Jacksonville JAM has FAMU flavor

Photo: Jacksonville JAM head coach Mike Gillespie has better days ahead in professional basketball.

The JAM will have a new head coach in Mike Gillespie, who brings strong credentials, albeit with some recent off-the-court issues. Gillespie has a 33-year coaching resume, including the past six as head coach of Florida A&M University.

Gillespie's squad made the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2007, but he was fired in August following a May arrest on stalking charges. In September, Gillespie reached a plea agreement for one year of probation.

"[Florida A&M] made a decision. I certainly didn't agree with the decision," Gillespie said. "I'm extremely grateful to have the opportunity to coach this year and coach the JAM and I hope to be here for a long, long time."

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Like most, its tough watching minor league/developmental league basketball when you can flip the channel on any given evening and catch an NBA game. However, you may want to pay attention to the Jacksonville JAM and other Premier Basketball League teams (PBL) this season.

Mike Gillespie is a good coach that can motivate a team to reach its potential.

He has snared former Florida A&M University players Brian Greene, 6-5 guard; and Terrance Woods, 6-3 shooting guard that blows the lights out on three pointers. Former Mississippi Valley State University 7'-0" center/forward Ronald Alexander will anchor the post for the JAM.

Last month, former NBA star and TNT analyst Kenny Smith took the job as commissioner of the new league. Smith on board says there is potential in this league to expand in minor markets.

The PBL season opens tonight, so let's see how this develops for Gillespie and the former MEAC/SWAC players attempting to make it to the National Basketball Association.

The Jam will now tip-off their second season at the University of North Florida. WJXE TV-15 will now broadcast all of the JAM games throughout the season for both home and road games.

The Jacksonville JAM successfully launched its inaugural season in the 2006-2007 American Basketball Association season. With a 28-8 record, a Southeast Division Championship and a number two ranking nationally in the final regular season ABA power rankings, the JAM emerged on the scene as a premier sports and entertainment organization.

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