Thursday, July 19, 2007
Professional Sports Returns to Pikeville.
The East Kentucky Miners were officially introduced into the Continental Basketball Association, Thursday evening during a press conference held at the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center.
The Miners are owned by the Trinity Sports and Entertainment Group. The Company was founded by former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler and South Florida businessman Demetrius Ford.
The regions growth and the passion for the game of basketball, were the key reasons for Pikeville landing the franchise, according to Ford. Ford says that the organization has made two key goals, to bring a championship to Pikeville and to develop a relationship with the community. Ford added that the franchise will be an economic boost to the area by creating jobs and attracting fans into the region. Fiedler says that he wants fans from Lexington to come into Pikeville to watch basketball not the other way around. The former NFL star says that the players that they assemble won’t just bring an exciting brand of basketball to the area, but they will be model citizens .
The Miners will be coached by Floyd County native Kevin Keathley. The 29 year old says that they are scouting players from all around the world. He hopes to announce a player signing within the next two weeks. Keathley says that fans will be treated to the most exciting brand of basketball across Kentucky by vowing to play an up tempo style of basketball.
General Manager, Rob Blackwell , says that fans can come out to a Tuesday night game and see one of their players and then on Friday that same player could be playing for the Lakers. Players in the CBA earn anywhere from $500-$1000 per week.
The regular season tips off Nov 16th. Season tickets are currently on sale at the Expo Center.
The Miners will play a 48 game regular schedule, 24 home, 24 away.
The Miners are owned by the Trinity Sports and Entertainment Group. The Company was founded by former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler and South Florida businessman Demetrius Ford.
The regions growth and the passion for the game of basketball, were the key reasons for Pikeville landing the franchise, according to Ford. Ford says that the organization has made two key goals, to bring a championship to Pikeville and to develop a relationship with the community. Ford added that the franchise will be an economic boost to the area by creating jobs and attracting fans into the region. Fiedler says that he wants fans from Lexington to come into Pikeville to watch basketball not the other way around. The former NFL star says that the players that they assemble won’t just bring an exciting brand of basketball to the area, but they will be model citizens .
The Miners will be coached by Floyd County native Kevin Keathley. The 29 year old says that they are scouting players from all around the world. He hopes to announce a player signing within the next two weeks. Keathley says that fans will be treated to the most exciting brand of basketball across Kentucky by vowing to play an up tempo style of basketball.
General Manager, Rob Blackwell , says that fans can come out to a Tuesday night game and see one of their players and then on Friday that same player could be playing for the Lakers. Players in the CBA earn anywhere from $500-$1000 per week.
The regular season tips off Nov 16th. Season tickets are currently on sale at the Expo Center.
The Miners will play a 48 game regular schedule, 24 home, 24 away.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 10:41 PM 
