Albany Patroons will return for 2008-09 season

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jill Bryce

The Albany Patroons announced Wednesday that they will return for the 2008-09 CBA season, and will play at the Washington Avenue Armory.

A recent ticket drive allowed the Patroons to reach the team’s goals regarding ticket sales and sponsorship for the upcoming season, said Jim Coyne, team president. About 800 season tickets have been sold.

“The outpouring of support for the Patroons has guaranteed that they will return to Albany and the Armory for this season,” Coyne said in a press release.

“The fans and sponsors have shown us that they want the Patroons here in Albany, and are willing to do what it takes to keep them here,” Coyne said. “While we still have a long way to go, we are confident that with the continued support that we are receiving that this season could be one of the best ever for the Patroons.”

He expects to announce the team’s new coach and game schedule within the next couple of weeks.

Derrick Roland, a longtime Patroon and assistant coach with

Micheal Ray Richardson, who guided the Patroons to the 2007 CBA finals, is expected to be named the team’s new coach.

Coyne also announced he resigned as CBA acting commissioner to accept the position of president and general manager of the Patroons.

Coyne was responsible for the hiring of Phil Jackson, George Karl and the late Bill Musselman as head coaches for the Patroons. In 2004, he assisted in the purchase of the Patroons’ former home, the Washington Avenue Armory, and the re-emergence of the Patroons in the CBA.

From 2005-07, Coyne was the Patroons’ general manager, and under his guidance, the Patroons captured the American Conference title and reached the 2007 playoff finals.

Last year, the Patroon’s averaged about 1,000 fans per game.