An enthusiastic crowd filled the centre court at the New Sudbury Centre on Nov. 8 as the city's first professional basketball team, the Sudbury Five, introduced their roster.
"This roster has been months in the making and we couldn't be more excited to release the finished product to the Sudbury community tonight," said Five head coach and general manager Logan Stutz.
"This is a highly skilled team that can shoot and drive the ball better than most teams in this league. We have high expectations for this team and can't wait to start play on Nov. 17."
Fans of the team got a chance to meet the players and coaches, as well as team mascot The Rock Monster, and the Five's dance pack.
The timing for the roster reveal worked out nicely, as the floor that the team will be playing on at the Sudbury Arena was delivered earlier that day. The floor will be installed on Monday, Nov. 12.
"I'm so excited, this is a dream come true," said team owner Dario Zulich. "This started out as just a thought that developed over time and become a reality. This is actually the first professional sports team in Northern Ontario, so we're just proud to put Sudbury on the map and continue to grow."
The team roster is as follows:
- Jalen Bland - Guard
- Braylon Rayson - Guard
- Adam Blazek - Guard
- Georges Serress - Wing
- Antoine Chandler - Guard
- Cory Dixon - Forward
- Grandy Glaze - Forward
- Alexander Henry - Forward
- Travis Releford - Wing
- Antawn Clayton - Forward
- Devin Gilligan - Wing
- Walter Pitchford - Forward
- Tyrell Tate - Guard
The team's opening night roster includes 12 players from across North America, including five Canadians. The Five will open their season on the road in Windsor on Nov. 17 when they take on the Windsor Express.
The Five will head back to Sudbury for their home opener at the Sudbury Arena on Thursday, Nov. 22.
