News - 11/03/2003

National Basketball Development League - Charleston Lowgators

Charleston Lowgators Ready Themselves for 2003-2004 Season

The Lowcountry’s entry in the National Basketball Development League will be sporting a new name and logo that represents a growing regional identity when the 2003-04 season opens November 28 against the Roanoke Dazzle at the North Charleston Coliseum. “We are thrilled to now be known as the Charleston Lowgators, a reflection of our expanding regional appeal,” team president Mike Boswell said. “With a growing fan base throughout Greater Charleston, from Georgetown to Beaufort, from Orangeburg to Mt. Pleasant , it makes great sense that our name reflect the region.”

“Combining our new name with the release of our new logo later this month, I am confident that our fans will love the new look Lowgators,” Boswell said.

The Charleston Lowgators are preparing to release the new logo at the team’s media day, scheduled for November 24 th at Sterett Hall on the old Navy base. The Lowgators website address will now be www.charlestonlowgators.com.

Boswell said the Lowgators’ season ticket holders, group attendees and Kids’ Club members represent dozens of local communities throughout the Lowcountry.

“Whether it is the Boy Scout group from Goose Creek , the young family from North Charleston , the small business owner from West Ashley or the church group from Moncks Corner, they have all discovered the affordable excitement of Lowgators NBDL basketball,” Boswell said. “We are pleased to be recognized as one of the Charleston region’s best entertainment alternatives.”

Lowgators head coach Doug Marty also announced that four of last year’s players will be returning this season. Tierre Brown, Ime Udoka, Alpha Bangura and Karim Shabazz have all resigned with the NBDL’s Charleston team. Brown spent the NBA preseason with Atlanta and Golden State, while Udoka was one of the last players released by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team will obtain several more players in the NBDL Draft held via conference call at 7 p.m. Thursday. Fans will be able to listen live to the early rounds of the draft via streaming audio on NBDL.com. NBA Director of Scouting Marty Blake, along with his son and partner Ryan, will offer selection-by-selection commentary.