Jacksonville JAM falls in opener to Rochester Razorsharks

Former Florida A&M Rattlers guard Brian Greene led the JAM in scoring at 17, in season opener.

Press Release

Jacksonville, FL--The Rochester RazorSharks started off their 2008 Inaugural season in the Premier Basketball League with a 101-83 victory over the Jacksonville Jam led by James “Mook” Reaves with 20 points. The Jam started off hot, beginning the game off with a 7-0 run, but the RazorSharks finished the quarter strong to a 19-19 tie at the end of the 1st quarter.

The RazorSharks were able to go on an impressive 21-9 run in the first 4:00 minutes of the 2nd quarter. The RazorSharks went into the half with a 51-37 lead aided by Keith Friel’s 15 points, 4-6 from behind the arc in the first half and finished with 5 3-pointers and a total of 18 points for the game.

The Jacksonville Jam countered with a 20-7 run to close out the 3rd quarter. Derik Hollyfield’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer helped swing the momentum back to the RazorSharks, as that brought the 3rd quarter to a 67-61 RazorSharks lead.

With 2:25 left to play, the RazorSharks capped off a 23-8 run. The RazorSharks went 21-27 from the free throw line, including 11-12 in the second half to close out the game. The RazorSharks 1st round draft pick, Vidal Massiah, finished the game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Franklin High School’s own, Marlin Johnson, finished the game with 7 rebounds.

The RazorSharks continue their season opening road trip vs. the Wilmington SeaDawgs at 5:00pm (est.). Jacksonville plays at Reading tonight.

Former Florida A&M University men basketball coach Mike Gillespie is head coach of the JAM, with FAMUan Brian Green and Terrance Woods playing the guard positions. Greene was the leading JAM scorer at 17 points.

The RazorSharks will be back on Monday to prepare for their Home Opener Weekend on Saturday, January 12 vs. the Reading Railers at 2:05pm (est.) and an early season rematch with the Jam on Sunday, January 13 at 1:05 (est.).

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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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