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Winnipeg CycloneWinnipeg Cyclone were a professional basketball club based in Winnipeg, Manitoba that competed in the International Basketball Association from 1995 to 2001. The Cyclone played its home games at the Winnipeg Convention Centre (dubbed the "Wind Tunnel"). However, the Cyclone did not enjoy significant popularity, usually playing before sparse crowds. The club was backed largely by local businesspeople Earl Barish, Cheryl Barish and Sam Katz
HistoryThe Winnipeg Cyclone was established on October 3, 1995 as one of the founding five franchises of the International Basketball Association and only one of two Canadian teams that existed in the league. The team ownership group consisted of majority owners Earl and Cheryl Barish and future Winnipeg mayor Sam Katz as part owner.[1] On October 10, 1995 the Cyclone announced the signing of Curt Pickering as the team’s inaugural Head Coach.[2] The first player to sign with the club was Shannon Sharpe, a 6'7 Guard from Long Island University.[3] The Cyclone Lost their inaugural game on December 5, 1995 100-91 @ Black Hills Posse. Rosters1995–1996 Notable playersThe Cyclone had several recognizable names on the roster and coaching staff during the franchise's short existence. From 1998-2000, Former NBA star Darryl Dawkins served as a players coach for the franchise, winning Co-Coach of the Year for the 1999 season along with Mansfield Hawks coach Kevin Mackey.[4] "Hoop Dreams" subject Arthur Agee played on the team for a brief stint, as well as Andrell Hoard, who won back-to-back Most Valuable Player honors in 1998 and 1999.[5] PersonnelHead coaches
General Managers Rod McIsaac[1] End of franchiseAfter the 2001 season, it was announced that the IBA would cease operations. League leaders made the decision after failing to acquire commitments for the upcoming 2002 season from several franchises, having to push back the application deadline on several occasions. Four teams from the IBL (Dakota Wizards, Fargo Beez, Sioux Falls Skyforce, and Saskatchewan Hawks) would go on to join the Continental Basketball Association's eight-team expansion. For a time, Winnipeg was rumored to be joining the CBA as well, but ultimately decided against the move.[6] The Cyclone Won Their final game on February 24, 2001 103-95 Vs the Salina Rattlers.[7] In 6 seasons, the Cyclone won 90 games while losing 108. Darryl Dawkins finished as the franchise's winningest coach, tallying a 37-33 record in his two years as the head of the Cyclone. Basketball in WinnipegFollowing the sequential demises of the Winnipeg Thunder and the Cyclone, professional basketball disappeared from Winnipeg. In 2013, the Canadian Basketball League, in conjunction with Cosmos Sports, conducted a feasibility study that showed Winnipeg could successfully host a professional basketball franchise if chosen. After a meeting with potential owners later in the year, it was decided that there wasn't enough interest to reach the expansion minimum of eight teams.[8] Professional basketball would return to Winnipeg in 2023 with the expansion CEBL franchise Winnipeg Sea Bears. Franchise record
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