Jun, 27
2022
Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Religion and Churches, Sports and Activities

ULACD Makes College Basketball History

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) basketball team, led by one of California's most successful high school and college coaches, Michael Miller, posted the second-best record in the nation of any four-year college over the last four years.

From 2018-2022, ULACD, which is located in Compton, California and plays as an independent, produced a record of 105-8, for a winning percentage of 93%. Only Northwest Missouri State, which plays in NCAA Division II, had a better record during the same four-year span at 126-8 (94%).

While ULACD shattered all winning records in the state of California during the last four-years, their most amazing achievement has been playing in the last three ACCA National Championship games. They won the 2019-20 ACCA National Championship, and were runner-ups in 2020-21 and 2021-22. During the 2019-2020 season ULACD produced their best record (30-1) while winning the ACCA National Championship, defeating a very well coached Ozark Christian College on their home floor 97-89 on March 7, 2020. In the victory, Coach Miller made history by becoming the first coach to coach a high school state title team (Ribet Academy 1990-91), a junior college state title team (Los Angeles City College 1996-97 and 2002-03) and a national title team.

Coach Miller has won where ever he has coached. Miller was the first head coach to lead a high school team and a junior college team to a state title. While at Los Angeles City College, from 1992-2007, Miller had a record-breaking run of 14 consecutive conference championships. His LACC teams compiled an overall record of 241-38 from 1999-2007 for a winning percentage of .864, exceeding all NCAA Division I Programs during the same time.

ULACD is a proud five-year member of the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) based in Joplin, Missouri. The ACCA was founded in 1982 and its current President is Chris Lahm. Lahm is the highly respected, and veteran coach and administrator of Ozark Christian College, and newly elected to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Hall of Fame.

For more information on ULACD please visit http://universityoflosangeles.org/.

To learn more about Coach Michael "Mike" Miller please visit https://www.coachmiller.net/.

Related link: http://www.universityoflosangeles.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

May, 18
2022
Business, Defense and Military, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Government, Sports and Activities

We Are G.A.M.E. Alum Haley Jones Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy

TORRANCE, Calif. -- On May 25, 2022, Haley Jones, one of the most distinguished We Are G.A.M.E. (Getting Athletes Mentoring and Education) alumna, graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy (AFA), concluding her storied collegiate basketball career.

Jones's dreams of playing college basketball fell into place when she (along with her sister, Dakota) met Allen and Joyce Thigpen, the founders of We Are G.A.M.E. The Jones sisters were raised by an amazing single mother. Dakota is also graduating this May, having completed her master's degree in public health from New York University.

When she met the Thigpens, Jones was in 8th grade and the nonprofit was getting off the ground. Allen Thigpen offered to come alongside the sisters as prospective college student-athletes. That connected Jones with other students who had dreams of not just playing basketball in college, but also playing at the highest division-level possible. At the same time, the Thigpens offered access to the academic resources necessary to bring that dream to life.

Throughout high school, Jones played for the West High School Warriors in Torrance, California. During her four-year career there, she led the team to a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) Division I title, was honored as Player of the Year for the Division, and earned the girls' basketball Player of the Year title from The Daily Breeze, a local publication.

Upon graduating high school, Jones enrolled at the Air Force Academy. Donning her jersey with the AFA Falcons was the realization of her dream of playing Division 1 (D1) basketball, something she and We Are G.A.M.E. worked toward throughout her high school education.

Fast forward to Jones's senior year, which news publications called a "dream season" for the Falcons. It started with an opener against the University of Denver. Although they trailed by 13 points at the half, the Falcons bounced back to win 79-62, thanks in part to Jones's four steals and six points.

The Falcons went on to secure a total of 19 wins overall - including 11 in the Conference - during the season, the most in school history since the team went D1 in the mid-90s. They were also invited to their first postseason tournament (the Women's National Invitational Tournament) and secured their first postseason win.

During the second round, the Falcons faced off against UCLA. Jones was the Falcons' leading scorer with 10 points and leading rebounder with 12 rebounds, marking her fifth double-double of the season. Unfortunately, the Falcons would fall to the Bruins, ending Jones's career with the AFA.

She can look back with pride, though, knowing she collected 614 rebounds during her time as a Falcon, the fifth-most of any player in the D1 era. 276 of those came during her senior year, the second-most of any player in a single season.

After graduating, Jones will begin her first duty assignment in Oklahoma. She then plans to tackle the challenge of becoming an Air Force pilot, a notable undertaking as only 7% of Air Force pilots are currently women.

About We Are G.A.M.E.:

We are G.A.M.E., Inc. is made up of a T.E.A.M. (Those Empowering Athletes by Mentoring) of community members strongly committed to empowering student-athletes with the tools and skills needed to successfully tackle the world of college athletics. The T.E.A.M. serves a population of students in need of support, advice, and, most of all, life guidance.

By identifying student-athletes in the ninth grade or earlier, the nonprofit aims to positively influence their lives. The mentors at We Are G.A.M.E. want to see young athletes develop to their fullest athletic potential but ensure that the students also focus on education. The mentors work with students and their parents to create a game plan to pursue academic excellence as well as athletic success.

Learn more at https://www.wearegame.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WeAreGAMEinc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAGamePlan

Related link: https://www.wearegame.org/

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Apr, 03
2021
Advertising and Marketing, Business, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Kalyagen Announces Release of ‘The Stemregen Effect’ Commercial with Three Former UCLA Players to Coincide with the Bruins Advancing to the Final Four

AUSTIN, Texas -- Kalyagen™ is pleased to announce the release of its "The Stemregen Effect" social media ad featuring former UCLA Bruins and NBA players Niguel Miguel, Marques Johnson and Mitchell Butler to promote STEMREGEN®, a natural stem cell enhancer documented to increase the number of circulating stem cells by stimulating Endogenous Stem Cell Mobilization (ESCM).

"We were delighted to have three generations of former NBA players participate in the first ad of our "Stem the Tide of Time" campaign," said Christian Drapeau, CEO and Chief Scientist of Kalyagen™. "We are doubly pleased to be able to showcase this ad as these three former UCLA basketball standouts celebrate UCLA's appearance in the Final Four and demonstrate how Stemregen has been able to help them to stem the tide of time."

The ad, part of the "Stem the Tide of Time" campaign designed to increase awareness of STEMREGEN®, is being released to coincide with the Bruins first Final Four appearance since 2008.

"Years of jumping and running up and down high school, UCLA and NBA floors have taken their toll on all of us," said Nigel Miguel. "I couldn't be happier to show what 'Stem the Tide of Time' means for me along with my former UCLA colleagues Marques and Mitch at the same time the Bruins are about to play in the Final Four. And yes, Marques can still dunk at 65!"

STEMREGEN® is a unique and patent-pending blend of proprietary plant-based extracts documented to support ESCM and increase the number of circulating stem cells, supporting the natural ability of the body to repair and stay healthy. Ingredients in STEMREGEN® have been investigated in more than eight studies for their effect on stem cell function, of which five were randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trials. STEMREGEN® has wide application in antiaging and overall health maintenance.

About Kalyagen

Kalyagen™ was founded by Christian Drapeau, author of the bestseller Cracking the Stem Cell Code. Kalyagen is a leader in the research and development of natural products aimed at supporting stem cell function of the body. Stem cells constitute the natural repair system of the body, and stem cell enhancers have been documented to strongly contribute to improving health and quality of life. STEMREGEN® is the first product developed by Kalyagen™. STEMREGEN® is a unique blend of proprietary plant-based extracts documented to support Endogenous Stem Cell Mobilization and provide other health benefits.

For more information, please visit our Website: http://www.kalyagen.com/

About Nigel Miguel

Nigel Miguel was the first Belizean to play in Division I sports. In his final season with the UCLA Bruins, Mr. Miguel earned All-Pac-10 honors and was also named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year while helping lead the Bruins to the 1985 National Invitation Tournament championship. Best known for his role as "Dwight the Flight" in White Men Can't Jump, Mr. Miguel has been in numerous television and movie productions, both in front and behind the camera. Mr. Miguel currently serves as Film Commissioner for Belize.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://tinyurl.com/cn7k4mat

MEDIA CONTACT:
Biomics, LLC (dba Kalyagen™)
Herbert Dogan, Chief Marketing Officer (310-433-8072)
hgd@kalyagen.com

Social media: @kalyagen #stemthetideoftime #stemthetide

DISCLAIMER: None of the statements contained in this press release have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information in the release are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0403s2p-kalyagen-players-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: (L-R) Mitchell Butler, Marques Johnson and Nigel Miguel on camera for "The Stemregen Effect."

Related link: https://www.kalyagen.com/

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Aug, 03
2020
Business, Facilities and Building Maintenance, Free News Articles

Florida Gators, The Libman Company Announce Multi-Year Relationship with Primary Presence During Basketball Season

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida Gators Sports Properties, on behalf of the University Athletic Association (UAA), today announced a new relationship with The Libman Company, a family-owned business that has been making quality cleaning tools since 1896.

The multi-year agreement marks a first-of-its-kind between the Gators and Libman. Concurrent with the upcoming 2020-21 collegiate athletics season, The Libman Company will own the designation of "Official Hardwood Floor Care Provider of the Florida Gators." The brand also will have a significant presence on Billy Donovan Court at Exactech Arena during basketball season.

"We're thrilled to be aligning our brand with the Florida Gators, one of the most respected athletics programs in the country," said The Libman Company President Andrew Libman. "We take pride in the quality of our products, and we know college athletics is a smart avenue for amplifying Libman's visibility."

The Gators' relationship with Libman was secured by Florida Gators Sports Properties, the locally based Learfield IMG College team, which is dedicated to UF and serves as UAA's multimedia rights and sports marketing arm.

"We're excited to have Libman join Gator Nation as 'Official Hardwood Floor Care Provider of the Florida Gators' and fans will see Libman prominently displayed during basketball season," said Lee Douglas, Florida Gators Sports Properties' general manager. "Libman is the industry leader, and we're proud to have them join the list of prestigious companies which choose to align with the Gators."

The Libman Company, the leading brand of cleaning tools, manufactures products from brooms and mops to more specialized tools for kitchen and bathroom cleaning and industrial uses. Libman has partnered with a number of NBA franchises, NCAA institutions and NCAA conferences. For more information about the Libman Company, please visit https://libman.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacey L. Vaselaney
SLV Public Relations
(216) 905-0908
slvaselaney@slvpr.com

Related link: https://libman.com/

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Jun, 10
2020
Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Sports and Activities

Harlem Wizards Committed to Driving Equality, Fairness and Justice for All

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The Harlem Wizards' players, staff and support personnel want to express their deep sympathy to the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. As an organization, it's saddened to see the images of such heinous murders. This is very personal for the group as 90 percent of the players are people of color, and this could have been one of them or their family members.

In order for the players to have a platform to collectively share their thoughts and feelings, a Zoom conference call was organized to give Harlem Wizards' players a voice and outlet to provide their perspective on these issues of inequality and injustice.

Reactions to these horrendous murders was anger, disappointment, resignation, pain and sadness. The common questions that emerged were: "How do we get past this?" "How can I make it safe for my kids?" "How can I feel completely comfortable and welcome in the USA?" "Will this ever change?"

King Arthur Lewis, Jr., the inspiration for the "Team of We" movement, shared that, "We have to have sustained perseverance, like the 381-day Birmingham bus boycott that ended busing segregation in Birmingham. We can protest and demand equality, but our challenge is to stand up for these things that we believe in while coming from a place of love and inclusion."

Todd Davis, CEO Harlem Wizards, said, "It was heartbreaking to hear the players' experience of living a somewhat double life. Respected and beloved while in 'Wizard' mode, but subject to a different reality when the uniform is removed. What was gratifying was that the players shared their authentic experiences and came together."

The key Zoom meeting takeaways included a desire to continue to bring people together through fun, inspiration and exciting trick-hoops, but also a shared hope to go beyond that and to be part of the healing and educational conversation about race relations and the challenges faced as a nation.

"We believe that through our travels around the USA that we have an opportunity and moral obligation to share our thoughts with the millions of students we see each year," Davis says.

Eric Jones, the longest-tenured Wizard of 22 years and one of the player-coaches said, "As an organization we have entertained fans across the globe for the past 59 years and we have brought families and communities together through basketball. This is not just what we do, this is who we are. This commitment to educating and fostering connection and understanding is a natural next step for the organization, fostered by where we are right now in this national conversation."

Dwayne "Swoop" Simpson, a 13-year Wizard and a player-coach said, "This is about fair treatment and justice for African-Americans, but it's also about humanity and making the world a better place for all."

The Wizards participated in a peaceful rally in Paramus, N.J. at Paramus High School on Tuesday, June 9.

For more information about the Harlem Wizards: https://www.harlemwizards.com/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0611s2p-harlem-wizards-300dpi.jpg

MEDIA CONTACT:
Todd Davis
of Harlem Wizards
td@harlemwizards.com
+1-201-600-0105

Related link: https://www.harlemwizards.com/

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Mar, 12
2020
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

University of Los Angeles College of Divinity Captures The First National Championship of March Madness

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- In only its third season of fielding a men's basketball team the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) overcomes all odds to win the ACCA national championship in Joplin, Missouri.

Despite an overall season record of 27-1 ULACD received a four (4) seed entering the first National Championship tournament of March Madness March 4-7, 2020 hosted by the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri.

In the first game ULACD faced off against fifth seed Baptist Bible College from Missouri, the Alma Mater of famed evangelist Jerry Falwell. Baptist Bible College came into the game with a record of 16-7 led by Missouri Hall of Fame coach Darin Meinders. Despite playing less than an hour away from their campus in Springfield, Missouri, Baptist Bible College fell 106-92 to ULACD in a sloppy high scoring hard played contest. Both teams combined for 39 turnovers and 45 fouls but ULACD led at half time 53-38 and dominated with points at the free throw line 26-11.

ULACD was led by Jerron Wilbut's 37 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Wilbut went 13/15 from the free throw line, missing his last two throws and 4/6 from the 3 point line. Junior point guard KV Myricks scored 20 points while grabbing 7 rebounds and handing out 3 assists. Back-up forward Johan Meclot came off the bench and recorded a double-double of 10 rebounds and 10 points with 2 assists. Second team All-American Troy Biglow scored 11 points in only 13 minutes of action while battling foul trouble. Kelton Conway added 12 points and 6 rebounds as he was the fifth ULACD player to be in double Figures.

In the end ULACD followed coach Miller's formula of establishing superior field goal percentage shooting almost 61% while holding Baptist Bible College to only 39%. Baptist Bible College was only able to stay in the game by shooting an amazing 48 3 point field goals.

In the National Semi-Final ULACD faced Off against number 1 seed Champion Christian College (CCC) from Hot Springs, Arkansas and their coach Leonard Epps. ULACD and CCC played an entertaining back and forth affair with 12 lead changes and 5 ties. ULACD was down 41-37 while Shooting only 34% at half but outscored the top seeded team by 12 while shooting 60.7% in the second half 47-35.

ULACD finally prevailed 84-76 winning the assist matchup 19 to 11 while shooting 16/19 from the free throw line. ULACD was led by Sophomore second team All-American Troy Biglow's dominating performance with 30 points and 15 rebounds in 40 minutes of game action. Honorable Mention All-American KV Myricks had another stellar effort of 18 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Playing a complete game Despite shooting only 1/6 at the three point line, Senior Jerron Wilbut nearly had a triple double with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Kelton Conway again talked double figures with 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 30 minutes of action.

In the Championship game ULACD took on the home team Ozark Christian College (OCC) and their veteran coach Chris Lahm, an excellent Coach with over 600 career wins at the Four-Year college level. Although the home crowd loudly cheered OCC throughout, the visiting team from Compton, California finally prevailed 97-89.

ULACD led at halftime 52-45 despite having cumbersome foul trouble. Despite being the smaller Team ULACD won the battle of the boards in the first half 19-17 and had 13 first assists at half time compared to only 4 for OCC. ULACD also won the shooting percentage war shooting 54.5% from the floor compared to 45% for OCC; and 54.5% from the three point line compared to 38.5% for OCC.

In the final stanza ULACD outscored OCC 45-44 while shooting 44.7% to 42.9% for the home team. ULACD overcame an outstanding free throw effort by OCC who made 22/24 foul shots for the game. OCC with a bigger and deeper team, ultimately won the battle of the boards in the end 43-38. ULACD won the assist battle 20-13 in the end.

Leading the team to victory for ULACD was tournament MVP and 1st team All-American Jerron Wilbut who tallied 31 points, 5 assists and 8 rebounds. OCC played excellent defense causing the ULACD starting backcourt, of Juniors Dupree Mitchell and KV Myricks, to combine for a season low 10 points. Reserve freshman guard Devone Brown scored 11 points and added 4 rebounds off the bench.

The difference in the game was the ULACD starting forwards, both Junior College transfers. Junior small forward Kelton Conway was the key to the game making 5/10 three point field goals, while adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists for a total of 22 points. Complimenting Conway was fellow El Camino Real HS graduate sophomore forward Troy Biglow who added 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in limited Minutes due to fouling out. Reserve senior forward Johan Meclot came off the bench and played outstanding defense while grabbing 6 rebounds and scoring 6 difference making points.

The exciting championship game had 6 lead changes. In the end and Against all odds ULACD cut down the nets and captured their first National Championship in only their third year of having a men's basketball program.

In the victory, ULACD Head Coach Michael Miller made history by becoming the first coach to win a high school state title, a junior college state title and a national title.

Coach Miller was the first Coach in the history of California to coach both a high school (Ribet Academy 1990-91) and junior college teams (Los Angeles City College 1997-98 and 2002-03) to state titles.

With ULACD's surprising string of victories in the ACCA's 38th annual national tournament; Coach Miller's added national championship (ULACD 2019-20) set a new trifecta record never before achieved by any basketball coach.

More information on ULACD: http://universityoflosangeles.org/

Related link: http://www.universityoflosangeles.org/

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Mar, 04
2020
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) and Coach Mike Miller Notch Nations Second Best Two-Year Record of 56-4 Among All Four-Year Colleges from 2018-19 to 2019-20

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Association of Christian College Athletics announce 2020 Championship Tournament Bracket. Despite a wonderful record of 27-1 the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) has a very tough road ahead as the fourth seed.

It all starts Thursday with a game against Baptist Bible College from Missouri, famous for being the Alma Mater of Liberty University founder Jerry Falwell. The game will be televised live on the ACCA YouTube channel at 2:30 p.m. Central Time on March 5, 2020. The game can be seen at: http://youtube.com/accasports.

In the same bracket is top seeded Champion Christian College from Hot Springs Arkansas. Both Baptist Bible College and Champion Christian College have outstanding experienced coaches that boast high scoring teams with excellent deep shooting guards.

Those styles contrast with ULACD which is defensive focused and prideful about those defensive efforts. One example of that came on January 12, 2020 when Coach Michael (Mike) Miller beamed after the 81-48 victory against Cety's University, from Mexico. On the Coach Miller post game show coach Miller was asked by TV personality Ronnie Wald about the effort in the nights home court victory over the high scoring Mexican University who tallied 99 points in a win the night before.

Dr. Miller noted the pregame goal to hold the high scoring team to 50 points was achieved with great intensity of effort and the leadership of Senior returning ACCA 1st team All-American Jerron Wilbut (23.5 ppg, 9 rpg and 5 apg) and Junior team captain Dupree Mitchell (10 ppg and 4 apg).

Notably the third year team from Compton with no one taller than 6'4 and a roster of nine players has been consistently tough Defensively, especially in the latter part of the season. Junior college transfers, forward Troy Biglow (22 ppg and 8 rpg), guard KV Myricks (15.5 ppg and 3.5 apg) and Kelton Conway (11ppg, 4 rpg and 3apg) have made outstanding contributions to the defensive effort and also averaged double figures in points. Other team members are freshmen newcomers Samuel Rodrigues, Devone Brown and Josh Thompson and returning senior Johan Meclot (6 ppg and 5 rpg) as well as returning sophomore Dutch Samples.

The assistant coaches are Isaac Gordon and Wendell Westbrook, who was alongside coach Michael "Mike" Miller for over a decade at Los Angeles City College "LACC" during the record-breaking run of 14 straight conference championships. Coach Westbrook was the associate head coach at LACC from 1999-2000 to 2006-07 when the LACC teams compiled an overall record of 241-38 in eight seasons with a winning percentage of .864, exceeding all NCAA Division I Programs during the same time period.

More information on ULACD: http://universityoflosangeles.org/

Related link: http://www.universityoflosangeles.org/

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Feb, 28
2020
Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Sports and Activities

Team Rio National and Sports U announce merger to create Team Rio University

COLTS NECK, N.J. -- Team Rio National and Sports U are proud to announce a collaboration and combination of NJ's most successful grassroots basketball programs over the last decade with the creation of Team Rio University (Rio U). As an Under Armour Association sponsored program, Team Rio University is able to deliver a complete student-athlete basketball development and educational advancement program.

Players will have access and support to the finest coaches, trainers, mentors, and educators to reach their potential on the court, in the classroom, and in life.

Over the last decade, the combined programs have graduated over one hundred NCAA Division 1 scholarship athletes, seven McDonald's All Americans, and eight NBA players.

"Eight years ago we created Team Rio National because we wanted a comprehensive academic and basketball development experience for a group of passionate local players. Over the years, the formula has proven successful and we would like to extend the opportunities to more student-athletes in the tri-state area. By combining forces with Sports U, Team Rio University can extend its reach and help impact more youth players throughout the region," said Brian Klatsky, founder of Team Rio National.

Former Big East head coach and Team Rio coach, Mike Rice added "We have a tremendous amount of respect for Brian Coleman and his accomplishments with Sports U are immense. We now unite and marry the two strongest grassroots programs over the last decade in New Jersey. This is going to have a very positive impact on student-athletes in the Garden State."

Sports U founder, Brian Coleman, says "This merger is going to be a disruptor and game changer in the tri-state basketball community. I'm very excited for the future of Rio U basketball!"

Shannon Coyle, coach and director of Rio U Girls, added, "After a very successful launch of the Girls UAA circuit in 2019 and the inaugural seasons of Team Rio National girls, we are very excited to broaden our reach throughout the tri-state area with Sports U. The synergies, resources, and network that come with the combination of both boys basketball and Sports U, gives our girls an elite experience for them to maximize their potential."

Tryouts for the upcoming season start on February 29, 2020 and continue on March 7, 2020. Tryout details, location, and times, can be found at https://teamrionational.com/.

About Team Rio University:

As a 501(c)(3) organization, Team Rio University is an Under Armour sponsored program that assists student-athletes on and off the court in their pursuit of college and professional basketball. The boys and girls programs participate in the highly regarded Under Armour Association (UAA). Both the boys and girls UAA leagues generate hundreds of college coaches and scouts at their NCAA live session events to provide student-athletes a world class platform for competition and recruitment.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0228s2p-team-rio-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://teamrionational.com/

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Sep, 04
2019
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Product Launches, Regional Events, Sports and Activities

Introducing HOOPLANDIA – Largest 3-on-3 Basketball Competition and Festival on East Coast Planned for Greater Springfield June 26-28, 2020

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Greater Springfield, Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball. And now, the birthplace of an extraordinary new event to celebrate one of the great games on Planet Earth. Introducing HOOPLANDIA, the largest 3-on-3 basketball competition and celebration on the East Coast - planned for June 26-28, 2020 and hosted by Eastern States Exposition and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The event will feature hundreds of games for thousands of players of all ages and playing abilities, with divisions for young girls, boys, women, men, high school elite, college elite, pro-am, "over the hill," wheelchair, wounded warrior, special Olympians and more.

Other features:

* 100 outdoor blacktop courts throughout the roadway and parking lot network of the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield.
* Slam-Dunk, 3-Point, Free Throw, Dribble Course, Vertical Jump and Full Court Shot skills competitions.
* Themed State Courts mobilized along the Exposition's famed Avenue of States, with replica capitol buildings of the six New England states.
* Showcase games in the historic Eastern States Coliseum and Hall of Fame's Court of Dreams.

"Eastern States is proud to co-host this new signature event for all of New England and beyond," said Eugene J. Cassidy, President and CEO, of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. "We always look for paths to reinvent our role in promoting commerce and community and appreciate opportunities to collaborate with other regional icons, like the Basketball Hall of Fame. We are excited to transform our grounds into the magical kingdom of Hooplandia for thousands of visitors next summer."

John Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame added, "The role of Greater Springfield in the global growth of basketball is undeniable, from Dr. James Naismith to our annual Enshrinement Week at the Hall of Fame and points in-between. Hooplandia is a natural extension of this legacy, with a grassroots competition and celebration befitting this area and all of New England. We are thrilled to help launch and build this event, which we hope will inspire hoopsters of all ages from throughout the Northeast."

A year-long community outreach effort is underway. Registration opens on March 1, 2020. Information and engagement available now: https://hooplandia.com/ or Instagram: @hooplandia.

For more on the hosts, see: https://www.easternstatesexposition.com and http://www.hoophall.com.

The event is an initiative of Society Events + Experiences, a California-based company.

Related link:

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Apr, 24
2019
Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Coach Michael Miller and the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity Announces Jerron Wilbut Declares for the NBA Draft

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Coach Michael Miller and the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity announce former Seton Hall recruit Jerron Wilbut's decision to declare for the NBA Draft.

Dr. Michael Miller, the head basketball coach of the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) announced today that junior guard Jerron Wilbut has declared for the NBA draft as an early entry participant prior to NBA draft ahead of the deadline of April 21, 2019.

Dr. Miller, the ultra-successful former basketball coach at Los Angeles City College (LACC) had this to say about Jerron Wilbut: "Jerron was one of our team Captains and our best player and he led us to a 29-3 record in only our second year of fielding an intercollegiate team." Dr. Miller went on to say, "I couldn't be more proud of Jerron's decision to move ahead with his professional career. We are busy interviewing agents and he is keeping all of his options open as he takes this next step in basketball to help himself and his family."

Wilbut, originally from Chicago, had a stellar season on and off the court while leading ULACD in scoring with 27 points per game along with a team high 8 assists per game. Wilbut also added 7 rebounds per game while playing stellar defense on multiple positions demonstrating his versatility.

ULACD was seeking its first national championship in only the second year of fielding a team at the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) post season tournament held in Joplin, Missouri. While ULACD came up short losing in the semi-finals to the eventual National Champion Arlington Baptist (Texas) in a back and forth contest decided 88-80. The next day, in the third place game against Carolina Christian College, Wilbut tallied a game high 33 points and 10 rebounds in 91-77 ULACD victory.

"I have coached for over 35 years and have never had one player that meant more to his team than Jerron did to ours this season," stated coach Michael Miller. This is illustrated by the close loss ULACD suffered January 4, 2019 on the road at UC Santa Cruz; coached by a former NBA assistant coach Ron DuBois. "Jerron kept us in that game and we almost stole a win on the road as he tallied 42 points while shooting over 53 percent from 3 point range on January 4, 2019." VIDEO - https://youtu.be/XYY0xztWhBM.

Later in a rematch with UC Santa Cruz on January 27, 2019 in Compton, the ULACD Cub's destroyed the Banana Slugs by a final score of 91-77 with Jerron Wilbut tallying 37 points and 6 assists along with adding 8 rebounds.

Dr. Michael Miller, the former LACC head coach who broke numerous national records while at Los Angeles City College (LACC) including coaching his team to 14 straight conference championships which was tied last season by Bill Self and University of Kansas, said of Wilbut's ability: "If Jerron had played for us at LACC he would have been able to go to any high major conference and compete to be all-conference player like so many of our other players did."

Coach Miller told Oklahoma City Thunder scout Mark Warkentien: "Wilbut is as good a guard as I've ever had at LACC."

That's extremely high praise as coach Miller was responsible for sending over 100 players to Division 1 universities including players in every major conference on such teams as Kansas, Oklahoma, Providence, UNLV, Miami, LSU and Oregon State to name a few.

Learn more at: http://universityoflosangeles.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LACOLLEGEOFDIV1

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/XYY0xztWhBM

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