The Hon. Julian Fraser/Save the Seed Basketball League moved into high gear last night, Wednesday August 13, 2014 with the staging of its first Elite Player Draft, which created much excitement, frantic phone calls and huddles of whispered conversations. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The number one overall pick was Eustace “Boss” Freeman who will now be the “big man” for the Phillipinas, who despite being one of the fastest teams in offense last year, suffered from a lack of height and their ability to pick up rebounds. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Most of the Teams taking part in the Julian Fraser / Save the Seed League were in attendance for the Elite Player Draft. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Devon Blaize drew the number two pick for Real Tool and snapped up Cedric King. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Rushawn Johnson of Da 3rd went for the effervescent Ray D. Victor to complete his roster. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Deep into a phone call, Verne Turnbull and his advisor grabbed Steve E. Parillon for the Knights. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Asst. Coach, Jason A. Edwin decided his roster was strong enough and waived the Bayside Blazers pick. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Beset by drop outs, the Draft Pick left some teams without a choice, but League Organisers say that will be remedied ahead of the League Opening tomorrow August 15, 2014. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Player Draft, the first of its kind amongst Basketball Leagues in the Territory, had a few to be expected hiccups, and suffered with players pulling out of the Draft, but all in all created much excitement and gave several teams a renewed belief in their chances of success this season.

The number one overall pick was Eustace “Boss” Freeman who will now be the “big man” for the Phillipinas, who despite being one of the fastest teams in offense last year, suffered from a lack of height and their ability to pick up rebounds.

Phillip Glasgow, wanted by a few teams, was the only player in attendance from the Draft and he now joins the Game Boyz.

The number two pick was Cedric King who completes the roster of Real Tool. “We were the smallest team last year and wanted a big man. The Phillipinas snapped up “Boss” so we went for King, who is not as big, but will scrap and pull boards for us,” noted Real Tool’s Devon Blaize.

Ray D. Victor went to Da 3rd as number 3. “I was looking for a decent scorer to join the team. Ray will bring leadership too and with his experience will help make the players better overall,” stated Da 3rd Coach, Rushawn Johnson.

The Knights added Steve E. Parillon. “We were looking for a bigger guy so we went with Parillon and I will be talking to him later to see if he is going to be fit and willing to play with us,” commented Knights Coach Verne Turnbull.

Run It Red picked Javaghn Cameron, Travis Isaac joins the Avengers and Jevone ‘Bugsy’ Demming is now part of Desert Storm.

Afterwards, League Commissioner, Rajah A. Smith said that the Draft had gone well despite the players pulling out and a few hiccups along the way. He also noted that it was good to see the excitement generated and that knowing who had gone where would spice up the League.

“I think it was fair, very exciting in the beginning to see the teams making phone calls and trying to decide who to pick. Da 3rd drafted Ray D. Victor and they are a group of young guys who play hard ball, so with Victor giving them 30 points a game, they could well be contenders this year. The Phillipinas, as well, made a good signing in “Boss”. They are a fast small team, but didn’t get many rebounds, so with him in their team and playing well they could well be contenders too,” said Smith.

Glasgow, the only player who attended, was the target of a few teams and was snapped up by the Game Boyz “That’s a natural fit, he’s a really good player who gives you everything inside and outside” added Smith.

As for the teams who missed out on a pick due to a lack of Players, Smith said that the Committee would make a pool of new players and get those teams to pick one ahead of Friday’s Opening Night.

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League kicks off tomorrow Friday August 15, 2014 with an opening ceremony at 5:00PM. There will be an unveiling of the 2013 championship team banner in honour of Ruff House. Guest Speakers will be the Hon. Julian Fraser RA (R3), the Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn and Bishop John I. Cline.

The Opening Night will see three games take place including defending Champions, Ruff House against the Avengers.

Hon. Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League Schedule 2014

Friday, 15 August 2014

      5:00 p.m.         - Opening Ceremony

      6:00 p.m.         - Jr. West Gunners vs. Young Starz

      7:30 p.m.         - Talk Done vs. West Gunners

      9:30 p.m.         - Avengers vs. Ruff House

Saturday, 16 August 2014

      4:30 p.m.         -  Swaggas vs. YEP

      6:00 p.m.         - Real Tool vs. Desert Storm

      8:00 p.m.         - Bayside Blazers vs. Da 3^rd

      10:00 p.m.       - Run It Red vs. Knights

Sunday, 17 August 2014

      4:30 p.m.         - Jr. West Gunners vs. Swaggas

      6:00 p.m.         - Warrias vs. Pilipinas

      8:00 p.m.         - Top Shottas vs. Knights

Friday, 22 August 2014

      6:00 p.m.         - Real Tool vs. Pilipinas

      8:00 p.m.         - Game Boys vs. Top Shattas

      10:00 p.m.       - Bayside Blazers vs. Desert Storm

Saturday, 23 August 2014

      4:30 p.m.         - YEP vs Jr West Gunners

      6:00 p.m.         - Da 3^rd vs. Game Boys

      8:00 p.m.         -  Avengers vs. West Gunners

      10:00 p.m.       -  Talk Done vs. Ruff House

Sunday, 24 August 2014

      4:00 p.m.         -  YEP vs. Young Starz

      6:00 p.m.         -  Spartans vs. Real Tool

      8:00 p.m.         -  Desert Storm vs. Run It Red