A New Found Respect
Olden Polynice credits the CBA for giving him the opportunity to make it back to the NBA.

 

Former Continental Basketball Association player Olden Polynice has proved once again that the CBA is an instrumental tool in helping players get to the NBA.

The Los Angeles Clippers recently signed the seven-foot free agent to a one-year contract. Polynice credits the CBA with helping him return to the NBA after spending two years away from the league.

“The most important factor in my making it back to the NBA was how hungry the players were in the CBA,” stated Polynice. “It made me play harder every night. I really do have a new found respect for the CBA."

Polynice played in 25 games for the Grand Rapids Hoops during the 2002-03 CBA season, averaging 13 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He helped lead the team to the 2003 CBA Championship game, posting 17.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game during the postseason.

“Not only is the CBA the ideal league to develop future NBA players, but this is proof that it is also the perfect avenue for NBA veterans to catapult themselves back into the league,” stated CBA Deputy Commissioner Wade Morehead. “Olden is just another example of the high quality of talent that CBA fans can expect to see every night during our season.”

Added Polynice, "My CBA experience was wonderful because, not only were the people that I dealt with on my team complete professionals, but the fans were awesome.”

In addition to utilizing the CBA to complete their roster, the Clippers are also tapping the minors to fill out their coaching ranks.

Former Continental Basketball Association head coach Rory White was named as an assistant coach by the Los Angeles Clippers, joining new head coach Mike Dunleavy’s staff for the 2003-04 season. The move adds White to the NBA coaching fraternity that is consistently fueled by the CBA.

White began his coaching career in 1998 when he was named assistant coach for the Idaho Stampede. He remained in that position until January of 2000, when he was promoted to head coach.

In 2001, White left Idaho to serve as head coach of the Fargo-Moorhead Beez, leading them to the National Conference Playoffs and the second best record in the league (25-15). He then returned to Idaho to lead the Stampede through the 2002-03 CBA season.

“It’s one of those situations where you spend time in the CBA to pay your dues and try to get to the next level, and the CBA prepares you for everything,” said White. “The CBA was just a great experience. I think it prepared, well, I know it prepared me for what I am about to go into now.”