By Bill Hamm

The Capital District Basketball Association (CDBA), the region’s only NCAA approved summer league, will kick off his second season this Thursday, June 21, and fans will have the opportunity to see many Siena Saints take the court.

Reigning DI rebounding champion, OD Anosike, returns to the league for a second season and will look to defend the league title with his team, Shake ‘n Bake. Joining Anosike in the league will be Siena’s starting point guard, and freshman sensation, Evan Hymes, as well as two players coming off injuries that cost them their seasons, Trenity Burdine and Davis Martens.

Last season OD Anosike and Kyle Downey participated in the league’s inaugural season. Both players displayed the skills that they would use to help drive an undermanned Saints team to the MAAC semifinals. Downey led the league with 184 total points, 20.4 ppg, while Anosike averaged 15.5 ppg and 8 boards per game.

“It was great for me,” said Downey of playing in the league. “Especially playing against new people that were mostly older and playing professionally overseas. The games were more about playing basketball and skill than just speed and strength. It was a great experience and I would do it again.”

All games are held at Rensselaer High School and are free to the public. The league runs until July 30.

I think it is fantastic to see that Martens and Burdine will be participating in the league this season. Both are coming off injuries that cost them all of last season, and this will serve as a great way to see some live game action this summer. 

Given the constantly changing status of Burdine’s injury last season many fans questioned his drive to be on the court. His participation in the league this summer should put those questions to rest. While the grind of the CDBA is certainly less than that of Division I competition, it shows a desire to get back in action and test his foot in live competition. The mere fact he is competing is also a great sign that the injury bug is behind him as I highly doubt the Saints would allow him to compete if doubts lingered about his status.

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