to see our coaches recognize Courtney's impact he has on his team's success. Courtney has demonstrated all season that he is a top NBA prospect and we wish him the best with the New York Knicks.”

Sims joins Ansu Sesay (Greenville, 2002), current New Orleans Hornet Devin Brown (Fayetteville, 2003), Tierre Brown (Charleston, 2004), current Dallas Maverick Matt Carroll (Roanoke, 2005), Marcus Fizer (Austin, 2006), Randy Livingston (Idaho, 2007) and Kasib Powell (Sioux Falls, 2008) as winners of the NBA Development League Most Valuable Player Award

D-League announces All-Star team

NEW YORK, April 6, 2009 – Five NBA Development League players with NBA experience make up the 2008-09 GATORADE All-NBA D-League First Team, including Iowa center Courtney Sims - the 2008 NBA Development League’s Most Valuable Player currently playing for the New York Knicks - Dakota guard Blake Ahearn, Albuquerque guard Will Conroy, Erie forward Erik Daniels and Austin center Marcus Williams.

Two members of the Bakersfield Jam, guard Trey Johnson and forward Derrick Byars, earned spots on the GATORADE All-NBA D-League Second Team. The duo from Bakersfield is joined by Colorado forward Josh Davis, Fort Wayne center Chris Hunter and Anaheim guard James White, who is playing for the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

The GATORADE All-NBA D-League Third Team is made up of Colorado guard Eddie Gill, Utah forward Ronald Dupree and Idaho center Lance Allred and a pair of Charlotte Bobcats, guard Dontell Jefferson who was called-up from Utah and forward Cartier Martin who was called-up from the Iowa Energy.

In all, 13 of the 15 players selected to this year’s First, Second, and Third All-NBA D-League teams by a vote of the League’s 16 head coaches have NBA experience, while seven earned GATORADE Call-Ups this season.

“With so many talented players in the League this year, it was a challenge for our coaches to select the All-League teams,” said Chris Alpert, vice president of basketball operations and player personnel for the NBA D-League. “The League congratulates the First, Second and Third team selections, as well as the honorable mentions, for their sensational seasons.”

The All-NBA Development League team results:

2008-09 GATORADE ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE FIRST TEAM
Position Player Team
Guard Blake Ahearn Dakota Wizards
Guard Will Conroy Albuquerque Thunderbirds
Forward Erik Daniels Erie BayHawks
Forward Marcus Williams Austin Toros
Center Courtney Sims Iowa Energy*

2008-09 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Position Player Team
Guard Trey Johnson Bakersfield Jam
Guard James White Anaheim Arsenal*
Forward Josh Davis Colorado 14ers
Forward Derrick Byars Bakersfield Jam
Center Chris Hunter Fort Wayne Mad Ants

2008-09 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE THIRD TEAM
Position Player Team
Guard Eddie Gill Colorado 14ers
Guard Dontell Jefferson Utah Flash*
Forward Ronald Dupree Utah Flash
Forward Cartier Martin Iowa Energy*
Center Lance Allred Idaho Stampede

2008-09 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE HONORABLE MENTION
Position Player Team
Guard Cedric Bozeman Anaheim Arsenal
Guard Joe Crawford Los Angeles D-Fenders
Guard Malik Hairston Austin Toros#
Guard Luke Jackson Idaho Stampede
Guard Othyus Jeffers Iowa Energy
Guard Walker Russell Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Guard Curtis Stinson Iowa Energy
Forward Will Frisby Dakota Wizards
Forward Richard Hendrix Dakota Wizards
Forward Jasper Johnson Albuquerque Thunderbirds
Forward Dwayne Jones Austin Toros
Forward Nick Lewis Bakersfield Jam
Forward Antonio Meeking Albuquerque Thunderbirds
Forward David Noel Reno Bighorns
Forward Trent Strickland Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Center Joe Dabbert Colorado 14ers
Center Kurt Looby Rio Grande Valley Vipers

* - Currently in the NBA
# - Currently on assignment from the NBA

Ahearn is D-League Player of the Week

Blake Ahearn of the Dakota Wizards has been named NBA D-League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of Feb. 2, 2009. Ahearn is the first Dakota player to earn the honor this season.

Ahearn led the Wizards to a 3-0 record, averaging 29.7 points and 8.3 assists while shooting .519 (27-of-52) from the field and connecting on 12 three-pointers. On Saturday Ahearn scored 32 points and added 10 assists in a 115-92 win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

A 6-2 guard from Missouri State, Ahearn was selected as a 2009 NBA D-League All-Star and will participate in the third annual NBA D-League All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 14, on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas. The 2007-07 NBA D-League Rookie of the Year, Ahearn earned a GATORADE Call-Up to the San Antonio Spurs earlier this season and is averaging 22.2 points this year.

Other top performers last week included Bakersfield’s Derrick Byars, who averaged 24.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in three games for the Jam; Albuquerque’s Will Conroy, who averaged 34.5 points and 9.5 assists in two games for the Thunderbirds; Utah’s Dontell Jefferson, who averaged 25.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in two wins for the Flash; Austin’s Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who averaged 26.5 points and 13.0 rebounds in two games for the Toros; and Anaheim’s James White, who averaged 28.3 points in three games for the Arsenal.

Russell is D-League Player of the Week

Walker Russell, Jr. of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants has been named NBA D-League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of Jan. 12, 2009. Russell is the first Mad Ant to earn the honor this season.

Russell averaged 28.5 points and 16.0 assists in two wins over the Sioux Falls Skyforce last week, including on Thursday when he scored a season-high 30 points while adding 18 assists. He returned on Friday to score 17 points and 14 assists in another victory.

A 6-0 guard, Russell is leading the NBA D-League with 11.6 assists per game this season. He also ranks fourth in the league with 2.5 steals, while averaging 16.9 points.

Other top performers last week included Tulsa’s Ronald Dupree, who averaged 30.5 points and 15.5 rebounds in two games for the 66ers; Othyus Jeffers, who averaged 26.0 points and 8.5 rebounds in two games for the Iowa Energy; Idaho’s Coby Karl who finished the week averaging 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists in two games for the Stampede; Antonio Meeking, who averaged 20.0 points and 10.3 rebounds in three games for the Reno Bighorns; and Anaheim’s James White, who averaged 27.0 points in three games for the Arsenal last week.

Mining for Diamonds

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Hardcore basketball fans are bound to get a little giddy Monday when the 2009 NBA Development League Showcase tips off its 16-game schedule in Orem, Utah.

The fifth annual event, which features all 16 NBA D-League teams playing two games apiece under one roof, has become the premier in-season basketball scouting event.

General managers, player personnel staff and scouts from each of the 30 NBA teams converge on Utah for four consecutive days to evaluate the league's talent.

Meanwhile, Monday also just happens to be the day NBA teams can start officially signing players to 10-day contracts, so it's time for some of the league's lesser teams to start mining for diamonds.

The NBA is certainly lopsided this year. The top teams like Boston, Cleveland, the LA Lakers and Orlando sport some very gaudy records and need little help, but there are plenty of have-nots that could use a role player or two to make a run at one of the final playoff spots.

Philadelphia is in perpetual need of a shooter, while Golden State and the Clippers could certainly use a defensive stopper on the wing.

Indiana and Jim O'Brien are always on the lookout for players that can fit into an up-tempo style, as is Mike D'Antoni and his New York Knicks.

Meanwhile, the Wizards could use some toughness inside and Oklahoma City just needs more good basketball players.

Make no mistake, there are no quick fixes and the D-League rarely offers players with large upsides, but improving things, no matter how small or incremental that improvement might be, should be the goal of each and every NBA team.

This year's Showcase features three members of the 2008 NBA Draft class that didn't make the league on their first try - Joe Crawford (Los Angeles D-Fenders), Patrick Ewing, Jr. (Reno Bighorns) and Richard Hendrix (Dakota Wizards).

There is also a host of NBA assigned players like Joey Dorsey (Houston Rockets, playing with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers), J.R. Giddens (Boston Celtics, playing with the Utah Flash), Malik Hairston (San Antonio Spurs, playing with the Austin Toros), Walter Sharpe (Detroit Pistons, playing with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants), Bill Walker (Boston Celtics, playing with the Flash), and Sonny Weems (Denver Nuggets, playing with the Colorado 14ers).

Additionally, six members of the 2007 NBA Draft class will be at the Showcase, including Sean Williams, currently on assignment with the 14ers from the New Jersey Nets, and Derrick Byars (Bakersfield Jam), Jermareo Davidson (Idaho Stampede), Jared Jordan (Rio Grande Valley), Chris Richard (Tulsa 66ers), and Marcus Williams (Austin).

"With the extraordinary depth of talent in the NBA D-League this season, the NBA D-League Showcase affords NBA teams an opportunity to evaluate all of the League's players in one location," said Chris Alpert, vice president of basketball operations and player personnel for the NBA D-League." "Historically, we have seen NBA teams sign players immediately following the Showcase, and in some instances during the Showcase, too."

The most serous call-up candidates this year appear to be a quartet of former SEC players, Hendrix. a 6-foot-8, 250-pound banger from Alabama, along with Davidson, Crawford and Byars.

At 6-foot-11 and 230 pounds, Davidson, who had a cup of coffee with the Charlotte Bobcats and also starred at Alabama, offers the kind of length to be an elite shot blocker at some point. He is averaging 1.5 swats a game in the D-League this season and might be a nice interior presence for someone down the line.

Crawford, a former Kentucky standout and LA Lakers draft pick, is blessed with a nice stroke from beyond the arc and a potent mid-range game, while Byars, who went to training camp with the Sixers last season and is a former SEC Player of the Year at Vanderbilt, is the kind of athletic swingman that can offer a solid 10-to-15 minute defensive effort on a nightly basis.

Courtney Sims is D-League Player of the Week

Courtney Sims of the Iowa Energy today was named the NBA D-league Performer of the Week for games played during the week of Nov. 24. Sims becomes the first Energy player and the first player of the 2008-09 season to earn the weekly honor.

In the season’s first two games for Iowa, both wins, Sims averaged a double-double of 22.5 points and 14.5 rebounds in addition to 8.0 blocks while shooting .542 (13-24) from the field. He opened the season with a triple-double on Friday against the Sioux Falls Skyforce, tallying 22 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 blocked shots. Sims' 11 blocks ties the NBA D-League single game record set by Cheikh Samb last season.

A 6-11 center from Michigan, Sims joined the Energy late last season after opening the 2007-08 campaign with the Indiana Pacers, where he played in three games. Sims averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 15 games with Iowa last season and also participated in the New Orleans’ Hornets training camp this past fall.

Other top performers last week included Austin’s Malik Hariston, who averaged 25.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in two games for the Toros; Richard Hendrix, who averaged 21.5 points and 13.5 rebounds for the Bakersfield Jam while on assignment from the Golden State Warriors; Colorado’s James Mays, who posted 22.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals over two games for the 14ers; Joe Crawford, who scored a league-leading 31.5 points during his first two games for the Los Angeles D-Fenders and Damone Brown, who finished the first week of play averaging 22.5 points and 14.0 rebounds for the Reno Bighorns.

D-League starting to set rosters

The Bakersfield Jam, the affiliate of the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, have a pair of players assigned by the Warriors, guard DeMarcus Nelson and forward Richard Hendrix. Here's the roster:

Num. Name Hgt/Wght Position College

#2 Trey Johnson 6-6/216 Guard Jackson State University

#3 Jeff Trepagnier 6-4/200 Guard University Southern California

#7 Derrick Byars 6-7/220 Forward Vanderbilt University

#10 Jovan Harris 6-3/175 Guard San Francisco University

#14 Ashanti Cook 6-2/185 Guard Georgetown University

#17 Terrance Thomas 6-6/220 Forward Baylor University

#21 DeMarcus Nelson * 6-4/200 Guard Duke University

#23 David Berghoefer 6-10/245 Center Western Kentucky

#24 Mateen Cleaves 6-2/205 Guard Michigan State

#32 Terrence Gamble 6-10/255 Center Tarleton State

#34 Richard Hendrix * 6-9/250 Forward University of Alabama

#44 Nick Lewis 6-10/240 Forward University of San Diego

* NBA assigned players from the Golden State Warriors

Practice player:

#33 Demarcus Hall 6-7/200 Forward Cal State University Bakersfield

“We should be a competitive team from the first tip,” coach Scott Roth said. “We have a strong nucleus of returning guys in Mateen Cleaves, Trey Johnson and Nick Lewis, and the fact the Warriors assigned DeMarcus Nelson and Richard Hendrix accentuates our feelings here.”

The Jam made final cuts to the roster this morning, waiving guard Derek Wright due to injury and placing forward Demarcus Hall on the active practice squad. Hall played for the local university and lives in Bakersfield.

Meanwhile, The Utah Flash waived guards Mike Hall, Chris Moore and Chris Mannix. The Flash season-opening roster stands at 12 including Boston Celtics assignees J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker.

No Player Pos Ht Wt College DOB

00 John Barber SF 6-7 220 Youngstown State 3/28/1985

7 Ryan Diggs PG 6-2 170 Western Washington 12/8/1983

11 Dontell Jefferson PG 6-4 195 Arkansas 12/15/1983

12 Andre Ingram SG 6-3 190 American 11/19/1985

15 J.R. Giddens* SG 6-5 215 New Mexico 2/13/1985

23 Eddie Ard G/F 6-5 215 Lipscomb 6/28/1985

24 Bill Walker* G/F 6-6 220 Kansas State 10/9/1987

32 Brian Jackson PF 6-9 244 Oregon State 10/4/1980

33 Gavin Grant SF 6-7 200 North Carolina State 3/12/1985

34 Bennet Davis PF 6-9 225 Northeastern 3/14/1984

42 Steve Newman C 6-9 235 Georgia 10/25/1984

99 Carlos Wheeler PF 6-7 220 Campbellsville 5/16/1978