The New Jersey Jammers, known also as the Jersey Jammers, was a professional basketball in the United States Basketball League (USBL). The team was a charter franchise of the USBL in 1985.[1]

New Jersey Jammers
New Jersey Jammers logo
LeagueUSBL
Founded1985
Dissolved1992
HistoryJersey Jammers (1986–88)
ArenaLakewood High School (1985)
Yanitelli Center (1986–88)
LocationLakewood, New Jersey (1985)
Jersey City, New Jersey (1986–88)
Team colorsblue, orange
   

In 1985, the Jammers played home games at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, New Jersey.[2] During the inaugural USBL draft in 1985, the Jammers picked center Ralph Dalton from Georgetown University, second overall.[3] Cazzie Russell was the team's head coach in 1985.[2] New Jersey United States Senator Bill Bradley, a former professional basketball player, said he was sending "good wishes for success to coach Cazzie Russell".[4]

In 1986, the team sold for a $150,000 to an investment group of five people led by Elnardo Webster. Team officials announced the team would play their 1986 home games at Yanitelli Center in Jersey City, New Jersey.[5] During the 1986 USBL territorial draft, the Jammers selected Bill Bradley, who was New Jersey's United States Senator and a former New York Knicks player.[6] The Jammers hired Nate Archibald to head coach in 1986.[7] On August 18, 1986, Jammers guard Byron Strickland set a USBL record for most points scored in a single game with 65 in a game against the Springfield Fame.[8]

In 1987, the Jammers selected college basketball color commentator Dick Vitale as their territorial pick.[9] Henry Bibby served as the Jammers head coach in 1987.[10]

Season-by-season records

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Year W L Win % Head coach
1985 18 7 .720 Cazzie Russell
1986 14 19 .424 Nate Archibald
1987 13 17 .433 Henry Bibby
team was dormant from 1988 to 1991
1992 11 15 .423 Bob Nastase

Notable players

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "History of the United States Basketball League". APBR.org. Association for Professional Basketball Research. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Sports briefs". United Press International. Wayne, New Jersey. April 12, 1985.
  3. ^ "Sports people; Allen top pick". The New York Times. New York. April 11, 1985.
  4. ^ "Scouting; Voice from the past". The New York Times. New York. April 15, 1985.
  5. ^ "Sports people; Shifts to St. Peter's". The New York Times. New York. April 30, 1986.
  6. ^ "Scouting; He's Occupied". The New York Times. New York. May 2, 1986.
  7. ^ "Sports people; Archibald named". The New York Times. New York. June 1, 1986.
  8. ^ "Untitled". United Press International. Springfield, Massachusetts. August 18, 1985.
  9. ^ Crist, Steven; Thomas, Jr., Robert (April 10, 1987). "Scouting; Scouting report". The New York Times. New York.
  10. ^ "Richardson plays but team forfeits". The New York Times. New York. July 17, 1987.