RATHDRUM, Idaho – This week is four years in the making for the Lilac City Legends.
“Just want to represent it as a whole and show what this area has in basketball,” Lilac City head coach Stanley Ibia said. “Obviously, the Zags represent a lot, and we can show that we have other talent here, too. So, we’re looking to expand basketball in the area, and show the country what we’re all about.”
The United States Basketball League member makes its debut at last, reviving pro basketball to the Inland Northwest.
Most of this roster is from the surrounding area, with a good few players from Spokane proper, and they talked about how meaningful it is to represent their home town.
“It’s big time,” former North Central and Knox College guard Isaiah Lockett said. “Everyone wants to play, play at a higher level, the highest level they can, and being able to play with my hometown, Spokane, and people I’ve played with my whole life and get to have that experience, it’s big-time. It’s huge.”
“Kinda fulfill that legacy, that local legacy being around the sport,” former Shadle Park and Eastern Oregon center Josh Landsveck said. “Just try and be a contributor to that.”
Guard Kinteaus Gross comes as far as Atlanta, Georgia, but says he feels the local love and support already.
“The family aspect,” Gross said. “They bring their families out, kids, nephews, cousins, grandmas, and they’re always in the crowd and they cheer you on forever.”
The Legends tallest player is Malachi Bullington, a seven-footer from Rathdrum who started playing basketball in the 8th grade after he got too big for hockey.
“It was really hard to find skates,” Bullington said. “I was debating on trying it, and once I got through that frustration of learning the game, I was hooked. It’s really fun. It’s been great. I love to test my limits and really see what I can do.”
Now, the team puts the final touches on prep ahead of their opener against Salem, still just a week removed from tryouts.
“It’s going to take a lot of growing, but it’s going to go well,” Spokane native and former Montana Tech guard Markieth Brown Jr. said. “I do believe we have a solid group of guys.”
Tickets and merchandise can be purchased on Lilac City’s website here. Tip-off against Salem is March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the HUB SportsCenter in Liberty Lake.
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