profiles

At 39, "Uncle" Kenny has the most basketball experience of any player in the NAABL.
Q: How do you stay in such great shape?
A: I run all the time and stay young by working with kids. Eating right is also important. I also get my cholesterol levels checked regularly. Also, monitor heart rate and don't ever stress out.
Q: What the most important lesson you have learned in your extensive b-ball experiences?
A: No matter the outcome, there is no "I" in team, on or off the court.
Q: What is the best part of the NAABL?
A: The friendship and brotherhood. Watching young kids blossom and compete at a higher level with the older guys is also exciting.

Kenny Hermoso, Wolfpack
Age: 39
B-Ball Background:
Bayside HS (80-81); Norfolk Stars 1982+ (PIBNA & NABA); Coach/ Ref Pee-Wee Leagues and Rec Ball; 35+ years involved in Fil-Am

JP is the "young 'un" of the NAABL at 15 years old.
Q: What is the toughest part of being so young in the NAABL?
A: There are some big cats in the league, and it can be intimidating sometimes. But it's all fun.
Q: What do you like most about the NAABL?
A: There are different players and different competition.
Q: What player on any level, do you pattern your game after?
A: Allen Iverson and Jordan

JP Alarcon, Team VA
Age: 15
B-Ball Background:
Kellam HS; Quiet Storm (Fil Am); Fil-Am travel squad

The Raptors' team leader, Mel Right, is the NAABL's most dynamic player, leading the league with 19.3 ppg.
Q: What do you like most about the NAABL?
A: The league updates on stats is hot. The website is good because it keeps the league players and fans informed.
Q: How competitve are the other teams?
A: Really competitive.
Q: How can other teams shut you down?
A: By fouling me out the game somehow.

Mel Right, Raptors
Age: 24
B-Ball Background:
Kempsville HS (4 years)

Chev is the most prolific three point shooter in the league, shooting from all angles and leading the league with 16 bombs.
Q: What area have teams improved on this year?
A: Defenses are getting better. Teams are playing more man-to-man defense. The games are tighter. And the younger players are stepping up against the older guys.
Q: Does the Wolfpack offense rely on the three pointer?
A: Sometimes. We have good shooters on the team with Ron, Andy, and Jun. But we try to base our game on strong defense and good passing skills.
Q: Is their friendly competition on your team for the 3-point title?
A: Last year, Andy and I were on different teams, so we competed for fun. But no, it doesn't matter. We just wanna win.

Jeff Egnot, Lightning
Age: 25
B-Ball Background:
Menchville HS, Street Balll

Jeff is one of the "token white guys" in the league, but he holds his own, with a sweet jumpshot as one of his weapons.
Q: What do you think of the level of competition in the NAABL?
A: It is very good. There is a wide variety of talent and competition.
Q: What is it like ballin with a bunch of Asians?
A: I'm pretty used to it. I have a lot of Asian friends.
Q: What's your championship prediction?
A: Raptors over the Wolfpack, by single digits.

Chev Zaporteza, Wolfpack
Age: 27
B-Ball Background:
Wolfpack (Fil-Am); Rec Ball; Street ball; Junior High

Rob Corsino, Dope Squad
Age: 21
B-Ball Background:
Fil-am since Pee Wee leagues, Rec ball, Six courts

Rob, the Antoine Walker of the NAABL, is a fiery competitor who is known to have hit a clutch bucket or two in his lifetime.
Q: What makes the NAABL better or worse this year?
A: Competition and ballers are better. The height rules hurt us a little since we are undersized, but it was all good.
Q: Does your fiery attitude inspire your teammates?
A: It does work. I'm the emotional leader. But sometimes they just laugh about it.
Q: What's your championship prediction?
A: Wolfpack over Raps by 6.

Joe Burgess is one of the bigger brothers in the NAABL, but he uses his size well and has handles to boot.
Q: Is it easy being the big man on the court?
A: Sometimes I don't get the calls that I should, but you just gotta keep playing ball.
Q: Do you wish you could sit outside and shoot 3s all day?
A: I wouldn't mind. I'm able to play out at the perimeter anyways because I can put the ball on the floor. But whatever the teams needs me to do.
Q: What team played yall the toughest this year?
A: The Wolfpack. They have good outside shooting. And it's difficult to match up with them man-to-man.

Joe Burgess, Mavericks
Age: 26
B-Ball Background:
Street Ball, High School Ball

NAABL Profiles

The biggest part of what makes the NAABL a unique and exciting league is the assortment of players. The non-Asian rule has developed diversity by allowing people of any race or culture participate in an Asian-based league, but, also, the league's diversity in ages, skill levels, and basketball knowledge is also very interesting. This PROFILE page was developed so players, spectators, and first-time visitors to the web page would be able to see a small sample of the wide range of people. Also, it would be a shame to get through a whole season without becoming a better player or learning something new on the court. These profiles are a way to become a better player by understanding your teammate or your competition just a little better.