Newfoundland Rogues go rogue, will switch up leagues next season

The Newfoundland Rogues basketball team will leave the American Basketball Association and join The Basketball League for its upcoming season, the team leadership announced Thursday.

Team owner Tony Kenny said COVID-19-related travel difficulties played a major role in the decision to change leagues. The Newfoundland Rogues played — and won — six games as part of the American Basketball Association before being forced to suspend games last winter. 

The TBL has a partnership with the National Basketball League of Canada, meaning the Newfoundland Rogues will play against teams from both leagues. 

"We had an opportunity here, because [TBL] has a partnership with the NBL of Canada, that we can now play games in Canada, which cuts down a lot on the travel," he said. "If they're in Canada we know the game's going ahead, we don't have to worry." 

Kenny said the team will have a 40 game schedule, with 28 games played at the Mary Brown's Centre and 12 on the road. He said the league will also have playoff games and an all-star game. The Newfoundland Rogues will host teams from the United States as well as Ontario and Quebec though its partnership with the NBL.

"We're going to have the best of both worlds," Kenny said.

Kenny said the season is set to begin in late January and go until the middle of May, with playoffs beginning immediately after. He said the team and schedule will be finalized by Oct. 1.

Head coach Jerry Williams said several players who were part of the 2021-22 roster have moved on, and he's working to fill spots on this year's team.

"I'm talking to a lot of guys about coming to Newfoundland to play," he said.

Williams said he's been in talks with former NBA player Ron Artest, among others. He said more than six