United States Basketball League

The United States Basketball League (USBL) was a professional men's spring basketball league. The league was formed in 1985 and ceased operations in 2008. On 6 November 2025, the USBL announced that it wil return for the 2026 season.<ref>United States Basketball League Announces Rebirth (2025) prnewswire.com</ref>

History

1985-2008

The United States Basketball League was founded in December 1984 by Daniel T. Meisenheimer, from Connecticut.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=loop>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The league management initially planned to schedule about 40 games during the summer, and started to look for new teams to join the newly formed USBL.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Former NBA referee Richie Powers was named the league's vice president and director of operations, while Earl Monroe was the commissioner.<ref name=hopefuls>Template:Cite news</ref> Meisenheimer introduced a salary cap of $250,000 per team.<ref name=hopefuls /><ref name=loop /> The teams for the first season were the Connecticut Colonials from New Haven, Connecticut; the New Jersey Jammers from Jersey City, New Jersey; the Long Island Knights from Long Island, New York (owned by Meisenheimer himself); the Rhode Island Gulls from Warwick, Rhode Island; the Springfield Fame from Springfield, Massachusetts; the Westchester Golden Apples from Westchester, New York; and the Wildwood Aces from Wildwood, New Jersey.

Several players with NBA experience joined the USBL: among them Ken Bannister, Jim Bostic, Tracy Jackson, Lowes Moore, Eddie Lee Wilkins and Sam Worthen. Other players who played in the 1985 USBL season would later play in the NBA, such as Michael Adams, Manute Bol, Ron Crevier, Spud Webb and John "Hot Rod" Williams. The first ever game in USBL was played on May 25, 1985, between Rhode Island Gulls and Springfield Fame (94-101) at the Springfield Civic Center. After the regular season ended after each team played 25 games, the league management decided not to organize postseason games, since many players were going to join other teams for the start of the regular season of other leagues such as the NBA or the CBA.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The first USBL champions were the Springfield Fame, that had ended the regular season leading the league with a 19–6 record. Hot Rod Williams and Tracy Jackson were named co-MVPs, while Manute Bol led the league both in rebounds per game (14.2) and blocks per game (11.2).

In 1986 two teams, the Long Island Knights and the Rhode Island Gulls, left the league, and three new franchises joined the USBL: the Gold Coast Stingrays from West Palm Beach, Florida, the Staten Island Stallions from Staten Island, New York and the Tampa Bay Flash from Tampa, Florida. In the same year Nancy Lieberman joined the Springfield Fame and became the first female player to play in a professional league with men.<ref name=lieberman>Template:Cite news</ref> Lieberman debuted in June 1986 in a game against the Staten Island Stallions, playing 3 minutes during which she did not score.<ref name=lieberman /> In 1987 another woman joined the USBL: Lynette Richardson, who had played college basketball at Florida International, signed for the Miami Tropics.<ref name=jobs>Template:Cite news</ref> On June 13, 1987, Richardson and Lieberman played against each other during a game between the Miami Tropics and the Long Island Knights: Richardson scored 3 points while Lieberman scored 2.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The top teams of the regular season advanced to the USBL Postseason Festival, a playoffs system that saw teams play single elimination games in order to advance to the final game. On three occasions (1985, 1986 and 1990) no postseason was held, and the team with the best regular season record won the championship. In 1989 the USBL ceased operations temporarily in order to improve its organization, and resumed the following season, in 1990.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Rebirth: 2025 - present

Template:Main article From 1985 until 2008, the USBL played a late-spring/early-summer schedule. The league was re-activated in 2025, and a 24 game season is scheduled for 2026. According to the Salem Capitals owner, Jason Conrad, “The new league is called the United States Basketball League, which was actually one of the original feeder leagues for the NBA from the mid-’80s until 2008... “We resurrected it. We retained all the rights to the URLs, history, and logos." <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Salary cap

In 1985 the league introduced a salary cap of $250,000 per team. In 1992, the salary cap was $40,000 with rookies getting paid $315 per week.<ref>Pro Basketball Comes to Lakewood (28/6/1992) - nytimes.com</ref> In 1998 it had remained the same, as each franchise had a regular season salary cap of $40,000, which meant that an average player earned roughly around $400 a week during the 2-month season of the league (rosters of 10 players).<ref>- washingtonpost.com</ref> As reported in 2000, the annual salary cap of the league was $47,500 for a franchise, for all its players. No player was allowed to receive more than $1,000 per week as salary.<ref>UNITED STATES BASKETBALL LEAGUE, INC. - edgar-online.com</ref>

USBL Draft

File:SBBK-Jämtland 2021-02-05 6.jpg

R. T. Guinn was the first pick in 2004.

First picks are as below:

USBL 1st Overall Picks

Year	Player	USBL pick by	College
1985 <ref>United States Basketball League Draft (1985) - upi.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Jeff Allen	Connecticut Skyhawks	St. John's Red Storm
1986 <ref>SPORTS PEOPLE; U.S.B.L. Holds Draft (1986) - nytimes.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon John "Hot Rod" Williams	Rhode Island Gulls	Tulane Green Wave
1992 <ref>Tony Smith made top USBL pick (1992) - upi.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Tony Smith	New Jersey Jammers	Pfeiffer Falcons
1995 <ref>SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Dream Comes True (1985) - nytimes.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Arthur Agee	Florida Sharks	Arkansas State Red Wolves
1996 <ref>Marbury drafted by USBL Long Island Surf (1996) - upi.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Stephon Marbury	Long Island Surf	Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
1998 <ref>1998 USBL draft (1998) - nbahoopsonline.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Doug Gottlieb	Oklahoma Storm	Oklahoma State Cowboys
2000 <ref>USBL Basketball Storm might take Gottlieb with top pick (2000) - oklahoman.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon George Evans	Gulf Coast SunDogs <ref>SunDogs make Golden their first-round pick in league draft (2000) - newscoast.com</ref>	Troy Trojans
2001 <ref>USBL completes 2001 draft (2001) - oursportscentral.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Detric Golden	Maryland Mustangs	George Mason Patriots
2002 <ref>USBL Draft in 2002 (2002) - usbl.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon John Linehan	St. Joseph Express	Providence Friars
2003 <ref>2003 USBL draft (2003) - nbahoopsonline.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Bingo Merriex	Texas Rim Rockers <ref>USBL Completes 2003 Draft (2003) - oursportscentral.com</ref>	TCU Horned Frogs
2004 <ref>2004 USBL draft (2004) - nbahoopsonline.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon R. T. Guinn	Cedar Rapids River Raiders <ref>2004 USBL Draft (2004) - oursportscentral.com</ref>	Baylor Bears
2005 <ref>USBL Draft (2005) - insidehoops.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Jared Homan	Nebraska Cranes	Iowa State Cyclones
2006 <ref>USBL Draft (2006) - usbl.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Gerry McNamara	NEPA Breakers	Syracuse Orange
2007 <ref>USBL Draft (2007) - insidehoops.com</ref>	Template:Flagicon Michael Haddix	Albany Patroons	Siena Saints

USBL Champions

Source:nbahoopsonline.com

Teams played a single championship game at the end of the playoffs to name the league champions

Year	Champion	Score	Runner-up	Notes
1985	Springfield Fame	-	New Jersey Jammers	Springfield Fame record (19–6), won regular season, no playoffs
1986	Tampa Bay Flash	-	Springfield Fame	Tampa Bay Flash record (22–8), won regular season, no playoffs
1987	Miami Tropics	103 - 99	Rhode Island Gulls
1988	New Haven Skyhawks	134 - 126	Palm Beach Stingrays
1990	Jacksonville Hooters	-	New Haven Skyhawks	Jacksonville Hooters record (15–1), won regular season, no playoffs
1991	Philadelphia Spirit	110 - 108	Miami Tropics
1992	Miami Tropics	116 - 116	Philadelphia Spirit
1992	Miami Tropics (3)	139 - 127	Westchester Stallions
1994	Jacksonville Hooters (2)	117 - 109	Atlanta Trojans
1995	Florida Sharks	109 - 104	Atlanta Trojans
1996	Florida Sharks (2)	118 - 115	Atlantic City Seagulls
1997	Atlantic City Seagulls	114 - 112	Long Island Surf
1998	Atlantic City Seagulls	100 - 96	Long Island Surf
1999	Atlantic City Seagulls (3)	83 - 77	Connecticut Skyhawks
2000	Dodge City Legend	89 - 86	Oklahoma Storm
2001	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs	100 - 91	Dodge City Legend
2002	Oklahoma Storm	122 - 109	Kansas Cagerz
2003	Dodge City Legend	97 - 96	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs
2004	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs (2)	118 - 116	Brooklyn Kings
2005	Dodge City Legend (3)	97 - 84	Kansas Cagerz
2006	Nebraska Cranes	100 - 92	Dodge City Legend
2007	Kansas Cagerz	95 - 92	Brooklyn Kings

• In 1989 and 2008 USBL suspended operations.

Complete team list

File:USBL USA states.png

Locations of final USBL teams and divisions

Albany Patroons (2006–07) Atlanta Trojans (1991–99, as Atlanta Eagles in 1991–93) Atlantic City Seagulls (1996–2001) Brevard Blue Ducks (1988, 1990–2004, as Jacksonville Hooters in 1988, 1990–92; as Daytona Beach Hooters in 1993; as Jacksonville Hooters in 1994; as Jacksonville Shooters in 1995; as Jacksonville Barracudas in 1996–98; as Gulf Coast SunDogs in 1999–2000; as Lakeland Blue Ducks in 2001; back to being the Brevard Blue Ducks in 2002–2004) Brooklyn Kings (1999–2007) Camden Power (1997–98, as Philadelphia Power in 1997) Carolina Cardinals (1996) Cedar Rapids River Raiders (2004) Connecticut Skyhawks (1985, 1988, 1990–2001, as Connecticut Colonels in 1985; as New Haven Skyhawks in 1988, 1990–92) Delaware Stars (2007) Dodge City Legend (2000–2007) Empire State Stallions (1991) Florence Flyers Florida Sea Dragons (2000–02, as Tampa Bay Windjammers in 1996–99) Florida Sharks (1995–97) Gary Steelheads (2007) Jackson Jackals (1995) Jackson Wildcats (2007), as Adirondack Wildcats (2002–04) Jersey Shore Bucs (1988) Jersey Turnpikes (1995) Kansas Cagerz (1998–2007, as Columbus Cagerz in 1998) Long Island Surf (1985, 1987–88, 1991–2001, as Long Island Knights in 1985, 1987–88) Maryland Mustangs (2001) Memphis Fire (1994–95) Miami Tropics (1987–88, 1991–1995) Mississippi Coast Gamblers (1994) Nebraska Cranes (2005–2006)

New Hampshire Thunder Loons (1996–99) New Jersey Jammers (1985–88, 1992, as Jersey Jammers in 1986–88) New Jersey Flyers (2004–05, as Florence Flyers in 2004) New Jersey Meteors (2007) New Jersey ShoreCats (1998–2001) New York Whitecaps (1991) Northeast Pennsylvania Breakers (2006–2007) Oklahoma Storm (2000–2007) Palm Beach Stingrays (1986–88, 1990, 1992–94, as Gold Coast Stingrays in 1986; as West Palm Beach Stingrays in 1987) Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs (1999–2006) Philadelphia Aces (1985–88, 1990 as Wildwood Aces in 1985–86) Philadelphia Spirit (1991–92) Portland Wave (1996–97, as Portland Mountain Cats in 1996) Raleigh Cougars (1997–99) Rhode Island Gulls (1985, 1987) Saint Joseph Express (2002, 2004) Saint Louis Skyhawks (2002–2004) Springfield Fame (1985–86) Staten Island Stallions (1986–87) Suncoast Sunblasters (1991) Tampa Bay Stars (1986–87, as Tampa Bay Flash in 1986) Tampa Bay Sunblasters (1992) Texas Rim Rockers (2003–04), no relationship to the American Basketball Association (2000-present) team of the same name Treasure Coast Tropics (1996, as Miami Tropics in 1987–88, 1991–95) Tulsa Tough-Necks (1999–2000) Washington Congressionals (1998–2000) Westchester Golden Apples (1985–86) Westchester Kings (1997) Westchester Stallions (1993–94) Westchester Wildfire (2003–05)

League awards

Player of the Year

Year	Player	Team	Reference
1985	Template:Flagicon John "Hot Rod" Williams	Rhode Island Gulls
	Template:Flagicon Tracy Jackson	Springfield Flame
1986	Template:Flagicon Don Collins	Tampa Bay Flash
1987	Template:Flagicon Don Collins (2)	Tampa Bay Stars
1988	Template:Flagicon Lewis Lloyd	Philadelphia Aces
1989	League suspends operations for the 1989 season
1990	Template:Flagicon Jerry Johnson	Jacksonville Hooters
1991	Template:Flagicon Michael Anderson	Philadelphia Spirit
1992	Template:Flagicon Roy Tarpley	Miami Tropics
1993	Template:Flagicon Ken Bannister
1994	Template:Flagicon Stan Rose	Atlanta Trojans
1995	Template:Flagicon Charles Smith	Florida Sharks
1996	Template:Flagicon Brent Scott	Portland Mountain Cats
1997	Template:Flagicon Dennis Edwards	Florida Sharks
1998	Template:Flagicon Curt Smith	Washington Congressionals
1999	Template:Flagicon Adrian Griffin	Atlantic City Seagulls
2000	Template:Flagicon Sean Colson	Dodge City Legend
2001	Template:Flagicon Jason Lampa	Brooklyn Kings
2002	Template:Flagicon Kwan Johnson	Brevard Blue Ducks	<ref name="awards02">Template:Cite news</ref>
2003	Template:Flagicon Albert Mouring	Oklahoma Storm	<ref name="awards03">Template:Cite news</ref>
2004	Template:Flagicon Chudney Gray	Brooklyn Kings	<ref name="awards04">Template:Cite news</ref>
2005	Template:Flagicon Nate Johnson	Kansas Cagerz	<ref name="awards05">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>YEARLY AWARDS ANNOUNCED (2005) - usbl.com</ref>
2006	Template:Flagicon Quannas White	Oklahoma Storm	<ref name="awards06">Template:Cite news</ref>
2007	Template:Flagicon Anthony Richardson	Kansas Cagerz	<ref name="awards07">Template:Cite news</ref>

Postseason Festival MVP

Year	Player	Team	Reference
1987	Template:Flagicon World B. Free	Miami Tropics
1988	Template:Flagicon Bobby Parks	New Haven Skyhawks
1989	League suspends operations for 1989 season
1990
1991	Template:Flagicon Paul Graham	Philadelphia Spirit
1992	Template:Flagicon Duane Washington	Miami Tropics
1993	Template:Flagicon Ken Bannister
1994	Template:Flagicon Fred Lewis	Jacksonville Hooters
1995	Template:Flagicon Charles Smith	Florida Sharks
1996	Template:Flagicon Charles Smith (2)
1997	Template:Flagicon Mark Baker	Atlantic City Seagulls
	Template:Flagicon Brent Scott
1998	Template:Flagicon Adrian Griffin		<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref>
1999	Template:Flagicon Adrian Griffin (2)		<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref>
2000			<ref>Three ValleyDawgs honored by USBL (2000) - poconorecord.com</ref>
2001	Template:Flagicon Frantz Pierre-Louis	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs
	Template:Flagicon Ace Custis
2002	Template:Flagicon Joe Ira Clark	Oklahoma Storm	<ref name="awards02" />
2003	Template:Flagicon Darrin Hancock	Dodge City Legend	<ref name="awards03" />
2004	Template:Flagicon Marcus Fleming	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs	<ref name="awards04" />
2005	Template:Flagicon Jermaine Boyette	Dodge City Legend	<ref name="awards05" />
2006	Template:Flagicon Alex Sanders	Nebraska Cranes	<ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref>
2007	Template:Flagicon Nate Johnson	Kansas Cagerz

Rookie of the Year

File:Tyrone Bogues 1985 Wake Forest.JPG

Muggsy Bogues was the rookie of the year in 1987.

Year	Player	Team	Reference
1985	Template:Flagicon John "Hot Rod" Williams	Rhode Island Gulls
1986	Template:Flagicon Marty Embry	Jersey Jammers
1987	Template:Flagicon Muggsy Bogues	Rhode Island Gulls
1988	Template:Flagicon Ricky Grace	Jersey Shore Bucs
1989	League suspends operations for 1989 season
1990	Template:Flagicon Randy Henry	Jacksonville Hooters
1991	Template:Flagicon Greg Sutton	Empire State Stallions
1992	Template:Flagicon Fred Lewis	Jacksonville Hooters
1993	Template:Flagicon Khari Jaxon	Palm Beach Stingrays
1994	Template:Flagicon Randy Carter	Memphis Fire
1995	Template:Flagicon Roger Crawford
1996	Template:Flagicon Mike Lloyd	Atlantic City Seagulls
1997	Template:Flagicon Mikki Moore	Atlanta Trojans
1998	Template:Flagicon Kerry Thompson	Tampa Bay Windjammers
1999	Template:Flagicon Adrian Pledger	New Hampshire Thunder Loons
2000	Template:Flagicon Jason Lampa	Long Island Surf
2001	Template:Flagicon George Evans	Maryland Mustangs
2002	Template:Flagicon Devin Brown	Kansas Cagerz	<ref name="awards02" />
	Template:Flagicon Corsley Edwards	Adirondack Wildcats
2003	Template:Flagicon Lenny Cooke	Brooklyn Kings	<ref name="awards03" />
2004	Template:Flagicon Tony Bland	Brevard Blue Ducks	<ref name="awards04" />
2005	Template:Flagicon Badou Gaye	Westchester Wildfire	<ref name="awards05" />
	Template:Flagicon John Allen	New Jersey Flyers
2006	Template:FlagiconTristan Smith	Long Island PrimeTime	<ref name="awards06" />
2007	Template:Flagicon Adam Schaper	Gary Steelheads	<ref name=":3">Template:Cite news</ref>

Coach of the Year

Year	Coach	Team	GC	W	L	Pct.
1985	Template:Flagicon Gerald Oliver	Springfield Flame
1986	Template:Flagicon Henry Bibby
1987	Template:Flagicon Gordon Gibbons	Tampa Bay Stars
1988	Template:Flagicon Dave Ervin	Philadelphia Aces
1989	League suspends operations for 1989 season
1990	Template:Flagicon Rex Morgan	Jacksonville Hooters
1991	Template:Flagicon Bill Lange	Philadelphia Spirit
1992	Template:Flagicon Al Outlaw	Atlanta Eagles
1993	Template:Flagicon John Lucas II	Miami Tropics
1994	Template:Flagicon Al Outlaw (2)	Atlanta Trojans
1995	Template:Flagicon Mike Mashak	Jersey Turnpikes
1996	Template:Flagicon Eric Musselman	Florida Sharks
1997	Template:Flagicon Kevin Mackey	Atlantic City Seagulls
1998	Template:Flagicon Ray Hodge	Connecticut Skyhawks
1999	Darryl Dawkins	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs
	Template:Flagicon Kevin Mackey (2)	Atlantic City Seagulls
2000	Template:Flagicon Kent Davidson	Dodge City Legend
2001	Template:Flagicon Robert Parish	Maryland Mustangs
2002	Template:Flagicon Francis Flax	Kansas Cagerz
	Template:Flagicon Harvey Grant <ref name=awards02 />	Brevard Blue Ducks
2003	Template:Flagicon Cliff Levingston <ref name=awards03 />	Dodge City Legend
2004	Template:Flagicon Dale Osbourne <ref name=awards04 />
2005	Template:Flagicon Ken Charles <ref name=awards05 />	Brooklyn Kings
2006	Template:Flagicon Bryan Gates <ref name=awards06 />	Oklahoma Storm
2007	Template:Flagicon Dale Osbourne (2) <ref name=awards07 />	Dodge City Legend

Defensive Player of the Year

Year	Player	Team	Reference
2002	Template:Flagicon Johnny Jackson	Kansas Cagerz	<ref name="awards02" />
2003	Template:Flagicon Kevin Freeman	Westchester Wildfire	<ref name="awards03" />
2004	Template:Flagicon Immanuel McElroy	Dodge City Legend	<ref name="awards04" />
2005	Template:Flagicon Eric Coley	Oklahoma Storm	<ref name="awards05" />
2006	Template:Flagicon Anthony Johnson	Kansas Cagerz	<ref name="awards06" />
2007	Template:Flagicon Ronald Ross	Albany Patroons	<ref name="awards07" />

Man of the Year

File:Michael Brooks La Salle.jpg

Michael Brooks was voted the Man of the Year in 1988.

• 1986: Template:Flagicon Jim Bostic, Westchester Golden Apples
• 1987: Template:Flagicon World B. Free, Miami Tropics
• 1988: Template:Flagicon Michael Brooks, Philadelphia Aces
• 1992: Template:Flagicon John Lucas II, Miami Tropics
• 1993: Template:Flagicon Al Outlaw, Atlanta Eagles
• 1996: Template:Flagicon Roy Jones Jr., Jacksonville Barracudas

Statistical leaders

Scoring leaders

Season	Player	Pos	Team	Points per game
1985	Template:Flagicon John "Hot Rod" Williams	C	Rhode Island Gulls	23.1<ref name=usbl85>Template:Cite web</ref>
1986	Template:Flagicon Don Collins	F/G	Tampa Bay Stars	31.8<ref name=usbl86>Template:Cite web</ref>
1987	Template:Flagicon Don Collins (2)	F/G	Tampa Bay Stars	31.0<ref name=usbl87>Template:Cite web</ref>
1988	Template:Flagicon Richard Rellford	F	Palm Beach Stingrays	31.4<ref name=usbl88>Template:Cite web</ref>
1990	Template:Flagicon Lewis Lloyd	G/F	New Haven Skyhawks	26.8<ref name=usbl90>Template:Cite web</ref>
1991	Template:Flagicon Norris Coleman	F	Jacksonville Hooters	29.3<ref name=usbl91>Template:Cite web</ref>
1992	Template:Flagicon Roy Tarpley	C	Miami Tropics	32.2<ref name=usbl92>Template:Cite web</ref>
1993	Template:Flagicon Ken Bannister	F/C	Miami Tropics	30.2<ref name=usbl93>Template:Cite web</ref>
1994	Template:Flagicon Mark Brisker	G	Jacksonville Hooters	26.9
1995	Template:Flagicon Jerry Reynolds	G/F	Atlanta Trojans	26.3<ref name=usbl95>Template:Cite web</ref>
1996	Template:Flagicon Brent Scott	C	Portland Mountain Cats	29.8
1997	Template:Flagicon Dennis Edwards	F	Florida Sharks	32.8
1998	Template:Flagicon Ochiel Swaby	F	Tampa Bay Windjammers	26.2
1999	Template:Flagicon Mike Lloyd	G	Atlantic City Seagulls	27.3
2000	Template:Flagicon Sean Colson	G	Dodge City Legend	28.2
2001	Template:Flagicon Jermaine Walker	C	Lakeland Blue Ducks	27.5<ref name=usbl01>Template:Cite web</ref>
2002	Template:Flagicon Jason Lampa	G	Brooklyn Kings	25.9
2003	Template:Flagicon Lenny Cooke	G	Brooklyn Kings	28.8<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2004	Template:Flagicon Jason Lampa (2)	G	Brooklyn Kings	26.7
2005	Template:Flagicon Kareem Reid	G	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs	27.4
2006	Template:Flagicon Brian Chase	G	Nebraska Cranes	19.9
2007	Template:Flagicon Anthony Richardson	F	Kansas Cagerz	20.0

Rebounding leaders

Season	Player	Pos	Team	Rebounds per game
1985	Template:Flagicon Manute Bol	C	Rhode Island Gulls	14.2<ref name=usbl85 />
1986	Template:Flagicon Jim Bostic	F	Westchester Golden Apples	10.1<ref name=usbl86 />
1987	Template:Flagicon Hank McDowell	F/C	Rhode Island Gulls	10.7<ref name=usbl87 />
1988	Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Michael Brooks	F	Philadelphia Aces	13.5<ref name=usbl88 />
1990	Template:Flagicon Alex Roberts	F	New York Whitecaps	15.3<ref name=usbl90 />
1991	Template:Flagicon Anthony Mason	F	Long Island Surf	11.2<ref name=usbl91 />
1992	Template:Flagicon Roy Tarpley	C	Miami Tropics	17.0<ref name=usbl92 />
1993	Template:Flagicon Fred Lewis	F	Daytona Beach Hooters	9.3<ref name=usbl93 />
1994	Template:Flagicon Keith Lee	F/C	Memphis Fire	14.5
1995	Template:Flagicon Brent Scott	C	Miami Tropics	12.0<ref name=usbl95 />
1996	Template:Flagicon Shawnelle Scott	C	Long Island Surf	13.5
1997	Template:Flagicon Brent Scott (2)	C	Atlantic City Seagulls	11.4
1998	Template:Flagicon Andre Perry	F	Atlanta Trojans	11.0
1999	Template:Flagicon Andre Perry	F	Atlanta Trojans	11.6
2000	Template:Flagicon Andre Perry (3)	F	Florida Sea Dragons	11.4
2001	Template:Flagicon John Jackson	F	Kansas Cagerz	12.0<ref name=usbl01 />
2002	Template:Flagicon John Jackson (2)	F	Kansas Cagerz	11.7
2003	Template:Flagicon Antonio Smith	C	Dodge City Legend	11.3
2004	Template:Flagicon Mario Woodson	F	Florence Flyers	10.5
2005	Template:Flagicon Roderick Riley	C	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs	10.2
2006	Template:Flagicon Steve Castleberry	F	Northeast Pennsylvania Breakers	10.7
2007	Template:Flagicon Jason Miller	F/C	Kansas Cagerz	8.0

Assists leaders

Season	Player	Pos	Team	Assists per game
1985	Template:Flagicon Sam Worthen	G	Springfield Fame	8.5<ref name=usbl85 />
1986	Template:Flagicon Leroy Witherspoon	G	Tampa Bay Flash	15.1<ref name=usbl86 />
1987	Template:Flagicon Leroy Witherspoon (2)	G	Tampa Bay Flash	9.6<ref name=usbl87 />
1988	Template:Flagicon Duane Washington	G	New Haven Skyhawks	8.3<ref name=usbl88 />
1990	Template:Flagicon Jerry Johnson	G	Jacksonville Hooters	8.8<ref name=usbl90 />
1991	Template:Flagicon Michael Anderson	G	Philadelphia Aces	10.3<ref name=usbl91 />
1992	Template:Flagicon Tony Smith	G	New Jersey Jammers	9.2<ref name=usbl92 />
1993	Template:Flagicon David Cain	G	Long Island Surf	9.4<ref name=usbl93 />
1994	Template:Flagicon Jean Prioleau	G	Long Island Surf	10.3
1995	Template:Flagicon Charles Smith	G	Florida Sharks	11.9<ref name=usbl95 />
1996	Template:Flagicon Charles Smith (2)	G	Florida Sharks	11.4
1997	Template:Flagicon Mark Baker	G	Atlantic City Seagulls	7.2
1998	Template:Flagicon Curt Smith	G	Washington Congressionals	7.4
1999	Template:Flagicon James Blackwell	G	Tampa Bay Windjammers	7.4
2000	Template:Flagicon Sean Colson	G	Dodge City Legend	8.0
2001	Template:Flagicon Jermaine Jackson	G	Kansas Cagerz	9.6<ref name=usbl01 />
2002	Template:Flagicon Duane Simpkins	G	Kansas Cagerz	6.2
2003	Template:Flagicon Kareem Reid	G	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs	9.6
2004	Template:Flagicon Tyson Patterson	G	Florence Flyers	8.4
2005	Template:Flagicon Kareem Reid	G	Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs	8.9
2006	Template:Flagicon Tory Cavalieri	G	Northeast Pennsylvania Breakers	8.1
2007	Template:Flagicon Kareem Reid (3)	G	Albany Patroons	6.4

All-time records

Scoring leaders

• Norris Coleman, a four-time USBL All Star, was the USBL All-time leading Scorer with 3,104 points until 2001.<ref>KWAN JOHNSON NEARS ALL-TIME SCORING MARK (2001) - usbl.com</ref> He became the all-time scorer with the conclusion of the 1994 USBL season with 2,949 points.

• On June 6, 2001, Kwan Johnson who was only 13 pts short, broke his all-time record in the game Westchester Wildfire - Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs.

Games leaders

• Norris Coleman became the all-time scorrecordman in total games played with the conclusion of the 1994 USBL season with 111 points.

• On June 6, 2001, Kwan Johnson became the All -time leader in games played with 145 breaking Norris Coleman record of 144.

Steals leaders

By June 6, 2001, Kwan Johnson was also the All-time leader in steals with 279. Steals: 279

Rebounds leaders

• Norris Coleman became the top rebounder with the conclusion of the 1994 USBL season with 891 rebounds.

Free throws leaders

By June 6, 2001, Kwan Johnson was also the All -Time Leader in free throws scoring 803 (out of 1,132).

Top scorers in a single game

Byron Strickland holds the record for most points scored in a single game.<ref>U.S.B.L. (minor league • 1985-2008) - luckyshow.org</ref>

• 65 pts. Byron Strickland, Jersey Jammers vs Springfield Fame, 8/18/1986
• 63 pts. Don Collins, Tampa Bay Flash vs Jersey Jammers, 8/9/1986
• 55 pts. Norris Coleman, Jacksonville Hooters vs Philadelphia Aces, 6/13/1988
• 54 pts. Martin Clark, Rhode Island Gulls vs Long Island Knights, 7/10/1985
• 54 pts. Steve Gilbert, Jacksonville Shooters vs Memphis Fire, 6/28/1995
• 53 pts. Lenny Cooke, Brooklyn Kings vs Adirondack Wildcats, 6/22/2003
• 51 pts. Stewart Granger, Wildwood Aces vs Jersey Jammers, 7/16/1986
• 51 pts. Lewis Lloyd, Philadelphia Spirit vs Palm Beach Stingrays, 7/22/1988
• 51 pts. Adrian Griffin, Atlantic City Seagulls vs Pennsylvania Valleydawgs, 5/22/1999
• 50 pts. Martin Clark, Rhode Island Gulls vs Long Island Knights, 7/10/1985
• 49 pts. Cedric Henderson, Jacksonville Hooters 155-127 at Long Island Knights, at SUNY-Stony Brook, 6/20/1988
• 49 pts. Dennis Edwards, Florida Sharks vs Jacksonville Barracudas, 6/8/1997
• 49 pts. Mike Lloyd, Atlantic City Seagulls vs Washington Congressionals, 5/20/1999
• 49 pts. Devin Brown, Kansas Cagerz vs Adirondack Wildcats, 6/28/2002 USBL Tournament Semi-Finals at Enid, Okla.
• 49 pts. Bingo Merriex, Texas Rim Rockers vs Oklahoma Storm, 5/16/2003
• 48 pts. Mark Davis, Long Island Knights vs Staten Island Stallions, 7/17/1987
• 48 pts. Ken Bannister, Miami Tropics vs Long Island Surf, 6/12/1993
• 47 pts. Roy Tarpley, Miami Tropics vs Jacksonville Hooters, 7/21/1992 (24 reb.)
• 47 pts. Mark Brisker, Daytona Beach Hooters vs Connecticut Skyhawks, 6/29/1993
• 47 pts. Duane Simpkins, Kansas Cagerz vs Adirondack Wildcats, 6/28/2002 USBL Tournament Semi-Finals at Mark Price Arena, Enid, Oklahoma
• 47 pts. Lenny Cooke, Brooklyn Kings vs Brevard Blue Ducks, 6/17/2003 at L.I.U. Schwartz Center

All Star Game

File:Micheal Ray Richardson.jpg

Micheal Sugar Ray Richardson was selected for the USBL All-Stars in the 1987 edition.

The first edition was held in 1985 at Springfield Civic Center in front of 5,093 fans. Springfield Fame beat the USBL All-Stars, 87-75, in league's inaugural all-star game in 1985.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Michael Adams with 18 points and 7 steals was the MVP. The 1985 All-Star team featured Manute Bol, Spud Webb, and John "Hot Rod" Williams among others.

The 1986 All-Star Game also took place at the Springfield Civic Center on July 25, 1986.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the 1987 edition Rhode Island Gulls hosted the event and defeated the USBL All-Stars by 119-112. Muggsy Bogues who had just been selected 12th in the 1987 NBA Draft was the MVP. The 4th edition was hosted at Philadelphia Civic Center on June 25, 1988 and it was broadcast live at 2 pm by FNN.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The 6th All Star Game was played on June 29, in 1991 at Glens Falls, New York. Paul Graham led the All-Stars to a 132-126 victory over the Empire State Stallions and was named the MVP. Also future NBA players like Greg Sutton and Keith "Mister" Jennings played in the 1991 edition. In total five members of the 1991 All Star Game had NBA experience: Earl Cureton, Antony Mason, Norris Coleman, Wes Matthews and Michael Anderson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The 2000 All-Star Game was held on 2 July 2000.

The league also had a USBL All-Star Travel Team. In 1991 they won the silver medal in the Winston world basketball cup (July 26-28, San Juan, Puerto Rico) under coach Rex Morgan<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>, competeding against 6 national teams (Soviet Union, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Cuba) and KK POP 84. The USBL All-Stars lost to Puerto Rico in the final in front of 12,000 fans.

The USBL All-Stars also played at the 1992 Puerto Rico invitational tournament (June 17-22).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Anniversary teams

15th Anniversary Team

In 2001 the USBL asked its fans to vote online for a USBL "All-15 Team", to celebrate the league's 15th Anniversary.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The USBL finally presented 19 players.

Players

An alphabetical listing of 19 voted players is as follows:

• Template:Flagicon Michael Adams - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Herman Alston - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Michael Anderson - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Darrell Armstrong - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Manute Bol - Center
• Template:Flagicon Tyrone Bogues - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Lloyd Daniels - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Richard Dumas - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Dennis Edwards - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Adrian Griffin - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Avery Johnson - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Fred Lewis - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Michael Lloyd - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Anthony Mason - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Charles Smith - Guard
• Template:Flagicon John Strickland - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Roy Tarpley - Center
• Template:Flagicon Jermaine Walker - Center
• Template:Flagicon John "Hot Rod" Williams - Center

20th Anniversary Team

File:Manute Bol at Bridgeport Knights 1984 (cropped).jpg

Manute Bol made both the Anniversary teams.

On 21 July 2005 the League announced the players of its "Top 20 and Beyond Anniversary Team" were chosen by a vote of executives, coaches, and administrators that have served over the years in the USBL.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Players

An alphabetical listing of 20 voted players is as follows:

• Template:Flagicon Michael Adams - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Herman Alston - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Darrell Armstrong - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Ken Bannister - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Manute Bol - Center
• Template:Flagicon Don Collins - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Tyrone Bogues - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Adrian Griffin - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Johnny Jackson - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Avery Johnson - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Kwan Johnson - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Jason Lampa - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Michael Lloyd - Guard
• Template:Flagicon Anthony Mason - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Andre Perry - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Brent Scott - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Charles Smith - Guard
• Template:Flagicon John Strickland - Forward
• Template:Flagicon Roy Tarpley - Center
• Template:Flagicon John "Hot Rod" Williams - Center

Honorable mention by USBL (2005):

• Template:Flagicon Chris Childs - Spent two years with the Miami Tropics and then a long NBA career.

• Template:Flagicon Norris Coleman - Second All-Time leading scorer in the USBL.

• Template:Flagicon Lloyd Daniels - "Sweet Pea" first showed the world his talents in the USBL.

• Template:Flagicon Richard Dumas - Proved that his troubles were behind him with the 1992 Miami Tropics.

• Template:Flagicon Mario Elie - A short stint in 1987 was parlayed into a 12 year NBA career.
• Template:Flagicon Dennis Edwards - The 1998 Player of the Year.

• Template:Flagicon Darrin Hancock - Is one of only two players with 3 USBL Championship Rings.

• Template:Flagicon Damon Jones - The Miami Heat guard played on a talented 1998 Jacksonville squad.

• Template:Flagicon Tim Legler - The ESPN analyst played 4 great seasons with the Philadelphia franchise.

• Template:Flagicon Sam Mitchell - Toronto Raptors Head Coach played two season in Westchester in 1985-85.

• Template:Flagicon Kareem Reid - Known as "The Best Kept Secret".

• Template:Flagicon Lazarus Sims - Known as "Z".

• Template:Flagicon Curt Smith - The 1998 Player of the Year.
• Template:Flagicon Jermaine Walker - A scoring force for 5 seasons for Rex Morgan's coached teams.
• Template:Flagicon Spud Webb - Set the stage for Arkansas Little men becoming a force in the NBA.

Coaches

• Template:Flagicon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
• Template:Flagicon Ken Charles
• Template:Flagicon Darryl Dawkins
• Template:Flagicon Francis Flax
• Template:Flagicon Gordon Gibbons
• Template:Flagicon Ray Hodge
• Template:Flagicon John Lucas
• Template:Flagicon Rex Morgan
• Template:Flagicon Eric Musselman
• Template:Flagicon Gerald Oliver
• Template:Flagicon Cliff Levingston

Notable past players

Source<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Players by country

USA Template:Div col

• File:Flag of the United States.svg Michael Adams – (Springfield Fame)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Michael Anderson – (Philadelphia Aces, Philadelphia Spirit)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Darrell Armstrong – (Atlanta Trojans)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Raja Bell – (Tampa Bay Windjammers)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Henry Bibby - (Springfield Fame)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Mark Blount – (Atlantic City Seagulls, New Jersey Shorecats)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues – (Rhode Island Gulls)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Devin Brown – (Kansas Cagerz)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Chris Childs – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Lloyd Daniels – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Mark Davis – (Long Island Knights)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Waliyy Dixon – (Atlantic City Seagulls)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Richard Dumas – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Mario Elie – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg LeRon Ellis – (Connecticut Skyhawks)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg World B. Free – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Doug Gottlieb – (Oklahoma Storm)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Darrin Hancock – (New Jersey Shore Cats, Dodge City Legend, Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs, Kansas Cagerz)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Antonio Harvey – (Atlanta Eagles)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Vince Hizon – (Pennsylvania Valleydawgs)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Craig Hodges – (Washington Congressionals)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Anderson Hunt – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Mike James – (Long Island Surf)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Keith Jennings – (Jacksonville Hooters)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Avery Johnson – (Palm Beach Stingrays)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Anthony Jones – (Palm Beach Stingrays)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Roy Jones Jr. – (Brevard Blue Ducks)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Eddie Jordan – (Jersey Jammers)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg R. Kelly – (Atlantic City Seagulls)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Shawn Kemp - Oklahoma Storm
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Rusty LaRue – (Carolina Cardinals)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Nancy Lieberman – (Springfield Fame)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Anthony Mason – (Long Island Surf)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Cheryl Miller – (Staten Island Stallions)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Jamario Moon – (Dodge City Legend), (Gary Steelheads)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Moochie Norris – (Washington Congressionals)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Ollie – (Connecticut Skyhawks)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Terrell Owens – (Adirondack Wildcats)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Victor Page – (Washington Congressionals)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Simeon Rice – (Philadelphia Power)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Lynette Richardson – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Micheal "Sugar" Ray Richardson – (Long Island Knights)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Cliff Robinson – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg LaMont "ShowBoat" Robinson - (Long Island Knights)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Jim Rowinski - (Long Island Surf)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Shawnelle Scott – (Long Island Surf)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Charles Smith – (Florida Sharks)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Curt Smith – (Washington Congressionals)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Mark Strickland – (Philadelphia Spirit, Atlanta Trojans, Atlantic City Seagulls)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Derek Strong – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Roy Tarpley – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Kelvin Upshaw – (Palmbeach Stingrays)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Chris Washburn – (Miami Tropics, Westchester Stallions)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Anthony "Spud" Webb – (Rhode Island Gulls)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Freeman Williams – (Miami Tropics)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg John "Hot Rod" Williams – (Rhode Island Gulls)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Lorenzo Williams – (Palmbeach Stingrays)
• File:Flag of the United States.svg Ime Udoka – (Adirondack Wildcats)

Rest of the World

• File:Flag of the Philippines.svg Bong Alvarez - (Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs)
• File:Flag of Argentina.svg Marcelo Nicola – (Long Island Surf)
• File:Flag of Sudan.svg Manute Bol – (Rhode Island Gulls)
• File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Nate Archibald – (Jersey Shore Bucs)
• File:Flag of Nigeria.svg Yinka Dare – (New Jersey Shorecats)

International players

National team	Player	Period	Appearances	Notes
Template:Flagicon USA	Michael Brooks	1979	9
Template:Flagicon USA	Thomas Hill	1991	6
Template:Flagicon USA	Carl Thomas	1995-99	12
Template:Flagicon USA	Jimmy King	1998	9	World Cup 1998
Template:Flagicon USA	Gerard King	1998	9
Template:Flagicon USA	Muggsy Bogues	1986	10
Template:Flagicon USA	Mitchell Wiggins	1982	9	World Cup 1982
Template:Flagicon USA	Mikki Moore	1999	5
Template:Flagicon USA	Travis Williams	1997-99	14
Template:Flagicon USA	Kermit Holmes	1997-99	14
Template:Flagicon USA	James Martin	1999	4
Template:Flagicon USA	Todd Lindeman	1999	5
Template:Flagicon USA	Larry Lewis	1995	6
Template:Flagicon USA	A.J. Wynder	1995	6
Template:Flagicon USA	Kelsey Weems	1993-95
Template:Flagicon USA	Craig Neal	1993		AmeriCup 1993
Template:Flagicon USA	Eldridge Recasner	1993		AmeriCup 1993
Template:Flagicon USA	Harold Ellis	1993		AmeriCup 1993
Template:Flagicon USA	Jerry Holman	2001		AmeriCup 2001
Template:Flagicon USA	Charles Smith	1988	8
Template:Flagicon USA	Chris Jent	1993		AmeriCup 1993
Template:Flagicon USA	Adrian Griffin	1997	6
Template:Flagicon USA	Rusty LaRue	1997	9
Template:Flagicon USA	Kenny Brown	2001		AmeriCup 2001

Hall of Famers

Basketball Hall of Fame

• Template:Flagicon Earl Monroe, USBL Commissioner 1985
• Template:Flagicon Walt Frazier, Staten Island Stallions owner
• Template:Flagicon Nate Archibald, New Jersey Jammers coach, Jersey Shore Bucs player
• Template:Flagicon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oklahoma Storm coach

Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

• Template:Flagicon Nate Archibald, New Jersey Jammers coach, Jersey Shore Bucs player
• Template:Flagicon Earl Monroe, USBL Commissioner 1985
• Template:Flagicon Robert Parish, Maryland Mustangs coach
• Template:Flagicon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oklahoma Storm coach

NYC Basketball Hall of Fame

• Template:Flagicon World B. Free, Miami Tropics player
• Template:Flagicon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oklahoma Storm coach

See also

• List of developmental and minor sports leagues

Sources

• USBL 1985-1991

External links

• HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES BASKETBALL LEAGUE on apbr.org
• USBL logos Template:Webarchive
• Official webiste on Wayback machine
• Press Releases from USBasket
• UNITED STATES BASKETBALL LEAGUE, INC. Registration