Tropics Make Major News
Sep 21, 2007
By: Walter Villa
Miami Tropics President Art "Pilin" Alvarez made several major announcements Friday in a press conference held at Chispa Restaurant in the Doral section of Miami.
*Alvarez accepted FIBA America's invitation to compete in the 16-team Liga De Las Americas. The first round of the tournament begins in December and the league runs through February.
*Alvarez announced that Miami will be one of four host cities for the first round and will play their games at Florida International University's Pharmed Arena. The Arena, which opened in 1986, seats up to 5,150 fans.
*Alvarez said the Miami regional will be played Dec. 11, 12 and 13.
*Alvarez said that Don Kelbick will be the Tropics' head coach. Kelbick was a college head coach and a college assistant for 25 years. Currently, he trains numerous NBA players, including Carlos Boozer, Raja Bell, Carlos Arroyo, Guillermo Diaz, Rob Hite, Rasual Butler and others.
*Alvarez said that Ed Auricchio will be his general manager. Auricchio, who coached the Tropics to a sterling record of 18-5 in the ABA last season, will now be in charge of finding the players the Tropics need to win.
*Alvarez said that Karel Rosario, a 6-9, 235-pound center, is the Tropics' first player. Rosario was the Tropics' center during the ABA season. The Tropics were 10-1 in games he started last season.
*FIBA announced that FOX Sports has signed a three-year contract to televise the Liga De Las Americas' games.
"We've been working on this for three or four years," FIBA Americas secretary Alberto Garcia said of the inaugural tournament. "We are excited to partner with the Tropics and are hoping to make this a succcess - not just this season but for many years to come."
Numerous friends of the program turned out for Friday's press conference, including FIU Coach Sergio Rouco and his entire staff, former Miami Jackson High star Julio Davila, Hofstra University assistant coach Van Macon, Pharmed owner Jorge De Cespedes, FIU broadcaster and Spanish radio personality Jose "Chambi" Campos and Eddie Gonzalez, who will serve as tournament director of operations.
The city manager of Doral was also in attendance along with media members from The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.
A member of the Bahamian Tourism board also attended and said he would be eager to schedule exhibition games against the Tropics.
One very important person who was not present is Miguel Mercado, who for years has been the Tropics' top scout and coach in Puerto Rico. Sadly, Mercado has lung cancer and is in Puerto Rico battling the illness.
"I want Miguel to know that he is in our thoughts every day," Kelbick said. "Get well soon, Miguel. I expect you to be there when we tip this thing off."
Well said, Don. Ditto for me and everyone else in the Tropics family.
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STAY TUNED TO TROPICS LIVE FOR MORE NEWS ON THE FIBA LIGAS DE LAS AMERICAS.
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