United States Basketball League
Encyclopedia
The United States Basketball League , often abbreviated to the USBL, was a professional men's spring basketball
league. The league was formed in 1985. The final champions are the Kansas Cagerz, who won the title game on July 1, 2007.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
league. The league was formed in 1985. The final champions are the Kansas Cagerz, who won the title game on July 1, 2007.
History
The USBL started in 1985 as one of the first basketball leagues to play a late-spring to early-summer schedule. The league quickly became known as a development league for players, with many players moving up to the NBA and many more playing in Europe after stints here. In 1996, the league made a stock offering, a rarity among sports leagues. However, in later years, the league declined as rival leagues appeared and USBL had a tougher time replacing teams that folded. In the last two seasons, the league was mainly a midwestern league, with teams mainly in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.Current status
After speculation that the USBL might fold after the 2007 season, the league announced that it will sit out the 2008 season and consider its options for the future. It has not since restarted. In January 2010, the league expressed hopes to resume play in April 2010. However, no further news has surfaced from the league.Complete team list
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Northeast Pennsylvania Breakers The NEPA Breakers are a former members of the American Basketball Association and the United States Basketball League.The team featured Willie Chandler and Dave Januzzi. After a hot start, the team left the ABA and applied for admission to the USBL, due to instability in the ABA.- External links :***... (2006–2007) New Jersey Meteors The New Jersey Meteors were a United States Basketball League team located in Monmouth, New Jersey. The Meteors were originally scheduled as the Boston Freedom but moved to New Jersey before the start of the season.... (2007) Oklahoma Storm The Oklahoma Storm was a United States Basketball League team located in Enid, Oklahoma. Founded by sports agent and attorney James Sears Bryant, the Storm successfully captured the USBL championship under head coach Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2002, defeating Kansas with a final score of 122-109. The... (2000–2007) Philadelphia Aces The Philadelphia Aces were a United States Basketball League team that played from 1987 to 1988 and in 1990. They were previously known as the Wildwood Aces.... (1985–88, 1990 as Wildwood Aces in 1985-86) Philadelphia Spirit The Philadelphia Spirit were a United States Basketball League team that played from 1991 to 1992.In 1991, they finished first in the league with a 15-5 record. They beat the Miami Tropics in the league's finals, winning the championship. In 1992, they again finished first in the league, with a... (1991–92) Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs The Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs was a United States Basketball League team located in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. It operated from 1999 to 2006.... (1999–2006) Portland Wave The Portland Wave was a USBL team based out of Portland, Maine. It lasted only one season, the 1996-1997 USBL Season.... (1996–97, as Portland Mountain Cats in 1996) Raleigh Cougars The Raleigh Cougars was a United States Basketball League team based in Raleigh, North Carolina from 1997 to 1999. The team included many well known players from local colleges. The team played its home games at Dorton Arena.-History:... (1997–99) Rhode Island Gulls The Rhode Island Gulls were a team in the United States Basketball League . They have many notable former players such as Manute Bol, Spud Webb, John "Hot Rod" Williams, Arnie Duncan, and Muggsy Bogues.... (1985, 1987) Miami Tropics The Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved... in 1987-88, 1991–95) |
USBL Champions
- Year Champion, score Runner-up, score
- 1985 Springfield Fame (19-6), Won regular season, No Playoffs
- 1986 Tampa Bay Flash (22-8), Won regular season, No Playoffs
- 1987 Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
103 Rhode Island GullsRhode Island GullsThe Rhode Island Gulls were a team in the United States Basketball League . They have many notable former players such as Manute Bol, Spud Webb, John "Hot Rod" Williams, Arnie Duncan, and Muggsy Bogues....
99 - 1988 New Haven Skyhawks 134 Palm Beach Stingrays 126
- 1989 USBL Suspended Operations
- 1990 Jacksonville Hooters (15-1) Won regular season, No Playoffs
- 1991 Philadelphia SpiritPhiladelphia SpiritThe Philadelphia Spirit were a United States Basketball League team that played from 1991 to 1992.In 1991, they finished first in the league with a 15-5 record. They beat the Miami Tropics in the league's finals, winning the championship. In 1992, they again finished first in the league, with a...
110 Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
108 - 1992 Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
116 Philadelphia SpiritPhiladelphia SpiritThe Philadelphia Spirit were a United States Basketball League team that played from 1991 to 1992.In 1991, they finished first in the league with a 15-5 record. They beat the Miami Tropics in the league's finals, winning the championship. In 1992, they again finished first in the league, with a...
114 - 1993 Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
139 Westchester Stallions 127 - 1994 Jacksonville Hooters 117 Atlanta Trojans 109
- 1995 Florida Sharks 109 Atlanta Trojans 104
- 1996 Florida Sharks 118 Atlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City Seagulls may refer to:* Atlantic City Seagulls , a member of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League between 1933 and 1953* Atlantic City Seagulls, a member of the United States Basketball League...
115 - 1997 Atlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City Seagulls may refer to:* Atlantic City Seagulls , a member of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League between 1933 and 1953* Atlantic City Seagulls, a member of the United States Basketball League...
114 Long Island Surf 112 - 1998 Atlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City Seagulls may refer to:* Atlantic City Seagulls , a member of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League between 1933 and 1953* Atlantic City Seagulls, a member of the United States Basketball League...
100 Long Island Surf 96 - 1999 Atlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City Seagulls may refer to:* Atlantic City Seagulls , a member of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League between 1933 and 1953* Atlantic City Seagulls, a member of the United States Basketball League...
83 Connecticut Skyhawks 77 - 2000 Dodge City LegendDodge City LegendThe Dodge City Legend was a professional basketball franchise in the United States Basketball League, a minor league that played in the spring. The Legend won three USBL titles, in 2000, its first season, 2003 and in 2005....
89 Oklahoma StormOklahoma StormThe Oklahoma Storm was a United States Basketball League team located in Enid, Oklahoma. Founded by sports agent and attorney James Sears Bryant, the Storm successfully captured the USBL championship under head coach Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2002, defeating Kansas with a final score of 122-109. The...
86 - 2001 Pennsylvania ValleyDawgsPennsylvania ValleyDawgsThe Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs was a United States Basketball League team located in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. It operated from 1999 to 2006....
100 Dodge City LegendDodge City LegendThe Dodge City Legend was a professional basketball franchise in the United States Basketball League, a minor league that played in the spring. The Legend won three USBL titles, in 2000, its first season, 2003 and in 2005....
91 - 2002 Oklahoma StormOklahoma StormThe Oklahoma Storm was a United States Basketball League team located in Enid, Oklahoma. Founded by sports agent and attorney James Sears Bryant, the Storm successfully captured the USBL championship under head coach Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2002, defeating Kansas with a final score of 122-109. The...
122 Kansas CagerzKansas CagerzThe Kansas Cagerz are a United States Basketball League team located in Salina, Kansas. The head coach is currently Francis Flax. The Kansas Cagerz won the USBL Championship in 2007 defeating the Brooklyn Kings 95-92 in Enid, Oklahoma. 2007 was announced as the final year for head coach Francis Flax...
109 - 2003 Dodge City LegendDodge City LegendThe Dodge City Legend was a professional basketball franchise in the United States Basketball League, a minor league that played in the spring. The Legend won three USBL titles, in 2000, its first season, 2003 and in 2005....
97 Pennsylvania ValleyDawgsPennsylvania ValleyDawgsThe Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs was a United States Basketball League team located in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. It operated from 1999 to 2006....
96 - 2004 Pennsylvania ValleyDawgsPennsylvania ValleyDawgsThe Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs was a United States Basketball League team located in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. It operated from 1999 to 2006....
118 Brooklyn KingsBrooklyn KingsThe Brooklyn Kings are a United States Basketball League franchise in Brooklyn, New York. They play in Downtown Brooklyn, on the main campus of Long Island University. They started play in 1999. The league suspended operations after the 2007 season and the team has been inactive since then.-...
116 - 2005 Dodge City LegendDodge City LegendThe Dodge City Legend was a professional basketball franchise in the United States Basketball League, a minor league that played in the spring. The Legend won three USBL titles, in 2000, its first season, 2003 and in 2005....
97 Kansas CagerzKansas CagerzThe Kansas Cagerz are a United States Basketball League team located in Salina, Kansas. The head coach is currently Francis Flax. The Kansas Cagerz won the USBL Championship in 2007 defeating the Brooklyn Kings 95-92 in Enid, Oklahoma. 2007 was announced as the final year for head coach Francis Flax...
84 - 2006 Nebraska CranesNebraska CranesThe Nebraska Cranes were a United States Basketball League team located in Kearney, Nebraska. The most recent head coach was Brian Walsh. In just the team's second season of existence, the Cranes won the USBL championship by defeating the defending champion Dodge City Legend in the championship...
100 Dodge City LegendDodge City LegendThe Dodge City Legend was a professional basketball franchise in the United States Basketball League, a minor league that played in the spring. The Legend won three USBL titles, in 2000, its first season, 2003 and in 2005....
92 - 2007 Kansas CagerzKansas CagerzThe Kansas Cagerz are a United States Basketball League team located in Salina, Kansas. The head coach is currently Francis Flax. The Kansas Cagerz won the USBL Championship in 2007 defeating the Brooklyn Kings 95-92 in Enid, Oklahoma. 2007 was announced as the final year for head coach Francis Flax...
95 Brooklyn KingsBrooklyn KingsThe Brooklyn Kings are a United States Basketball League franchise in Brooklyn, New York. They play in Downtown Brooklyn, on the main campus of Long Island University. They started play in 1999. The league suspended operations after the 2007 season and the team has been inactive since then.-...
92 - 2008 USBL Suspended Operations
Notable past players
- Tim BarnesTim BarnesTimothy Kent "Tim" Barnes is a Democratic party politician in Tennessee, representing the 22nd District as State Senator since 2009. He is perhaps best known for his primary challenge of then-State Senator Rosalind Kurita in 2008.-External links:...
- Oklahoma StormOklahoma StormThe Oklahoma Storm was a United States Basketball League team located in Enid, Oklahoma. Founded by sports agent and attorney James Sears Bryant, the Storm successfully captured the USBL championship under head coach Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2002, defeating Kansas with a final score of 122-109. The... - Darrell ArmstrongDarrell ArmstrongDarrell Eugene Armstrong is a former American professional basketball player, who played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association...
- (Atlanta Trojans) - Tyrone Curtis "Muggsy" BoguesMuggsy BoguesTyrone Curtis "Muggsy" Bogues is a retired American professional basketball player and former head coach of the now-defunct Charlotte Sting of the Women's National Basketball Association . The shortest player ever to play in the NBA, the Bogues played point guard for four teams during his...
- (Rhode Island GullsRhode Island GullsThe Rhode Island Gulls were a team in the United States Basketball League . They have many notable former players such as Manute Bol, Spud Webb, John "Hot Rod" Williams, Arnie Duncan, and Muggsy Bogues....
) - Manute BolManute BolManute Bol was a Sudanese-born basketball player and activist. At 7 feet, 7 inches , Bol was one of the tallest players ever to appear in the National Basketball Association, along with Gheorghe Mureşan. Unlike Mureşan, however, Bol was naturally tall and did not have a Pituitary disease...
- (Rhode Island GullsRhode Island GullsThe Rhode Island Gulls were a team in the United States Basketball League . They have many notable former players such as Manute Bol, Spud Webb, John "Hot Rod" Williams, Arnie Duncan, and Muggsy Bogues....
) - Devin BrownDevin BrownDevin Brown is an American professional basketball player.Brown was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in San Antonio, Texas...
- (Kansas CagerzKansas CagerzThe Kansas Cagerz are a United States Basketball League team located in Salina, Kansas. The head coach is currently Francis Flax. The Kansas Cagerz won the USBL Championship in 2007 defeating the Brooklyn Kings 95-92 in Enid, Oklahoma. 2007 was announced as the final year for head coach Francis Flax...
) - Lloyd DanielsLloyd DanielsLloyd Daniels is a retired American professional and semi-professional basketball player.The 6'7" shooting guard was one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation during the 1986-87 recruiting cycle. At the time, he was considered the most talented player from New York City since Kareem...
- (Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
) - Waliyy DixonWaliyy DixonWaliyy Dixon , better known by his streetball nickname "Main Event", is an American professional basketball player. He was born and raised in Linden, New Jersey.-Early life:...
- (Atlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City Seagulls may refer to:* Atlantic City Seagulls , a member of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League between 1933 and 1953* Atlantic City Seagulls, a member of the United States Basketball League...
) - Mario ElieMario ElieMario Antoine Elie is an American former professional basketball player and coach. Currently, he works as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings.-Early life and career:...
- (Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
) - World B. FreeWorld B. FreeWorld B. Free is an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1975–1988. Free was known as the "Prince of Midair" as well as "All-World".-Early years:...
- (Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
) - Raja BellRaja BellRaja Bell is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Bell is known for his three-point shooting and intense defense.- Biography :Bell was born in Saint Croix, in the U.S...
- (Tampa Bay Windjammers) - Avery JohnsonAvery JohnsonAvery Johnson is a former American professional basketball player and current head coach of the National Basketball Association team New Jersey Nets. He has also coached the Dallas Mavericks, leading them to their first NBA Finals appearance and four consecutive 50+ win seasons...
- (Palm Beach Stingrays) - Roy Jones, Jr. - (Brevard Blue Ducks)
- Nancy LiebermanNancy LiebermanNancy Elizabeth Lieberman , nicknamed "Lady Magic", is a former professional basketball player who played and coached in the WNBA.Lieberman is regarded as one of the greatest figures in women's basketball....
- (Springfield Fame) - Anthony MasonAnthony Mason (basketball)Anthony George Douglas Mason is a retired American National Basketball Association player with the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. He averaged 10.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in his 13-year NBA career...
- (Long Island Surf) - Cheryl Miller - (Staten Island Stallions)
- Jamario MoonJamario MoonJamario Raman Moon is an American professional basketball player. Moon played college basketball for one season at Meridian Community College and began his professional career with teams in the United States Basketball League and NBA Development League, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Mexican...
- (Dodge City LegendDodge City LegendThe Dodge City Legend was a professional basketball franchise in the United States Basketball League, a minor league that played in the spring. The Legend won three USBL titles, in 2000, its first season, 2003 and in 2005....
), (Gary SteelheadsGary SteelheadsThe Gary Steelheads were a professional basketball team that played in the International Basketball League. In the past they played in the International Basketball League, Continental Basketball Association, and the United States Basketball League. They were based in Gary, Indiana and played their...
) - Terrell OwensTerrell OwensTerrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
- (Adirondack Wildcats) - Lynette Richardson - (Miami Topics)
- Micheal "Sugar" Ray RichardsonMicheal Ray RichardsonMicheal Ray "Sugar" Richardson is an American former professional basketball player and currently the head coach of the London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada. Richardson played college basketball for the Montana Grizzlies...
- (Long Island Knights) - Anthony Jerome "Spud" WebbSpud WebbAnthony Jerome Webb , also known as Spud Webb, is a retired American NBA professional basketball point guard most notable for winning a slam dunk contest despite being one of the shortest NBA players in the history of the league...
- (Rhode Island GullsRhode Island GullsThe Rhode Island Gulls were a team in the United States Basketball League . They have many notable former players such as Manute Bol, Spud Webb, John "Hot Rod" Williams, Arnie Duncan, and Muggsy Bogues....
) - John "Hot Rod" Williams - (Rhode Island GullsRhode Island GullsThe Rhode Island Gulls were a team in the United States Basketball League . They have many notable former players such as Manute Bol, Spud Webb, John "Hot Rod" Williams, Arnie Duncan, and Muggsy Bogues....
) - Shivang Patel - (Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
) - Kelvin UpshawKelvin UpshawKelvin Parnell Upshaw is a retired American professional basketball player. He is a 6'2" 180 lb guard and played competitively at Marshall High School, Northeastern Oklahoma A & M Junior College and the University of Utah...
- (Palmbeach Stingrays) - Lorenzo Williams - (Palmbeach Stingrays)
- Edward Gamble- (Long Island Surf)
- Vince Hizon - (Pennsylvania ValleydawgsPennsylvania ValleyDawgsThe Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs was a United States Basketball League team located in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. It operated from 1999 to 2006....
) - R. KellyR. KellyRobert Sylvester Kelly , better known by his stage name R. Kelly, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. A native of Chicago, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album 12 Play...
- (Atlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City SeagullsAtlantic City Seagulls may refer to:* Atlantic City Seagulls , a member of the Eastern Amateur Hockey League between 1933 and 1953* Atlantic City Seagulls, a member of the United States Basketball League...
) - Kevin O'Rourke - (Miami TropicsMiami TropicsThe Miami Tropics were a team in the Premier Basketball League that began to play in 2007 in Miami, Florida. The team was owned by the Imperiali Organization, which also owns the Palm Beach Imperials. They originally played their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association, but moved...
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External links
- USBL official website
- USBL logos
- Press Releases from USBasket