Faubion selected by Kansas Cagerz in fourth round of USBL draft
By: David Toelle, KWU Sports Information

Marcus Faubion holds his Kansas Cagerz jersey at Tuesday night's USBL draft party at O'Malley's Pub in Salina

Marcus Faubion took the first step to continuing his basketball career at the professional level as the Kansas Cagerz drafted him in the fourth round of the USBL draft Tuesday night.

He was the one of only two NAIA players selected in the 22nd annual draft, conducted via teleconference with the USBL office in Milford, Conn. The Oklahoma Storm selected Northwestern Oklahoma State’s Gary Nunez in the second round.

“It’s exciting,” Faubion said. “Playing here in Salina with Kansas Wesleyan was awesome. I’m just glad I have the opportunity to play in Salina again. It’s a great city. I’m excited.”

Faubion missed the first portion of the 2005-06 season with the Coyotes due to being declared ineligible after playing in tennis matches in the spring of 2005, but quickly rose to star status in the league in 2006.

He played in 20 games in the 2006 season, shooting over 54 percent from the field while averaging 15.6 points and seven rebounds per game.

Faubion continued his rise to prominence this season, earning unanimous Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors, while being named First Team All-KCAC, and eventually was named Third Team NAIA All-American.

Faubion averaged 15.4 points and 7.81 rebounds per game in 32 games for the Coyotes in 2007, leading them to their first ever NAIA Division II National Tournament Appearance, and the first berth to the NAIA National Tournament since 1950. The Coyotes rode a 19-game winning streak before losing to Northwestern (Iowa) in the second round of the National Tournament, just one win short of tying Wesleyan’s all-time winning streak record. The Coyotes also set a new team record for wins in a season, finishing 28-4 overall.

Kansas head coach Francis Flax congratulates Faubion on being selected by the Cagerz in the USBL draft

“The door is wide open for Marcus Faubion,” Cagerz coach Francis Flax said. “Whatever Marcus wants to accomplish in this camp, he will have to opportunity to do just that.”

Faubion concurred.

“I have to come in with the right mindset, and I think I will be alright,” he said. “Coach Flax was honest with me about how the guys in the league are a lot bigger, and we are just going to see how things work out. I just have to keep working on things and see what happens.”

Faubion also recognized the opportunity with the Cagerz to get his feet wet at the professional level.

“I’m glad to have to opportunity, to have a crack at it,” he said. “I’m going to get out there and see what I can do against the bigger guys, and hopefully I can adjust.”

Faubion also attributes his growth in the game to Wesleyan coach Tommy DeSalme’s work with him this past season.

“He taught me a whole lot about everything there is to know about basketball,” Faubion said. “I am going to continue to talk to him a lot.”

Flax feels Faubion has a chance to make a name for himself at this weekend’s veteran’s camp which starts Saturday at St. John’s Military School.

“I think we will see Marcus at a higher level,” he said. “We will see this weekend if he has what it takes.”

The Cagerz will begin their seventh season in Salina on April 19 in Gary, Ind., against the Gary Steelheads. The Cagerz will debut at home on April 25 against the Albany Patroons.

About the USBL

Recognized as The League of Opportunity, the United States Basketball League (USBL) is as much involved with human resource development as it is with professional sports.  The USBL has provided an opportunity for players to improve and showcase their skills for the National Basketball Association, Continental Basketball Association, D-League, and International clubs around the world.  Over the past twenty one seasons of operation, the USBL has been the springboard for numerous professional playing careers. 

The USBL season runs from late April (after the conclusion of the collegiate basketball season) until late June (before the start of NBA rookie and free agent camps).  For draft-hopeful collegians, the USBL is the premiere summer league, which offers a sound transition from the college to the professional game.  The USBL’s playing rules are identical to the NBA’s rules, with the added stipulation that each team carries at least two rookies on its roster.  This provides a maximum opportunity for players looking to showcase their skills as well as stay in prime physical and mental condition prior to the NBA Draft.

-- KWU SI --