Photo courtesy National Basketball League of Canada / Chuck Miller
The hometown Quebec Kebs kicked off the inaugural season of the National Basketball League of Canada with a 102-97 historic victory over the Moncton Miracles.
Quebec Kebs Ralphy Holmes scored the first two points in league history with a pair of free-throws as the hometown team jumped out to an early 17-10 lead.
Via Kebs Historic Victory Over Miracles Kicks Off Inaugural NBL Canada Season from Basketball Buzz
Rejoice North Americans! There is still professional basketball to be had in the midst of the NBA lockout. The National Basketball League of Canada commenced its maiden season in Quebec City as the Quebec Kebs hosted the Moncton Miracles . Admittedly, the action, skill and flow of the game isn’t up to par with that of the nearly 70-year old NBA. It’s quality was that of a your typical NCAA game, which will only get better with time and refinement.
I was only able to witness the 1st half of the game, but as Joshua Priemski noted to me on Twitter, there were serious defensive lapses by Quebec as Jazzmar Ferguson for Moncton came around screens and buried 3 shots from downtown in addition to a pull-up three in transition he nailed in the 1st quarter. For Quebec the star in the 1st half was Dontell Jefferson, who’s enjoyed a brief stint with the Charlotte Bobcats and lengthy stay in the NBA’s D-League. Alas, I was unable to see the outcome of the inaugural match, but there will be plenty of action to catch up on in the coming months.
The league’s 7 teams play a 36-game schedule with the top 4 advancing to the playoffs. Speaking of the 7 teams, let’s have a run down, shall we?
- Halifax Rainmen – Located in Nova Scotia and have the notoriety of signing former NBA players Rodney Buford and Eddie Robinson.
- London Lightning – Located in Ontario; NBA legend Michael Ray Richardson is the head coach.
- Moncton Miracles – Located in New Brunswick; one of the many alliterative teams in the NBL.
- Oshawa Power – Located in Ontario; was looking forward to watching Denham Brown but he has bailed for Argentina. Not cool man.
- Quebec Kebs – Located in Quebec; home of my favorite NBL player so far, Dontell Jefferson.
- St. John Mill Rats – Located in New Brunswick; definitely the most interesting professional sports name around
- Summerside Storm – Located in Prince Edward Island; their home stadium (Consolidated Credit Union Place) is as corporately hackneyed as your typical American arena.
Here’s hoping that next season the league balances itself with 8 teams by adding an expansion in Ottawa. Until then enjoy the streamable games online. The league’s official Twitter account (@NBLCanada) is excellent at presenting the latest link.
PS – This is a good time to remember that the NBA’s first game was played in Canada. Go Huskies!
