The Official Dennis Rodman Website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steve Brener / Chris O'Connell, BZA Dec. 22, 2003
(818) 344-6195, ext. 123
DENNIS RODMAN SIGNS WITH LONG BEACH JAM
LONG BEACH, CA - The American Basketball Association (ABA) Long Beach Jam franchise announced today the signing of Dennis Rodman, a member of five NBA Championship teams and the winner of an unprecedented seven consecutive rebounding titles. Rodman has reached an agreement with the Jam to play for the team as he prepares for an NBA comeback.
"I look forward to suiting up with the Jam and playing basketball again. My ultimate goal is to get back to the NBA, " Rodman said.
"Dennis is in 90 percent perfect shape and the ABA will help him get in 100 percent basketball shape, Rodman's agent, Darren Prince said. "Our ultimate goal is to be signed by an NBA team by the All-Star break in mid-February, if not sooner."
Only Wilt Chamberlain has won more rebounding titles (11) than Rodman, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Rodman's inside presence and knowledge of the game will be a huge boost for the first-place Jam. One of Rodman's teammates in Detroit and current Jam Head Coach Earl Cureton, says Rodman will be a great addition to an already strong club.
"Dennis has one of the best basketball minds I have ever been around," Cureton said. "Past the tattoos and the hair dye is one of the few players who understands the little things in the game well enough to maximize his given abilities."
"One of our main reasons for signing Dennis is that he has been clean and sober for several months, is in great shape, and is completely focused on basketball," Jam President Steve Chase said.
Rodman's road back to the NBA has been well documented and anticipated. Part Two of "Rodman on the Rebound" will air Tuesday on ESPN 2 at 8 p.m. Rodman is also on "Celebrity Mole," with the first episode airing on ABC Jan. 14.
Rodman will begin practicing with the Jam after Christmas. He hopes to play his first game in the beginning of January. The Jam are currently one game into an eight game home stand after playing eight of its first 11 games on the road. The team next plays on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against the Tijuana Diablos.
Individual game tickets are on sale now and available for purchase by visiting the Long Beach State Pyramid box office, or by phone at 562-985-4949 and 888-4-JAM-TIX. Prices range from $5 for children, senior citizens and military, to $10-15 for reserved seating.
For more information about the Long Beach Jam, call 562-799-8100.