St. Ambrose Fighting Bees Men's Basketball Team
St. Ambrose University is a private, Catholic university located in Davenport, Iowa. They are known for their exceptional athletics program, especially their men's basketball team, the Fighting Bees. The Fighting Bees have a long-standing tradition of excellence, and their history proves it.
History of the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees Men's Basketball Team
The Fighting Bees basketball program began in 1910, making it one of the oldest programs in the country. They have been a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for more than 70 years. The team has had many successes over the years, including conference championships and NAIA national tournament appearances.
In the mid-1990s, the Fighting Bees made a name for themselves when they advanced to the NAIA national tournament five times in six years. They were led by Head Coach Ray Shovlain, who is now a member of the St. Ambrose Hall of Fame. In 2004, the Fighting Bees advanced to the Elite Eight of the NAIA national tournament for the first time in school history. Current Head Coach Ray Martin has continued the team's success, leading them to multiple conference championships and national tournament appearances.
The Fighting Bees' Style of Play
The Fighting Bees are known for their fast-paced, up-tempo style of play. They push the ball up the court quickly and look for easy transition baskets. They also have a strong inside game, with big men who can dominate in the paint. The team is also known for their tough defense, which often leads to turnovers and fast break opportunities. The Fighting Bees' style of play is thrilling to watch and has been a key factor in their success over the years.
Key Players in Fighting Bees' History
The Fighting Bees have had many talented players over the years who have contributed to the team's success. One of the most notable players in Fighting Bees history is JamalSlay, who played from 1992-1996. Slay was a three-time NAIA All-American and helped lead the team to multiple national tournament appearances. Other notable players include Derrick Dilworth, who played in the mid-1990s and was a two-time NAIA All-American, and James Williams, who played from 2001-2004 and was a key player in the team's Elite Eight run in 2004.
The Fighting Bees Today
The Fighting Bees continue to be a force in college basketball today. Under Coach Martin's leadership, the team has won multiple conference championships and has made several appearances in the NAIA national tournament. The team is led by senior guard Isaiah Florentine, who was named First Team All-Conference in 2020. The Fighting Bees have a bright future ahead of them and will undoubtedly continue their tradition of excellence for years to come.
Wrap Up
The St. Ambrose Fighting Bees men's basketball team has a rich history filled with success and tradition. They are known for their fast-paced style of play and tough defense, which has led to numerous conference championships and national tournament appearances. The team has had many talented players over the years, and they continue to be a force in college basketball today. If you're a fan of exciting, high-energy basketball, then the Fighting Bees are a team you won't want to miss!