Pro basketball: Vancouver Bears set to debut new name in new league

Vancouver’s professional basketball franchise has rebranded as the Vancouver Bears and will open its season in a new league March 7 at Hudson’s Bay High School.

The Vancouver Volcanoes are now the Vancouver Bears, and they are playing in the United States Basketball League this year, with the season opener set for Saturday at Hudson’s Bay High School

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

They have a new name.

They are in a new league.

But they remain … Vancouver’s professional basketball team.

The Vancouver Bears play their season and home opener Saturday night at Hudson’s Bay High School.

Who? The Bears?

You might remember them as the Vancouver Volcanoes.

“We just wanted to try something new because we are going into a new league,” said Curtis Hill, team owner. “A fresh start with everything.”

A couple of Vancouver rivals — the franchises in Seattle and Salem — left The Basketball League for the United States Basketball League, and Hill thought it would be wise to continue those rivalries and play in the USBL, as well.

The USBL has eight teams — five in the Northwest and three in California.

There are some big names associated with the league, as well. Former Sonic great Gary Payton and former Trail Blazer Robert Pack are coaching the Seattle SuperHawks.

Jonte Porter, a former NBA player who was banned from the league, is trying to rehabilitate his image and has signed with the Super Hawks.

Former NBA center Olden Polynice is coaching the San Diego franchise.

The USBL has roots to the mid 1989s. Names such as Mugsy Bogues, Spud Webb, Anthony Mason, Manute Bol, Avery Johnson, and James “Hot Rod” Williams played in the USBL before becoming NBA stars. The league was recently reborn, with franchises throughout the West.

As far as the Bears, Markus Golder is back in Vancouver. The former Portland State Viking played here as a member of the Volcanoes. Darius Gary is also back. The team has an international flavor, as well, with two players from Mexico, two from Europe, and two from Africa.

Hill said the players will continue to be part of the community. The Bears plan on holding a youth clinic.

“It gives Vancouver their own professional team, instead of having to cross over the bridge,” Hill said. “It’s Vancouver’s team, and it’s Clark County’s team.”

Hill said going to a Bears game is affordable family fun. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children. And fans can take pictures and get autographs from players, right on the court, after the games.

The Bears play their home games at Hudson’s Bay High School. First game is Saturday, March 7, a 7 p.m. tip-off against the Yakima Heat.

For a full schedule and more on the Vancouver Bears, got to the team’s website: https://www.vancouverbears.com/