Montreal Royal

Selden12-Mar-2007
Montreal, Canada -- The Montreal Royal, playing in their final regular season game, fell to the league-leading Vermont Frost Heaves by a score of 86-72.

Trailing 67-43 at the half, the Frost Heaves came into the third quarter and extended their lead to 24 points. The Royal, once again saved their comeback for the last quarter as Montreal came within 10 points late in the fourth quarter. With Vermont up 82-72, the Royal were unable to get any closer as Vermont closed the game with a convincing win - and were set to head into the playoffs.

The Royal were led by guard Dave Noel who scored 18. Forward Antonio Burks led the Frost Heaves with 22. This concludes Montreal's season which saw the team go through a change in ownership and a new team name. The Royal will be back for 2007-2008 with a strong commitment to both the basketball community and to the Montreal sports fans. We thank you for your support.

,12-Mar-2007
Montreal, Canada -- The Montreal Royal was unable to complete a spectacular comeback against the Buffalo Silverbacks in front of a raucous crowd at the Pierre Charbonneau Center. Trailing by a score of 51-25 at the half, the Royal seemed down and out as Buffalo stretched its lead to 24 points with 6:49 left in the third quarter. The Royal responded with 14 straight points at the end of the quarter to cut Buffalo's lead to 10 heading into the 4th and final quarter.

The Royal came out firing on all cylinders and even took the lead with 4:30 left in the game. But Buffalo's Lamar Castile took charge of the Silverbacks offense scoring the team's last five points to finish with a game high 34. Castile's final two free throws sealed the game for Buffalo who came out on top, 102-99.

Forward Shawn Browne scored 21 for the Royal; Eche Okafor chipped in with 20. NY- Brian Woodward led the Strong Island Sound with 25 points as they dominated the Montreal Royal at Suffolk Community College on Saturday night, 111-95. Earning their second consecutive home victory, the Sound improved to 17-12 and topped last season's win total with six games remaining on the schedule.

Playing at a disadvantage to the much taller visiting club, the Sound took it right to them and were able to consistently score from inside the paint. Commenting on his team's success from inside, Sound head coach Dytanya Mixson stated afterwards, "They got the height, but our guys are more mobile. We have the better players on the low block."

Greg Plummer (16 points, 10 rebounds) led the way in the early going with three three-point field goals and hitting three free throws when he was fouled in the act of shooting another as the Sound led 26-17 with 2:40 left in the first quarter. The Royal went on a good run to close out the quarter, and Bobby Miller's steal and lay-up at the buzzer made the score 30-27 Sound.

In the second quarter, the Sound were able to get points in the paint with smart passing and took a 12-point lead at the 3:44 mark. Raphael Edwards (16 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds) looked comfortable going strong to the hole on more than one occasion, and Aaron Williams was playing tenacious defense, creating scoring opportunities for his team. Montreal once again was able to close the gap at the end of the period and trailed at halftime, 54-45.

"We were practicing those plays (this week) with that extra pass," said Mixson. "We had a lot of chemistry and were strong on defense. Especially by our leader, Raphael (Edwards). Guys like Aaron (Williams), Brian (Woodward) and Chris (Grant) were all important tonight."

At the start of the second half, Montreal (6-20) was able to go on a 10-2 run and take a 64-62 lead with a three-point field goal by Denbruck Reid. Strong Island maintained their composure and were able to regain the lead with two rushes by Woodward, who led a fast break and scored a lay-up and had a put back bucket on a miss by Edwards.

"We were much quicker with the smaller unit out there," Woodward said. "They had to play guys like Tommie (Eddie) from 15 feet and it opened it up for us. We took too many jump shots in the first half and we stopped doing that in the second half." The Sound were also getting to the free throw line more in the second half (17 trips compared to seven) and shot 79 percent for the game from the charity stripe.

Quick passes in the paint led to Sound baskets throughout the third quarter. Unselfish play was the key, as back-door passes to a streaking teammate was instrumental in the 15-6 run the Sound had to close out the third, giving them a 79-70 advantage.

Edwards was able to hit from either the outside or by driving to the hoop, and this led to him being able to find a running Williams for a slam and a 13-point lead one minute into the fourth. The Sound opened up the fourth quarter with a 20-4 run, leading to a 99-74 lead with 6:50 left in the game. Montreal chipped away at the large lead, but was unable to get it down to single digits. The exclamation point on the victory was Miguel 'Slim' Milliem feeding Williams (18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals), who grabbed the pass and went up for the jam in one motion over the 7' Montreal center, Dominic Cambrion.

Edwards commented on the team's halftime adjustments, "We were reminded of the Maryland game (on February 24) when we had a lead and came out lackadaisical. We wanted to keep the pressuring them and go to the rack."

Montreal was led by Miller (30 points) and Shawn Browne (34 points).

The Sound will look to make it three straight when they host the Quebec City Kebekwa at Suffolk Community College on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. "We have a tough one tomorrow," Edwards said. "We'll try to go undefeated the rest of the season and if Wilmington can lose two, we can take first place. One game at a time

BURLINGTON – The Vermont Frost Heaves gave their Burlington fans a 51-point thank you in the Memorial Auditorium regular-season finale with Thursday's 131-80 win over the Montreal Royal.

"We played the same team on the road a week ago and it was a 14-point game," Vermont coach Will Voigt said. "So obviously our fans really add to the equation in terms of getting us energy and helping us stay aggressive."

Montreal, the other bookend in the Blue North Division (the Frost Heaves remain at the top at 28-5 and the Royal stand at the bottom at 6-19), took its only lead with the first bucket of the game, a three-pointer by Bobby Miller.

Vermont then went on a hit parade from beyond the arc, with Stowe's Dana Martin sealing a 10-point lead, 31-21, with two consecutive threes to end the first quarter.

The Heaves took control for good in the second quarter and outscored Montreal 43-15 for a 74-36 halftime lead.

Kelvin Parker and John Bryant each converted 3D-rule plays, including an emphatic, bench-clearing dunk by Bryant that resulted in a four-point play.Vermont's tremendous defensive effort created numerous offensive opportunities in addition to forcing the Royal into ill-advised shots and shot clock violations.

"It's been the theme," Voigt said. "You never want to lose, but a good thing out of losing to Buffalo was that it was a wake-up call on our man-to-man defense, and that's what we've been working on. This is three games in a row now where we've been pretty solid. Fourth quarter we wanted to try some zone looks, because we haven't had a chance to use our zone in a while, but really, for three quarters I thought we played great defense."

Montreal came back in the fourth and was outscored by just two, 29-27, but the damage was clearly done early. The Royal came into the game rumored in the program to be "much more formidable," but barely gave Vermont a problem.

"That team beat Quebec City a week ago, so I think it's a result of a lot of hard work," Voigt said. "Our guys have put in a lot of time in the gym to work on our man-to-man defense, and it shows. When we get stops, the offense flows from there. We had a stretch where we had a lot of dunks, and that all came out of our defense. We were forcing steals, forcing misses, which lets us get out and run."

Aaron Cook led the six Frost Heaves in double figures with 19 points. Parker added 17 points, Tyrone Barley and Antonio Burks each had 16, Bryant had 14, and Tyrone Levett finished with 12 points. Parker handed out 12 assists while committing just one turnover, and guard Melvin Creddle grabbed eight rebounds.

Damon Jones paced the Royal with 21 points and Miller added 18.

MONTREAL – Five players reached double figures for the Vermont Frost Heaves Sunday, paving the way to a 93-79 victory over the Montreal Royal.

Vermont led 47-36 at halftime and opened the third quarter with a 12-3 run. The Royal never got closer than nine points after that as Vermont coasted to its second straight victory.

Aaron Cook paced the Frost Heaves with 15 points, followed by Marcus Austin (14 points), Issa Konare (10 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks), Antonio Burks (12 points) and Kelvin Parker (10 points). Melvin Creddle added a balanced performance with six assists and three steals.

Bobby Miller scored a team-high 20 points for Montreal.

Vermont improves to 27-5 and will host Montreal on Thursday at Burlington's Memorial Auditorium.

The Frost Heaves are currently ranked No. 1 in the American Basketball Association Power Rankings and have a good chance of hosting a game in the upcoming playoffs. The top eight teams in the power rankings will receive byes in the first-round of the 26-team playoffs.

MONTREAL ROYAL WINS THRILLER OVER QUEBEC

Montreal , 23 rd February 2007-. The Montreal Royal capped off an amazing comeback to come out on top against the Quebec City Kebekwa`s in front of 1000 fans at the Pierre Charbonneau Center. It was the Royal`s second win in a row.

Trailing 36-34 at the half, Montreal found themselves down by as many as 15 points in the 3 rd quarter as Quebec took advantage of many miscues by Royal players. Entering the 4 th quarter the Royal, down 11 points battled back and took the lead for good when guard Burky Reid stole the ball at half court and converted a running lay-up to put Montreal up 66-64. Quebec could not withstand the defensive pressure applied by the Royal as they committed 4 turnovers in the last 3 minutes of the game. Quebec was forced to foul in the last seconds of the game and guard J.J Brade converted two free throws to make it 85-82 and seal the win. Reid and centre Eche Okafor were the Royal`s (6-17) high scorers with 17 a piece. Forward Damon Jones chipped in with 14. Quebec (16-11) was led by all-star forward Cordell Jeanty who had a game high 22 points. It was the 7 th and final meeting between the two teams this year with Quebec winning the first 5 meetings and Montreal coming out on top in the last two.

The Royal will take part in a charity event for the heart foundation tomorrow night at 7.p.m at the Pierre Charbonneau Centre, with Royal players facing off against the Global television staff. All proceeds will be donated to the heart foundation. Montreal’s next home game will be held on Sunday February 25 th as the league leading Vermont Frost Heaves will visit the Royal. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m. For more information please call 514-872-6644 or visit www.montrealroyalaba.com

Montreal, Canada. Former Canadian Olympiuc sprinter Bruny Surin has accepted an invitation by the ABA Montreal Royal on Friday, February 23rd as the 13th Man celebrity player. The ABA allows its home teams to have one art, media, political or sports personality inserted into their lineup at every game.

Montreal's opponent for this special night will be their cross town rivals, the Quebec City Kebekwa's which were upset by the Royal in their last meeting on January 20th. Tip off is scheduled for 7pm. For more information, call 514 872 6644 or visit www.montrealroyalaba.com or www.abalive.com.

ROYAL WIN OVERTIME THRILLER OVER BELLINGHAM

Montreal , 11 th February 2007- The Montreal Royal, playing their third game in three days beat the Bellingham Slam in overtime by a score of 124-123.

The Royal took a 57-50 lead into halftime only to see it slip away late in the 3 rd quarter. The Slam, then opened the 4 th quarter with an 8-0 run to make it 95-88. But the Royal, led once again by captain Bobby Miller (30 points) came roaring back with key contributions from forwards Shawn Browne (22 points) and Damon Jones (22 points). After the Slam`s Jacob Stevenson sank two free throws to make it 112-109 the Royal turned to Browne to provide the late game heroics. With less than 2 seconds left Miller drove to the basket and passed to a wide open Browne who then sank the game winner from 18 feet securing the win.

Montreal’s next game is scheduled for Friday February 23 rd as their cross town rivals, the Québec City Kebekwa`s will visit the Royal. Montreal, who won a controversial game last January 9 th in Québec City expects the game to be a very physical one. The last meeting between the two teams was marred by physical play and technical fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m. For more information please call 514-872-6644 or visit www.montrealroyalaba.com

12-Feb-2007
Montreal, Canada -- The Montreal Royal, playing their second game in as many nights, fell to the Buffalo Silverbacks by a score of 99-76.

Trailing 54-40 at the half, the Silverbacks came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders, connecting on 64% of their shots in the second half. The Silverbacks were led by former Syracuse University star Kueth Duany with 18 points and 7 rebounds. The Royals were led once again by captain Bobby Miller who tallied a game high 24 points and 5 assists.

For more information, call (514) 872-6644 or visit www.montrealroyalaba.com.

FRENZY VICTORIOUS IN CORCORAN'S DEBUT OVER MONTREAL ROYAL

12-Feb-2007
Montreal, Canada -- The Cape Cod Frenzy came from behind to defeat the Montreal Royal, 107-101 in the debut of new Head Coach Gerry Corcoran. The Royal came out of the gate scorching from the perimeter as Bobby Miller made four threes in the first quarter to help the home team build a 35-29 lead. But the Frenzy dug in with Corcoran barking orders from the sidelines and regained the lead at the half 54-51.

However, the lead evaporated in the third quarter as Montreal's press created turnovers that led to 3D baskets and transition points. With 5:02 left in the third, the Royal had extended to a 75-62 lead and ABA All Star forward Rob Sanders was whistled for a tech - his 5th foul of the game.

The Frenzy rallied in the fourth behind the hard inside work of Raheim Lamb. With four minutes left in the game, the Frenzy were within six points at 94-88. Two back-to-back threes by point guard Bilal Dawan-Abdullah tied the game at 94. The Frenzy went up by two and then two monster lams in the final minute for the victory.

Raheim Lamb led all scorers with 35, Rob Sanders had 26. Bobby Miller led the Royal with 28 and Uche Okafor had 26.

For more information, visit www.capecodfrenzy.com or www.montrealroyal.com.

ROYAL GETTING READY FOR A BUSY WEEKEND

08-Feb-2007
Montreal, Canada -- The Montreal Royal will be in action this weekend with a three-game home stand at the Pierre Carbonnmeau Sports Center. The Cape Cod Frenzy will kick off the weekend as the Royal will attempt to beat the Frenzy for the third time this season.

On Saturday, the Royal will entertain the Buffalo Silverbacks. The two teams will be meeting for the first time this season. Both games will tip off at 7 pm.

On Sunday, the Royal will entertain the Bellingham Slam who will also be making their first and only visit to Montreal. The Slam, hailing from the state of Washington, leads the ABA's northwest division with an impressive 18-6 record. Tip off is slated for 4 pm.

For more information, visit www.montrealroyalaba.com or call (514) 872-6644.

The Montreal Royal are an American Basketball Association team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The team's first season was in 2005-2006 and currently plays out of the Centre Pierre Charbonneau. The team was known as the Montreal Matrix before an ownership change in December of 2006

The Montreal Matrix are an American Basketball Association team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The team's first season was in 2005-2006 and currently plays out of the Centre Pierre Charbonneau.

Nevio Marzinatto is the current head coach. Tito Destin is the general manager.

The Matrix reached the playoffs in their first season of play. They won their first playoff game against the Ohio Aviators. They reached the Round of 16 before losing to the Maryland Nighthawks

ABA Strong Island Sound Sound-Off Against The Montreal Royal On The Road In 88-77 Victory

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - Montreal, Canada- The Strong Island Sound needed a win on Sunday afternoon in Montreal to salvage their three-game weekend set, and they came away with an 88-77 victory. In the midst of a seven-game road trip spanning over four weeks, the Sound evened their mark at two wins and two losses. Overall, the team is 13-9 on the season and lead the Blue Central Division by one half game over Wilmington.

Both Montreal and Strong Island came into the contest at the Pierre-Charbonneau Center playing their third game in three days. The Sound led by nine at halftime, and controlled the game until late in the fourth quarter. The newly renamed Royals attempted a come back and cut it to 82-77 with five minutes left. But the Sound were able to extend their lead and won the game going away.

Montreal was led in scoring by forward Damon Jones with 30 points.

On Saturday, the Sound were defeated by the Vermont Frost Heaves by a score of 116-96 in Burlington , Vermont . With the win, the expansion Frost Heaves improved to 18-4 and lead the Blue North Division. After an 8-4 start, the Sound are 5-5 in their last 10 games.

THE MONTREAL PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL CLUB TASTES VICTORY JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Montreal, Qc. – December 23rd, 2006 – The Montreal Professional Basketball Club was battling the Newark Express for a second night in a row, this Saturday. Just before Christmas, the team’s hometown fans received a precious gift: a first victory! The Montreal Professional Basketball Club came out on top, 113-94.

At the end of the 1st quarter, the Newark Express had the advantage on the game, 17-15. The Montrealers managed to even the score during the 2nd quarter but were still behind at half time, 36-39. After playing 2 minutes in the 3rd quarter, the situation flipped. The score gradually went from 40-39 to 51-41 as Montreal took control of the game. With 4 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter, Montreal was heading to a first win, 61-42. At the 4th quarter, the board showed that Montreal was leading the game. It went from 88-66 to 109-03, and finally ended in favour of Montreal, 113-94. The players not only showed how devoted they really are, but also how well they know how to win. Shawn Browne led Montreal with 28 points; Bobby Miller and Damon Jones both had 19.

The team’s new website is now available at www.montrealABA.com. Visit it to get all the information regarding the team’s schedule and new developments. Also, the fans have the chance to vote there for their favourite name between Montreal Flash, Montreal Renaissance, Montreal Royal, Montreal Lights and Montreal Phenix. The contest will go until January 12th; the first 250 participants to enter will receive a free pair of tickets to the January 19th game.

Please take note that the next two games appearing on our calendar, scheduled to be held on December 29th and December 30th, have been cancelled. The Montreal Professional Basketball Club will be visiting his rival in Quebec on Friday January 5th, 2007, before coming back home to battle the Keb’s, on Sunday January 7th, 2007, at 4pm, in front of their hometown fans, at Pierre-Charbonneau Center. To get your tickets, please call the ticket booth at 514 255-4222 or go online at www.myticket.ca.

THE MONTREAL PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL CLUB SHOWS UP IN NEW UNIFORMS

Montreal, Qc. – December 22nd, 2006 – After revealing, last weekend, that the club is about to come to life again, the Montreal Professional Basketball Club was battling, this Friday, the Newark Express. Even though the game was really tight, the Montrealers were defeated by the score of 105-97.

“We really wanted to win this one, and it actually came very close to a win! The score showed a difference of two points only at many times during the game,” explained Bobby Miller, the team’s captain. The Montrealers offered a great performance to their hometown fans. Shawn Browne led Montreal with 26 points followed by Bobby Miller, 15.

The team showed a new energy tonight, and showed up in new uniforms too. Les Créations Ozzie worked very hard so that the players could wear those blue uniforms at the game tonight. “The uniforms are only temporary. Later on, the new name and the logo will be on there, but for now, it’s only written ''Montreal''. The public will be able to discover the team’s real new uniforms at the January 19th, 2007, home game,” stated Luc Filiatrault, the team’s new owner.

Until then, don’t hesitate to visit our new website at www.montrealABA.com in order to acquire all information with regards to the team’s schedule and developments. In the meantime, the public is asked to select their preference between 5 pre-selected names: Montreal Flash, Montreal Renaissance, Montreal Royal, Montreal Lights and Montreal Phenix. So far, people seem to have a little something for Montreal Royal and Montreal Flash. The contest will be held until January 12th, 2007. The first 250 participants to enter the contest will receive a free pair of tickets to assist our January 19th 2007 home game.

The Montreal Professional Basketball Club will battle, for the second night in a row, the Newark Express, at Pierre-Charbonneau Center, this Saturday, December 23rd at 7pm. The special promotion of the weekend is still available: The first 500 fans who attend Saturday’s game will receive a bracelet that will allow them to gain access to the game against the Newark Express. To get your tickets, please call the ticket booth at 514 255-4222 or go online at www.myticket.ca.

Matrix ball bounces in mysterious ways
Local ABA club hopes to end season of turmoil with new ownership, team name and website

STEPHANIE MYLES, The Gazette
Published: Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Melvin Coles said he would be in Montreal yesterday, for the first time this season, to introduce a new, local, deep-pocketed owner for the Montreal Matrix.

If Coles was here, he went incognito. And the promised saviour never appeared.

The Montreal American Basketball Association franchise's new ownership team - which met for much of the day trying to figure out how to bring the team back from rock bottom - didn't hear from him, according to Pascal Jobin, founding coach and general manager of the Matrix who is the head coach of the ABA's Quebec City Kebekwa.

Jobin is acting as a consultant to the new owners, who would surely accept Coles's call. Luc Filiatrault, a chiropractor who will head the new group, is only one of the creditors whose cheques from the Matrix have bounced.

"We're going to try to do this right," Jobin said.

A news conference is scheduled for today to announce some of the changes, starting with a new team name and a new website - www.montrealABA.com - that should be up shortly.

"The Matrix may belong to Mr. Coles, but we have the franchise," Filiatrault said. "It's a name that doesn't mean anything, and owes a lot of money."

The team will be called the Flash, the Renaissance, or the Royal. Voting will take place on the new website, and the first 250 people to vote will get a pair of tickets to the Jan. 19 game.

The Brooklyn Wonders are scheduled that night. But the Wonders seem to have folded, so the ABA opponent is TBA.

The new ownership also is offering a two-for-one special: buy a ticket for Friday night's game against the Newark Express, and get a free ticket for the rematch the following night.

Coles contacted The Gazette Monday morning after getting wind that the new group had announced Sunday that the league had revoked the franchise from Coles and given it to them. He promised the mysterious new owner would make good with the players, some of whom, literally, are wondering where their next meal will come from.

"The players don't want me involved, so I'm going to step aside," he said.

Coles blamed the financial woes on a deal gone bad, one related to Quebec City Kebekwa owner Real Bourassa.

"The deal with Bourassa was to bring in $150,000-$200,000 in sponsorships. He promised. They didn't do it," Coles said.

Jobin said the search for corporate sponsors had been the responsibility of Stephane Boivin. Boivin didn't deliver; he then committed suicide in October.

"That money never came to Quebec, either," Jobin said. "Real (Bourassa) is digging into his own pockets. And he never promised $150,000 to Melvin Coles."

League CEO Joe Newman and vice-president of team operations Brad Hester did not respond to requests for comment.

The last few days have been a whirlwind of communications between Newman and the various parties. Jobin said the deal should be completed this week. What remains to be seen is if the franchise, which began with such promise a year ago, can survive.

Coles, who appeared to be Newman's favourite son a year ago, has gone from having a stake in at least four teams - Montreal, Baltimore, Strong

Island (New York) and a Virginia-based team that never really got off the ground) - to none.

Filiatrault said Coles turned down several offers to sell the Montreal team.

Tuesday November 21 2006

BY PAUL GODFREY
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
HARWICH - As long as you've got a picture-perfect shot, you can always go home again.

With a little help from a former Harwich High standout, the Cape Cod Frenzy - a member of the American Basketball Association - raced to a 26-point first-half lead, then weathered a sloppy, ragged second half. In the end they prevailed, 108-94, in their home opener last night at Harwich High School before approximately 150 fans.

Richmond Pittman led the way with 26 points, Rob Sanders scored 22 and Jermaine Watson added 21 as the Frenzy improved to 3-1 on the young season. The Matrix, who dressed just eight players, dropped to 0-3.

The contest ran the full gamut as minor league games go, with several crowd pleasing dunks, fan interactive contests and a DJ performing during timeouts. It also had a near fight in the second half, then a clock malfuction, but also had a Kodak moment.

Chadd Kodak, who scored 1,000 points in his stellar Rough Rider career, came off the bench in the final two minutes of the first quarter and drained a 3-pointer from the left wing on his only attempt as the Frenzy closed with a 10-0 run to lead 36-17 after one period.

''Fifteen years later, at 33, it felt pretty good,'' said Kodak, who was added to the roster last night as a 13th-man celebrity/guest. ''Shooters never lose their touch.''

The Frenzy upped their lead to 48-22 midway through the first half and settled for a 54-39 lead at the break.

With Montreal 6-11 center Ulche Okafor scoring 19 of his 33 points in the second half, the Matrix cut the lead to 73-67 late in the third quarter, but some nifty drives by Watson kept the Frenzy in command in the fourth quarter.

Tuesday December 5, 2006

From McGill to the ABA

Montreal Matrix

Founded 2005

League ABA 2005-present

Team History Montreal Matrix 2005-present

Arena Centre Pierre Charbonneau

Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Team Colors White, light blue, silver and black

Owner Serena Locker-Coles

Head Coach Nevio Marzinotto

Championships 0

Division Titles 0

Monday November 13 2006

Matrix fall to Frost Heaves

Frost Heaves race past Matrix, 94-83

November 13, 2006

Staff Report

MONTREAL – The Vermont Frost Heaves posted their first-ever victory with Sunday's 94-83 win over the Montréal Matrix.

Five players reached double figures for the first-year franchise, which will play its home opener against the Quebec City Kebekwa on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. at the Barre Auditorium.

Tyrone Barley paced Vermont with 17 points, followed by Travarus Bennett (15 points), Antonio Burks (14 points), Kevin Harrington (13 points) and Kevin Mickens (11 points).

"With our guys, it's probably going to be this balanced all year," Frost Heaves coach Will Voigt said. "It's different guys at different times. We're fortunate enough to have decent depth, and different players got hot today. We ride the hot hand for a little while and then move to the next guy."

Vermont established a 51-43 halftime lead and never allowed Montreal to pull within six points during the second half. According to Voigt, his players bounced back admirably after Friday's loss in which Quebec City rallied from a 23-point halftime deficit.

"Montreal tried to press, but we handled it much, much better than we did in Quebec," Voigt said.

A key factor in Friday's loss was the American Basketball Association's 3-D rule, which awards a team an extra point if a player steals the ball in the backcourt and then his team scores.

"In this league every team is going to roll out athletes and they're going to press you, and everybody gets sucked into the 3-D effect," Voigt said. "The crowd gets going, the officials buy into and no lead is safe. No question. You have to be strong with the ball – you're not going to win games if you're not. And we improved a little bit in taking care of the ball. We're good as long as we can get shots up, but if you turn the ball over, you can't get shots. I'm happy with where we are defensively – we give up our points off turnovers and in transition."

Former Northwestern standout Mohammed Hachad scored 27 points for Montreal in Sunday's loss.

On Thursday, the Frost Heaves will have a chance to avenge their lone loss when the Kebekwa visit the Barre Auditorium.

"All of us are eager to get back on the floor with those guys," Voigt said. "They had a sellout crowd at their game an there's no doubt that the crowd played a big role in them coming back. I think Barre is going to be rocking on Thursday. It's going to be a great atmosphere."

The Northfield Savings Bank 110 percent community All-Star for Thursday's game will be Barre mayor Thomas Lauzon, who will serve as the Frost Heaves' 13th player

Cape Cod Frenzys Rob Sanders Fingernail Tip In Gives them 109-108 Victory Over Montreal Matrix - ABA

MLN Newswire-www.mlntherawfeed.com-Montreal, Canada. The new-look and newly renamed Cape Cod Frenzy arrived at the Pierre Charbonneau Arena in Montreal fully rested and raring to go. After two weeks of training camp and a week of regular practice, the young Frenzy unit was ready to show the ABA what they can do.

However, the host team, the Montreal Matrix, was less than hospitable on the court. A quick 6-1 start by Montreal had the Frenzy on their heels. How would their young players respond? Dynamic 6-7 forward Rob Sanders (Providence College) responded for the Frenzy with several acrobatic interior baskets. The older, more experienced Matrix squad pushed the lead back out to 19-10 with 4:28 left in the first quarter. Cape Cod refused to quit, closing the quarter strong and cutting the Montreal lead to 23-21 at the end of one. It would be the first of many such comebacks by the Frenzy in the game.

Early in the second, the Frenzy captured their first lead of the game 24-23 on a slam dunk by guard Jermaine Watson (Boston College). The Matrix decided to try and capitalize on their height advantage rotating 3 seven footers in and out of the game. Cape Cod briefly tried a zone defense and paid for it with two quick three pointers by Montreal. The Matrix led 47-37. But again the Frenzy battled back. A three pointer by guard Dustin Hellenga (Rhode Island) and a dunk by Rob Sanders brought the Frenzy all the way back to a 49-44 deficit at the half.

"We were feeling good about our chances at halftime," explained Frenzy coach Angel Robinson Jr., "because they were clicking on all cylinders and we were clicking on just one, and we were still in the game."

However, the confidence turned to despair rather quickly and the Frenzy came out of halftime flat, and the Matrix jumped out to a 63-50 lead at the 7:26 mark of the 3rd. Continually throughout the game, Frenzy layups seemed to bound around and rim out, while the opponents shots bounced 3 or 4 times before settling in. The bounces just seem to keep going Montreal's way. But, once again, the Frenzy players refused to die. Coach Robinson implemented a diamond press which proved to be the key to a 12-0 run, capped off by a driving layup by Jermain Watson who also drew the foul. The seesaw battle ended up all tied, 75-75 at the end of the third quarter.

The Frenzy keps the pressure on and a floating shot by Steve Hailey put Cape Cod up 108-105 with 18 seconds left. The Matrix, desperate for a 3, heaved an errant toss from behind the ark that was caught shot of the rim by 6-11 Frenzy center Ifesinachi Anosike. Astonishly, the refs called this "Hail Mary" shot goaltending - and called the game tied 108-108 wityh 5.4 seconds left.

"Ed the game NOW, we're going to finish this right now on this possession," hollered Frenzy players in the final huddle, desperate to begin their inaugural season 1-0. They took the court focused on a mission. The ball came to Hellenga, who promptly took his man off the dribble left lane and lofted an arching floater that kissed glass...and...bumped out. As the ball bounded up, a Matrix player tipped it in an effort to grab it and Frenzy Rob Sanders got a fingernail on the ball. The result: the ball reversed direction and kissed back off the glass and fell into the hoop. Frenzy victory! Hysteria ensued. Quite fitting for all the near misses throughout the game that the last shot made was a fingernail tip in.

The Frenzy were led by Rob Sanders with 27, Jermaine Watson and Dustin Hellenga with 24, Richmond Pittman 16 and Steve Hailey with 10. The Matrix were led by Shawn Browne's 33.

Thursday September 21 2006

Profile on Canadian ABA All Star

Monday September 4 2006

Matrix hold ABA tryouts

Wednesday August 30 2006

Halifax still talking ABA

Sunday July 2 2006

Tito Joins Matrix

Wednesday June 21 2006

Dwight Walton Feature

Monday March 13 2006

Matrix Crash Aviators

Monday Feb 27 2006

Matrix not sharp against Rochester

Friday Feb 17 2006

Matrix win 4 in a row

Wednesday Feb 15 2006

Pascal joins Matrix

Monday Feb 6 2006

Matrix drop 144 points on Express

Sunday Feb 5 2006

Matrix win at buzzer

Monday Jan 30 2006

Frenzy for Matrix

Sunday Jan 29 2006

Matrix not too Strong

Saturday Jan 28 2006

Matrix Fire Another Coach

Monday Jan 23 2006

Matrix bit by Sharks

Friday Jan 13 2006

Charity begins at home for Matrix

Pascal Fleury now plays with the Montreal Matrix. This interview is from last year.

by Curtis J. Phillips

Question and Answer with Pascal Fleury

Frozen Hoops: We understand that you did not even play high school hoops yet you ended up playing at the top levels of the game? Is this true?

Pascal Fleury: Yes…I did not play high school basketball since I start playing as a 17 year-old in a Montreal suburb in 1987. I played at Dawson College in Montreal a powerhouse in College level in Canada. It was my first years in basketball, so at that time I did not have much impact on the game but I remember doing one play and at that time. I was wearing goggles and they were tilted in my face and the people instead of clapping they were laughing at the action. Maybe it was a preview for the Harlem Globetrotters. I also remember when Georgetown assistant Craig Eisherick came to scout me and that after every action I was doing, I felt that the people in the gym were looking at what he was noting in his book. For that game I did not wear my goggles so I did not see him but by the look of people I knew in which area he sat.

FH: You sign on with Georgetown with a team featuring Alonzo Mourning, Robert Churchwell and Joey Brown. What was the Hoyas experience like?

PF : There is so many cause that is where I really became a man. I had left my family, had to learn a new language, a new culture, and play against future all-stars on a daily basis. On my first day Patrick Ewing was there, so I did some drill with him, it was in the afternoon. Later at night while walking downtown to discover the city a brand new white BMW honk sat me and I’m like, Its not for me I don’t know anybody here. Indeed it was Patrick Ewing with his son saying hello. He was calling me Pascual like Pascual Perez who was playing for the (Montreal) Expos at that time. On the court I guess it was playing in the NCAA Tournament against UNLV who was winning by 35 points on average. Larry Johnson got the ball twice in the low post one-on-one against me and he kicked it out. We ended up losing that game after Alonzo Mourning fifth foul. It was a tremendous atmosphere in Tucson, Arizona. I ended up with one rebound and oneblocked shot on Elmer Spencer.

FH : After two years at Georgetown averaging under one point a game, you transferred to Maryland-PF Baltimore Count. What were the highlights there ?

PF: It was tough because I had to sit out one year so I was very impatient to play my first game. In the fall 1993, I was ready to start playing my first game when I got hurt trying to block a shot. I fell face first landing on my right wrist than elbow than left wrist. I ended up with a broken right elbow and wrist and a stress fracture to my left wrist. The diagnosis was six weeks out and the season started in five weeks. I was pissed off and I told all my friends and family I would play the first game whatever it takes. I did physiotherapy twice a day, ran in water for the cardio so I was ready to come back, I was making all the effort necessary. Three days before the first game I see the doctor for a diagnosis and he said "Don’t take a risk…this game is not important, you are not playing." I don’t need to tell you that I was livid, I called my dad and I was fuming. That game was against Maryland who had beat Georgetown the day before, so don’t need to tell you the hype I had. Finally they let me play, in case of emergency. In the player introduction, when they introduce me and the 14,000 fans start singing - "Georgetown Reject". After five minutes both of our big men have two fouls and we are down 17-5. So it’s my time, one of the first actions out, an out-of-bound play, I catch the ball and dunk on "Joe Smith the future number pick in the NBA". After the game, Gary Williams, Maryland’s coach says in the Washington Post, Pascal Fleury will make money one-day playing basketball.

FH: As a member of the Canadian national team what was the highlights?

PF: I don’t have an event that really stands out but having the Canadian national anthem played for the first time with the uniform on was big. Also being name to the All Star team in the Jones Cup tournament in 1995 after I was cut from the junior team and winning the Jones Cup tournament in 1996. Playing with Steve Nash and see his work ethic and seriousness was also great.

FH: As Gary William’s predicted you are now making a living playing professional basketball. How has that worked out?

PF: My first pro contract was with the Harlem Globetrotters where I played in 18 countries with the highlight being in South Africa. There we meet Nelson Mendela and the experience with the people was outstanding. I then got a contract in Bolivia (La Paz) where we won the National Championship. After I played in Taiwan for five weeks, but it was terrible because of the adaptation in a society where I was a total opposite. Then I stayed home for five months to end up in Puerto Rico where it was the best level I played. I got Defensive Player of the Year. It was strange because my first club cut me at the all-star break even thought I was their only player present. Right afterwards, I sign with Columbia in September 1998 where I played for two months but I got hurt on my back and my knee so thee release me. I head back home in November 1998. I then received a call from Puerto Rico (winter league with one import) as soon as I got home and I left even if I was still hurt. I stayed two weeks before my knee started acting up (tore meniscus). In December 1998 I went back home and did not get a pro contract until July 1999 because of my knee. I got a brief contract in Venezuela for two weeks but my knee acted up again. I tore my patella tendon and tore my meniscus, so I was away from the professional world for almost a year-and-a half. What I am the most proud of in my career is that period of time. A doctor made me understand that I should stop because of my condition and I was able, by myself, to come back to the in first place on the National team with a new coach (Jay Triano) and was able to make it back to the professional world. After the National team I played in Puerto Rico on the same team and almost got Defensive Player of the Year once more even if I had only played half a season. Then I went to Lebanon… and got hurt on my knee again after a month. That was in October 1999 and I got my first contract in Europe in Bondy (Pro B) where I played for two years. I also met my wife there and we got our first kid. Then I then signed in Switzerland…a big catastrophe. Only two or three professionals allowed per team and the rest of the players are 9-to-5 workers and come to practice after work. Many of them don’t even get paid. The only positive side to that is that it allowed me to get my French passport quicker. So in February I sign in Nantes for half-a-season. After that season nobody was knocking at the door so I came back to Canada trying to get a job until October and I got a call. So I play in Evreux for the remaining of the season. Since then I am in Charleville-Mezieres who was in a N1 last season but we moved up this year in Pro B where I play the rest of the time.

FH: With your globetrotting travels who are the best players you have come up against?

PF: I would say Alonzo Mourning, I had a chance to be his teammate for two years and I can say intensity, hard work and a little bit of genetics, Patrick Ewing is not far behind. I also played against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when he was 44 years old and I can say he would still be able to contribute to a NBA team.

FH: Why do you think a semi-pro or minor basketball league in Canada has not made it?

PF: Personally I think it is due mainly to the fact that the generation that like the game (25-and-under) do not have enough money to invest in it. Canada is mainly a Hockey country and the people are slowly learning about basketball. In 20 years I think it would be possible. The Raptors without Carter are maybe destined to be like the Vancouver Grizzlies if they don’t get a superstar within a near future. Canada is more cultural country than a sport country. Athletes that make it in the sport venue are hard working and are willing to expatriate themselves. A big example is in The Olympics; we have lots of good athletes but it is hard to make it because of the installations and the coaching revenues. The sport in Canada is not a priority. A country like Australia has less population but the government decides to invest more money in sports and since than they became a country to reckon with in major sports. Last example, Canada is the only country in Sydney and Greek world Championship to be present without having a league in the country.

FH: What are you goals in the sport of basketball?

PF: Since I am 34, at the most I have got two years left. My goal now is to pass on my knowledge to the up-and-coming kids. I am preparing my next move in coaching and teaching. Probably in Canada.

FH: Describe what kind of player you are?

PF: I would describe myself mainly as a defensive player. A rebounder. A shot blocker. Ever since I start playing, that is what I have been doing the best. In my whole career since university I think I have scored 20 or more points probably only five times in an official games. But I have blocked more than 10 shots more then 10 times. Offensively I have a nice hook shot and a little shot within 10 feet. I would say that my stats have been around 10 points 10 rebound and 2.5 blocks a game. I’m very good also as a leader because of my quality of communicator, my good mood and my numerous experiences.

FH: What does it feel like to be mentioned as a possible selection as (Frozen Hoops) one of Canada's Top 100 basketball players of all time?

PF: It is a great honor to be on the list with some outstanding players. Considering my goal as a kid was to hoist the Stanley Cup on my shoulder and that I started "successfully" playing basketball as a 17 year-old all the way up to the international level is good. To be truthful, it has not sunk in because I’m still in it and I did not realize all I’ve been through.

FH : If you had to pick a Top 10 players of All Time who would be on it?

PF : I haven’t played basketball that long in Canada and do not know much of the past, so my knowledge about all the guys is very limited. I will give you the top 10 according to what I know. Steve Nash, Jay Triano, Eli Pasquale, Micheal Meeks, Ron Putzi, Bill Wennington, Varouj, Leo Rautins and Rowan Barrett.

Pascal Fleury Time Capsule

Dawson College

Georgetown University

Middle Baltimore County University
1995-96 : played with the Harlem Globetrotters.
1996-97 : La Paz, in the Bolivian Championship.
1997 Summer season : Titenes de Morovis (Puerto Rico).
1997-98 : Piratas de Bogota (Colombia).
1998, Summer season : Titanes de Morovis.
1999-00 and 2000-01: from November, with AS Bondy (French Pro B League).
2001-02 : Carouge Basket Club Geneve (Switzerland). In February to Hermine Nantes Atlantique (France - Pro B).
2002-03 : ALM Evreux (France - Pro B)

Montreal Matrix lose to Harlem

Montreal, December 23, 2005 – The Montreal Matrix lost to the Harlem Strong Dogs by a score of 105-99. A crowd of 1,566 was on had to suppo the Matrix who played their first home game in over a month.

Shawn Browne led the Matrix offense with 21 points while collecting 11 rebounds. Harlem forward Carl Lee totalled 18 points on a perfect 10–of-10 shooting performance.

The Matrix will stay home during the holiday season as the game was the first of a four game homestand at the Pierre-Charbonneau Centre. The Matrix will play respectively Buffalo, Boston and Long Island December 30, 31 and January 6.

Alanna Stage
Staff Writer

(November 20, 2005) — The RazorSharks rebounded Saturday night.

They rebounded from their first loss, off the glass and from a first-period deficit.

Rochester rallied to defeat the Montreal Matrix 101-79 at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, improving their American Basketball Association record to 4-1.

The Matrix led the first 10 minutes of the first quarter, which was slowed by 12 foul calls in the first six minutes.

Rochester, which played in front of an announced crowd of 3,891, took its first lead with 2:22 left, converting two free throws on an intentional foul call under the basket.

"We spent the last two days (after the team's loss Wednesday) on defense," said coach Rod Baker. "If we play better defensively, then everything will just open up."

Rochester outrebounded Montreal 49-35, 31 of which were on the defensive end.

"We made a concerted effort to get our misses," Baker said about his team's rebounding effort.

The lead switched back and forth during the third quarter, with Montreal converting two 3-D plays in the period.

But Rochester's steady offensive attack of passing around the 3-point arch to open up underneath the basket started to earn a reward. The RazorSharks went on a 7-0 run in the final two minutes of the third.

The rally continued as Chris Carawell and James Reaves led the way, extending the RazorSharks' lead to 20 points in the final minutes. Carawell and Reaves combined for half of their team's points.

Carawell was named player of the game, scoring 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

Reaves, who is announced as "Mook," a nickname his mother gave him, finished with a game-high 28 points and six rebounds. Reaves is averaging 22 points per game in his first four games.

Demond Steward, a Greece Olympia graduate, pitched in with 15 points and seven rebounds.

"We didn't hang our heads when they got back into the game," Carawell said. "In the first half, we didn't shoot that well. But we kept attacking on the offensive glass and when our shots started falling in the second half, we played great 'D.'"

Rochester dropped to second place in the Connie Hawkins division with Wednesday's loss behind the Northeast Pennsylvania Breakers, who are undefeated.

Rochester hosts Niagara, a divisional opponent, at 7:35 p.m. Thursday.

Indianapolis, IN. The American Basketball Association (ABA) announced that it plans major expansion into Canada for the 2006 season. According to Joe Newman, ABA CEO, "We have just accepted market reservations for both Quebec City and Ottawa and earlier announced Vancouver, bringing to five the number of teams that will be playing in Canada next season. And we're also working with four additional groups. We are very excited about all three cities and of course, we are extremely proud of the way both the Montreal Matrix and Niagara DareDevils have started. Canada is very important to the ABA, the fans are fabulous, and we'll do everything we can to justify the confidence and support we are receiving. We'll be announcing the ownership groups and their plans very shortly."

Ottawa is a beautiful city with a population of 1.2 in the region that makes it the fourth largest urban area in Canada and is the home of such tech giants as Nortel Networks, Alcatel, Cisco and JDS Uniphase. It is also the home of government organizations such as the Government of Canada, Parliament, the Senate and the Supreme Court of Canada. The city is rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic arcitecture and is home to a large number of foreign embassies. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French and a host of other languages.

Quebec City, where culture is capital, is a modern and dynamic city. At the crossroads between Europe and North America, it is awake to the political and economic realities of the day. Producer Steven Spielberg chose Quebec City as the setting for his movie "Catch Me if You Can." This was his first visit but will definitely not be the last. The city's architecture and beauty are among the the finest in the world. Experience the St. Lawrence River, one of Quebec's greatest resources, one of many, many great attractions there. Quebec City is the cradle of French civilization in North America and is proudly preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2006. Once there, you fall under its spell.

Vancouver is located in the southwest corner of Canada in the province of British Columbia and is surrounded by water on three sides and overlooked by the Coast Range, mountains that rise abruptly. The climate is one of the mildest in Canada. With a present city population over 560,000, the region has more than 2,000,000 people. The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified port and the city is a major tourist destination and will be host to The Olympic Winter games in 2010 as well aass the Paralympic Games that same year. With a large and diversified population with a large Asian segment, the ABA plans to bring its Beijing team to Vancouver this season to introduce the ABA to the city.

For more information about the ABA in Canada, visit email joenewman@abalive.com or visit www.abalive.com.

Nov 12: Rapids played the Montreal Matrix in Montreal tonight. Point Guard, Tim Winn is on the injured list due to a slip on a puddle in the closing minutes of the Rochester Game. Final Score, Montreal 94, Rapids 74. Nani Ibrahim on the Matrix scored 25 points with 15 rebounds. Kevin Ross stepped up for the Rapids scoring 22 points with 17 rebounds and the Rapids as a whole shooting 38% from the field.Montreal, Canada. The ABA NE Penn Breakers defeated the Montreal Matrix in a very exciting, hard fought ABA game last night 106-100. For the second game in a row, Manix Auriantal led Montreal with 26 points while Quilninious Randal scored 21.

"Our team could have won this game," explained coach Pascal Jobin. "The score was very close with the Matrix and the Breakers exchanging leads several times. In the end, one of the Breakders dominated the boards with 24 rebounds and 10 blocks - that made the difference."

The Maxrix return to Montreal to play the Buffalo Rapids on Friday, November 11th at 7pm at Centre Pierre-Charbonneau. For more information, visit www.montrealmatrixbasketball.com or email montrealmatrix@videotron.ca or call 514 951 7516 or visit www.abalive.com. -

MONTREAL MATRIX HOME OPENER SOLD OUT

11-Nov-2005
Montreal, Canada -- Tonight, the Montreal Matrix will play before a sold out crowd of 2,200 basketball enthusiasts.

"Over the last few day," explains coach Pascal Jobin, "our ticket office has been so busy that there are only a few single tickets left. This is very encouraging for our new team and it says a lot about the popularity of basketball in Canada," explains Jobin. "No doubt our local players on the team will benefit from the support of the crowd when they play tonight against the Buffalo Rapids," adds Jobin.

The Montreal Matrix shows a record of one and one. In each of the first two games, Manix Auriantal, a local player from Villeray - Saint-Michel - Parc Extension borough, has led the team with 26 and 25 points. Bobby Miller, another local player who played for cegep Montmorency in Lavel, scored 13 points in the first game.

Basketball fans that could not get tickets for the opening game are invited to encourage the Montreal Matrix when it plays against the Newark Express this Sunday, November 13th at 2 pm at Pierre-Charbonneau Center.

09-Nov-2005
Montreal, Canada -- The NE Penn Breakers defeated the Montreal Matrix
in a very exciting, hard fought ABA game last night 106-100. For the
second game in a row, Manix Auriantal led Montreal with 26 points
while Quilninious Randal scored 21.

"Our team could have won this game," explained coach Pascal Jobin.
"The score was very close with the Matrix and the Breakers exchanging
leads several times. In the end, one of the Breakers dominated the
boards with 24 rebounds and 10 blocks - that made the difference."

The Maxrix return to Montreal to play the Buffalo Rapids on Friday,
November 11th at 7 pm at Centre Pierre-Charbonneau.

Willie Chandler scored 28 points as the NEPA Breakers rolled to their
second victory, 106-100, over the Montreal Matrix in an American
Basketball Association game Tuesday at Lackawanna College.

Matrix Tickets On Sale

Montreal, Canada. Tickets for the Montreal Matrix basketball team are on sale as of now announced Pascal Jobin, General Manager "Basketball fans will be pleased to know that we have kept our tickets at a very affordable price," said Jobin. Fans will pay as low as $10 to see our games. Other prices are $18 and a courtside seat will be $28. Our season packages range from $144 to $428 for a courtside seat. This is for 18 games in Montreal."

Tickets are on sale at Centre Pierre-Charbonneau, 514 872 6644 and on the internet at www.monbillet.ca. Coach Jobin invites Montreal basketball fans to attend the first home game of the season to be played November 11th at Centre-Pierre Charbonneau. The Montreal Matrix will play the Buffalo Rapids.

For more information, contact Pascal Jobin at montrealmatrix@videotron.com or visit www.montrealmatrixbasketball.com or call 514 951 7516 or visit www.abalive.com.

ABA's Montreal Matrix with a predominantly Canadian roster headed by Philippe Langlois - Sep. 22, 2005 - by Garo Salibian

American Basketball Association (ABA) only Quebec franchise, the Montreal Matrix have decided on a preliminary list of players for consideration for the final roster of the team. This preliminary list includes no less than nine Canadian-based players in addition to five international players, one each from the United States, Senegal, Cameroon, Niger and Croatia. This is in line with what the Matrix management and its General Manager / Head Coach Pascal Jobin had pledged, of taking a predominantly Canadian roster. This is also in sharp contrast to the road taken by the other Canadian ABA franchise in this year's league, namely the Niagara DareDevils who have announced signing of nine American players already and without any Canadian names yet announced, though two may be added later this week after the team conducts its tryouts.

The most prominent Canadian signing in list released by Matrix head coach Pascal Jobin is the well-known 4-year Concordia University Stingers player Phillipe Langlois (188-G-80)

Canadian Players: Louis Patrick Levros 6'5'', Forward from Rhode Island College. Denburk Reid

5'7'', Guard from McGill Redmen. Averaging in his senior year 17.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3Pt: 74.7% in 15 regular CIS season games

Phillipe Langlois 6'2'', Guard from Concordia Stingers. He was named All-Quebec University League Player of the Year in 2005. In his last year with the Stingers and in 16 games, he averaged 9.9ppg, 6.2rpg, 7.8apg, 3.4spg, with FGP: 43.3%, 3Pt: 90.0%. His team was champion of the CIS Quebec Division and finished as national runners up to CIS champions Carleton Ravens. He had also played for one season 1999-2000 with the Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA). Originating from Varennes (Quebec), this will be his first professional deal.

Derek Armstrong 6'4'', Forward, a McGill Redman player. In his senior year, he averaged 18.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3Pt: 61.3% in 16 games. He has also played professionally in the Irish Div 1 basketball league with the Sligo All Stars and made the all QSSF Quebec second team in 2005.

Manix Auriantal 6'2'', Guard who played with New York Tech (NCAA Division 2 team). Last season he played professionally for Norway's Ulriken Eagles averaging 18,0ppg, 6,8rpg, 5,7apg, 3,0spg, 0,2bpg

Bobby Miller 5'10'', Guard, a Montreal who played in NCAA Div 2 New Hampshire team before moving to Lebanon for a professional season with Al Jamhour / Blue Stars in 1st division Lebanese basketball league.

J.J. Brade 6'5'', Shooting Guard / Small Forward who has played both NCAA with George Washington University and CIAU Canadian university conference with Bishop's. Also a former member of both Canada's national U22 team and the senior national team.

Shawne Brown 6'6'', Forward, a Montrealer who played in Virginia Tech (NCAA's ACC conference). He has played professionally in French lower basketball leagues, in Nationale2's Ajjaccio Corse Sud and in Nationale1 AC Golfe Juan Vallauris for a brief period.

Korran Rivers 6'5'', Guard from Quebec City. He played in NCAA Div. 2's Merrimack College. Last year he played professionally in Austria B Bundesliga finishing as runners up. He averaged 15.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 39.1%, 3FGP: 34.6% in 8 games.

International Players:
Quilninious Randall 6'6'', USA, Forward. After brief appearance with George Mason University, he moved to Northeastern. Professionally, he played with ABA's Boston Frenzy where he averaged 7.1ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 40%.

Muhammed Fall 6'9'', Senegal, Power Forward / Center. Played in University of the District of Columbia of NCAA's Div. 2

Charles Manga 6'11, Cameroun, Center with Seton Hall (NCAA 1998-2002). Played in teams in USBL league, were part of the Athletes in Action team, 76ers summer camp and various teams in Uruguay and Kosovo. He played briefly in ABA's Jersey Squires team.

Muhammed Lasege 6'11', Niger, Center and part of the African Junior Champions team (1998 held in Egypt). part of the Nigerian U18 world championship squad in 1999 (held in Portugal), and then the senior national team. He had been accepted to the Louisville college basketball program for one year, but had to suspend his college basketball career after a decision of the Kentucky Supreme Court regarding his college eligibility due to contracts with Russian Autodorozhnik Saratov and Khimik Engels teams. He has played for brief periods in Belgium and Germany. He was also a soccer player and was part of the track and fields program.

Stjepan Marinovic 6'5'', Croatia, Guard, an illustrious 8 year career with KK Zagreb (1998-2003) reaching both Croatian league and Croatian Cup semi-finals. He averaged 8.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 5ast, 2.0spg in 6 games in the FIBA Champions Cup. Then in 2003-2004, he signed with Hermes Analitica Zagreb averaging 9.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg in Stage 1 and 10.1ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg in Stage 2. He has also played in HKK Posusje, Jazine Zadar and most notably KK Dubrava Sport Tip Zagreb where in 9 games in Stage 1 he averaged 14.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 57.5%, 3FGP: 47.2% and in 12 playoff games averaged 12.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.8%, 3FGP: 41.4%

Tickets
Tickets for the 18 Montreal Matrix home games that will be held in the 2700 spectators capacity Centre Pierre Charbonneau are on sale already and cost $144 up to $428 for courtside seats. The Matrix have also kept the prices of the individual tickets affordable starting at $10-$18 with courtside seats for $28. Tickets are on sale at Centre Pierre-Charbonneau, 514-872-6644, and on the Internet at www.monbillet.ca .The first home game of the season to be played November 11 at Centre Pierre-Charbonneau is against the Buffalo Rapids.

AUG 31 - HOOP DREAM COME TRUE - BY THE FRANCHISE

Montreal, Canada -- Are you as excited about the Montreal Matrix as I am? Can you believe it? Pro basketball in la belle province! That has got to be some sort of oxymoron. They haven't even played a game yet but the Matrix is already my favorite hometown team. Add to the fact that former Knick Jerome Williams is their owner and I really love this team already. (Williams getting waived is a whole other story for a different day. Basically the Knicks continue to shock me in how poor they are in evaluating talent. Great managing Isiah. Get rid of the hardest worker on the team - the only guy who was truly proud to wear the Orange and Blue. I can't believe the Knicks gave up on JYD and decided to stick with a stiff like Maurice Taylor. Somebody shoot me now.)

The ABA. Now, don't get it twisted - this isn't the NBA. It isn't the NCAA, the NBDL, the CBA or even the Euroleague. Hell, the current verson of the ABA is completely different than it once was. Gone are the afro days. Gone are the days when players would choose to play in the ABA over the NBA. If you aren't familiar with the original ABA and are familiar with the great "sport" of professional wrestling think of it as ECW: A small-time promotion with a hardcore fan base that produced some of the greatest talents ever. Consider the fact that Dr. J, George Gervin, Moses Malone, David Thompson, Connie Hawkins and so many more got their start in the ABA and you will realize what this league was really about. It was the perfect league for the 1970's: A rebel organization not afraid of expressing itself. It was also the league that is responsible for inventing the 3-point line and the first to use the tri-color ball.

However, those days are long gone. Today, the ABA is a real minor league form of basketball that has teams in such hotbeds as Tijuana, Mexico and Lake Erie. The closest most of, if not all, the players in the league will get to the NBA is if they buy a ticket like all of us. That all being said, it doesn't really matter what form of ball it is because some form of basketball has finally arrived in Montreal. (And in case you are thinking that I am overlooking the NBL's Montreal Dragons, I am not. That team and that league were horribly mismanaged and shouldn't qualify in this discussion). When I first found out that Montreal was getting an ABA team I was ecstatic. As a kid, I always dreamed of the day that my hometown would also be one to an NBA franchise. When Toronto and Vancouver were awarded franchises I was certain we were next. When the Molsen Center opened up I truly believed that all the chips were in line for that dream to be finally realized.

Nevertheless, over time that dream faded faster than the fad on Kid 'n Play's head. When cities like Halifax and Hamilton were hosting preseason games and we weren't, I knew that the writing was on the wall. The NBA didn't have any faith in the fan base. In retrospect they were probably right. I mean, if Montreal supports A-level soccer and minor league football over Major League Baseball they don't deserve a pro basketball team. Given that line of thinking they would probably choose to watch Putt Putt on RDS than see Tim Duncan play in person. Nothing against the city of Montreal, I think it is one of the greatest in the world, but their judge of talent and entertainment is completely out-of-whack. Claude-Robillard Stadium is as far away from downtown Montreal as is the Big O. How could one choose to watch minor league soccer players over superstars such as Barry Bonds and Vladmir Guerrero? By the way, this is coming from someone who love soccer. But I know talent when I see it. Montreal will forever regret letting the Expos leave town. And don't let anyone tell you differently. Montrealers are the only ones responsible for the death of the Expos. Not MLB or anyone else.

Perhaps that is why I was so surprised to hear that Montreal was joining the ABA. I remember attending the Montreal Dragons games and being completely disappointed withe the fans. First off, there were very few of them and secondly they seemed to care more about the mascot than the actual game. But as Bob Dylan once said: "The times they are a changin'."

All you need to do is look at this Web site. It would have been an afterthought 10 years ago but today it is thriving beyond anyone's expectations. Walk through any neighborhood and you will find kids of all ages playing basketball. It took some time, but Montreal seems to be finally warming up to the greatest sport in the world. That is why I think the Montreal Matrix will succeed.

Like I said before, I don't know much about the team. I don't know what their jerseys will look like no do I care. I don't know who their players are nor do I care. I am not even sure I know what a Matrix is. All I know is that on any given night I can go with my friends to see a basketball game. Sure. Allen Iverson and Dwayne Wade won't be out there but competitive ball is competive ball. If you love it like I do you will support the team. In the meantime and in between time, I'm out like Mike Finley from Big D.

For more information, e-mail thefranchise@qball.ca

Aug 24: Montreal, Canada. Pascal Jobin, GM/Head Coach of the ABA Montreal Matrix professional basketball team that begins play in November today announced that the team will hold an Open House on Saturday, September 17th.

According to Jobin, "We are looking for people to join the Matrix staff including positions for game staff, ushers, sales, marketing, community relations, interns. We want to build a great organization of talented people with a love of business and sports."
The open house will be from 10am-2pm at Pierre Charbonneau Center, 3000 rue Viau, in Montreal, HIV, 3J3.
For more information or details, contact Coach Jobin at montrealmatrix@videotron.ca, call 514 782 6644 or visit www.montrealmatrixbasketball.com or www.abalive.com.

The Big Dawgs

Pascal and Jerome...

Montreal, Canada. Serena Locker-Coles, owner of the ABA Montreal professional basketball team starting play next season today named Pascal Jobin at Coach/General Manager. Coles, a native of LaSalle, stated, "Pascal is a very knowledgable and experienced young man with an excellent understanding of our goal to provide an exciting brand of professional basketball at affordable prices. We are very confident he'll put together a first class operation - on and off the court." After being a member of the Quebec provincial team from 1984-1986 and playing one year at Vanier College, Jobin became one of the first French Canadians to receive a full athletic scholarship. In 1986 he was recruited by Utica College in the NCAA Division I, playing for famed coach Larry Costello. He then transferred to the University of Lowell when Utica changed to Division III where he played for three years and helped the team win the Division II Championship in 1988. After graduating in 1991 with a BA in history, he took his game to the French Pro League trying out for Levalois and Bondy before pursuing his career as a coach. In 1993, he coached teams at the high school level in the Montreal Basketball League taking his Lucien Page school team to the league championship in 1994. Picking up at the same time Coach of the Year, he also managed to send his players to US colleges. Jobin became Head Coach at College Francais for two years winning back to back championships and then coached the Montmorency College women's team in 1998 which went undefeated. He has been a sports and entertainment advisor for the past 10 years and works with local celebrities and over 30 athletes in Canada and the US in contract negotiation, marketing and personal training and has toured France with a pro team. He now lives in Anjou with his wife Paule and son Zerick. Jobin stated, "I really am excited about this opportunity. The ABA is a very good professional league with some great teams and players. We will have to work very hard to be competitive - but we have no doubt that we will be very strong. We'll be announcing our tryout camps and other things very shortly.

ABA Strong Island Sound Sound-Off Against The Montreal Royal On The Road In 88-77 Victory

Cape Cod Frenzys Rob Sanders Fingernail Tip In Gives them 109-108 Victory Over Montreal Matrix - ABA

ABA's Montreal Matrix with a predominantly Canadian roster headed by Philippe Langlois - Sep. 22, 2005 - by Garo Salibian

The most prominent Canadian signing in list released by Matrix head coach Pascal Jobin is the well-known 4-year Concordia University Stingers player Phillipe Langlois (188-G-80)

Canadian Players: Louis Patrick Levros 6'5'', Forward from Rhode Island College. Denburk Reid

5'7'', Guard from McGill Redmen. Averaging in his senior year 17.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3Pt: 74.7% in 15 regular CIS season games

Derek Armstrong 6'4'', Forward, a McGill Redman player. In his senior year, he averaged 18.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3Pt: 61.3% in 16 games. He has also played professionally in the Irish Div 1 basketball league with the Sligo All Stars and made the all QSSF Quebec second team in 2005.

Manix Auriantal 6'2'', Guard who played with New York Tech (NCAA Division 2 team). Last season he played professionally for Norway's Ulriken Eagles averaging 18,0ppg, 6,8rpg, 5,7apg, 3,0spg, 0,2bpg

Bobby Miller 5'10'', Guard, a Montreal who played in NCAA Div 2 New Hampshire team before moving to Lebanon for a professional season with Al Jamhour / Blue Stars in 1st division Lebanese basketball league.

J.J. Brade 6'5'', Shooting Guard / Small Forward who has played both NCAA with George Washington University and CIAU Canadian university conference with Bishop's. Also a former member of both Canada's national U22 team and the senior national team.

Shawne Brown 6'6'', Forward, a Montrealer who played in Virginia Tech (NCAA's ACC conference). He has played professionally in French lower basketball leagues, in Nationale2's Ajjaccio Corse Sud and in Nationale1 AC Golfe Juan Vallauris for a brief period.

Muhammed Fall 6'9'', Senegal, Power Forward / Center. Played in University of the District of Columbia of NCAA's Div. 2

Charles Manga 6'11, Cameroun, Center with Seton Hall (NCAA 1998-2002). Played in teams in USBL league, were part of the Athletes in Action team, 76ers summer camp and various teams in Uruguay and Kosovo. He played briefly in ABA's Jersey Squires team.