(October 27, 2008 Manchester, NH):  The Manchester Millrats are pleased to announce the return of 6'8 forward Charles Mason to the team.

"Charles is a veteran player who still has tremendous athletic ability to go with deep shooting range," stated Millrats Principal Owner Jason Briggs.

Mason was a final cut by the Denver Nuggets in 2004, and has played abroad in places such as Ireland, South America, Romania, and China.

A member of the final four-bound Manchester Millrats last season, Mason averaged 15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game on 37% field goal percentage from behind the arc.

Boston College Eagle to Play for Manchester

(October 24, 2008 Manchester, NH): John Oates, a member of the 2007-2008 Boston College Eagles, has agreed to play for the Manchester Millrats of the Premier Basketball League.

The 6'10 255 lb forward-center started 14 games last season for the ACC Eagles, averaging 4.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.  He is an unusually effective three point shooter for a player with his size, nailing 42% of his attempts from beyond the arc last season.

His collegiate career was highlighted by the magical 2004-2005 season, in which the Eagles jumped out to a 20-0 start. Oates' teammates included current NBA players Jared Dudley (Charlotte Bobcats), Sean Williams (New Jersey Nets), and Craig Smith (Minnesota Timberwolves).

" look forward to the experience that John has in front of him with the Millrats.  It certainly appears that have built a quality, family-oriented environment that's dedicated to everything that's right about the game of basketball," expressed John Oates' father Steve.

Millrats Head Coach Rob Spon is looking forward to utilizing Oates' unique talents on the court. "John is great player to have because he can hold his own inside defensively, but then we can really run the 'pick and pop' to perfection on the offensive end. He gives us that additional scoring option."

In addition Oates was:

1) Co-Captain of last year's BC squad
2) A 3 year starter for BC in the ACC
3) The first 3 year starter in BC's history in the ACC
4) A starter on BC's Sweet Sixteen team in '05-'06
5) A 3 year participant in the NCAA tournament

Shooting Guard Joins Millrats

(October 22, 2008 Manchester, NH): Shooting guard Alex Owumi has been added to the Manchester Millrats roster for this season.

Owumi, who hails from Boston, began his collegiate career as a Georgetown Hoya before transferring to the  Community College of Rhode Island, and then eventually landing at Alcorn State.  He averaged 14.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season for the Braves.

Owumi is a deep threat from the perimeter and a savvy player.  In June, he participated in the invitation only Boston Celtics pre-draft camp.

"Alex is a very smart player who can flat out shoot it from anywhere on the court," stated Millrats GM Ian McCarthy, "he is also a good defender and a team player."

Former McDonald's All-American Joins Millrats

(October 22, 2008 Manchester, NH):  Former 2000 McDonald's All-American Scott Hazelton has agreed to terms with the Manchester Millrats.

Hazelton, a 6'8 forward, began his collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, playing with future NBA stars Ben Gordan (Chicago Bulls), Emeka Okafor (Charlotte Bobcats), and Caron Butler (Washington Wizards).  He finished up at the University of Rhode Island, earning All Atlantic-10 honors his senior season.

He now calls Manchester, New Hampshire home, where he operates a basketball academy and breeds dogs.

"I'm looking forward to playing at home this season since this (New England) is where my basketball roots come from," explained Scott Hazelton. "I'm excited to play for a quality organization, and being able to play in front of my friends and family is what attracted me to this opportunity."

Hazelton spent most of his three years since college playing overseas in countries such as Portugal, Luxembourg, and Sweden.

"Scott is a tremendous offensive player, and at 6'8 creates mismatch problems," stated Millrats GM Ian McCarthy. "He is equally comfortable posting up or playing on the perimeter.  He will be a great weapon for our team."

Forward P.J. Young Rejoins Manchester Millrats

(October 21, 2008 Manchester, NH): Former Manchester Central High School and Southern New Hampshire University star P.J. Young has agreed to rejoin the Manchester Millrats for a second season.

Young spent his first season after college (2006-2007) overseas, winning the MVP of a professional league in Portugal, while his second season he joined the first year Millrats.

Young was the lone Millrat to play in all 40 games last season, and averaged 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds.  Over the second half of the season, he managed to score 18 points per game which helped him earn a spot on the All Star Team.  He was widely recognized as the team's best defender.

"P.J. was a leader on and off the court for us last season, and we are thrilled to have him back for another year," stated Millrats GM Ian McCarthy.

Manchester Millrats Re-Sign Point Guard Al Stewart

(October 20, 2008 Manchester, NH): The Manchester Millrats are pleased to announce the re-signing of point man Al Stewart.

Stewart, a 5'10 speedster who is widely regarded as the fastest player ever to come out of Drake University, averaged 16.7 points, 7.6 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game last season for the Millrats.  What's even more impressive is that Stewart managed to score nearly seventeen points per game while sharing the backcourt with the ABA's Most Valuable Player, Anthony Anderson, and yet still made the other players around him better.

"Having Al back is huge for us," stated Millrats teammate P.J. Young, "he provides and up tempo style and great play making ability."

This summer Stewart managed to lead the Decatur Court Kings to a championship in the World Basketball Association (WBA), and grabbed Co-MVP honors along the way.  He led the Court Kings in scoring with 26.1 points per game.

Stewart had considered heading to play in Saudi Arabia before deciding to rejoin the Millrats.

"I'm over the moon escstatic to have Al back with the Millrats," exclaimed Millrats Principal Owner Jason Briggs, "in addition to being an extraordinary talent and a court leader, Al was very well liked by his teammates and the community alike."