National Wheelchair Basketball Association Champions

2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997

It's ability, not disability that counts

Mavs win 2006 National Title!

National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament (4/08/06)

Lexington: Life is all about perspective. Consider a team attempting to win its third national championships in four years and its seventh championships in the last ten years. Either way of looking at the recent history of the Dallas Mavericks is impressive.

Consider sitting at one end of the historic Memorial Coliseum at the University of Kentucky and looking at the seven NCAA Championship Banners and many, many, many Southeast Conference Championships the UK basketball program has won.

Well, if you were Tubby Smith, the men’s coach at UK and the person who won their latest banner, you got to consider those things and a whole lot more at the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament April 7-8.

Coach Smith watched from the far end of Memorial Coliseum as the Mavericks faced the Milwaukee Bucks in the championship game. Smith quickly found out why the Mavericks have won so often. Raul Ortega swished a shot from the side just inside the three-point line, and Paul Schulte went one better, swishing one from outside the line. He followed that with two perfect free throws. Dallas 7, Milaukee 0, 46 minutes left to play. Things looked bleak for the Bucks. “When Paul hit those early shots, we went away from our game plan,” said Bucks coach Steve Wilson. “Our switches were late because I think we lost sight of what we had to do.” The Bucks made a run, cutting the lead to three on Dave Durepos’s first three-point field goal, 16-13. Dallas answered though, again and again, outscoring Milwaukee 13-2 to finish the quarter.

The Mavericks eased up a bit in the second quarter, leading 45-32 at the half. Raul Ortega led Dallas with 14 first half points. Schulte chipped with 11 points and six assists.

“I was very pleased with the way we played in the first half,” said Dug Jones, Maverick coach. “We shot 61 percent and I don’t think we played better all season.”

Dallas put the game away in the third period, outscoring Milwaukee, 30-19. Jeff Glasbrenner led the second-half onslaught with 10 points in the quarter. Jones played the game out, freely substituting the Mavericks so everyone could experience the thrill of winning a championship.

“This was the most satisfying (championship). Just the association with this group is rewarding,” said Maverick coach, Dug Jones. “Today our priority was rebounding. Milwaukee is the best shooting team in DI and, we believed, that to beat them we had to limit their chances.”

Dallas did limit the Bucks’ chances and made the most of their own. Dallas out rebounded Milwaukee, 51-37. Jeff Glasbrenner grabbed 13 rebounds to go with 22 points. Schulte, on his way to tournament MVP, scored 25 points and passed for 13 assists.

“ Dallas played a great game. They started great and we just lost concentration,” said Steve Wilson, Milwaukee’s coach. “They scored early and we just could not match their intensity.”

The Mavericks advanced the Championship after overcoming a determined Phoenix team in the semifinals. Mark Shepard got the Suns off to a fast start, but the combination of Jeff Glasbrenner and Paul Schulte was too much for the Suns. Dallas moved on with a 88-76 victory. Schulte and Glasbrenner scored 32 and 22, respectively. Shepard scored 25 points from all over the floor. The other semifinal, the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Buck, was a game that Kentucky basketball fans call an old fashioned shootout. It was long ball after long ball as the Nuggets’ Jennifer Ruddell matched the Bucks’ Dave Durepos, three-point basket for three-point basket. The game was even at halftime, despite the Nuggets shooting 63 percent. The Bucks heated up when it mattered, though, pulling away at the end, 103-92

By - Ian Jaquiss

Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation/American Airlines Invitational

Mavericks beat Raptors (3/24/06)

In the first game of the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation / American Airlines Invitational, Paul Schulte and Jeff Glasbrenner led the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks in an offensive explosion that overwhelmed a hard working and determined Toronto Raptors team 117 -56. Glasbrenner shot an amazing 16 for 20 from the field on his way to a 39 point performance. Schulte, whose performance included six three-pointers, led Dallas with 42 points. Chuck Allen, Ryan Hundemer, and Raul Ortega each chipped in 10 points for the Mavs. For Toronto, Chris Stoutenberg and Mikael Poulin tallied 14 points each to pace the Raptors.

Dallas Quick start too much for Milwaukee (3/25/06)

In a game where the Milwaukee Bucks struggled from the field early, the Mavericks took advantage of the early opportunity to race out to a 17 point (26 -9) first quarter lead. The Bucks generated a third quarter run to cut a 19 point halftime deficit to 9 points, but the Mavericks were able to regroup and go on a 13 -0 run that began at the 9:38 mark in the 4 th quarter to extend their lead back to the final 22 point margin of victory (86-64). Dallas was led by Jeff Glasbrenner’s 27 points and 16 rebounds. Jason Van Beek added 22 points and 18 rebounds for the Mavs. The Bucks were led by Gavin Cloy (16 points) and Jeremy Lade (14 points). The key game statistic was Dallas’ +24 rebounding margin.

Mavs beat Suns but lose Ortega (3/26/06)

In a game where the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks struggled at times to find an offensive rhythm, Jeff Glasbrenner continued his hot shooting to pace the Mavericks in an 83-50 victory over Phoenix. The win capped an undefeated regular season for Dallas, but the accomplishment was overshadowed by the apparent loss of Raul Ortega to a right deltoid injury early in the second half. Ortega who injured the should reaching for man errant Phoenix pass six minutes into the second half left the game and never returned. Ultimately, the Mavs worked through the rough patches, found a rhythm for a fourth quarter 16 – 2 run, and closed out the Suns. For Dallas, Glasbrenner tallied 32 points on 11 for 15 shooting from the field and snagged 12 rebounds. Paul Schulte added 18 points. Phoenix was led by Mark Shepherd (18 points) and Rob Knight (14 points). The extent of Ortega’s injury isn’t completely clear. He will miss a minimum of 10 days. Dallas plays a national semi-final on April 7th and hopes to have Ortega back in the line up on that day.

Bucks Invitational

Mavs wear down Bucks (2/24/26)

In the opening game of the Bucks Invitational in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks used a strong fourth quarter to wear down and beat the homestanding Milwaukee Bucks 88 - 74. Milwaukee, especially tough at home, scored 47 first half points en route to a 4 point half-time lead. The second quarter was particularly problematic for Dallas from a defensive standpoint as the Mavs allowed the Bucks to score 34 points, 9 from three-point range. Neither team was particularly efficient in the third quarter and the teams moved into the fourth quarter with Milwaukee clinging to a 63 – 61 lead. With six minutes remaining in the game, Dallas had battled to a 71 -69 lead and was poised to finish strong. Over the next five minutes, the Mavs reeled off a 17 – 2 run to put away the pesky Bucks. A late 3-pointer by Milwaukee’s Joe Chambers brought the Bucks back to the final 14 point deficit. For Dallas, Raul Ortega and Jeff Glasbrenner lead the team in scoring with 21 each. Paul Schulte and Jason Van Beek were also in double figures with 16 and 11 points respectively. Glasbrenner’s 17 rebounds and Schulte’s 18 assists were key factors in the outcome of the game. The Bucks also had four scorers in double figures with Dave Durepos leading the way with 18 points.

Mavericks roll Raptors (2/25/26)

Dallas used a balanced offense that distributed scoring evenly and resulted in a systematic 82 -52 win over the Toronto Raptors. In the early going, Toronto was effective both inside and outside to build a 9 -2 lead. The Mavs edged back to take their first lead (14 -13) at the 4:02 mark of the quarter. The quarter ended with a Paul Schulte basket that brought the Mavs lead to 22 -19. After the Raptor’s Richard Peter scored the second quarter’s first basket to bring the margin back to 1 point, the Mavs went on an 18 -4 run to build a comfortable lead. Toronto battled back with 6 unanswered, but then Dallas finished the half on a 7 -0 run to set the halftime score at 47 -31. Toronto wasn’t able to make a second half run of any kind and Dallas cruised off to the comfortable win. For the Mavs, Jeff Glasbrenner (16pts), Ryan Hundemer (14pts), Jason Van Beek (14pts), and Paul Schulte (14pts) all scored in double figures while Willie Hernandez and Raul Ortega added 8 points each. Chris Stoutenberg led Toronto with 15 points.

Dallas subdues Denver in the fourth quarter (2/26/06)

In another tightly contested match up between the Mavs and Nuggets, Dallas was able to prevail by finishing with poise. Denver was out of the blocks quickly, as usual, and ran out to a 32 -24 lead at the end of the first quarter. A Paul Schulte 3-pointer gave the Mavs their first lead at 40 – 39 at the 6:28 mark in the second quarter, but Denver battled back and took a 48 -45 lead to the locker room at the half. The third quarter was a see-saw battle with 3 ties and 2 lead changes. Neither team was able to establish more than a 4 point lead. Dallas led 68 -67 at the quarter’s end. The Nuggets were able to battle back to a 75 -75 tie with 7:42 remaining in the game, but were never able to get a 4 th quarter lead. The difference down the stretch was Denver’s four turnovers and Dallas’ 6 -1 rebounding margin over the last 7 minutes of the game.

Significant statistics included the Mavericks’ rebounding edge (59 – 36) and turnover advantage (12 – 18) and Denver’s superior three-point shooting (11 for 20) over the course of the game. Dallas needed the additional 24 shots generated by the rebounding and turnover advantages to offset the 21 point advantage Denver gained from the 3-point line. Jeff Glasbrenner led all scorers with 31 points. Paul Schulte (24pts) and Jason Van Beek (20pts) also had strong offensive games for Dallas. For the Nuggets, Adam Lancia led the way with 21 points that included five 3-pointers. Jay Nelms added 16 points and Jeff Townsend contributed 14.

Collegiate Challenge at Pioneer Classic

Mavs “school” college teams (1-13-06)

In a unique tournament format the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks beat the intercollegiate teams from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Edinboro University, and the University of Illinois on successive days. The competition format was for the four participating Division 1 (D1) teams to each have pre-scheduled games against three of the four participating collegiate teams. This format ensured that all tournament games played would be interdivisional. The motivation for this arrangement was to provide current collegiate players the opportunity to play against D1 level competition within the D1 game format. Additionally, this format afforded D1 coaches the opportunity to evaluate the top collegiate talent for future consideration within the D1 player draft process.

In all three Maverick’s games, small half-time leads were extended to 20+ point margins by games end. These outcomes could be a reflection on the longer game formats in D1, the faster tempo and resulting fatigue, and/or team depth and long term focus. The final scores were Dallas 90 – Whitewater 64, Dallas 93 – Edinboro 69, and Dallas 92 – 59. For the tournament, Paul Schulte led the Mavs by scoring at a 26.0 points per game clip. Four other Mavs also averaged in double figures. They were Raul Ortega (17.3 ppg), Jason Van Beek (16.3 ppg), Ryan Hundemer (15.5 ppg), and Chuck Allen (13.3 ppg)

Banner Sun Invitational

Mavericks open regular season with win at Phoenix (12/16/05)

( Phoenix, AZ)- The Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks tipped off the 2005-06 regular season with a solid 94 –70 win over the homestanding Phoenix Suns on Friday, December 16, 2005. While most of the NWBA’s Division 1 teams launched their seasons in Champaign, Illinois in mid-November, the Mavs elected to delay play until this weekend in Phoenix. The motivation for the delay was deference to the USA National team’s activities and to shorten the overall season for Mavs players. For Dallas, the only tune up was a Thursday night exhibition game against the University of Arizona’s collegiate team. For the Suns, the game with the Mavs was their 5 th regular season game.

The Mavericks picked up where they left off in the 2005 championship season by shooting a surprisingly sharp 58% from the floor that included 5 for 10 from the three-point line. Paul Schulte led all scorers with 31 points. He added 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Jason Van Beek was 8 for 11 from the floor and 5 for 6 from the free throw line to contribute 21 points. Also in double figures for Dallas was Willie Hernandez who shot a blistering 8 for 9 from the floor in route to a 19 point night. Ryan Hundemer tallied 14 points and 8 boards.

For the Suns, 48 of their 70 points came from post players, Paul Hill (19), Jimbo Miller (16), and Rob Knight.

Dallas hands Milwaukee first loss (12/17/05)

( Phoenix, Az)- In a rematch of last season’s title game the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks used superior guard play to cruise to a 90 – 72 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, in Phoenix. The margin of victory for Dallas was the same 18 points as in last year’s title game. For the Mavs this year, Paul Schulte poured in 36 points that included 18 (6 for 10) from three-point range. Willie Hernandez added 20 points for Dallas. Jason Van Beek pulled down 11 rebounds to help the Mavs win the rebounding battle by a 39 –30 margin. Both teams were fairly sharp from the field (55% for Dallas and 48% for the Bucks), but the Mavs prevailed with a plus 8 margin at the free throw line. Dallas also held a 13 to 3 edge in points off of turnovers.

Also contributing for Dallas, were Ryan Hundemer who added 17 points (7 for 12) and 5 boards. Rusty Belknap was perfect from the floor (7 pts) and solid on the boards (6 rebs). Chuck Allen played a strong 18 minutes and provided a solid defensive presence.

For the Bucks, Dave Durepos scored 24 and Jeremy Lade added 15. Milwaukee also had Mel Juette and Gavin Cloy in double figures with 10 each.

Mavericks hold on to beat Nuggets (12/18/05)

( Phoenix, Az) The Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks battled hard and ultimately prevailed, 88 – 81, against the Denver Nuggets on a day when the Mavs came out flat and dug themselves a 10-point hole. Denver rode hot shooting Adam Lancia and used great team basketball to build a double-digit first quarter lead. Dallas chipped away at the lead, finally warmed up from the floor and eased into halftime with a 40 – 39 lead. Momentum in the third quarter switched back and forth several times with neither team achieving a comfortable lead. Dallas inched their advantage out to 4 points by the quarter’s end, but the game was clearly hanging in the balance. In the fourth quarter, each time Dallas would extend their lead out to 7 or 8 points, the Nuggets would make a run and pull the margin back to 2 or 3 points. Finally, with 41 seconds remaining in the game and a three point lead, Paul Schulte stole an inbounds pass at midcourt and cruised in for a lay up to push the margin out to 5 points with 35 seconds remaining. Once Denver missed a three-point attempt and Dallas secured the rebound, the game was in hand for the Mavs. All that remained was a pair of Maverick free throws and one more defensive stop.

For Dallas, Jason Van Beek was huge with 22 points (10 for 13) and a monstrous 25 rebounds. After a slow start, Schulte added 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Hundemer tallied a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards. Rusty Belknap (12) and Willie Hernandez (11) were also in double figures.

For the Nuggets, Lancia scored 32 points and pulled down 12 boards. Jay Nelms notched 19 points and Jeff Townsend added 11points and 11 rebounds.

Mavericks make preparations for the 2005-06 season

The Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks are making preparations to defend their 2005 Division 1 (D1) National Championship once the new season tips off late this Fall. The Mavs will delay the start of the D1 competitive schedule until December 15 th to accommodate the needs of the USA National Team. Team USA will be competing in Japan in October and in Colorado Springs in November. Maverick players Paul Schulte and Jeff Glasbrenner are members of the National Team. Jermell Pennie is an alternate to this team.

There will be a couple of roster changes this season for the Mavericks. Chuck Allen joins the team to fill the roster slot that came open when Stephen Welch moved into the head coaching position for the Mavericks’ Division 2 (D2) team. For Welch, a four-time NWBA MVP, the move is one that allows him the opportunity to hone his coaching skills. The new position is also a better fit for Stephen’s role within a new business venture he has launched (see www.welchchairs.com).

While Jermell Pennie will continue to roster with the Mavs, he will be absent from the team for the 2005-06 season. He will, instead, play in the French national league. This move is an excellent opportunity for him to continue to refine his international game while having the unique opportunity for the adventure of living abroad. Expectations are that Jermell will return to the Mavs active roster for the 2006 -07 or 2007-08 season.

Chuck Allen arrives with seven years of NWBA experience. He has played a strong low-post role for the D2 Mavericks over the past several years and was a recent invitee to the USA National Team Trials in Birmingham.

Head Coach Dug Jones will work with a strong group of experienced players led by 2005 NWBT MVP, Paul Schulte and 2004 NWBT MVP Jeff Glasbrenner. Guard play will continue to be a team strength with Raul Ortega, Ryan Hundemer, and Willie Hernandez in the rotation with Schulte. Rusty Belknap and Jason Van Beek will join Glasbrenner and Allen to man the frontcourt.