Central Basketball Association

This weekend marks not only the beginning of the 2017 Central Basketball Association season, but also the commencement of the league's fifth season of minor league basketball competition in the United States. With four separate league champions in as many years, the streak of a different champion hoisting a trophy at the end of the league's title game appears it will finally end at the conclusion of this season.

Below are the team-by-team profiles of the seven organizations participating in this year's competition, followed by a prediction of the year's final results. Last year, the 2016 predictions in March consisted of Fort Wayne defeating Middle Tennessee in the championship game. The actual result? Fort Wayne indeed did end up defeating Middle Tennessee two months later in the title game, capping a historical undefeated season.

 

2017 CBA SEASON PREVIEW

Team Name: Bowling Green Hornets (Bowling Green, KY)

Team Venue: Logan County High School (Russellville, KY)

First Year in CBA: 2013

2016 Season Record: 5-3 Regular Season (2-2 home, 3-1 away); 0-1 Postseason (0-1 away)

Organizational History: 19-14 Regular Season (13-4 home, 6-10 away); 3-2 Postseason (3-2 away); 22-16 Overall (13-4 home, 9-12 away). 2 championship appearances (2013, 2015). 1 championship title (2015).

Matchup History Versus 2017 CBA Teams: 5-7 Overall Record versus Middle Tennessee (1-3 home, 4-4 away); 3-1 Overall Record versus Fort Wayne (2-0 home, 1-1 away); 3-0 Overall Record versus Mississippi (1-0 home, 2-0 away); 0-1 Overall Record versus Indianapolis (0-0 home, 0-1 away)

Head Coach: Jacob Shackley returns in his second season at the helm for Bowling Green, with a 5-4 career record in the league. Shackley is second in team history in victories, trailing his predecessor, Nathan Thompson, who had 13 career victories with Bowling Green.

Players Sent Overseas:  Since 2013, Bowling Green has had 67 players receive opportunities to play on international soil after playing in the CBA.

Key 2017 Additions: Bowling Green has several players from last year’s roster, including 6-7 forward, Fred Sturdivant, who went to NCAA Division-I, Texas Southern University, as well as receiving three contracts in Canada since 2014, including one at the beginning of the 2016-2017 NBL-Canada season. Also returning for Bowling Green are point guards, Freeman Pinkney, who played overseas in Mexico, and Damarius Smith, who played for NCAA Division-I, Austin Peay State University.

Key 2017 Subtractions: Bowling Green appears to have lost seven critical players from its 2016 club, with guard Quincy Scates (14.3 PPG & 7.3 RPG), guard Maliek Daniels (9.8 PPG & 5.4 RPG), and forward Torrez Hampton (8.3 PPG & 6.3 RPG) all receiving contracts in El Salvador in the offseason. Further, Bowling Green does not have the services of Teraes Clemmons (410 career points in 19 games with the team), Marquise Rudolph (77 assists in 15 games with the team), and Rearkus McCrory (17.7 PPG & 2.4 SPG last year).

Why They Will Win: In 2016, Bowling Green was dominant after halftime, outscoring opponents by 57 points in the third quarter. They also were the best rebounding team in the league (49.3 RPG), the best team in the league in steals (12.1 SPG), and the second-best team in the league in blocks (5.2 BPG). The team was also 2nd in the league in turnovers allowed (16.8 TOPG) and third in the league in assists (13.7 APG).

Why They Will Lose: In 2016, Bowling Green was outscored by 34 points in the fourth quarter. Of the five returning teams from last year, Bowling Green was the worst three-point shooting club (28.8%) and allowed teams to shoot 34.0% from outside. The team was also the second worst team in field goal percentage (41.9%). Further, a lack of size could potentially hurt the team this season, as there is only one registered player at 6-foot-6 or taller. Finally, losing approximately 78.0 PPG with seven subtractions from last year will be a difficult amount of scoring to make up.

Prediction: 2-6 regular season record; miss playoffs for first time since 2014.

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Team Name: Baltimore Shuckers (Baltimore, MD)

Team Venue: Annapolis Area Christian School (Severn, MD); Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold, MD)

First Year in CBA: 2017

2016 Season Record: N/A.

Organizational History: This is the first season for Baltimore in the CBA.  

Matchup History Versus 2017 CBA Teams: N/A.

Head Coach: Llewellyn Smalley will be at the helm for Baltimore as the team’s head coach in its first season in the CBA.

Players Sent Overseas:  N/A.  

Key 2017 Additions: Baltimore features four players with international experience, including two forwards that played three years of college basketball in Canada: 6-foot-7 forward, Benny Iko (University of Winnipeg in Alberta)  and 6-foot-6 forward Torey Fassett (Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia); and two guards who played abroad: 5-foot-11 guard, Derick Sumpter, who played in Mexico, and 6-foot former NCAA Division-I Delaware State guard, Kendal Williams, Sr., who played in the country of Georgia in Eastern Europe. Baltimore also features Jermaine Bolden, who has had experience playing in an elite competitive atmosphere, as the 5-foot-10 guard helped his NCAA Division-I, Morgan State University, advance to the 2009 NCAA March Madness Tournament.  

Key 2017 Subtractions: N/A.

Why They Will Win: The surprise element, as none of the current league teams have ever played Baltimore. Furthermore, with four home games featuring road teams that will be flying to Maryland, it has the potential to take road travel fatigue to a different level for their opponents. Finally, although the CBA is entering its fifth year, this will be the Baltimore organization’s sixth year in existence, resulting in many years of experience, chemistry, and familiarity with minor league basketball.

Why They Will Lose: First year teams tend to struggle adapting to FIBA rules, resulting in a learning curve early in the season. The lack of frontcourt size may hurt Baltimore, as they do not have any players taller than 6-foot-7. Finally, out of the eight regular season games Baltimore competes in this year, five are against former CBA championship teams: Baltimore plays Fort Wayne (2016 Champions) three times, and Bowling Green (2015 Champions) and Middle Tennessee (2014 Champions) once each.

Prediction: 2-6 regular season record; miss playoffs in their inaugural season in the league.

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Team Name: Mississippi Eagles (Southaven, MS)

Team Venue: Streets Ministries Center (Memphis, TN)

First Year in CBA: 2015

2016 Season Record: 1-7 Regular Season (1-3 home, 0-4 away);

Organizational History: 5-11 Regular Season (3-5 home, 2-6 away); 0-1 Postseason (0-1 away); 5-12 Overall (3-5 home, 2-7 away).

Matchup History Versus 2017 CBA Teams: 0-3 Overall Record versus Bowling Green (0-2 home, 0-1 away); 1-2 Overall Record versus Middle Tennessee (1-1 home, 0-1 away); 0-2 Overall Record versus Fort Wayne (0-2 away).

Head Coach: Jeremy McKinnie returns in his third season at the helm for Mississippi, with a 5-11 career record in the league.

Players Sent Overseas:  Since 2015, Mississippi has had 6 players receive opportunities to play on international soil after playing in the CBA. Furthermore, Mississippi has had 6 players also receive opportunities to play in the NBA and the NBA D-League.

Key 2017 Additions: Mississippi has their three-headed backcourt returning for the 2017 season, featuring Anthony Jones, who played at NCAA Division-I Southeast Missouri State and averaged 18.9 points per game last year; Marico Stinson, who played at NCAA Division-I Indiana State, and has scored the second most points in team history (161) and facilitated the most assists in team history (33); and Gary Love, who played at NCAA Division-I, University of Tennessee-Martin, and had five games in double-digit scoring last year, including averaging 18.3 points per game during the first three games of the year.

Key 2017 Subtractions: The biggest loss for Mississippi comes via forward, Hauns Brereton, where the former NCAA Division-I, University of Hawaii, product averaged 15.8 points per game and 8.0 rebounds per game for the club last year.

Why They Will Win: In 2016, Mississippi went through the toughest season in their brief team history, with up as the only direction to go, as many of the players from the roster will look to avenge their defeats from last season. Critical points to build upon for Mississippi include committing the least amount of turnovers per game last season (16.0) and committing the least amount of fouls (16.0). Furthermore, Mississippi finished games strong, outscoring opponents by 17 points in the final frame.  

Why They Will Lose: In 2016, Mississippi was at the bottom of the pack in most statistical categories, and should they repeat the performance, they will receive similar results. Mississippi was last in points per game (85.0), last in field goal percentage (40.0%), and last in free throw percentage (58.0%). Without an improvement in their shooting and scoring ability, it will be a long season for Mississippi. Furthermore, Mississippi will need to not repeat their performances at the beginning of the game and after halftime, as the club was outscored by 52 points last season in the first quarter, and outscored by 44 points in the third quarter.  

Prediction: 3-5 regular season record; miss playoffs for second consecutive season.

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Team Name: Middle Tennessee Storm (Nashville, TN)

Team Venue: Fisk University (Nashville, TN)

First Year in CBA: 2013

2016 Season Record: 7-1 Regular Season (3-1 home, 4-0 away); 1-1 Postseason (1-1 away)

Organizational History: 21-12 Regular Season (11-6 home, 10-6 away); 4-2 Postseason (2-0 home, 2-2 away); 25-14 Overall (13-6 home, 12-8 away). 2 championship appearances (2014, 2016). 1 championship title (2014).

Matchup History Versus 2017 CBA Teams: 7-5 Overall Record versus Bowling Green (4-4 home, 3-1 away); 3-2 Overall Record versus Fort Wayne (2-0 home, 1-2 away); 2-1 Overall Record versus Mississippi (1-0 home, 1-1 away).

Head Coach: Carlin Alford returns in his second full season at the helm for Middle Tennessee, with an 8-3 career record in the league. Alford is second in team history in victories, trailing his predecessor, Nathan Willhite, who had 17 career victories with Middle Tennessee.

Players Sent Overseas:  Since 2013, Middle Tennessee has had 7 players receive opportunities to play on international soil after playing in the CBA.

Key 2017 Additions: Middle Tennessee has several critical players returning from last year’s league runner-up squad, including captain, Myles Thrash, who is third in league history, since 2015, in total points (313) and total assists (68). Joining him are forwards, Roy McFadgon, who holds the league record in most rebounds in a game (23) and most blocked shots in a game (8); and Torye Pelham, who has the most rebounds in team history (133) and second in team history in total points (214).  

Key 2017 Subtractions: Middle Tennessee will go into the 2017 season without the services of one of their best scorers from last year, Joshua Sain, who averaged 20.7 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game.

Why They Will Win: In 2016, Middle Tennessee was 4-0 on the road in the regular season, and earned its second trip to the championship game in three years. With a roster featuring years of experience, including key stalwarts Thrash and Pelham, who participated in both title games, it will allow them to persevere during tough moments during the season. Middle Tennessee also was first in the league in blocked shots per game (5.5) and second in rebounding (46.5 RPG) proving to be a force in restricting opponents’ field goals shots and second chances.

Why They Will Lose: In 2016, Middle Tennessee was outscored in every quarter except the second period, where they were -10 in the first quarter, -4 in the third quarter, and -5 in the fourth quarter. Defensively, Middle Tennessee was the second-worst team in the league with only 8.6 steals per game. Finally, age may finally catch up to Middle Tennessee, as they are currently the oldest team in the league, with an average roster age of 30.4 years old.

Prediction: 4-4 regular season record; advance to postseason as fourth seed but fall in the semifinals.

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Team Name: Indianapolis Blaze (Indianapolis, IN)

Team Venue: Broad Ripple High School (Indianapolis, IN)

First Year in CBA: 2016

2016 Season Record: 4-4 Regular Season (2-2 home, 2-2 away); 1-1 Postseason (1-1 home)

Organizational History: 4-4 Regular Season (2-2 home, 2-2 away); 1-1 Postseason (1-1 home); 5-5 Overall (3-3 home, 2-2 away).

Matchup History Versus 2017 CBA Teams: 0-3 Overall Record versus Fort Wayne (0-2 home, 0-1 away); 1-0 Overall Record versus Bowling Green (1-0 home).

Head Coach: Phillip Washington will make his debut at the helm for Indianapolis. He will be the team’s second coach in team history, succeeding last year’s head coach, Dominique Ingram.

Players Sent Overseas:  Since 2016, Indianapolis has had 2 players receive opportunities to play on international soil after playing in the CBA.

Key 2017 Additions: Indianapolis returns the dominant trio that carried them into the postseason, with the league’s scoring leader last year, Anthony White (28.1 PPG), who played previously at Mercer College and internationally in Australia; point guard, Chrishawn Hopkins, the former Butler University product who averaged 19.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 3.1 APG last season; and forward, Dion Smith, who was one of only five players last year to average a double-double (13.6 PPG & 10.9 RPG). Joining the ranks for Indianapolis is former Fort Wayne forward, Tyler Bibbs, best known for his critical performance in last year’s championship game, where his season-high 14 points off the bench, via 4-for-8 shooting from outside the arc, crippled Middle Tennessee’s hopes of a comeback.

Key 2017 Subtractions: Indianapolis will be without the services of guard, Marcus Smith (6.6 PPG), as he obtained an international opportunity in Puerto Rico last month, as well as forward, Jaylon Moore (9.7 PPG & 6.0 RPG). 

Why They Will Win: In 2016, Indianapolis was very efficient in taking advantage of their scoring opportunities, being second in the league in field goal percentage (44.6%) and free throw percentage (70.2%). Indianapolis was very good at starting the game on a good note, outscoring their opponents by 37 points. By having their three best players return from last season, it is likely to have a continuation of the majority output the trip had in each statistical category in 2016. The three-headed monster of White, Hopkins, and Smith attributed for 62.8% of the team’s points, 60.0% of their blocks, 58.1% of their assists, 50.8% of their steals, and 50.7% of their rebounds.

Why They Will Lose: In 2016, Indianapolis suffered at halftime, being outscored by 30 points in the third quarter. They were also the worst team in the league in steals per game (8.2 SPG) and blocked shots per game (2.4 BPG). Indianapolis was the second-worst in the league in rebounds per game (42.2 RPG) and assists per game (11.7 APG). With their three key players taking account for most of their offense and defense, the lack of depth and additional firepower has hurt the team when at least one of their top three players is in foul trouble, injured, or unavailable.

Prediction: 4-4 regular season record; advance to postseason as third seed but fall in the semifinals.

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Team Name: Illinois Coal Miners (Danville, IL)

Team Venue: Schlarman Academy (Danville, IL); Danville Area Community College (Danville, IL)

First Year in CBA: 2017

2016 Season Record: N/A.

Organizational History: This is the first season for Illinois in the CBA.  

Matchup History Versus 2017 CBA Teams: N/A.

Head Coach: John Spezia will be at the helm for Illinois as the team’s head coach in its first season in the CBA. Spezia has had three decades of coaching and administrative experience, including 24 years of being head coach at Danville Area Community College, leading them to the NJCAA Division-II Championship title in 1991. Spezia was named NJCAA Division-II Coach of the Year in 1991 and 2000. He also served as the President of the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association and was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. Finally, Spezia also served as General Manager and Head Coach for the Derby Storm in the British Basketball League (BBL) in 2012.

Players Sent Overseas:  N/A.  

Key 2017 Additions: Illinois features tremendous talent as they had an excellent offseason of recruiting in their first year in the league. The key figure in the backcourt features: 6-foot-4 guard, Tyron Criswell, who played for NCAA Division-I, University of Nevada. He not only led Nevada to the CBI Tournament Championship last year, but also was named tournament Most Valuable Player. Criswell was selected in the 3rd Round of the 2016-2017 NBA D-League Draft by the Reno Bighorns. Joining Criswell in the backcourt is 6-foot-4 guard, Kashif Watson, who played at NCAA Division-I, University of Idaho, and played basketball overseas in Mongolia. Illinois’ front court appears intimidating as well, featuring 6-foot-9 center, Christopher Britt-Black, who played at NCAA Division-I, Grambling State, and played international basketball in Bolivia; as well as 6-foot-11 center, Riak Bol, who played at NCAA Division-I, University of Northern Colorado. Bol is also famous for being the nephew of former 11-year NBA veteran, Manute Bol, who was the tallest player in NBA history at 7-foot-7, and drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1985.

Key 2017 Subtractions: N/A.

Why They Will Win: Spezia instantly becomes the most experienced coach in the league’s history, and has already made his presence felt with the recruitment of former NCAA Division-I players, and players that had played international basketball or in the NBA D-League. With the track record of coaching success, coupled with a talented recruiting class, it may pose a nightmare scenario for opposing coaches. Size will also make a difference, as Illinois features three guards at 6-foot-4, and four frontcourt players at 6-foot-7 or taller, causing potential mismatches on both ends of the court. Finally, although first year teams tend to struggle with FIBA rules, the international experience for the players and coaching staff should make them already familiar with the current rules and regulations for the league.

Why They Will Lose: Although teams may boast tremendous talent and experience prior to playing in the CBA, it does not necessarily translate into success. In 2013, Bowling Green featured nearly a dozen players with NCAA Division-I experience, but fell in the title game. In 2014, Chattanooga had a half-dozen players with international pedigree, but lost in the first round of the playoffs. In 2015, Mississippi featured three former NBA D-League players and an NBA player, but lost in the first round of the postseason tournament. And in 2016, Columbus featured four players with both NCAA Division-I experience, as well as recent international experience in Europe, but lost in the semifinals.

Prediction: 5-3 regular season record; advance to postseason as second seed but fall in the title game.

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Team Name: Fort Wayne Flite (Fort Wayne, IN)

Team Venue: McMillen Park Center (Fort Wayne, IN)

First Year in CBA: 2014

2016 Season Record: 8-0 Regular Season (4-0 home, 4-0 away); 2-0 Postseason (1-0 home, 1-0 away)

Organizational History: 19-7 Regular Season (11-2 home, 4-5 away); 4-2 Postseason (3-1 home, 1-1 away); 23-9 Overall (14-3 home, 9-6 away). 2 championship appearances (2015, 2016). 1 championship title (2016).

Matchup History Versus 2017 CBA Teams: 2-3 Overall Record versus Middle Tennessee (2-1 home, 0-2 away); 1-3 Overall Record versus Bowling Green (1-1 home, 0-2 away); 3-0 Overall Record versus Indianapolis (1-0 home, 2-0 away); 2-0 Overall Record versus Mississippi (2-0 home).

Head Coach: Rod Wilmont returns in his fourth season at the helm for Fort Wayne, with a 23-9 career record in the league. He has the most victories as a coach in league history. Wilmont, who played collegiate basketball at Indiana University, played in the NBA D-League for four years, and played overseas in Turkey, received a position as a player development assistant coach with the NBA D-League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants, following his first season in the CBA in 2014. He is the only active coach in the league with a championship title, the only active coach to qualify for the postseason three times, and one of only two coaches in league history to coach in two championship games (Nathan Thompson: 2013, 2015), with appearances in the title game the last two years.  

Players Sent Overseas:  Since 2014, Fort Wayne has had 32 players receive opportunities to play on international soil after playing in the CBA.

Key 2017 Additions: Fort Wayne has most players from last year’s roster returning, including 2014 league Most Valuable Player, Antonio Cannon, who holds the team records in total points, most points in a game, and total assists. Joining him in the back court will be the league’s three-point scoring champion, as Corey Wickware looks to match his 47.8% three-point shooting percentage from last year. Fort Wayne also returns most of their front court, as Raymon Austin (12.2 PPG & 6.9 RPG) and Antonio Wilson (6.3 PPG & 6.3 RPG) return from Thailand and China, respectively. Finally, Fort Wayne brings back three critical players from their 2015 roster, as guards, Ronald Lucas III and James Johnson, return from their successful experiences in Australia and Spain, respectively, while forward Terrance Beasley, also returns from his successful experience in Australia.

Key 2017 Subtractions: Fort Wayne only suffered one critical roster loss from last season, as their first team CBA All-Star, Gregory Foster, who led the team in points and assists last year, signed a contract in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

Why They Will Win: In 2016, Fort Wayne was the best offensive team in the league, scoring 104.2 PPG, and the best defensive team in the league, only allowing 88.8 points per game. Fort Wayne had the best field goal shooting percentage in the league (48.1%), best free throw percentage (70.7%), and best three-point shooting percentage (36.3%). Fort Wayne also led the league in assists per game (15.2 APG) and was second in the league in steals per game (10.8 SPG). Finally, with nine returning players, as well as their championship head coach, the continuity and experience will tremendously benefit the club.

Why They Will Lose: In 2016, Fort Wayne committed the most turnovers per game in the league with 19.1 per game, as well as committing the most fouls in the league with 21.3 per game. Furthermore, by not having former NBA D-League player, Greg Foster, on their roster this year, the team misses out on critical play on both ends of the floor, as Foster averaged 24.2 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.0 SPG. Of the 15 road games Fort Wayne has played since 2014, five games consisted of travel greater than 375 miles. This season, Fort Wayne travels over 500 miles away for two games in Maryland versus Baltimore. Fort Wayne has an all-time record of 0-5 in the said five long-distance travel games.

Prediction: 8-0 regular season record; championship title and undefeated record for a second consecutive season.  

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2017 Projected Standings:

1. Fort Wayne 8-0

2. Illinois 5-3

3. Indianapolis 4-4

4. Middle Tennessee 4-4

5. Mississippi 3-5

6. Baltimore 2-6

7. Bowling Green 2-6

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2017 Projected Postseason Tournament:

Semi-Finals:

1-seed Fort Wayne defeats 4-seed Middle Tennessee

2-seed Illinois defeats 3-seed Indianapolis

Championship:

1-seed Fort Wayne defeats 2-seed Illinois

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For detailed information regarding individual player records on each of the current CBA teams, visit http://www.playcba.com/records

The Central Basketball Association, founded in 2013, has served as a platform for advancing the careers of aspiring basketball athletes across the nation. With nearly 450 former NCAA players competing in the CBA in the last five seasons, the league has proven to be a credible and legitimate stepping stone for athletes, as approximately 200 players have had the opportunity to play basketball on international soil after competing in the CBA. Be sure to follow this year's action on the league's social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.  

(Photo by: Joshua Gales / CBA Photos)