Giants 6th in latest Power Rankings
Following a rocky 0-2 start the Jacksonville Giants are back on track with a near perfect month of December. The Giants are now 6th in the latest ABA Power Rankings. Jacksonville has won three games in a row and hold a 4-1 record in the month of December.
“I am more excited about the team chemistry than the winning streak,” said Giant’s Coach Kevin Waters. “We have a lot of basketball to play but we are excited about moving in the right direction.”
The Giants momentum started with an upset victory over the then number one ranked Miami Midnights on December 6th. Jacksonville defeated Miami in a 109-105 slugfest that featured energetic play from both teams. The Miami game showcased a potent offensive attack led by Maurice Mickens (15 points) and Elijah Smith (11 points). The Giants continued the streak with a 118-90 win over the South Coast Fire on December 16th.
“The chemistry is coming together,” said Waters. “The guys are starting to buy into the Giants system.”
The South Coast victory set up a weekend showdown on December 19th and 20th with the fourth ranked South Florida Gold. Jacksonville swept the Gold during the weekend series in two very convincing wins of 132-102 and 134-105. Jerrod Tucker, Mickens, Smith, and Ed Horton all had major contributions in the South Florida win.
“We were and still are learning each other, but as I stated earlier the chemistry is coming together.
ABA Power Rankings
1. Kalamazoo Pure 8-0
2. Miami Midnite 7-1
3. Richmond Elite 6-0
4. Mobile Bay Tornados 7-0
5. West Michigan Lake Hawks 8-2
6. Jacksonville Giants 6-3
7. Atlanta Aliens 5-0
8. Daytona Beach Sharks 5-2
9. Jersey Express 7-2
10. DMV Warriors 6-2
11. South Florida Gold 6-4
12. Grand Rapids Danger 6-2
13. Atlanta Wildcats 4-1
14. Jackson Showboats 4-2
15. Texas Skyriders 4-2
