Central Basketball Association

With the 2019 CBA season schedule set to be released this week, it presents a good opportunity to reflect on the 2018-2019 CBA offseason, as the fruits of the league's labor has put on display as CBA players continue their efforts in advancing their respective basketball careers.

With 32 CBA players receiving opportunities to play overseas in the summer and fall, coupled with 11 players in Antigua & Barbuda last month as part of the CBA partnership with the Caribbean, an additional 10 more players have now received opportunities during the winter to push the total of 53 players competing at the international level this 2018-2019 CBA offseason. 

The list below features the 10 athletes earning a chance to play abroad, including three former league most valuable players and a league alum from its inaugural season, further demonstrating that the CBA boasts players that can earn international opportunities at any age and from any institution. 

1. Mardracus Wade (Jackson/Mississippi) - NBA G-League
2. Tyron Criswell (Illinois) - Canada
3. Jameel Best (Memphis) - El Salvador
4. Justin Taylor (Bowling Green) - Canada
5. Sampson Carter (Jackson/Mississipi) - Canada
6. Greg Foster (Fort Wayne) - Tunisia
7. Chris Watson (Bowling Green) - China
8. Riak Bol (Illinois) - Armenia
9. Dontarion Wright (Memphis) - El Salvador
10. Lavantez Knight (Jackson) - Mexico

Notables from the above list include:

Wade, a 6-foot-3 guard from the University of Arkansas, who was picked up the NBA G-League's Greensboro Swarm this year, earned 2015 CBA Most Valuable Player honors with the Mississippi Eagles (now Jackson Eagles), where he was second in the CBA in total points scored (178), second in the league in total steals (23), sixth in the league in total assists (30), and scored the most points in a regular season game (40). He finished the 2015 season averaging 22.2 points per game, 3.8 assists per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, and 2.9 steals per game. After playing in the CBA, Wade received international opportunities in Taiwan and Germany, while also playing two seasons in the NBA G-League with the Iowa Energy and the aforementioned Greensboro Swarm. 

Criswell, a 6-foot-4 guard from the University of Nevada, who received an opportunity with NBL-Canada's Kitchener-Waterloo this winter, earned 2017 CBA Most Valuable Player honors with the Illinois Coal Miners, where he averaged 21.6 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game. For players that played in at least five regular season games that year, Criswell led the league in points per game, and was in the top-10 in rebounds per game and assists per game. He also led the league in free throw shooting percentage, for players attempting at least forty free throws this season, shooting 83.6% from the free throw line. Criswell, who was drafted by the NBA G-League, Reno Bighorns, earned his first international opportunity in Israel after the 2017 CBA season.

Best, a 6-foot-9 center, who played football at Ole Miss University and Mississippi Valley State University, received his first international opportunity in El Salvador this winter, after earning 2018 CBA Most Valuable Player honors with the Memphis Rail Runners last season. In eight regular season games and one playoff game last season, Best shot 56.4% from the field, averaged 18.8 points per game, and scored in double-digits in each game including four games featuring 20+ point scoring totals. He posted double-digit rebounds in every game, averaging 15.4 rebounds per contest, including a league-record 59 offensive rebounds this season, and finishing second in the CBA with 139 total rebounds. Some of Best's top performances in 2018 included: 20 points (9-for-15 from the field) and 20 rebounds (9 offensive) in an overtime victory versus Bowling Green; 24 points (9-for-14 from the field) and 16 rebounds (7 offensive) in handing Middle Tennessee its only regular season loss of the season; and 27 points (11-for-18 from the field) and 17 rebounds (8 offensive) in the playoff defeat against Indianapolis. 

Taylor, a 6-foot-3 guard from Tennessee Tech University, earned his first international contract in six years with NBL-Canada's Cape Breton Highlanders, after playing in the CBA in its inaugural season in 2013 with the Bowling Green Hornets. Taylor averaged 19.3 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 3.4 assists per game, and 2.4 steals per game as he led Bowling Green to its first ever championship game appearance. 

Carter, a 6-foot-8 forward from the University of Massachusetts, who signed with the Island Storm of NBL-Canada, was the first CBA player to receive a contract in the National Basketball Association, signing with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015 immediately after the CBA season. Carter, who played in the CBA with the Mississippi Eagles (now Jackson Eagles) averaged 21.7 points per game and 7.7 points per game. After his stint in the NBA, Carter went on to play in Dubai, as part of the CBA Global Opportunities program, as well as the Philippines, before receiving this latest opportunity north of the border. 

With approximately 250 players receiving opportunities overseas and nearly a dozen in the NBA & NBA G-League, the Central Basketball Association has continued to be the top of the class in advancing the careers of aspiring basketball athletes across the nation. With the CBA set to begin its 7th season next month, a new class of players will seek to make a name for themselves just like their predecessors in the league. 

When the CBA season concluded its sixth year of operations five months ago, it may have culminated eight weeks of domestic league competition, but it also marked the beginning of the offseason international calendar. 

Whether one is a player for a club that went undefeated in the regular season (Indianapolis) or a team that only won once this year (Baltimore, Illinois, Jackson); whether one hoisted a championship trophy for the third consecutive year (Fort Wayne) or a player that has never participated in CBA competition - the goal is the same for all athletes in the minor league basketball industry: how to advance their individual careers in a positive direction. 

It is allowing players the opportunity to achieve this personal aspiration that has been the focal point of the CBA's mission objective since its inception. And this is why the offseason marks the most important and critical time period for the league as, through its networking, marketing, and promotion, a handful of players see lifelong dreams come to fruition. 

With three still months still remaining in the 2018 calendar, over 30 CBA current players and alumni have received offers from international clubs and/or have had the opportunity to play on foreign soil:

1. Torey Fassett (Baltimore) - Antigua & Barbuda
2. Jermaine Bolden (Baltimore) - Antigua & Barbuda
3. Benny Iko (Baltimore) - Antigua & Barbuda
4. Kendal Williams, Sr. (Baltimore) - Germany
5. Aaron Williams (Baltimore) - Albania
6. Isaac Bragg (Bowling Green) - Antigua & Barbuda
7. Damarius Smith (Bowling Green) - Antigua & Barbuda
8. Brandon Williams (Bowling Green) - Antigua & Barbuda
9. Fred Sturdivant (Bowling Green) - Canada
10. O'Karo Akamune (Bowling Green) - Morocco
11. A'Darius Pegues (Bowling Green) - Nicaragua 
12. Victor Moses (Bowling Green) - England
13. Quincy Scates (Bowling Green) - El Salvador
14. Teeng Akol (Bowling Green) - Spain
15. Brett McKnight (Columbus) - Canada
16. Trent Weaver (Columbus) - Luxembourg
17. Ronald Lucas III (Fort Wayne) - Canada
18. Raymon Austin (Fort Wayne) - Oman
19. Milos Milidragovic (Fort Wayne) - Serbia
20. Antonio Wilson (Fort Wayne) - China
21. Greg Foster (Fort Wayne) - Venezuela
22. Ayron Worthington (Illinois) - St. Kitts & Nevis
23. Justin Pennington (Indianapolis) - Sweden
24. Riley Johnson (Indianapolis) - Australia
25. Jeremy Williams (Jackson/Mississippi) - Canada
26. Turio Tumblin (Memphis) - China
27. Tayloe Taylor (Memphis) - Romania
28. Keith Barron (Memphis) - Canada
29. Tahj Wells (Middle Tennessee) - El Salvador
30. Joshua Minner (Springfield) - Antigua & Barbuda
31. Alex Jackson (St. Louis) - Spain
32. Yahshua Perez (Non-CBA) - Antigua & Barbuda

As players have been receiving opportunities around the globe, the CBA has continued to solidify its relationship in the Caribbean. Earlier this year, the CBA sent nine players to the islands of Antigua & Barbuda and St. Kitts & Nevis, where all of the players helped their respective teams advance to the postseason, with Baltimore's Torey Fassett leading his Flyers Basketball Club to a championship trophy in June and earned himself league MVP honors. 

This summer, Illinois Coal Miners head coach, John Spezia, who was named as the Antigua & Barbuda national team head coach as part of the league's partnership with the Caribbean island, led the national team to a silver medal second-place showing in Suriname in the Caribbean Basketball Championship.

The CBA served as the official title sponsor for the Antigua & Barbuda national team, providing all the uniforms and apparel for the players, coaches, and administrative staff, as well receiving the primary and secondary sponsor logo designation on all FIBA-approved game-day uniforms, warm-up apparel, and staff apparel. 

With the success of the relationship between the CBA from January to June in the domestic ABBA season, coupled with Antigua's national team success in July through CBA coaches, the CBA and the Caribbean island are looking forward to the next phase of advancing the partnership between the two parties. 

In three months (January 2019), the CBA will return back to the Caribbean, as part of the CBA Global Opportunities Program, and bring a new class of CBA players to the island to try out for each of the region's Division-I teams. This year, eight players from the CBA were selected by teams in Antigua and one player from St. Kitts. Next year, potentially up to 20 players could be selected. For prospective players interested in registering for this tryout opportunity, visit http://www.playcba.com/global or http://www.playcba.com/registration

Since 2013, the Central Basketball Association has helped over 210 players receive opportunities to play on international soil and has expanded its unprecedented influence, network, and relationship across the globe. With the CBA Global Opportunities Program scheduled to take players overseas in January 2019 and the 2019 CBA season set to begin in approximately five months, the short-term and long-term future of the league appears better than ever. 

(Photo courtesy of: Gemma Hazelwood)

Prior to the 2018 Central Basketball Association season, Memphis' Jameel Best had focused his entire life on the gridiron as a football player, playing tight end for NCAA Division-I Ole Miss University before transitioning to defensive end for NCAA Division-I Mississippi Valley State University. 

Earlier this year, the 23-year-old Memphis-native decided to extend his athletic career in the post-graduate world by converting into a basketball player and use the CBA as a springboard for advancement in the sport. 

The 6-foot-9 center certainly did not disappoint in his first full season of playing basketball, as he not only frustrated his opponents in attempting to defend against his large frame, but he also carried the Memphis Rail Runners to their first winning season in team history. 

In eight regular season games and one playoff game this year, Best shot 56.4% from the field, averaged 18.8 points per game, and scored in double-digits in each game including four games featuring 20+ point scoring totals.

But it was on the glass where Best had the significant advantage and effect over his opponents, where he posted double-digit rebounds in every game, averaging 15.4 rebounds per contest. He further posted a league-record 59 offensive rebounds this season, and finished the year second in the CBA with 139 total rebounds. 

Some of Best's top performances this year were also mind-boggling: 20 points (9-for-15 from the field) and 20 rebounds (9 offensive) in an overtime victory versus Bowling Green; 24 points (9-for-14 from the field) and 16 rebounds (7 offensive) in handing Middle Tennessee its only regular season loss of the season; and 27 points (11-for-18 from the field) and 17 rebounds (8 offensive) in the playoff defeat against Indianapolis. 

As a result of being one of only four players this year to average a double-double, where through his performances that mesmerized scouts with his raw talent, in which he also carried his team multiple times to victory and a playoff berth, Best has been named as the 2018 CBA Most Valuable Player. 

Prior winners of the award include: Illinois guard, Tyron Criswell (2017, University of Nevada) who was a former NBA D-League draft pick and earned a contract in Israel after the 2017 CBA season; Columbus forward, Brett McKnight (2016, University of Akron), who was also a former NBA D-League player and played in Taiwan through the CBA Global Opportunities Program after the 2016 CBA season; Mississippi guard, Mardracus Wade (2015, University of Arkansas), who earned three NBA D-League contracts in the last three years after playing in the 2015 CBA season and playing in Taiwan as part of the CBA Global Opportunities Program; and Fort Wayne guard, Antonio Cannon (2014, Indiana Tech University) who has played internationally in Brazil and Canada through the CBA Global Opportunities Program. 

*****

Although his team was not successful in the 2018 CBA Postseason Tournament, Middle Tennessee head coach, Nathan Willhite, turned around a club that suffered through its worst season in organization history in 2017.

One year after making it to the CBA title game in 2016, Middle Tennessee collapsed to a 1-7 record in 2017, leading to the return of Willhite for the 2018 CBA season, who had previously coached the team in the league from 2013-2015. During that time period, Willhite led Middle Tennessee to its first league championship title in 2014, and posted a 17-10 record in that span, including a 3-1 record in the playoffs.

This year, Willhite led Middle Tennessee to a 7-1 regular season record, including 4-0 at home, while guiding the team as the best defensive squad in the league, where they allowed a league-low 85.0 points per game. including allowing only 83.5 points per game on the road on their opponent's home court. 

By taking essentially the same Middle Tennessee roster that went 1-7 last year and finished in last place in the league, and converting that to a 7-1 record this year and a second-seed in the playoffs, Willhite's accomplishments have earned him Coach of the Year honors for the 2018 CBA Season. 

Based on the performances during the 2018 CBA season, below are the individual recipients of various all-star awards. Players needed to have played in at least half of their respective team's games this year in order to be eligible. Four member teams (Illinois, Indianapolis, Memphis, and Middle Tennessee) had three players each represented on the all-star squads, followed by four teams that each had two players earning accolades (Baltimore, Bowling Green, Fort Wayne, and Jackson). 

Antonio Cannon (Fort Wayne) earned his fifth consecutive all-star award, in which he earned 1st-Team All-Star achievements in 2014 and 2017, and 2nd-Team All-Star in 2015, 2016, and in 2018. Four players also earned all-star awards for the third time in their careers: Chrishawn Hopkins (Indianapolis), who was named as a 1st-Team All-Star in 2016 and 2017 and a 2nd-Team All-Star in 2018; Anthony White, Jr. (Indianapolis), who was named 1st-Team All-Star in 2016, and a 2nd-Team All-Star in 2017 and 2018; Roy McFadgon (Bowling Green), who became the first player to earn All-Star recognition for two different clubs, earning 2nd-Team All-Star honors in 2016 and 2017 as a member of Middle Tennessee and 3rd-Team All-Star in 2018 with Bowling Green; and Marquis Patton (Middle Tennessee) who was named 3rd-Team All-Star in 2016 and 2017, and 1st-Team All-Star in 2018.  

2018 CBA 1st-Team All-Stars

Guard: Myles Thrash (Middle Tennessee Storm / Stillman College)

24.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.5 spg

41.5 fg%, 85.4 ft%, 31.5 3pt%

Guard: Marquis Patton (Middle Tennessee Storm / Fisk University)

15.7 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 6.9 apg, 3.6 spg

49.5 fg%, 83.3 ft%, 44.1 3pt%

Guard: Monte Burney (Bowling Green Hornets / Martin Methodist College)

20.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.4 apg, 3.2 spg

42.2 fg%, 75.7 ft%, 36.5 3pt%

Forward: Ayron Worthington (Illinois Coal Miners / Wayne State University)

15.1 ppg, 17.5 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.2 spg

43.1 fg%, 45.5 ft%

Forward: Jameel Best (Memphis Rail Runners / Mississippi Valley State University)

18.8 ppg, 15.4 rpg

56.4 fg%, 52.5 ft%

2018 CBA 2nd-Team All-Stars

Guard: Antonio Cannon (Fort Wayne Flite / Indiana Tech University)

21.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.3 spg

40.0 fg%, 72.1 ft%, 32.5 3pt%

Guard: Anthony White, Jr. (Indianapolis Blaze / Mercer University)

20.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.7 spg

50.9 fg%, 88.9 ft%, 49.2 3pt%

Guard: Chrishawn Hopkins (Indianapolis Blaze / Butler University)

13.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.3 spg

47.7 fg%, 71.1 ft%, 30.3 3pt%

Forward: Denzel Smith (Illinois Coal Miners / Tarleton State University)

22.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.3 spg, 1.5 bpg

48.6 fg%, 72.2 ft%, 31.0 3pt%

Forward: Kendrick Coleman (Jackson Eagles / Lambuth College)

15.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.4 spg

51.9 fg%, 45.8 ft%, 36.8 3pt%

2018 CBA 3rd-Team All-Stars

Guard: Dontarion Wright (Memphis Rail Runners / LeMoyne-Owen College)

23.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.1 spg

39.5 fg%, 71.7 ft%, 27.0 3pt%

Guard: Ervin Herron II (Jackson Eagles / University of West Florida)

20.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9 spg

35.6 fg%, 76.9 ft%, 25.8 3pt%

Guard: Widgett Washington (Illinois Coal Miners / Central Missouri University)

18.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.7 spg

36.8 fg%, 72.7 ft%, 23.3 3pt%

Forward: Joshua Sain (Middle Tennessee Storm / Middle Tennessee State University)

19.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.5 spg

42.5 fg%, 63.2 ft%, 35.1 3pt%

Forward: Roy McFadgon (Bowling Green Hornets / Lee University)

15.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.8 spg, 2.2 bpg

45.8 fg%, 56.2 ft%

2018 CBA 4th-Team All-Stars

Guard: Antonio Wright (Baltimore Shuckers / Essex CC)

20.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg

47.4 fg%, 60.6 ft%, 34.0 3pt%

Guard: Keith Barron (Memphis Rail Runners / Miles College)

16.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.1 spg

38.0 fg%, 68.4 ft%, 35.6 3pt%

Guard: Kendall Allison (Baltimore Shuckers / Ohio Valley University)

14.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.6 spg, 1.1 bpg

46.1 fg%, 76.2 ft%

Forward: Terrance Beasley (Fort Wayne Flite / University of West Florida)

14.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.1 spg

51.1 fg%, 90.0 ft%, 35.0 3pt%

Forward: William McClure (Indianapolis Blaze / Central Michigan University)

6.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.2 spg, 2.6 bpg

62.5 fg%, 40.7 ft%

(1) INDIANAPOLIS 98, (4) MEMPHIS 80: (Fort Wayne, Ind.) - In their first meeting with each other in league history, Indianapolis and Memphis put together a competitive playoff game early on in the first semifinal game of the 2018 CBA Postseason Tournament. It appeared Indianapolis, who finished the regular season with an undefeated record, recieved a brief scare as Memphis jumped out to an early advantage, leading by as many as eight points in the first quarter. But those that have been following the back-to-back regular season champions were fully aware that Indianapolis has not had good opening periods all season, trailing in six out of the eight regular season games through the first frame of the game. It was much of the same script against Memphis last night, as despite the early deficit, Indianapolis regained the lead in the second quarter and blew upon the game in the second half to earn their second consecutive championship berth. Although Memphis' Jameel Best earned his ninth double-double of the season, Indianapolis' William McClure's unofficial nine blocks in the contest stifled Memphis offensively in the paint, forcing Memphis to unsuccessfully shoot from the outside, where they shot a league-worst 26.9% from the three-point line during the regular season. Indianapolis, who is seeking their first championship title Sunday afternoon, had five players in double-digits, led by Tyler Bibbs (17 points) and Anthony White, Jr. (15 points), while Memphis (5-4) were led by Best with 27 points. 

(3) FORT WAYNE 94, (2) MIDDLE TENNESSEE 86: (Fort Wayne, Ind.) - In the 2014 CBA Postseason Tournament, the two teams met in Nashville and competed in a thrilling double-overtime semifinal game with Middle Tennessee prevailing, and ultimately winning their first league title against St. Louis in the finals. Two years later in the 2016 CBA Postseason Tournament, Fort Wayne, on their home court, knocked off Middle Tennessee by 27 points in the championship game, to not only have the largest margin of victory in a league playoff contest, but also earning them their first championship title and becoming the first team to finish the season with an undefeated record. The third playoff contest between the two teams last night appeared headed towards a repeat of the 2016 title game, as a back-and-forth first half turned into a third-quarter rout, as Fort Wayne led by as many as 17 points. But Middle Tennessee put together a sensational rally in the final quarter, to not only erase the double-digit deficit and stun the crowd, but taking their first lead at 86-85 with five minutes to play. But with a shorthanded roster, the second-seeded team from Nashville ran out of gas, as Fort Wayne used a 9-0 run in the final five minutes of the matchup, to pull away and clinch a spot in the CBA championship game for a league-record fourth consecutive year.  Fort Wayne, who will look to earn their third straight league title Sunday afternoon, had five players in double-digits, including Terrance Beasley with 21 points and Antonio Cannon with 19 points. Middle Tennessee, which fell to 1-4 against Fort Wayne on the road, were led by Myles Thrash (25 points), Joshua Sain (22 points) and Torye Pelham (20 points). 

**********

2018 CBA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (2:00 p.m. ET - Fort Wayne, Ind.) 

(1) Indianapolis vs. (3) Fort Wayne

The two in-state rivals will face each other again for the second consecutive season, with top-seeded Indianapolis, who were the 1-seed last year as well, looking to exact revenge after their defeat to Fort Wayne in the 2017 CBA Championship game in Danville, Illinois. 

Indianapolis will be striving for their first championship title and becoming the second team in league history with an undefeated record, while Fort Wayne, who will play in their fourth straight championship game, will be vying for their third consecutive league title.

Fort Wayne is 7-2 all-time in the postseason, including 4-1 at home, and 3-1 in championship games. Indianapolis is 3-2 all-time in the postseason, including 2-1 away from their home court, and 0-1 in championship games.  

During their two regular season matchups this year, Indianapolis defeated Fort Wayne 95-94 on April 15th in Indianapolis, and then edged out Fort Wayne again in an overtime victory, 103-100, two weeks ago in Fort Wayne. The two teams have met twice in the playoffs, with Fort Wayne emerging out on top 103-89 in the semifinals of the 2016 CBA Postseason Tournament, and last year's 95-92 victory in the title game. Overall, Fort Wayne leads the series 5-3 over Indianapolis; however, Indianapolis has won three out of the last four games between the two clubs. 

Statistically, both teams are quite competitive as demonstrated through the regular season figures below, with Indianapolis edging out Fort Wayne in most categories:

Field Goal Percentage: Indianapolis 46.3%, Fort Wayne 45.1%

Free Throw Percentage: Indianapolis 78.3%, Fort Wayne 69.4%

3-Point Percentage: Indianapolis 38.9%, Fort Wayne 35.0%

Rebounds Per Game: Fort Wayne 47.6, Indianapolis 47.4

Assists Per Game: Indianapolis 21.2, Fort Wayne 15.0

Steals Per Game: Indianapolis 13.0, Fort Wayne 7.6

Blocks Per Game: Indianapolis 4.8, Fort Wayne 2.6

Turnovers Per Game: Indianapolis 15.6, Fort Wayne 16.9

Forced Turnovers Per Game: Indianapolis 20.4, Fort Wayne 16.8

The following is the history of championship games in the CBA:

2013: (1) St. Louis 106, (2) Bowling Green 97

2014: (2) Middle Tennessee 106, (4) St. Louis 103

2015: (2) Bowling Green 97, (4) Fort Wayne 95

2016: (1) Fort Wayne 110, (2) Middle Tennessee 83

2017: (2) Fort Wayne 95, (1) Indianapolis 92

The 2018 CBA Championship game, which will conclude the Central Basketball Association's sixth year of competition, will be broadcast live this afternoon on multiple platforms this afternoon, as viewers can watch the contest on the CBA website, CBA Facebook page, and/or the CBA YouTube page.