Joe Ward (basketball)
Joe Ward (born January 21, 1963) is a retired American professional basketball player. He was the Phoenix Suns' second round draft pick in the 1986 NBA draft. Ward played at Clemson University and the University of Georgia, averaging a combined 11.2 points. As a senior at Georgia in 1985-86, Ward averaged 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He also shot 53.7% from the field and known to have great jumping ability. Ward made 90% of his free throws as a sophomore as well.
CBA career
Ward also played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) with the Savannah Spirits, Tulsa Fast Breakers, Rapid City Thrillers, Yakima Sun Kings and Oklahoma City Cavalry. In total, Ward played six seasons in the CBA, averaging 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for his career. He won a league championship with Tulsa in 1989 and was a second team All-CBA pick in 1991 with Rapid City.[1]
PBA stint
Ward played in the Philippines for the Añejo Rum 65 ballclub in the Philippine Basketball Association. When he arrived in Manila, Ward was fresh from the Philadelphia 76ers camp. He displayed guts in his PBA debut on October 20, 1988, battling cramps in tossing 55 points, [2] his highest total output in his PBA stint was 78 points on December 1, 1988.
UAAP coaching career
Ward was chosen to be the Head Coach of the UP Fighting Maroons this upcoming season 78 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) which is also to be hosted by the University of the Philippines and it is scheduled to open on September 5, 2015.
References
- ↑ 1994-95 Official CBA Guide and Register, page 349
- ↑ "Milkmen's Bland says he was just having fun as he fires 49". Manila Standard. 21 October 1988.