Josh Kirby: josh@kirbyonsports.com
The Virginia Valley Vipers announced the naming of new Head Coach, Lester Conner who is a former NBA player. Earlier today the Vipers announced the hiring of Conner via a Press Release.
The Press Release from The Virginia Valley Vipers:
FORMER NBA PLAYER AND COACH WILL LEAD
VIRGINIA VALLEY VIPERS IN 2024
WINCHESTER, Va. – The Virginia Valley Vipers have tapped former NBA player and coach Lester Conner to lead the team in 2024.
The Valley Vipers, brought to Winchester by Team Market Owners Rodney and Christine Culbreath, named Conner as the head coach today.
“Lester Conner is a talented individual with a rich history both as a player and coach. We are thrilled to be bringing on a coach of his caliber who has the personal experience and expertise to lead them on and off the court,” said Virginia Valley Vipers General Manager Sanford Silver.
A talented combo guard who played on ten professional teams within 15 years, Conner brings a wealth of experience to the Virginia Valley Vipers. He served as an assistant coach for a variety of NBA teams, including the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks. Conner coached in the NBA as recently as 2014, as the assistant coach to the Denver Nuggets’ Brian Shaw.
“I want to thank the Virginia Valley Vipers organization, Christine and Rodney Culbreath along with Sanford Silver. I believe in being in shape, I believe in hard work, fundamentals, dedication and with the help of community and the fans, we can build strong relationships and a championship team on and off the court,” said Conner.
The 2024 season will run from March until May, followed by playoffs and the league championship in June and July. The Vipers will continue to play at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics Center at Shenandoah University.
TBL is entering its seventh season with teams from coast to coast in the United States and Canada. Games are broadcasted to more than 145 countries via TBLTV.tv
About the Virginia Valley Vipers
The Virginia Valley Vipers are a professional men’s basketball team within The Basketball League’s Northeast conference. Founded in 2022, the Vipers completed their inaugural season in 2023. Team Market Owners Rodney, Christine and Rze Culbreath are proud to bring affordable, family-friendly entertainment and economic opportunities to the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
About The Basketball League
The Basketball League (TBL) is dedicated to delivering a World Class Professional Basketball experience to our community, our fans, and business partners. Our goals include:
- Provide communities with a professional basketball team that gives an affordable/quality family entertainment experience.
- Provide players with educational opportunities to learn from nationally acclaimed life skills classes for financial literacy, health and wellness, nutrition, preventative medicine and sports biomechanics.
- Offer support and encouragement to local communities through engagement in school and group appearances, youth camps, clinics and non-profit organizations.
- Afford basketball players the opportunity to make a living playing the game they love, in America.
- Procure local individuals or groups an opportunity to own a professional sports business. A relatively low cost barrier to entry, a proven game plan to success, with a return on their investment while positively impacting their region.