Jackson Showboats vs. Jacksonville Giants in professional ABA basketball at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. — Gary Lloyd McCullough
Following a week off, the Jacksonville Giants return to the court Saturday night to take on the visiting Atlanta Wildcats. Tip off is 7 pm at Edward Waters College.
Jacksonville, who recently jumped to number two in the power rankings, will be led by the veteran tandem of Maurice Mickens and Ed Horton. Both guards have become leaders in the Giants potent fast tempo offense. Horton averages 17 points a game while Mickens averages 16. The duo also brings a lot of excitement from the three point line. Former ABA MVP Jermaine Bell and veteran Elijah Smith will fuel the inside offensive attack. Bell never fails to add excellent inside shooting with Smith’s help in the slam dunk department.
Defensively, the Giants will rely on Bernard Nugent, who leads the team in steals. Jacksonville’s defense has proven to be the strength of their team. The Giants regularly play a four court press which frustrates the opposition.
In other news, the Giants signed RJ Wright to a season deal. Wright recently played for Daytona Beach, but the 6’2″ point guard played for Jacksonville last season. Wright will bring much-needed depth and experience to the Giants. Wright played his college hoops at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.
“We are thrilled to have RJ back in Jacksonville,” said Giant’s GM Pam Masters.