Defending champion Rochester opens the PBL season against the revived Albany Patroons.
By Matt Cahill
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A grueling training camp has finally come to a close as the 2016-17 PBL Champion Rochester RazorSharks are ready to return to the Blue Cross Arena. Sunday, December 31st will be the North American Premier Basketball League’s inaugural game between your RazorSharks and a revitalized Albany Patroons team that returns to the floor for the first time since 2009. With a star-studded lineup featuring former NBA talents Jamario Moon and Smush Parker, the Patroons will give the Sharks a huge test right out of the gates.
Rochester’s 2017-18 lineup will be headlined by returning veterans Melvin Council, Dele Coker, and last year’s PBL Playoff MVP Jerice Crouch. Also returning for the Sharks will be guards Deverell Biggs, Melvin Council, Rashard McGill, and last year’s Rookie of the Year John Ivy. Forward Jordan Railey also will return to the squad for his second year.
A huge addition to the team is former Kentucky Maverick Nick Waddell, who has been a major contributor to his teams over the past few seasons. He finished 2017 with the second highest field goal percentage and the third most rebounds in the PBL.
The Patroons return to the professional basketball scene after a decade hiatus. Originally coached by NBA legends Phil Jackson and George Karl, the Patroons have had a history of success in professional basketball. Their 2017-18 roster will be extremely competitive with the likes of former NBA Dunk Contest participant Jamario Moon and former Los Angeles Laker Smush Parker. Also joining them on the floor will be former NBA D-League All-Star and Rookie of the Year Edwin Ubiles. Ubiles played for the Chautauqua Hurricane last season and finished as the PBL’s fifth leading scorer.
The NAPBL is thrilled to be here in Rochester and cannot wait to show off what they have to offer in the league’s inaugural game this Sunday night. Tickets for the RazorSharks’ New Year’s Eve Home Opener against the Albany Patroons are on sale now at the Blue Cross Arena box office.
As always, kids 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Off the court, there will be two-dollar draft beer specials and kids will be greeted by their favorite princesses from Enchanted Princess Parties of Rochester.