From left: Kellven M. Samuel (Photo: BVIOC), Nathaniel Malone and Ray D. Victor are among the 'Elites' listed for the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League draft. Photo: VINO/File

Steve E. Parillon (left) will also return as an elite player, alongside David 'Bolo' Lettsome (right, #4). Photo: VINO/File

League Commissioner Rajah A. Smith said the League is in talks with several other players who have expressed an interest in becoming a part of this year’s draft. He once again praised the draft system as helping to create a balance among teams for increased competition while giving youngsters an opportunity to be a part of a team where they can learn from the elite players. Photo: VINO/File

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League will bounce off on August 15, 2015. Photo: VINO

Sean 'Chino' Woods will also be among the Elites for the draft. Photo: VINO/File

Eustace 'Boss' Freeman will also be back for this year's draft in the Hon Julian Fraser save the Seed League. Photo; VINO/File

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League will bounce off on August 15, 2015.

Last year, for the first time in Virgin Islands’ basketball history, the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League set up a draft system whereby any player in the Virgin Islands, who was considered an ‘Elite’ basketball player, was given the opportunity to play in the League through a draft system.

All drafted players from last year must return to an open pool to be redrafted, once they are 24 years and older.

Many of the players who have already confirmed their participation in the draft include Ray D. Victor, Sean 'Chino' Woods, Cedric King, David ‘Bolo’ Lettsome, Steve E. Parillon, Travis A. Isaac, Kellven M. Samuel, Phillip Glasgow, Juan Hatchet, Eustace ‘Boss’ Freeman, Nathaniel Malone, and Dwayne ‘Kobo’ Penn to name a few.

“Some five other Elite players will be added to the list before draft day and the announcement will be made shortly,” a press release from the League stated.

League in talks with more possible Elites for draft

League Commissioner Rajah A. Smith said the League is in talks with several other players who have expressed an interest in becoming a part of this year’s draft.

He once again praised the draft system as helping to create a balance among teams for increased competition while giving youngsters an opportunity to be a part of a team where they can learn from the elite players.

He singled out players such as Ray D. Victor, David ‘Bolo’ Lettsome and Kellven M. Samuel as some of the players teams will be eager to snap up at the draft.

“Last year the draft was exciting and we hope persons will come out on the 15^th to witness this year’s and be part of the excitement,” Mr Smith told Virgin Islands News Online.

Meanwhile, Elite players who are 23 and under do not have to participate in the draft but can join any team.

Rules of Draft

A raffle pick will determine which team gets which number picked in the draft. Only drafted players can be traded; however, trading of players is up to the League Committee.

Teams with the lowest record/score in the 2014 League will get numbers 1, 2, & 3 in order to have first preference to pick in the Draft System to display fairness.

Participating in the Draft system is not compulsory; however, it is highly recommended so that each team is allowed a fair and equal opportunity in the League.

Elite players for the Draft System should be well disciplined and cannot be suspended from any other local Basketball League.

The draft pick will take place on Wednesday July 15, 2015 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre basketball court at 6:00pm.

The founders of the League are Hon Julian Fraser RA, Representative for the Third District and Bishop John I. Cline, the founder of the Save the Seed Energy Centre and senior Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church.

The 2015 Platinum Sponsor of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League is Digicel.