New Jersey Jammers Explained

New Jersey Jammers
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Color2:
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League:USBL
Founded:1985
Dissolved:1992
History:Jersey Jammers (1986–88)
Arena:Lakewood High School (1985)
Yanitelli Center (1986–88)
Location:Lakewood, New Jersey (1985)
Jersey City, New Jersey (1986–88)
Colors:blue, orange

The New Jersey Jammers, known also as the Jersey Jammers, was a professional basketball in the United States Basketball League (USBL). The team was a charter franchise of the USBL in 1985.[1]

In 1985, the Jammers played home games at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, New Jersey.[2] During the inaugural USBL draft in 1985, the Jammers picked center Ralph Dalton from Georgetown University, second overall.[3] Cazzie Russell was the team's head coach in 1985.[2] New Jersey United States Senator Bill Bradley, a former professional basketball player, said he was sending "good wishes for success to coach Cazzie Russell".[4]

In 1986, the team sold for a $150,000 to an investment group of five people led by Elnardo Webster. Team officials announced the team would play their 1986 home games at Yanitelli Center in Jersey City, New Jersey.[5] During the 1986 USBL territorial draft, the Jammers selected Bill Bradley, who was New Jersey's United States Senator and a former New York Knicks player.[6] The Jammers hired Nate Archibald to head coach in 1986.[7] On August 18, 1986, Jammers guard Byron Strickland set a USBL record for most points scored in a single game with 65 in a game against the Springfield Fame.[8]

In 1987, the Jammers selected college basketball color commentator Dick Vitale as their territorial pick.[9] Henry Bibby served as the Jammers head coach in 1987.[10]

Season-by-season records

YearWLWin %Head coach
1985 18 7 .720 Cazzie Russell
1986 14 19 .424 Nate Archibald
1987 13 17 .433 Henry Bibby
1992 11 15 .423 Bob Nastase

Notable players

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: History of the United States Basketball League. APBR.org. Association for Professional Basketball Research. May 12, 2018.
  2. News: Sports briefs. United Press International. April 12, 1985. Wayne, New Jersey.
  3. News: Sports people; Allen top pick. The New York Times. April 11, 1985. New York.
  4. News: Scouting; Voice from the past. The New York Times. April 15, 1985. New York.
  5. News: Sports people; Shifts to St. Peter's. The New York Times. April 30, 1986. New York.
  6. News: Scouting; He's Occupied. The New York Times. May 2, 1986. New York.
  7. News: Sports people; Archibald named. The New York Times. June 1, 1986. New York.
  8. News: Untitled. United Press International. August 18, 1985. Springfield, Massachusetts.
  9. News: Crist. Steven. Thomas, Jr.. Robert. Scouting; Scouting report. The New York Times. April 10, 1987. New York.
  10. News: Richardson plays but team forfeits. The New York Times. July 17, 1987. New York.