• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / Professional basketball coming back to Waterloo

Professional basketball coming back to Waterloo

October 27, 2004 By admin

For the first in over 50 years, professional basketball is returning to Waterloo. Former waterloo Indians catcher Eddie Diaz is financing a team that will begin play in the new International Basketball League this spring. Diaz says they’re probably a lot of people asking questions about why he’s getting into basketball. He says the Cedar Valley needs more professional teams, and he has no doubt they’ll be successful.The Waterloo franchise is one of 15 that are committed to play a 20-game schedule, starting in April and continuing through mid-June. The unnamed team will be placed in a region that will also franchises in Joliet and Peoria, Illinois; and Kansas City, Missouri. IBL teams will also be located in Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, and Washington. Anthony Thomas has been tabbed to coach the Waterloo team. The former Waterloo West all-stater says the IBL will bring an exciting brand of basketball to the Cedar Valley. Thomas says the team will give players like Mike Henderson and Carlton Reed– Waterloo natives who are currently playing college basketball at Iowa — a chance to return home and continue their careers, if they don’t make the NBA. Thomas says they need to do more positive things for “our kids” and this gives them an opportunity to pursue their professional dream.Professional basketball was last played in Waterloo 53 years ago. The city had an NBA franchise in the league’s inaugural season in 1949-50. The Hawks joined the National Professional Basketball League for the 1950-51 season, and then folded.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Basketball

Featured Stories

Finalists chosen for the state’s top burger

Paintings by Clinton woman gain a following in Europe

Iowa deadline for individual income taxpayers moved to June 1

Dialing rules changing for two area codes in Iowa

Assistance available for low income Iowans with overdue rent, utility bills

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

Cedar Rapids preparing for big return of sports events

Iowa Games returning with full slate of sports

Iowa’s Garza sweeps national awards

Iowa’s Garza claims three national awards

Iowa’s Jack Nunge to transfer

More Sports

eNews and Updates

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Archives

Copyright © 2021 ยท Learfield News & Ag, LLC