A graduate of University of the Cumberlands (UC) will begin playing professional basketball this fall. Samuel Brown, a 2008 graduate of Cumberlands and native of Cleveland, Texas, signed to play with the Cleveland Havok, a professional basketball team located in Cleveland, Texas and affiliated with the Universal Basketball Association (UBA).

The Cleveland Havok will be coached by Kevin Frankland who is also the owner. The UBA has been regarded as the top minor league program in the country by usbasket.com. The addition of the Cleveland Havok makes six franchises in Texas. Under the leadership of Kevin Williams, the Western Conference will now become a power. The Havok will play its home games at CISD School in Cleveland.

Brown was a two year starter for the Patriots from 2005-2007. He played in 28 games (all starts) in his junior season of 2005-2006. During that season, Brown was second on the team in scoring at 12.2 points per game along with 3.1 rebounds per game and 1.8 assists per game. He shot an impressive 53% from the field in 05-06 along with 54% from 3-point range and 83% from the free throw line.

In 2006-2007, it was much of the same for Brown. He played in 31 games (all starts) his senior year. He led the team that season with 16.3 points per game along with 4.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. He shot 49% from the field along with 46% from the 3-point line and 81 % from the charity stripe.

Brown was named an NAIA All-American in 2007 for his efforts and outstanding play on the court.

Don Butcher, head coach of the Cumberlands Patriots Men's Basketball team, recalls the years Brown played for him. "Sam was as good of a leader on and off the floor as I have had in my 11 years of being head coach," said Butcher. "He was a great competitor and brought his teammates level of play up. Everything he received he got the correct way by just outworking people. Sam is one of my favorite people and players I have coached."

For more information on the Cleveland Havoc, please visit http://www.teamhavokababasketball.com/.

For more information on the Patriots basketball program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit http://www.cumberlandspatriots.com/.