Smoky Mountain Jam
 | |
| Founded | 2008 |
|---|---|
| League | American Basketball Association |
| Team history |
Knoxville Storm (proposed) Knoxville Thunderbolts (2008–2009) Smoky Mountain Jam (2009–present) |
| Based in | Maryville, Tennessee |
| Arena | Maryville College |
| Colors | Blue, yellow, green, & red |
| Owner(s) | The Huffson Group |
| Head coach | Chad Smith |
| Championships | 0 |
| Division titles | 0 |
| Website | SmokyMountainJam.com |
The Smoky Mountain Jam team is a member of the American Basketball Association (ABA) that began play in the 2008– 2009 season. They are located in Sevierville, Tennessee, which is in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Jam is owned by the Crossroads Sports Entertainment Group, LLC, headed by Chris Glisson. On May 18, 2009, the Jam announced their name, logo, and colors. The choice of "Jam" as the nickname comes from a play on words where a "jam" refers to a basketball scoring effort as well as a jam session in music. The team made a decision to enhance its Tennessee heritage in its choice of names, especially its musical roots.
History
Their first season, where they were known as the Knoxville Thunderbolts and played in the city of Knoxville, (they were originally going to be called the Knoxville Storm before changing their name due fellow ABA members the Winston-Salem Storm using the nickname). under coach Chad Smith, saw them entering the playoffs and surprising the league by winning successive games over favored teams New York Internationalz and Texas Fuel before bowing to the #1 ranked Southeast Texas Mustangs in the quarterfinals held in Nashville, Tennessee. The first-season success by the Knoxville team was even more surprising considering the fact that the ABA was a 40-team league.
The Thunderbolts were named runners-up as the Franchise of the Year at the awards ceremony after the 2008–2009 championship game. The Thunderbolts placed second to the Kentucky Bisons franchise.
Forward Gus Chase and guard Scott Williams were named to the ABA All-Star squad for the 2008–2009 season.
The 2009–2010 season is scheduled to play in Sevierville its temporary headquarters before construction of the new facilities for the 2011–2012 season.
External links
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