There is a possibility of Professional Basketball in Dubuque this coming winter. Joyce White, General Manager of the Five Flags Center, has retained Ron Ekker to provide consultation on the project. Together they have done significant research into the feasibility of a team that would play its home games in the center. Considerable talks took place this past week (July 5—July 10) with Dubuque businessmen, council members and other notables.
So far the response has been positive and enthusiastic though with some concerns. A tentative agreement has been reached with the Center to the satisfaction of both parties.
Research shows that the demographics of the greater Dubuque area can support such an endeavor. There is a strong population and business base that has given Ekker sound reasons for believing a team would do well in this area. The Dubuque area has strong basketball interest and this tied with the dramatic economic growth bode well for success
The result of these factors has given the effort the green light to move forward. The next major step is to develop a local ownership group. This group will provide initial startup capital to the team in a way that will give them them the financial resources to provide a first class product that the area fans will find exciting and entertaining.
The team would play in The Premier Basketball League with a 24 game schedule. The League is young but has had three successive strong seasons. Last year the the league had eight teams in the following cities: Halifax, CA; Quebec, CA; Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Burlington, VT; Manchester, NH; Rockville, MD and Lawton, OK. The league plans to expand for the next season and Dubuque is one of the Cities under consideration. The founder and developer of the League is Dr. Severko Hrywnak, a physician/businessman who resides in Chicago.
This website will provide new and more detailed information as things develop. It is also a means for interested persons to make contact with team personal.
If you have an interest in being an owner of the team, employment with the team, would like to make comment, or want to be included with up to date alerts PLEASE REGISTER and indicate your choice of information you would like. We will reply with your request promptly. Anyone wishing to speak with Ron Ekker can do so by calling 440-346-0037 or by e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Welcome To Dubuque Professional Basketball
|
|
Featured Articles
Navigating This Site
We have attempted to keep the navigation of this site as simple as possible. We encourage you to look through each one and we will reply with the information you ask for. Please use the comment tabs and give us your thoughts as often as you wish.
Latest Project Updates
Developing local ownership is proving very difficult and we are running out of time. Though I don't like this set up I am reaching out to some ex-NBA players who may have an interest. Specifically Ricky Davis who played at Iowa and was a star of sorts in the NBA. Ricky was with the Cavs when I was there and we had a good relationship. His agent told me that Ricky still wants to play but doesn't have anything right now. Ricky is to call me and I will find out his feelings. Players are difficult because they all have some type of financial person handling their money, and those people are hard to deal with.
Ron Ekker has met with coaches from Loras College, University of Dubuque, and Clarke College. The purpose was to let them know tht the team would not interfere with their programs, and that an effort will be made to help them in their efforts. They all are impressive coaches--each with their own way. Dubuque is lucky to have men like this in their community. Ron will be reaching out to the Platteville coach soon.
******************
The tab "Ron Says" will move you to another page that Ron Ekker will write about general basketball information. Please take a look.