On Thursday, January 13, a group of Juniors, Seniors, and Faculty got together for the 9th annual Jesuit Basketball Association (JBA) draft.
The JBA is an intramural basketball league that all Jesuit students can take part in. The league was created nine years ago and has been very successful. Commissioner Ken Howell, entering his fourth year with the league, says, “The league is so successful because it’s something the kids can stay competitive in and it’s something that gives them ownership. They can have their own team, they can trade players, and they can draft and feel like they own something.” The first pick of this year’s draft, junior Matt White, went to Blake Griffin and Company and owners Nick Ackels ’12 and Michael Stephens’12. Nick Ackels says, “We decided to take Matt White with the first pick because he is someone we can build a team around. He is a franchise player and we believe he can lead us to numerous championships.” The remaining top five picks were faculty member Mr. Tim Murphy, followed by students Mike Savage ’11, Preston Martin ’12, and Preston Bodnar ’11. Greg Ackels, owner of team “More Powerful,” thinks his team will be playing for the championship in April. He says, “Right now the team to beat is “Philly,” owned by Eric Leyendecker. They’ve got last year’s MVP Luke Zeske so right now it’s a fight for second place. I think my team has a shot. We lost in the semis last year but we’re bringing back Kevin Fitzsimmons ’11, we have faculty member Mr. Erik Burrell, and we picked up Brendan Celii ’12 in the first round, so I think my team has a good shot.” It is shaping up to be a fun season for everyone involved, and all the teams have their eyes set on the prize of Mavs tickets and championship rings.
