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Johnnie Jefferson averaging 17.4 points in Ireland!


Johnnie Jefferson averaging 17.4 points in Ireland!

Johnnie Jefferson, a product of the USA Select 2011 European Exposure Tour has put up some very respectable stats in Ireland’s top league (Super league) for the UL Eagles enough to put him in the top 10 in the league (7th). Jefferson, a 6’4″ combo guard, was on the 2011 Exposure Tour and was offered a contract in the middle of a tournament in Ireland. he played 2 games for the USA Select “Red” team and was offered contract after the second game and he suited up with is new team later that same day!

Life Lessons: Ryan Kilmartin


Life Lessons: Ryan Kilmartin

From the dojo to Thompson-Boling, Ryan Kilmartin is soaking it all up

playernews_ryankilmartin2For Ryan Kilmartin, the chance to walk on to the Tennessee basketball team was a dream come true. After spending a year at Appalachian State, the Charlotte, N.C., native never dreamed he’d be at a high-major Division I program.

But rewind a few years and that feeling gets magnified.

In the sixth grade, Kilmartin went out for the middle school basketball team. However he was cut and did not make the roster. But he was more determined the next year and went out for the team again.

Cut, again.

Even more determined than before, Kilmartin went out for the team in eighth grade. But the fate was the same. Cut, again.

Ninth grade: same deal. But prior to going out for the team his sophomore year in high school, Kilmartin hit a growth spurt and his basketball career would never be the same. He continued to work and made the team as a sophomore and he started every game from there on out.

Most kids would not have continued to come back year after year. However, an experience from Kilmartin’s past would not allow him to quit.

“I think it’s a mentality from when I did tae kwon do when I was younger,” Kilmartin said. “It’s instilled in you not to quit. Don’t fear anything, you can accomplish anything. That was a big part of my life. No matter what it is, I just have a really hard time quitting anything.

“Once you quit one thing, it makes it easier to quit the next time.”

Kilmartin started tae kwon do when he was six-years-old by mere chance. While waiting at a pizza restaurant, Kilmartin and his younger brother noticed a dojo nearby.

“We noticed the studio next door and said, `What’s going on in there? That looks pretty cool,’” Kilmartin said. “There was a unity about it and I felt like I should do it. It definitely helped me to get where I am today.”

The fit was instant and before long, Kilmartin was raking in trophies on his way to a No. 1 world ranking in his age group. He won junior Olympic titles, North Carolina state titles and, because his mother is Welsh, he even worked out with the British Olympic team.

“The whole experience was incredible,” Kilmartin said. “I had so many great opportunities but really the best part was the respect that I learned. I learned to respect people and how to treat people.”

That lessons Kilmartin learned from tae kwon do are still affecting him today. Many of them are helpful when he is on the hardwood.
“That respect helped me early to learn whatever the coach says goes,” Kilmartin said. “Coach Martin knows better than me what I should be doing out there. Everything he tells us on the basketball court correlates to real life. He is teaching us about basketball but also about life.”
From the dojo to Thompson-Boling Arena, Kilmartin is soaking up life’s lessons.

Source – http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122011aaf.html

USA Select Basketball General Manager Sean Kilmartin is proud to announce, brothers Ryan Kilmartin ( Appalachian State University) and Alex Kilmartin (Charlotte Catholic High School) named to Wales national Under 20 team for FIBA competition.


USA Select Basketball General Manager Sean Kilmartin is proud to announce, brothers Ryan Kilmartin ( Appalachian State University) and Alex Kilmartin (Charlotte Catholic High School) named to Wales national Under 20 team for FIBA competition.

playernews_u20wales

The FIBA European Championships will hold the Under 20 division in Malta in July 2010. Ryan, a 6’4″ wing is a Freshman on the NCAA Division 1 Appalachian State University team that won 24 games this year and won the Southern Conference North Division Title under head Coach Buzz Peterson. Ryan, a muscular guard, can get to the rim and has a fast release on his shot brings athleticism and NCAA experience to the wing position.

Alex, a 6’7″ 220 lb wing / forward brings intriguing match up challenges, as he has guard skills, abiltiy to handle the ball and pass as well as a very deep range on his jump shot but a large frame for inside opportunities. Alex completed a very successful high school season under the tutelage of Coach Mike King.
Both young men have played for Wales in the past, but this is the first time they will be teammates. They are eligible to play for Wales in the European Championships as their mother, Jane Kilmartin was born in Wales (and represented Wales in the Miss Universe contest in 1984). Both young men hold British passports.

This squad will play in the Cheshire Jets tournament on 3rd & 4th April. The squad will train alongside the Senior Men in some sessions, and then work towards a European tournament this summer.
Following the two weekend trials we held in Cardiff, this is the U20 squad list:
Lloyd Williams (Glamorgan Gladiators)
Lloyd Davies (Barry Huskies)
Zach Daniels (Cardiff Celts)
Michael Hinchliffe (Cheshire Jets)
Jimmy Bower (Gloster Jets)
Glyn Davies (Taunton Tigers)
Alex Kilmartin (Charlotte High School USA)
Ryan Kilmartin (Appalachian State Uni. USA)
Jared Adams (Guildford Heat)
Paul Kilkelly (North Wales Tropics)
Alexander Ryan (Oxford Brookes)
Christian Doidge (ABC Gwent)
Lawrence Evans (Cardiff Capitals)
Connor Sugden (Oxford Brookes)
Jimmy Thomas (Swansea Storm)
Ben Thomas (Gran Canarias)
U20
Head Coach: Mike Burton

USA Select’s Davis Browne named National Cup MVP!


USA Select’s Davis Browne named National Cup MVP!

playernews_bristol_flyersMost Valuable Player Davis Browne (203-C-84, college: Appalachian St.), Bristol Academy Flyers
12 points, 13 rebounds
Bowne is a product of USA Select Basketball.

With an ending that rivals any basketball game from this season, the Bristol Academy Flyers won their first major trophy after defeating the Manchester Magic 63-61 in overtime.

In a highly defensive battle that saw a lot of shots taken and few drop, the Flyers and Magic gave the Sheffield crowd something to shout about as time ticked away in the fourth quarter.

With the score locked at 55, Stefan Gill’s floater gave the Magic a two point lead with just over a minute remaining. A series of misses at both ends followed until, with two seconds left, Bristol’s (another USA Select product) Doug McLaughlin-Williams pulled up for a three but was fouled by the Magic’s Yann Fasbender. The result was three free throws for McLaughlin-Williams, with all pressure on the Bristol forward.

The travelling Bristol faithful were left with their hearts in their throats as the American missed his first, but he regained composure to sink the last two leaving the game tied at 57.

Coach Jeff Jones called timeout with just enough time to run an inbounds play from the halfway mark. An almost perfectly executed lob pass was sent to Gill, but he rimmed out forcing the extra period.

Youngster Josh Houghton made up for a couple of missed threes in the final minute of the fourth as he drove with the left hand to open the overtime scoring. Bowne replied nearly two minutes later to level, but Gill’s 28th point at the minute and a half mark gave the Magic a 61-59 lead.

Bristol’s Anthony Berry (200-C-78) was sent to the line by Lee Goldsbrough, where he converted one of two, but the Flyers regained possession and Berry’s hook in the paint gave them the 62-61 lead. Houghton missed from long range at the other end leaving the Magic forced to foul Jack Stannard, whose one of two free throws was enough to secure the win.

Bristol Academy Flyers coach Andreas Kapoulas was a delighted man:

‘Winning the National Cup is a major milestone in our club’s history,’ he said. ‘It is such a great achievement and a huge recognition for our players, supporters, coaches and Bristol basketball in general. I am so proud of our players’ commitment, work ethic and determination. They really deserve this recognition.’

‘The win was a product of our hard work and demonstrated the depth and toughness our team possesses. I am so happy to be part of this group. The Cup means a lot to the Flyers and Bristol basketball. We now hope to continue our success in the league campaign.

‘I would like to thank our sponsors Big Tall Order, DTM LTD, Yaskin Sports and Initially Yours for the support they have given us. Most importantly, though, I would like to thank Filton College and the Principal Kevin Hamblin who have been vital to our success and the rise to the top of English Basketball.’

USA Select Player Reggie Bratton is Player of the Month and USA Select Player/Coach Atiba Lyons in Coach of the Month in the British Basketball League


USA Select Player Reggie Bratton is Player of the Month and USA Select Player/Coach Atiba Lyons in Coach of the Month in the British Basketball League

playernews_image004Worthing Thunder guard Reggie Bratton has scooped the Molten BBL Player of the Month Award for January, whilst Sheffield Sharks player-coach Atiba Lyons is the Molten BBL Coach of the Month, for the second time this season.
Bratton, who signed straight out of college, ( a product of USA Select Basketball) to the Thunder this year, Bratton has taken the BBL by storm, having just overtaken last month s Molten BBL Player of the Month, Mike Cook, in scoring. He currently averages 26.5 points per game, and over the month of January, averaged 24.33 points per outing, in 34 minutes per game for Dave Titmuss side.
Titmuss said the following on this accolade being awarded to one of his star players: I am delighted for him; he has clearly established himself in this league. For somebody coming from a Division Two school into the professional game, it shows the commitment and professionalism that he has, which is no doubt a big part of why he has won this award. The veteran coach also emphasised the influence that the 6 4 shooting guard has on the boards: Although it is his scoring that gets him noticed, I think that his rebounding has been underestimated he had eleven rebounds against Sheffield on Saturday for example he added.
Atiba Lyons , also a product of USA Select Basketball, has continued to enjoy his second season in the coaching game, as player-coach to the Sharks, and he coached them to a 5-1 record over the month of January, the highlight being a BBL Cup crown, thanks to an 89-86 victory over Cheshire Jets. Lyons said: I am pleased to receive this award, and it s a great reflection on the team s consistency and continuing positive attitude. It s important that we keep playing together in order to do well.

Reggie Bratton Leads BBL in Scoring


Reggie Bratton Leads BBL in Scoring

playernews_image00444USA Select Basketball General Manager, Sean Kilmartin was pleased to se Reggie Bratton (Lenoir Rhyne College) is leading the British Basketball League in scoring averaging nearly 33 points an outing.

Playing for the Worthing Thunder, the 6’5” swingman is enjoying his rookie year under the guidance of the well decorated coaching of Dave Titmuss. Reggie is a product of the USA Select Basketball 2009 European Tour Camp held in June. Sean Kilmartin placed Reggie in the UK top league at the beginning of the season.

Fenny Falmagne and Banks Estridge Join the Reading Rockets


Fenny Falmagne and Banks Estridge Join the Reading Rockets

playernews_image0066USA Select General Manager, Sean Kilmartin was quite pleased to announce the first professional signings of Fenny Falmagne and Banks Estridge with the Reading Rockets of the England Basketball League (EBL) Division 1. The Reading Rockets are run by the well respected and very close friends; Gary Johnson & Family. They have been consistently among the league leaders each year! Last year, the team completed its’ first ever undefeated season under the leadership of USA Select player Terrell Smith.

Fenny Falmagne, a 6’2” lock down defender whose has a Belgian passport was signed to add depth at the guard spot. Fenny was a participant in the USA Select Basketball 2009 European Tour Camp and played on the USA Select Basketball “Red” team on tour in September. He is a highly athletic player who will work hard.

Banks Estridge is a 6’3” combo guard from Truman State University, participated in the USA Select Basketball 2009 European Tour Camp held in June and was a member and key contributor on the USA Select Basketball “Blue” team. According to Kilmartin, Banks was one of the fiercest competitors we have ever had in a USA Select uniform. He was a leader on and off the court and was among the team leaders in nearly all statistics.

From the Rockets website:

New American Arrives – Rockets are thrilled that their new American player, Banks Estridge, 23, landed in England yesterday (Monday) morning and will make his debut at Rivermead this coming weekend. Welcome, Banks.

New Belgian Signing – Rockets Chairman, Gary Johnson was pleased to be able to add a new point guard to Rockets roster this week. Johnson signed the young Belgian, Fenny Falmagne, and Fenny goes straight into action this weekend when Rockets play London Leopards in the National Trophy at Rivermead on Saturday.Fenny flew in from the States where he has completed the last 6 years of his education having spent 3 previous years at the European School, Culham, Oxon. With Jon May out for another 3 / 4 weeks after having surgery on his broken cheekbone, Rockets Head Coach Sasa Punosevac was also extremely pleased to strengthen his squad.
This was the first professional contact for both players and Sean Kilmartin was very excited to arrange the contracts.

Davis Bowne and Douglas McLaughlin-Williams are teammates once again!


Davis Bowne and Douglas McLaughlin-Williams are teammates once again!

Sean Kilmartin, USA Select Head Coach and General Manager is pleased to announce that The Bristol Academy Flyers of the England Basketball League Division 1 have signed 6’8” swingman, Douglas McLaughlin-Williams and 6’8” power forward, Davis Bowne. Both McLaughlin-Williams and Bowne shared successful collegiate careers at NCAA Division 1 Appalachian State University.

McLaughlin-Williams has 2 full season of professional basketball under his belt (one in the UK where he was the league leader is scoring, followed by a highly successful season in Australia). Bowne, the son of one of North Carolina high school’s top coach’s (Gary Bowne) is enjoying his first professional contract. The players follow a long line of Appalachian State University players who have played professionally in the UK over the recent years.

From the Bristol Flyers website:

Flyers Announce new signings: Big Tall Order Bristol Academy Flyers, Bristol’s first professional basketball team have announced their first 2 new signings ahead of the 2009/10 season.

The Flyers who compete in England Basketball’s Senior National League Division I begin the new season with a pre season friendly against the Team USA Select team on Thursday September the 17th. Flyers who currently play in the 500 seat WISE Arena have been buoyed by the fact that on October the 24th the Arena will unveil 600 additional seats installed ready for the new season making the venue a 1,000 seat Arena for game days. Flyers averaged crowds of 400 plus spectators last year and this season will see the home court Capacity grow ahead of the new season.

Flyers will be hoping to fill the arena with a flurry of new signings ahead of the season. Flyers can now confirm that their two American imports have signed contracts and have received work permits. The 2 players will fly in to join the team on Friday September 11th.

Doug Mclaughlin Williams a 6”8 guard joins the flyers after a stand out college career at NCAA Division I Appalachian State University, he comes with professional experience having played with Sheffield last year where he was selected for the Leagues All star starting 5. “Doug brings the team added experience and at 6”8 he adds some more height at the guard position, Doug is a proven scorer who will be a valuable asset to the club this season” Quotes Head Coach Andreas Kapoulas.

Also joining Williams will be 6”9 Centre Davis Bowen, who like William’s was a part of Appalachian State University programme. Bowen has just graduated and this will be his first professional contract but he will bring some more size to the Flyers team as they look forward to the new season. “Davis is a big guy and brings the team some added size in the front court; he can play both power forward and Centre and he comes with some very good references and his game tapes show he will be a physical presence on the boards” Comments Kapoulas.

Flyers first game will see the team face the USA Select team on Thursday September the 17th at 7.30pm at the WISE Arena. The USA select team which is full of College and University players from Division I and II NCAA programmes will see the a tough test for the new Flyers team.

Ryan Patton scores 44 in BBL Game!


Ryan Patton scores 44 in BBL Game!

USA Select General manager was pleased, but not surprised to see Ryan Patton score 44 in a recent BBL game (British Basketball League) for the Sheffield Sharks. Ryan, a USA Select player, is playing for former USA Select alum, Atiba Lyons, head coach of the Sharks.

From the Eurobasket web site:

Pattons Shows Shooting Skill – Nov 30, 2009 (by Andy Webb)
Sheffield Sharks’ Ryan Patton (181-G-78, college: Youngstown St.) turned on a shooting master-class to lead his team to an 89-108 victory at Cheshire Jets. Patton’s 10 of 14 from beyond the three-point line helped him to a team high this season of 44 points and ensured the Sharks would remain four points clear at the top of the BBL at the end of the weekend’s action. Sharks had an excellent second quarter to give them a 43-57 lead and they never looked troubled after.

Joseph Womack is playing in Wales!


Joseph Womack is playing in Wales!

playernews_image0099Joseph Womack, a 6’6” powerful forward, has signed to play in Wales with the Swansea Storm and the Glamorgan Gladiators. Sean Kilmartin, USA Select General Manager was eager to arrange the contract for the parties. Womack, a member of the USA Select European Exposure Tour team will provide an strong inside presence for the two Welsh teams. In a unique situation, Womack will be able to play for two teams this season. The clubs, who are affiliated, play in two different leagues and can arrange the events so they allow Joseph to play for both teams. The Swansea Storm are headed by USA Select friend Gavin Williams. Williams is a highly respected official in the BBL.

From the Swansea Storm website:

Swansea Storm are please to announce the signing of 6’6 Centre Joseph Womack. Joseph joins Swansea from William Penn University where he Played in 32 games. During his Senior year Joseph was ranked No.1 in the M.C.C for Blocked Shots (42), averaged 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in addition to 10 assist, and 34 steals. As well as leading the way on the court Joseph will also be working with our community schools coaching program where hi will be actively involved in delivery coaching sessions at local comprehensive schools in the city.

Womack can also play for the Gladiators. This is the 3rd year in a row that a USA Select Basketball player has been added to the Gladiators roster ( Josh Fowler –Coastal Carolina and Jay McMillan- Appalachian State University) The coach of the Gladiators, Steve Williams, has long term ties to USA Select Basketball. Williams coached USA select partner, David Lawrence during his professional days. Lawrence is considered, by far, the best professional basketball player to have ever played in Wales. Williams also coached USA Select founder Sean Kilmartin son, Ryan Kilmartin, in the FIBA European U 18 Championships in 2007.