Today Head Coach and GM Paul Sir along with assistant coach Todd Warnick and IBL All Star JR Patrick welcomed the new season by hosting the opening press conference at the Percy Page center.
Many exciting details about the upcoming season, venue and roster were discussed.
"Character and Commitment", said coach Paul Sir "were key in deciding this years' roster."
After last seasons disappointing playoff loss, the Energy were determined to bring back the core of key players and to add determined, tenacious and skilled players to take the squad to the next level.
Key additions will include the return of Rashaun Broadus who was here 2 years ago and was an IBL All Star and lit up the court with numerous spectacular plays and is a constant competitor. Dave Patten from Weber State, who is finishing up a season in Argentina at the moment, is a 6' 11" athletic post player with great ball skills and was the Big Sky conference player of the year in his senior season.
The coaching staff will have some new faces this season as well. Dave Youngs from Ross Sheppard high school joins the staff this year and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a tradition of winning. Coach Youngs has won numerous 4A high school provincial championships as well as sending great numbers of his players to the next level including Steve Sir, Jermaine and Jamaal Bucknor, Mangisto Arop, Phil Sudol, Spencer Dorward and Brandon Park to name a few.
One of the greatest improvements to the team this year will be where the Energy call home. The University of Alberta Main Gym will host the teams' home games this year. If you are a basketball fan in Edmonton chances are you have taken in a game here at some point and there is no court with a greater tradition in Northern Alberta. The Bears have been a winning program from decades and the Energy are proud to have the opportunity to represent Edmonton and its basketball community on the court at the University of Alberta.
The season is now only 28 days away. The Energy open practice the week of April 19th and will be ready for the challenge of competing for an IBL crown.
The first weekend of games is May 7th, 8th and 9th against the reiging IBL champion Los Angeles Lightning who will feature 6 ex-NBA players!
Come out and take in the action!
Looking forward to it should be a great season!
ReplyDeleteI've been in the Edmonton basketball scene for a long time. This team is crazy. If you want to see some real b-ball, talent and fun. They're not called The Energy for nothing. For the $ and the entertainment, not to mention the skillz!
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