Chris Webber Joins Ownership Group - Great Lakes Storm - CBA Basketball - On MLN Sports Zone

NBA Star Joins CBA Ownership Group
Chris Webber becomes third partner of Great Lakes Storm.

01.24.04 - Boise, ID — Five-time NBA All-Star, and Michigan native Chris Webber has joined the ownership group of the Continental Basketball Association's Great Lakes Storm.

Current co-owners Greg Van Boxel and Dr. Joe Oesterling, welcome in the ten-year NBA veteran and former member of the University of Michigan's "Fab Five" with open arms.

"We are delighted to have Chris join our ownership group," remarked Van Boxel. "His enthusiasm and passion for the game of basketball will be welcomed, and his involvement will help the Great Lakes Storm continue their positive impact on the Mid-Michigan community and beyond."

Webber is one of only a few NBA players, retired or active, to have ownership interest in a professional basketball team.

"I am very happy to have this opportunity to be a part of the Great Lakes Storm ownership team and the CBA," stated Webber during a press conference at the Birch Run Expo Center in Birch Run, Michigan. "Not only do I love basketball, but the positive effects it can have on a community. I look at this as an important experience to learn more about the business of sports as well as helping other athletes accomplish their dream of playing professional basketball."

The Sacramento Kings forward has career averages of 22.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in 596 NBA games played.

He attended Detroit Country Day High School where he led the basketball team to three state titles and was the 1990-1991 National High School Player of the Year as well as Mr. Basketball for the state of Michigan.

The six-foot-ten, 245-pounder was a member of the "Fab Five," a group of five starting freshmen for the Michigan Wolverines that led their team to two NCAA National Championship Game appearances (1992 and 1993). He was drafted by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, before being traded on draft day to the Golden State Warriors.

In addition to his basketball career, Webber provides extensive community outreach through his foundation, The Chris Webber Foundation, in Detroit, MI, and Sacramento, CA.

"Chris Webber has demonstrated great leadership as a player in the NBA and we are now fortunate to have that same leadership at the ownership level in the CBA," stated CBA Commissioner Gary Hunter. "This will be a tremendous boost to the Great Lakes Storm, and the surrounding community in the Mid-Michigan area."

Added Storm co-owner Dr. Joe Oesterling, on the addition of Webber; "This is a great day for the Continental Basketball Association, the Great Lakes Storm, and the entire community. I believe that Chris will be an impetus for growth here for the Great Lakes Storm and the CBA. Having his personality and experience associated with our team will have a tremendous positive effect."

The Great Lakes Storm has been owned and operated out of the Birch Run Expo Center for the past two seasons by Van Boxel and Dr. Oesterling. The team is currently 11-18 on the season, and sits in sixth place in the CBA.