Hartsville, SC- Every person who has ever played college athletics has at one time or another had a dream of becoming a professional athlete. For most that dream never becomes a reality, but if you’re Michael Pierce, that dream just became very real. Pierce, a senior guard on Coker’s basketball team, was drafted by the Anderson (S.C) Heat of World Basketball Association (WBA).

Pierce was Coker’s second leading scorer this season, averaging 11 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He shot 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range in the 2005-2006.

The Whiteville, NC, native was the 11th pick in the fourth round, the 44th player taken overall. More than 60 players were drafted in the WBA’s Free Agent Draft, which was conducted after an extensive two day tryout session.

The Anderson Heat is one of 12 teams that play in the WBA. Entering its third year and based in Atlanta, GA, the WBA exposes players to the NBA, NBDL, CBA, and
European Scouts. Over 30 players have signed contracts including two with NBA teams. The WBA season starts in late April and runs until the end of June, with the playoffs in early July.

For more Information on the World Basketball Association visit www.wbaball.net, or on Coker College and the Coker Cobras Basketball Team, visit www.cokercobras.com.