Providence College Athletics

John Linehan Selected No. 1 In The USBL Draft

4/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

April 10, 2002

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College senior guard John Linehan (Chester, Pa.) was the No. 1 overall selection in the USBL Draft by the St. Joseph (Mo.) Express on Tuesday, April 9.

The Express, an expansion team in the USBL, will open its 30-game regular season schedule on Saturday, April 20 at Dodge City. The USBL Draft involved 10 teams making selections through eight rounds.

Express Coach/General Manager Rex Morgan stated to the St. Joseph News-Press that he was impressed with Linehan's defense. "I've never seen a player that can disrupt an offense the way he can," Morgan said. "I scouted him down in Miami and he was unbelievable." Morgan, a former player for the Boston Celtics, is the USBL's all-time winningest coach.

The team is owned by Jay Harris, a theatrical producer. Harris, who also was interviewed by the St. Joseph News-Press, felt that Linehan was the best fit for his team. "We went with the player we felt would be the most advantageous player for what we run on offense and defense," Harris said. "Linehan can really dominate defensively. We had to go with the best player that we could put on the floor."

Linehan, who ended his career with the Friars as the NCAA's all-time steals leader (385 steals), finished second in nation in steals per game, averaging 4.5 steals this season. He also averaged 12.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in 2001-02. He earned five Defensive Player of the Year honors, including NABC, BIG EAST and ESPN.com accolades. Linehan also was named Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America.

USBL Draft (first 10 selections - First Round)

1.  John Linehan (Providence College) - St. Joseph Express   Guard2.  Clarence Gilbert (Missouri) - St. Louis SkyHawks    Guard3.  Corsley Edwards (Central Conn.) - Adirondack Wildcats   Forward4.  Duke McKanmey (Fordham) - Brooklyn Kings            Center5.  Larry Reid (Kansas State) - Dodge City Legend           Guard6.  JB Bryant (Tampa) - Brevard Blue Ducks                  Center7.  Charles Manga (Seton Hall) - Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs  Center8.  Themas Terrell (Georgia State) - Florida Sea Dragons    Forward9.  Jeff Boschee (Kansas) - Kansas Cagerz                   Guard10. Daryan Selvy (Oklahoma) - Oklahoma Storm            Guard

-end-

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