Salem Sabres Name Joe Becerra as GM

Salem Sabres: “Where Basketball is More Than Just a Game”

Joe Becerra is the new General Manager of The Salem Sabres

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Salem Sabres- a new professional basketball franchise in the American Basketball Association (ABA) has named Joe Becerra as General Manager. Becerra was the Salem Stampede General Manager and Head Coach in 2006 and 2007. The Stampede played in the International Basketball League (IBL) for two seasons.

He was named 2007 IBL coach of the year after leading the Stampede to a 19-4 record and the Western Conference regular season title. In 2010 Becerra became the Stampede President and General Manager as the Stampede moved to the National Athletic Basketball League (NABL).

Becerra was named 2010 NABL executive of the year, the Stampede advanced to the NABL finals that year. The Stampede sent over 20 players on to other professional Leagues around the World and the United States.

In 2008 Becerra was Head Coach of the Central Oregon Hotshots an IBL franchise based in Bend, OR. Becerra was also an assistant coach on the Chemeketa Womens Basketball team from 1999-2002.

Becerra said, “I am very excited to join the Sabres family. It is a quality organization, the ownership group has a great vision for what the team can bring to the community. We expect to be very competitive in a tough conference from day one.” Becerra stated.

“We are in the process of hiring a Head Coach and assistant coach very soon. I have also contacted some outstanding players with professional experience. I have got verbal commitments from some exciting players that the fans are going to love.” “We will be announcing our first player signings soon”.

When Rhonda Alexander, owner of the Salem Sabres met with Joe to discuss his position with the Sabres organization she was very impressed with his knowledge and passion for the game of basketball. Owner Rhonda Alexander said, “Joe will make a great addition to our staff.”

The Sabres will be competing in the Pacific NW Division and will begin its inaugural season with an abbreviated schedule. The Sabres will be competing against the Seattle Mountaineers, Kitsap Admirals, Olympia Rise, Lakewood Panthers and Washington Raptors.”

Also in the Pac NW Division and slated for the 2013-2014 season will be the Calgary Crush, Alaska Quake and the Alaska 49ers. You can check out the Pac NW website at: www.pacnorthwestaba.com.

The Salem Sabres will be hosting tryouts on July 28th and Aug 4th at Salem First Baptist Church 395 Marion St, Salem, Or 97301. For more information go to www.salemsabresaba.com or email info@salemsabresaba.com.