Long Island Surf

By John Curtis
Globe Sports Editor
4/2/01

The Dodge City Legend went into its past by naming Kent Davison as its new head basketball coach Monday afternoon.

Davison replaces Mike Shepherd, who resigned after being named to the position in late February.

"One thing about having a home is that you can always go back," said Davison from his home in Fort Wayne, Ind. "It's nice that they wanted me back and to have another opportunity.

"The only reservation that I had during all this was just being away from my family for that period of time."

This is the third head coaching job for Davison in 14 months, and the second with the Legend.

He resigned as Legend head coach in September to take head coaching duties with the CBA's Fort Wayne Fury. He was with the Fury until the league folded in January.

"Kent had an opportunity to coach in Venezuela, but I think he wanted to stay in the States," said Legend general manager Tom Nelson. "He is looking forward to making a run at two USBL titles in a row.

"It looks like the great feeling of the summer of 2000 will continue into 2001."

Davison said he already knows what he needs to do to prepare for the upcoming season.

"Just putting together a team is going to be the biggest concern," he said.

Three members from last year's team have already decided to return to Dodge City to try to repeat for 2001 -- post player Alvin Jefferson and guards Tyson Patterson and Donte Mathis.

"I've already talked to Artie (Griffin) and Marshall (Phillips)," said Davison. "Marshall has talked to Darrin (Hancock). They all know that I want them to come back.

"But they're playing in the IBL and it will be the middle of May before they get finished with that league and that depends on what teams made it."

The only player that Davison knows won't be back for the 2001 campaign is USBL player of the year Sean Colson, who is a member of the NBA's Houston Rockets.