SALEM, Va. – Allegheny's own Phil Ness has been named head coach of the East for the 2011 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Reese's Division III All-Star Game in Salem, Va. Played at the Salem Civic Center just prior to the NCAA Division III Championship game, The NCAA and NABC teamed a year ago to hold the first senior all-star game for Division III.
“I'm thrilled to have the chance to coach again,” reflected Ness. “The atmosphere will be absolutely electric, and it will be great to be back in the saddle for a one-game encore.”
Ness, who was the 2005 recipient of the NABC Distinguished Service Award, concluded his outstanding coaching career at Allegheny in 2002 and is currently a Major Gifts Officer at the college. During a 13-year coaching tenure, he compiled 184 wins and left the court as the all-time winningest coach in Gator history. Allegheny earned spots in the 1998 and 1999 NCAA Tournament under Ness, and 21 players under his tutelage earned All-North Coast Athletic Conference recognition, including one Player of the Year recipient. Respected by his colleagues and peers, Ness is a leader and role model off the court. In 2002, Ness was named a Sports Ethic Fellow by the Institute for International Sport. He was also an active leader in the NABC, serving the Association in a variety of areas. Possibly his most notable assist is the birth of the Outstanding Service Award that he created in 1997 to honor Division III coaches.
The Reese's Division III All-Star Game will be played at 1 p.m on Saturday, March 19 and will replace the consolation game which had been played in previous seasons.
“The opportunity to have all-star games at each of the NCAA championships for men's basketball is a winning situation for everyone – players, coaches and fans,” said Reggie Minton, NABC deputy executive director. “These games allow 60 very deserving and talented seniors to complete their collegiate careers in a championship environment, which is made that much brighter through the generosity of our title sponsor, Reese's.”
The selection process for the rosters in the Reese's Division III All-Star Game will include two players from each region, two players from the losing teams in the national semifinal games, and two players from fan internet voting at D3Hoops.com. This year's contest will be streamed live.
Participants for the game arrive in Salem two days prior to the game and will be involved in a community service project, attend the championship banquet and practice with their teams.
