Winnipeg Cyclone

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Winnipeg Cyclone was 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

Contents

Winnipeg Cyclone
League International Basketball Association
Founded1995
HistoryWinnipeg Cyclone (1995–2001)
Arena Winnipeg Convention Centre
Capacity~2,600
Location Winnipeg, Manitoba
Ownership Earl Barish, Cheryl Barish and Sam Katz
Championships0
Division titles1 (1998-99)
Website Cyclone Website (archived)

Rosters

Notable players

The 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. [1] "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. [2]

Personel

Head coaches

#NameTermRegular seasonPlayoffsAchievementsReference
GCWLWin%GCWLWin%
1Kurt Pickering1995–1996241410.583312.333
2 Bill Klucas 1996–1998642836.438312.333
3 Darryl Dawkins 1998–2000703733.529835.3751999 IBA West Division Champions
4Grant Richter2000–2001401129.275––––

End of franchise

After 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. [3] The Cyclone Won Their final game on February 24, 2001 103-95 Vs the Salina Rattlers. [4] 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 Winnipeg

Following 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. [5] Professional basketball would return to Winnipeg in 2023 with the expansion CEBL franchise Winnipeg Sea Bears.

Franchise record

Statistics overview
SeasonTeamOverallConferenceStandingPostseason
Winnipeg Cyclone (International Basketball Association)(1996–2001)
1995–96Winnipeg 14-10N/A2nd in the IBALost in the IBA semifinals 2-1 to the Fargo-Moorhead Beez
1996–97Winnipeg 13-17N/A4th in the IBADid not qualify
1997–98Winnipeg 15–19West2nd in the IBA WestLost in the IBA west Division Finals 2-1 to the Black Hills Posse
1998–99Winnipeg 22-12West1st in the IBA WestWon the West Division semifinals 2-1 vs the Billings RimRockers lost West Division finals 2-1 to the Magic City Snowbears
1999–00Winnipeg 15-21West4th in the IBA WestLost in the IBA West Division semi finals 2-0 to the Dakota Wizards
2000-01Winnipeg 11-29West5th in the IBA WestDid not qualify
Total:90–108 (.455)

      National champion        Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion        Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion      Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

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References

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