Blue Ducks News

March 2, 2004

Blue Ducks begin signing players

Team inks pair of former Gators, brings back Shannon

Melbourne, Florida – By lassoing a couple of Gators, the Brevard Blue Ducks have begun their trek toward on-the-court respectability again, as they announced the signings of former University of Florida basketball stars, Brett Nelson and Brent Wright.

Nelson, who ended his Gator career in 2003, is a former McDonald’s All-American. The 6-4, 185-pound guard averaged 15 PPG his sophomore and junior years, before falling off due to an ankle injury in his senior year. He has since played basketball professionally overseas, most recently in Sweden.

A 6-8, 235-pound forward, Wright played for Florida from 1998-2001 and was a member of the winningest senior class in school history. A four-year starter who also had his senior year cut short due to an ankle injury, Wright averaged 8.8PPG and 5.2RPG during his collegiate career. He’s kept busy playing professionally overseas, seeing stops in Italy, Israel and Sweden.

In addition, the Blue Ducks reacquired star forward Terrence Shannon from the Adirondack Wildcats. The 6-7, 185-pound Shannon is now playing for the Roanoke Dazzle of the NBDL and is currently 13th in scoring in the league. A member of the inaugural Blue Ducks squad of 2002, Shannon was the second leading scorer for the Ducks with a 16.9 PPG average in 2003.

The Blue Ducks also announced the signings of two additional players:

Oliver Morton, a 6-10, 245-pound center from Tennessee-Chattanooga. A first-team All Southern Confernence Selection in 2001, he averaged 11.5 PPG/5.5 RPG in his college career and appeared in the Shaw Summer League in 2001 as a member of the Boston Celtics. Morton just finished a stint in Finland where he averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Kenny Walker, a 6-9, 220-pound forward played for the Alabama Crimson Tide up until 2002. A native a Jacksonville, Florida, he averaged 9.2 PPG and 5.5 RPG his senior year.

“We are really looking forward to seeing what these guys can do in our pre-season veteran’s camp,” remarked player personnel director, Derek Howard. “They’re good solid players who’ve gained some valuable pro experience since their collegiate playing days.”

The Blue Ducks pre-season camp opens on April 1st. They begin their third season of USBL action at Florida Tech on April 22nd.

The Blue Ducks are a member of the United States Basketball League (USBL), which serves as a minor league to the NBA. In its 18-year existence, over 140 players have graduated from the USBL to the NBA. Stars such as Avery Johnson, Spud Webb, Monute Bol, Mugsy Bouges, Chris Childs, Anthony Mason and Darrell Armstrong all got their start in the USBL.

For more information, visit the Blue Ducks website at www.BrevardBlueDucks.com or call (321) 751-2583.