USA Select "In The News"
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
Flyers to Host USA Select during Pre Season
Bristol Academy Flyers are pleased to announce the return of the USA Select team to pre season action in Bristol. This will be the third visit of the touring US team to Bristol providing stiff competition in the clubs pre season opener.
The USA Select team consists of NCAA Division I and II college players who have graduated and are looking for professional contracts in the UK and Europe. The tour gives players theexposure they need to gain contracts and provides a fantastic pre season test forthe Flyers. Former Flyers stars Adam Simons and Ryan Williams both representedthe Select team in previous seasons.
[MORE]INSIDE THE GAME: USA Select Pre-Season
The return of Team USA Select for their BBL preseason tour tips off on the 11th September. As per previous years, Team USA Select comprises NCAA athletes that are looking to further their basketball careers by landing professional playing contracts amongst European leagues.
News 14 - 24 Hour Local News - TOP STORIES - Players vie for European glory during Triad showcase
Click here to see the original story and video by News 14 Carolina's Caroline Blair
GREENSBORO – They made a name for themselves on the hardwood in high school and college, but now a group of dedicated ball players are trying to break into the highly competitive world of professional basketball.
The actual chance of getting to play after college is very slim. But now, thanks to Charlotte native Sean Kilmartin and his program USA Select Basketball, players from across the country are getting that chance.
Over the weekend, athletes traveled to the Gate City to showcase their basketball skills. By the end of the review, the players that stand out could walk away with a European contract.
"The goal of all these players growing up is, of course, to play in the NBA. But the reality is there's probably more plumbers in Greensboro, N.C., than American players playing in the NBA," said USA Select Basketball General Manager, Sean Kilmartin.
Kilmartin said he's had people playing everywhere from New Zealand to Scotland.
That opportunity is what attracted Copin State graduate Brian Chesnut.
"It's an opportunity to do something that I love, I have passion for and to be able to see the world at the same time. It's just a great opportunity. Why not?" said Chesnut.
Athlete Terell Smith, who played for England last year, said the experience can be life-changing.
"Playing overseas, it's like a vacation, and I play basketball and I get paid. I can't think of nothing better," Smith said. "I get to see the world. What's better than seeing the world?"
And Kilmartin said the benefits go beyond the basketball court.
"The opportunity for these young men to see all of these different places and languages and cultures and learn from that, that’s an education that’s going to make them more marketable when they finish their basketball career and are interviewing for another job," said Kilmartin.
Around 15 players will be chosen from this weekend's showcase to play in a month-long European tour this September. Organizers say those players are often picked up by those European teams to join their league for the season.
England Basketball Division 1 Season Statistics filled with USA Select Players!
The season ending statistics for England Basketball division 1 are now out, and USA Select players are well represented.
2nd leading scorer is 6'8" Tyler Ousley who averaged an amazing 23.29 points per outing. Just behind him was USA Select's Douglas McLaughlin-Williams was averaged 22.65 points per game. Both players were members of the 2009 European Exposure Tour and signed with the Sheffield Arrows in the EBL. Combining for a total of nearly 56 points per game, they were the highest scoring duo in the league!
The rebounding column was also well represented, as Douglas, a former Appalachian State University star, averaged 10.92 rebounds per game and Ousley, a NCAA Division 3 All American, averaged 10.69. Again the pair were the highest combined rebounders in the league! Offensive rebounds of 4.08 were enough for Ousley to lay claim to the 2nd spot in that category and USA Select's Terrell Smith, who played for the Reading Rockets, gathered 2.93 offensive boards per game to place 8th on the list.
9.08 defensive rebounds placed McLaughlin-Williams at the top of that list. (Ousley was also in the top 5 with 6.62 per game)
Terrell Smith, also a member of the 2009 European Tour was listed 8th in the league for assists with 3.60 per game for the undefeated Reading Rockets. Smith, a former Limestone College player, also made the top 10 in steals placing at 6th place with 2.2 per game.
Leading the category of blocked shots was Tyler Ousley with 2.38 per game.
Proving that shot selection is important, Ousley was listed 2nd in the league with an incredible 56.5%.Not to be left out, Smith was # 9 at 51.91 %
In the 3 point shooting category McLaughlin-Williams shot a blistering 43.97 % for the season to place him 4th on the list. Terrell Smith was # 5 at 43.75 %.
The final statistic released was Free throw percentage and Tyler Ousley again managed to be listed with a solid 67.59% to place him 9th in the league.
Upon final review, USA Select General manager, Sean Kilmartin, was quite pleased to see such well rounded contributions.
Reading Rockets Finish Perfect Season
Reading Rockets completed a perfect regular season with two hard-fought home victories over the weekend. Dave Titmuss’ side survived a scare against Coventry Crusaders before beating them 85-82 on Saturday, and it took a strong fourth period to defeat London Leopards 98-85 the following evening. Former USA Select player, Terell Smith scored 57 points to ensure the victory.
Saturday’s statistics show how evenly matched it was, both teams having 38 rebounds each, Coventry edging the points in the paint 54 to 52 as well as points off the bench by 22 to 20. Crusaders' coach Scott Neely must have been delighted with his team's performance against a Rockets team who've beaten everyone in all competitions. But this was a game when Coventry shot out of the blocks, kept up the tempo, skill and clinical finishing to truly disturb Rockets. The first quarter was immensely competitive with both teams scoring well and each showing defensive frailties. Terell Smith was clearly up for this game hitting his first shot, with his fellow American compatriot Ryan Lohfink making a three point play as he scored the bonus point from the line having been fouled in the act of scoring.
The Reading Rockets give some insight to TEAM USA Select
Reading Rockets | Team USA Select
If you are between the age of 8 and 16, take this great opportunity to learn from top American players and coaches. There will be competitions with prizes. One person will be selected to sit on USA Select's bench for the game!
Reading Rockets | Rockets TV
Welcome to ROCKETS TV. The media team with exclusive insight into Reading Rockets Basketball Club. Updated regulary with all the news, gossip and action from your favourite players.
The Yanks are coming to take on Sharks
SHEFFIELD Sharks' first pre-season friendly in preparation for the new British Basketball League season will have a Stateside feel tomorrow (7pm), when they entertain an American Select touring team at their EIS headquarters.
Bristol Flyers v Team USA Select - 11th September 2008
Sportuk.tv's cameras were at Filton College WISE Academy to bring you the best of the action between the Bristol Academy Flyers and Team USA Select. Team USA won 90-62. Afterwards Coach Sean Kilmartin spoke to Sportuk.tv's Nigel Turner
US aces are all set for opener
Reading Rockets will kick off their 2008-2009 campaign against the USA Select touring team at the Rivermead Leisure Complex on September 8. The Select team always guarantee a tough game and Rockets have managed to squeeze narrow victories in the last two meetings between the teams. The USA Select was created by Sean Kilmartin as a means of helping players find professional jobs in Europe. They will play a gruelling schedule that takes in Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia.
Team USA Select takes on two formidable teams from Finland.
Ennakko: Team Componenta - Team USA Select
Airwaves Raiders Announce Pre Season Games
The Airwaves Plymouth Raiders have announced their final home friendly game, to be played on Wednesday 17th September at the Plymouth Pavilions (tip off 7.30pm). The Reading Rockets, one of the best EBL Division 1 teams, will be the visitors just 4 days after the BBL's Worcester Wolves also visit the Pavilions to take on the Raiders in pre season action.
The Airwaves Plymouth Raiders have announced their final home friendly game, to be played on Wednesday 17th September at the Plymouth Pavilions (tip off 7.30pm). The Reading Rockets, one of the best EBL Division 1 teams, will be the visitors just 4 days after the BBL's Worcester Wolves also visit the Pavilions to take on the Raiders in pre season action.
The pre-season however gets under way this Saturday (6th September) with the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders facing stiff competition from annual visitors to the Plymouth Pavilions, Team USA Select. It will be a great opportunity for Raiders' fans to see their new team in action (minus DeAntoine Beasley, who is currently experiencing a Visa hold up), and welcome new players Kwbana Beckles and Patrick Fitzpatrick to the City.
The Team USA Select game is always great season opener, and fans have been treated to some fantastic basketball in previous years. The team is primarily made up of recent graduates from the American college system, who then tour around Europe playing teams and hopefully securing contracts for their players as they go.
Flyers fall to USA Select All Star Team
"Thursday September 13th was a historic day for Basketball in Bristol. For the first time ever the City boasts a professional basketball team, The Bristol Academy Flyers.
The Flyers took to the court in this their first game of the new 2007/08 season in front of a packed Filton College WISE arena with over 500 spectators in the purpose built College Campus. With pre match entertainment provided by Filton Colleges SWADA dancers and a light and music show entrance of the team the night was set for an entertaining and enthralling battle."
Unfortunately for them, they faced the 2007 USA Select Basketball Team.
In a related article from SportUK.tv it was written;
Flyers grounded by USA Select all star team
Bristol Academy Flyers 85 -Team USA Select 109
Thursday 13 September was an historic day for Basketball in Bristol. For the first time ever the city boasts a professional basketball team, The Bristol Academy Flyers.
The Flyers took to the court in this there first game of the new 2007/08 season in front of a packed Filton College WISE arena with over 500 spectators in the purpose built College Campus. With pre match entertainment provided by Filton Colleges SWADA dancers and a light and music show entrance of the team, the night was set for an entertaining and enthralling battle.
FOR ASPIRING PROS, PATH TO EUROPE HAS PINEVILLE STOP
Pineville is known by many in the Charlotte region as the home of Carolina Place Mall.
But for dozens of former college basketball players from across the country, it's known as the last stop before Europe. For two days last week, Pineville's Belle Johnston Center served as the practice location for the 14 former college players that comprise this year's Team USA Select Basketball roster.
Most of these players know the NBA is beyond their reach. For them, Team USA Select Basketball could give them the opportunity to latch onto a European basketball team and see the world.
"You can see Paris, you can see Prague, but you haven't really seen the world until you've seen the Belle Johnston Community Center in Pineville or the Showmars (on Lancaster Highway)," said south Mecklenburg resident and team coach/general manager Sean Kilmartin.
USA Select to visit Plymouth again.
Team USA Select have been regular visitors to the Pavilions over the past few years, bringing a team of American players looking for professional contracts in Europe. In recent years, players from Team USA Select have been awarded contracts in the BBL (Steve LePore with the old Brighton Bears, Shawan Robinson with Newcastle Eagles last summer), France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and even Australia.
The organisation is run by Sean Kilmartin and David Lawrence, both former professional basketball players here in the UK. It's designed to help players straight out of college in the USA to find professional contracts throughout Europe.
The Reading Rockets' Clint Deas, talks about making the move from Las Vegas to Caversham
Clint Deas joins the Rockets The Reading Rockets basketball team have signed 6'8" powerhouse Clint Deas ahead of the new season - so we gave him a call in Las Vegas to see how he's feeling about moving to Berkshire.
Rocks Get Solid Workout versus USA Select.
More than 600 Rocks fans turned out to see Thorsten Leibenath's new look squad take on the US Select team of Americans in a controlled practice game at Kelvin Hall.
In an exciting end-to-end contest the Americans took home the 80-78 victory on a controversial basket in the final seconds. However, Rocks fans have much to be upbeat about as there were impressive performances from several players.
The Rocks were led by Maurice Hampton and Moritz Wohlers each with 17 points. Rob Yanders added 15 and Gareth Murray chipped in 9. New signing Sterling Davis also fit in well and was an impressive force with 11 points before fouling out at the close of the 3rd quarter. Hugo Sterk was very active and youngsters Daniel Donnelly and Andy Pearson saw their first court time in a Rocks vest.
Good show, chap. Summers signs with King's Lynn Fury of England
It didn't take former Culpeper resident Lawrence "Puff" Summers long to get noticed. Summers, who attended Woodberry Forest and graduated from Davidson (N.C.) College last year, traveled to Europe Sept. 5 hoping to land a contract to play basketball overseas. After a nine-hour flight and a three-hour train ride, Summers immediately landed a tryout with the King's Lynn Fury.
Raiders Handed Extra Workout.
Pre-season began with a longer-than-expected workout for Kularoos Raiders as they slumped to an over-time defeat to Team USA.
Raiders' first match of 2006-07 was going to plan at half-time, as the visitors trailed by 11 points. But Team USA - a collection of former American college players hoping to earn pro contracts in Europe - rallied in the second half, to force overtime.
Going Job Hunting.
The moment Lawrence "Puff" Summers walked into the gym in Raliegh, N.C., he stood out to USA Select Basketball general manager Sean Kilmartin. It wasn't because Summers blocked out the sun. The Culpeper native stands just 5-feet-9-inches -" 5-10 on a good day," "Puff" jokes. Summers stood out for another reason. It was what he was wearing. The 2005 graduate of Davidson College showed up for practice wearing a Davidson jersey, something that caused Kilmartin to laugh.
Sean Kilmartin Leads TEAM USA SELECT BASKETBALL
Any basketball conversation in South Charlotte is bound to include the name Sean Kilmartin. The longtime Charlotte resident has been involved in every aspect of the game of basketball. Kilmartin has been on quite a basketball journey. After a successful high school career in the Triad area, Kilmartin played basketball for Appalachian State University. Following his time as a Mountaineer, Kilmartin played basketball overseas before returning home to North Carolina to start a family with his wife Jane. When not at work with his financial planning and investment business, R.M. Stark Co., Sean can be found coaching basketball in gyms across South Charlotte. Sean works with his two boys Ryan and Alex on various teams, but also lends a hand to many other teams and players.
USA Select Gives Basketball Players a Chance to Play.
The reality about playing at the Division II level is that the NBA dream is just that - a dream. There have been only a few CIAA players who ever even got a sniff of the NBA. There are only so many Ben Wallaces or Ronald Murrays. As the men's 60th CIAA Tournament begins today in Raleigh at the RBC Center, there aren't a lot of prospects that NBA teams are scouting. But there is an alternative for players hoping to continue their careers and being paid to do so.
Pro Basketball Brighton Beach (hoops) Memoirs
What does a 23-year-old do when bad knees rob him of a promising senior season in the Atlantic Coast Conference?He plays some more basketball, of course-but this time he does it for moneyJets Clinch Final Four Spot
Chester Jets are the first team to qualify for the BBL Trophy semi-finals at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle after the weekends games. The Trophy holders for the last four years secured their berth with a resounding 110-67 success over Leicester Riders on Sunday night. This was the case as Sheffield Sharks only beat the Riders by four points, 73-77 in a close game at the John Sandford the night before.
In Group South 1 London Towers are in the ascendancy after beating Milton Keynes Lions, a 94-95 overtime road win was secured on the buzzer with a Jerry Williams basket
They Open the World up to U.S. Athletes
"We just looked at each other (during a casual meeting) and said we were going to give some athletes an opportunity to see this one day," Kilmartin said recently. "As time progressed, we would always maintain contact with people we'd played with in Europe. A few years down the road, we realized we could juggle our schedules and with the assistance of Nicholas Melissaris and Mike Palladino, we put this brainchild together."
Former HA Star McCue Earns Basketball Tour Spot
Many recent college graduates opt to travel after graduation. A week or two in Europe ... Perhaps a significant stay in South America or even Asia. Freedom native Jesse McCue is no exception. Instead of backpacking through England, Austria, or Italy in the summer, however, the former Hampden Academy basketball standout will do a European and South American travel tour as part of a basketball team playing exhibition and tournament games this fall.
An Interview by the Kunin Club
This interview is on their website which unfortunately is in Czech