San Antonio Ballas ...

[Kori Ellis]

Who's trying out?

The United basketball League(UBL) is proud to announce minor league professional basketball coming to San Antonio. The San Antonio Soul will be hosting try-outs the week of June 11th. The UBL is a minor league professional league basketball club. Mac Claire comissioner and BobbieT.Lee owner of the Soul, would like to announce try-outs to all who are interested in playing on the team.Please call Mac Claire at (210) 462-7854

[Buddy Holly]

Where will they play their games?

[SequSpur]

I am.

[Kori Ellis]

Where will they play their games?

I don't know. It's the first season.

Here's the league website:
http://www.ublhoops.com/

The San Antonio team website isn't up yet.

[Fillmoe]

id try out if it was united ballers league

[Kori Ellis]

They will play at Antioch ...

May 23, San Antonio, TX - The San Antonio Soul is the latest entry into the brand new United Basketball League (UBL). They will join several other Texas based teams along with clubs in Arkansas, Missouri and states not yet announced for the inaugural season opener in April 2008. The Soul are owned by Inner Circle Sports and operated by Ms. Bobbie B.T. Lee.

The Soul has wasted no time making noise in their community. In addition to securing Antioch Community Sports Arena as their home, they have announced their try out dates on June 18 and June 19 beginning at 7:00 PM.

The Soul have gotten sponsors, and on July 14, they will host along with the UBL at no charge to the public the first annual Shooting for Good Health? basketball camp and health seminar. They really have jumped right in and made their name recognizable in the community,? said UBL Commissioner Mac Claire. The Soul may wind up as a model for the other teams to follow. However it should be noted that they have learned from Ozzie Denson of the (Waco) Wranglers.

Some of the participants for the July 14 event include local supermarket chain HEB (Buddy the mascot), VIA transportation (Buster, another mascot), and Pepsico.

Representatives from The American Cancer Society, Asthma and Allergy, American Diabetes and others will hand out pamphlets or speak to the crowd about prevention of these diseases. A celebrity has not yet been announced.

Ms. Lee said, "There will be prizes and giveaways at our event, nutritious snacks, and maybe a few surprises. It should be a fun day and a great event."

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

My knee would snap like Shaun Livingston if I tried out.

[Kori Ellis]

UBL Franchise Not a ‘Spur’ of the Moment.


By Joe Pietaro
The Soul of San Antonio Basketball.



San Antonio, TX - San Antonio has been a hotbed for professional basketball since 1973, when the Dallas Chaparrals of the American Basketball Association were relocated. The team was originally going to be called the Gunslingers, but changed its name to the Spurs before playing a game at the HemisFair Arena. After three seasons, the Spurs were one of the four ABA teams that merged with the NBA.

The team has had a rich history and has won three NBA championships (1998-99, 2002-03, 2004-05). With players such as David Robinson and Tim Duncan, the people of San Antonio have had mega-superstars to cheer for. But once the NBA season concludes, there is a void for hoops fans.

That is a thing of the past. When you have a great fan-base and following such as the Spurs do, basketball should be played all year. And that is exactly what the owners of the San Antonio Soul of the United Basketball League felt.

Starting in April of 2008, everyone who is missing the action once the Spurs win their last game will have a home team to turn to. Inner Circle Sports has purchased one of the 12 franchises that will compete in the UBL’s inaugural season. Ms. Bobbie B.T. Lee, who moved to San Antonio following Hurricane Katrina, will operate the team.

"I wouldn’t consider myself a survivor, being that it implies that I am a victim," said Lee. "Those left behind are the victims. I was fortunate that we were able to get out. A lot of good things have happened to us in San Antonio."

Lee continued, "We lost everything. Family members and friends. We may never know what happened to them. To be uprooted and transplanted in another part of the country. But I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Starting this team in San Antonio, it gives me something to concentrate on. I look at it as a blessing."

Lee further stated that she became interested in the UBL because it was geared towards family entertainment. "It’s not all about getting out there and making baskets and showboating on TV," Lee said. "It’s about a positive influence."

The community has embraced the team, even in these early stages. Lee says, "They’ve been behind us 110 percent. I want my team to be more sensitive to the needs of the community.

It’s all about teamwork. It’s not about winning a few games or even a championship. It’s about the community."

Roderick Edison has been hired as the general manager of the team and is looking towards many different avenues to fill the roster.

"We’re holding tryouts next month [June 18 and 19], and we already have a few players signed [names could not be divulged at this time]. We have had players from overseas contact us that heard about the UBL. We’re looking to get a strong bench [in addition to a starting five].

"No matter how far they are, if they can get to San Antonio, we will give them an opportunity. We’re looking to have a completed roster by December."

One of those players from overseas is currently playing in Italy and is originally from Ghana, who is scheduled to arrive in San Antonio next month.

Lee feels that playing in the same town as the Spurs is a positive. "With the inflated prices of the NBA, that is what is going to draw our crowds. Low-priced tickets, family entertainment, local players from families that have been in the community awhile. Plus, we’re playing in the NBA’s offseason."

Part of the ownership group includes Lee’s mother, Evelyn Watkins. In a way, to promote a family atmosphere with your own family makes it even more special and genuine.

"My Dad [who passed away a few years ago] was a big sports fan. He would have been proud of this," said Lee.

[Buddy Holly]

Hope they succeed.

[midgetonadonkey]

Do they accept overweight alcoholics on their team? I have a wicked 5 foot bank shot.

[MoSpur]

This is good.

[MoSpur]

Batman will respond saying something like, "I would tryout and make the team if my knee was in better shape in 5...4...3...2...1...

[sa_butta]

Do they accept overweight alcoholics on their team? I have a wicked 5 foot bank shot.We are not talkin shooting beers cans off the wall into the trashcan. But you may inquire about the obnoxious drunken mascot.

[angel_luv]

That sounds fun. Some of you guys need to make the team so we can have GTG's to watch you play. :)

[Mixability]

Is timvp trying out? I heard ORION was good. I would try out for the dunk contest for the all-star game if they had one.

I don't think they let you use a volleyball for the contest. And also, didn't you say you could only barely get the ball over the rim with a basketball?

[mardigan]

I would love to try out just for shits and giggles, but I would probably only hurt myself

[Slomo]

I am.do it!

http://www.cikava.com/gallery/albums/Photoshop_madness/Small_Ball_001.jpg

[PM5K]

Who's trying out?

The United basketball League(UBL) is proud to announce minor league professional basketball coming to San Antonio. The San Antonio Soul will be hosting try-outs the week of June 11th. The UBL is a minor league professional league basketball club. Mac Claire comissioner and BobbieT.Lee owner of the Soul, would like to announce try-outs to all who are interested in playing on the team.Please call Mac Claire at (210) 462-7854


Kori, you should know none of us can actually play, we just run our mouths about basketball while we sit in front of our computers and eat hot wings...

;-)

[Slomo]

Kori, you should know none of us can actually play, we just run our mouths about basketball while we sit in front of our computers and eat hot wings...

;-)I wish!

[Nbadan]

I get dawged at UTSA.

[tlongII]

The Spurs don't even sell out their playoff games. What makes these guys think San Antonio would support a minor league team?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

The Spurs don't even sell out their playoff games.
The Blazers don't even have playoff games.

[ArgSpursFan]

would they take any Argies in the league too?

[Fillmoe]

The Spurs don't even sell out their playoff games. What makes these guys think San Antonio would support a minor league team?


:lol :lol

[angel_luv]

This league should play in the summer... would help with the drought.

[MoSpur]

The Blazers don't even have playoff games.

:lmao

[LeaguePrez]

Hi Everyone! My name is Mac Claire, UBL Commissioner.

I happened to stumble upon this website and decided to join.

Just to clear up a few things:
The UBL IS a spring/summer league and we will start April 1, 2008.

With regard to San Antonio and the "sell out" comment, we are not competing with any NBA team but we are building relationships with them. The NBA can't be touched, and anyone who is realistic understands that. But we can provide a family atmosphere, we can provide a different stage for talented players to perform on. Not everyone makes it to college but they have talent. College is a wonderful institution which I experienced for a year in New York, but not attending college is no reason to be left twisting in the wind.
We all know people who would fit into the catagory "13th man on a 12 man roster". These are guys who would otherwise be on a team if it weren't for politics or in other cases contracts which are guaranteed.

For the guy who has that passion and wants that chance, we are here to give it.

As commissioner, I do plan to allow fans to have access to me. Call or email me to say hi, offer suggestions, offer constructive criticism. I'll make time. If I am not able to respond right away, I will respond when I can.

I wish you all the best!

Mac

[ChumpDumper]

Welcome to the forum. Are the Sounds going to play in 08 or 09?

[ChumpDumper]

As for the league, good luck to them. It's a pretty ambitious start with 13 teams on tap in two years. They could be a little hurt by the WBA's penetration into Texas this season. Spring league will be judged by the quality of the players participating; despite their problems adding franchises, the USBL is still leading in that category.

[LeaguePrez]

Thanks for the welcome.

The Sounds will be re-launched for the '08 season. Operations stopped simply because there were things within the organization that had to be fixed. I am pleased to say that things are on the right track once again.

[kris]

Good to see this league start up. I will definitely make my way to a few games and check out the talent.

[ChumpDumper]

Thanks for the welcome.

The Sounds will be re-launched for the '08 season. Operations stopped simply because there were things within the organization that had to be fixed. I am pleased to say that things are on the right track once again.Appreciate the response. I'll see some games in Austin or San Antonio.

[Kori Ellis]

Hi Mac,

Thanks for stopping by and filling us in on the info. I run this forum but I'm also a reporter for WOAI.com and the San Antonio section of About.com.

I'm going to email you so that I can stay up-to-date on press releases and other news about the league/team so that I can help spread the word.

Thanks,

Kori Ellis

[dg7md]

I'll try out for the Garland one. I am real close to Garland. 09 season? Sounds cool.

Hey commissioner I have questions about try-outs. I'm in shape, work out regularly, so is it a competitive league then? Or is it just anybody can play? How many games a season, playoff info, etc.

Any news on the Garland, TX team or where the tryouts would even be? Would scouts ever go to these games, too?

Thanks in advance! I joined the forums as dg7md.

edit: sent you an email with the same stuff I asked here. So its better for you to keep track of.

[LeaguePrez]

Thanks for the questions.

The UBL is minor league-professional. We welcome anyone to try out but only serious ball players with the committment and passion it takes to play on the professional level will be considered.

Again I don't want to be misunderstood. This is not a league that is competing in any way against the NBA. In some ways we are not even competing against other summer leagues. I'd like to think we are competing with them though. Everyone wants to have the best product and we are no exception, but trust me when I say that it is a great feeling to see one of your own move to that next level. I'm sure that the other leaders of their leagues will echo those thoughts. So to me it becomes a case of which of us can continue to put the best talent on the floor nightly AND have our players take that quantum leap to the NBDL or the NBA.

One of our owners/coaches said during an interview that we want a NBA type atmosphere and someone else took exception to that, saying that nobody can be like the NBA. I think he misunderstood.

As a commissioner, team owner, or even a coach, there are many things to like about the NBA. I'd like to see us become just as organized as they are. We are organized for sure but there is always room to improve. Naturally I'd like to see us with major sponsors. We are working on that daily. We would love for our fans to be noisy and hyped up at the games. So there is every reason to want to be like the NBA in that regard, only on a smaller scale.

I will poke my nose in here from time to time to say hello. I am available to the fans and I encourage all of our UBL family to avail themselves also. All the best to you.

Mac

[LeaguePrez]

Mrs. Ellis:
Thanks for the response up above. Somehow I missed it earlier but I appreciate it just the same.

Please do email me so we can perhaps exchange numbers. Until then, all the best to you.

Mac

[Kori Ellis]

Mr. Ellis:
Thanks for the response up above. Somehow I missed it earlier but I appreciate it just the same.

Please do email me so we can perhaps exchange numbers. Until then, all the best to you.

Mac


I'm a Mrs. but I'll email you nonetheless. :)

Thanks for responding.

--Kori

[LeaguePrez]

I was also corrected by someone just now in my household. Sorry. i made the correction.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

so if you're the ubl commissioner, why is your screenname leagueprez?
Show some respect for the prez, damn it!

[LeaguePrez]

It all started when I joined another popular forum. To me, being the founder as I am of the UBL doesn't mean you are the best choice to be commissioner. I therefore used the title "UBL" or League" President, thinking that I would appoint someone else as commissioner. Instead I was told that I was in fact the best man to lead the charge-at least initially.
I can tell you this much: I am my own harshest critic, and I expect a certain amount of progress to be made by the league while I am commissioner. With the help of the owners and others, I suspect I won't disappoint.

[Kori Ellis]

Mac,

I got your private message and I will contact Bobbie on Monday.

Thanks,

Kori

[thispego]

is league prez pro-war?

[Beno Udrih]

Can I join your league?

[LeaguePrez]

Beno;
If you are serious, have a passion for the game, and are coachable, I am sure any team in the league would take a look at you.

My email address is public. Send me an email with your information. I'll see what I can do.

Don't let me down though.

[LeaguePrez]

Ok Mrs. Ellis.
Thanks again.
All the best,

Mac

[dg7md]

Did you get my email? I sent a few questions.

[LeaguePrez]

I believe I did and I replied. However, feel free to send the questions again. But yes, I did answer. Sorry if you didn't get my email.

Mac

[dg7md]

I believe I did and I replied. However, feel free to send the questions again. But yes, I did answer. Sorry if you didn't get my email.

Mac

Ah. I got it, it was just in my spam email box for some reason.

[LeaguePrez]

No problem. always glad to respond to what I hope will be the many UBL fans. All the best.

mac

[LeaguePrez]

Mrs. Ellis: WOAI.com is already reporting about the try-outs. B. T. Lee who seems to do a good job getting the word out, had some contact with her prior to you and me meeting on this forum.
But by all means please do what you can to get the word out!

I now want to address everyone else interested in the progression of the Soul: "If you are in San Antonio and are into hip-hop, you know the name Biggie Paul from KBBT FM, 98.5. He will be broadcasting live from Antioch on July 14th when the UBL and the Soul will host the first annual "Shooting for Good Health" basketball camp and health seminar. There are other surprises that will be announced soon." B. T. Lee

[LeaguePrez]

The San Antonio Soul held their try-outs this past Monday and Tuesday Nights at Antioch. From what I saw, it was a huge success.

They are off to a good start with what perhaps five or six players that will certainly stick around after September when cuts are expected to be made.

Two players who tried out are currently living in New Jersey and North Carolina.
A number of others are from Texas but out of the San Antonio Area.

It appears that this team will get support, at least in the Antioch area.
It remains to be seen how well they do when the exhibition games begin.
right now the Soul have a pair of exhibition games scheduled in August, but they are being played at San Antonio college where the Soul will play the majority of their home games for the regular season. There will be at least one exhibition game at Antioch.

I will keep you all posted.

[LeaguePrez]

The Soul website has been updated.
Go to www.soulfulhoops.com for info about the big event coming up on July 14th.
You are all invited.

[FromWayDowntown]

E20 should check this out.

[E20]

E20 should check this out.
I am going to play in minor/rec leagues when I'm older and I would love to play in this, but the drive is way too long...........a couple thousand miles or so........

[ORION]

I hate basketball. I did once know a mac that I used to play with at Ward .......

[SequSpur]

I'm in.

[boutons_]

What are UBL ticket prices? $5? $25?

[The sone]

if only this was a purely "defensive" game! im like bowen without the three point shot...actually...with no shot...but i love the friggin game!

[BeerIsGood!]

I am going to play in minor/rec leagues when I'm older and I would love to play in this, but the drive is way too long...........a couple thousand miles or so........

High School Kid?

[Beno Udrih]

I am going to play in minor/rec leagues when I'm older and I would love to play in this, but the drive is way too long...........a couple thousand miles or so........
Make sure its a women only league, that way you can dominate.

[LeaguePrez]

Ticket prices typically will be between five and eleven dollars. The league will try to keep prices pretty uniform. If you are a sounds fan and want to see them against the Soul in San Antonio for instance, the ticket prices will be similar if not exactly the same.

[LeaguePrez]

The Soul will be making an appearance at a sports outlet in San Antonio. Check the website Monday for details.

[ORION]

so I missed try outs ?

[LeaguePrez]

The Soul will be at the Sports Authority on Loop 410 off San Pedro on Saturday, August 4th. It's an all day affair and players will sign autographs.

[kris]

The Soul are pretty undersized - 6'10'' 6'6'' and 6'5'' are the tallest on the team.

[LeaguePrez]

They would like to have another big perhaps, but you and i both know that former Knick Dean meminger was right when he said, "it's not how tall you are, it's how tall you play."

[LeaguePrez]

The Soul event on Saturday was a success. You may have caught a part of the press conference on KSAT last night. I think they will have a longer segment on the Soul on their sports show tonight.

[LeaguePrez]

Drea Avent of KABB did a segment Monday Night on the Soul.
Hope you guys caught it.

[LeaguePrez]

San Antonio soul players are making scheduled appearances soon. Check out www.soulfulhoops.com for details.

[ChumpDumper]

New team coming to S.A.

Web Posted: 08/20/2007 04:07 PM CDT

Chuck McCollough
Express-News

The next year promises to bring a spring full of basketball to San Antonio.

In May, when the Spurs are pursuing a fifth NBA title and the Silver Stars are starting a new season, the San Antonio Soul will dribble into the local sports history books.

San Antonio Soul?

That's the name of the local franchise of the United Basketball League, a fledgling professional minor league that plans to have 15 teams in Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, according to UBL Commissioner and Chief Executive Mac Claire.

The 15 teams are spread among three regional divisions, and teams within each division are not far apart.

"We didn't want the teams to have to pay more for travel than necessary," Claire said.

San Antonio Soul is in the southern division with teams from Austin, Houston, San Marcos and Belton.

The central division consists of teams from Fort Worth, Dallas, Mesquite, Texarkana and Frisco, while the northern division consists of squads from Little Rock, Ark.; Oklahoma City; Tulsa, Okla.; and Springfield, Mo., Claire said.

Claire said he decided to start the UBL two years ago after seeing a need for professional minor league basketball in the Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma area.

"We want to have a league that gives basketball players a chance to follow their dream and also provide affordable sports entertainment for average families," he said.

Ryan Parker is one of the aspiring San Antonio Soul players who dreams of a career in the NBA.

The New Braunfels resident said he couldn't believe it when a professional minor league basketball franchise decided to locate near his hometown.

"I played basketball at New Braunfels High School, then one year at Tyler Junior College and then briefly for an American Basketball Association team in New Mexico. I most recently played for a summer pro league in Long Beach, Calif.," Parker said.

"I was skeptical at first when I heard about the San Antonio Soul, but also curious. I talked to the folks there several times before I went to the first tryout," said the 6-foot-5 former New Braunfels Unicorns player, who graduated in 2001.

Parker said he can play point guard, shooting guard or power forward.

"For me, it's not about the money, but the love of the game. If I don't make it to the NBA in a couple of years, then at least I can say I tried," he said.

Parker said he closed his tile construction business to focus on his basketball career and now works for someone else during the day so he can pursue his goal.

The dreams of wannabe NBA players are what Soul officials said is at the heart of their franchise.

"Our guys have played either high school ball or college ball but have not been able to make it to the pros, so we offer them this opportunity to showcase their talents," said team co-owner Bobbie Lee.

Lee and her mother, Evelyn Watkins, the other owner, relocated to San Antonio after fleeing New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina was headed into the Crescent City.

"Bobbie is an avid sports fan, and when she discovered the United Basketball League's Web site, she contacted commissioner Mac Claire to learn more about how to get a team started here in San Antonio," Watkins said.

Watkins said she saw the UBL franchise as an opportunity to assist Lee with something that she really loves — sports — and remain active in the community by working with young people.

Claire said the league will start in spring 2008 and have a 24-game schedule.

"We are pulling everything together and posting a lot of information on our Web sites. In fact, the Web sites have helped us spread the word and line up a number of teams and sponsors in different cities.

"I think the fact the Soul team is starting up in the home of the NBA championship helps. The Spurs and the Silver Stars have helped create a real basketball hunger in San Antonio, and the Soul will try to help meet that," Claire said.

Tryouts for the Soul are 8-10 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at Antioch Sports Complex, 314 Arrow St., on the East Side.

For more information about the San Antonio Soul, visit the Web site at www.soulfulhoops.com. For details on the UBL, visit www.ublhoops.com.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/neighbors/stories/MYSA082207.ne22semiprobb.1def64a.html

[ChumpDumper]

I looks like Mac has his act together and is taking his time to line things up before next spring. The sponsor list is pretty impressive at this point. I wonder if the UBL made any overtures to the three most stable teams from the now-defunct USBL - Salina, Dodge City and Enid. Would've made some sense as the UBL is supposed to have teams as far north as Topeka.

[ChumpDumper]

I wonder if the UBL made any overtures to the three most stable teams from the now-defunct USBL - Salina, Dodge City and Enid.I guess they did.

Wild duo explores pro hoops
Indoor football team's GM and owner would like to put a basketball team in planned Park City arena.
BY KIRK SEMINOFF
The Wichita Eagle

The Wichita Wild indoor football team is trying to create another local sports franchise -- still indoors, but with a round ball.

General manager Mike McCoy said Tuesday that he and Wild owner Wink Hartman are considering a professional basketball team for Hartman's planned Park City arena, which they hope to open late next year.

"The homework I've done is that it would be perfect for a 4,000- or 5,000-seat arena like we're going to have," McCoy said.

But McCoy isn't working alone in search of a league for a franchise. He met with officials from the Salina-based Kansas Cagerz and Dodge City Legend last weekend to figure out what leagues would be viable options for all three teams.

"If Mike can pull off the Wichita thing, and he thinks he can, I think we would want to be a team package," Cagerz general manager Carroll Long said. "I've said for a long time that for us to get newspaper and television coverage (in Kansas), we need a franchise in Wichita."

The Cagerz and Legend have been franchises in the United States Basketball League, but the league floundered to the finish this season and is in limbo for next season. One option for the Kansas teams would be to join up with some former USBL teams in the Midwest.

Another option would be the new, Texas-based United Basketball League, which lists franchises as far north as Topeka and Springfield, Mo. A UBL official met with officials from the three Kansas groups Saturday, and they'll meet again at UBL meetings Sept. 29 in Dallas.

"What we're looking to do is to see if it'd be a good fit for all three of us," McCoy said.

Unlike the Wichita Thunder, which will run a hockey operation in the fall and winter and the city's new unaffiliated baseball team in spring and summer, a new basketball team would play a schedule at the same time -- April through July -- as the Wild football team.

http://www.kansas.com/sports/other/story/178819.html

Makes sense geographically if nothing else. It could be pretty huge for the UBL if those teams bring their player/agent/coach connections with them. The USBL teams could also go with the IBL, which is fairly stable but with goofy rules that might not mesh well with their mission.

[LeaguePrez]

Hey Gang!
I know it has ben a long time since my last post.
It has been real busy.

This past Saturday we (the Sounds) played the Texas Wranglers at a school in Temple, TX. It was a benefit game and 100% of the proceeds went to the school and the PTA. Players from both teams did just what I had wanted--they signed autographs and posed for pictures and mingled with the crowd before and after the game. It was a good day. I am proud of all the guys from both teams.

Oh yeah, the Sounds lost 98-59. We were unable to hit our shots. We had good looks at times but didn't get the bounces.

The Wranglers had alot to do with our poor play though. They out-physicaled (is that a word?) us, and they were superior in the paint.

We will see them once more before the season.

Other News: The Sounds will split time between San Marcos and either Austin or New Braunfels and call those cities home. IT hasn't worked out in Austin thus far as we had a venue ripped out from beneath us after we had a deal.

We have two teams in Missouri, three in the Dallas area. That includes the Wranglers.

The San Antonio Soul are going to be a force in our division. It would be great if you could come see the next Soul home game. I will announce it on here. It likely will be against the Sounds.

Best Wishes,

Mac

[2centsworth]

what does the roster look like? any local talent on the team?

[LeaguePrez]

Teams are made p mostly of home area talent.

[jackseven]

98-59?

Ouch. Sounds like you've got some more posting to do.

[LeaguePrez]

Yeah that was a tough one.
The Wranglers are a very good team.

The Sounds have not worked together really. Things will be different once the new year arrives.

The bigger issues right now involve marketing, sponsorships, advertising, that sort of thing. Our teams should be doing that now. The Sounds have players already, but are looking to add a big man or two to the roster.

The San Antonio Soul appear to be close to cutting their roster as they are guard heavy.

Guards are a dime a dozen. Big men are out there but they come at a premium.