Larry Abney

infobox NBA Player
name = Larry Abney
nickname = Birdman


position = Forward
height_ft = 6 | height_in = 8
weight_lbs = 220
nationality = USA
birth_date = May 19, 1977
birth_place = Nyack, New York, USA
highschool = Nyack High School
college = Fresno College
draft =
draft_year = 2005-06
draft_team = Townsville Crocodiles
team = Cairns Taipans
career_start = 2005 NBL Season
career_end =
former_teams = Townsville Crocodiles 2005-2007
Cairns Taipans 2007-presentawards = All-NBL First Team, World All-Stars

Larry Abney (born May 19, 1977) is an American professional basketballer currently signed to the Cairns Taipans in the NBL in Australia.

[ [http://www.nba.com/dleague/players/larry_abney.html NBA Development League: Larry Abney ] ] As a junior, averaged 6.2 points and 7.0 rebounds. Started 25 times. Led team in rebounding in 13 games, and grabbed double digit boards nine times. Ranked second on the team in field goal percentage (.559). Scored in double figures seven times, with a season high of 21points against Cal Poly on Nov. 16.

As a sophomore, averaged 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds. Started 13 of 34 games. Led team in field goal percentage (.607). Scored in double figures in seven games. Registered three double-doubles. Tallied 13 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks against Minnesota in the NIT. Scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against Georgia in the consolation game of the NIT.

As a freshman at Fresno City College, averaged 10.8 points and 7.9 rebounds. Tied for team rebounding lead. Abney helped lead team to its first Central Valley Conference title since 1987 and a Final Four appearance in the state championships with a 31-4 overall record. Abney was a teammate of former Milwaukee Bucks guard Rafer Alston.

Abney Played final three seasons of collegiate career at Fresno State, after playing his first season at Fresno City College. Initially attended Fresno State in 1995-96, but did not play. Played in 101 career games at Fresno State, starting 72 times.

As a senior, averaged 10.3 points and 11.8 rebounds. Started all 34 games. Ranked third nationally in rebounding. Grabbed career-high and school record 35 rebounds against SMU on Feb.17, the highest single-game total in NCAA history since 1965. Pulled down 24 rebounds against Tulsa on Jan. 29. Led conference with 14 double-doubles. Named to Trend Homes Classic’s All-Tournament team after recording 33 points and 27 rebounds in two games. Earned Second Team All-WAC honors.

Abney Participated in Shaw’s Pro Summer League with the Boston Celtics in 2002. Spent 2001-02 season playing in Korea. Played with the Trenton Shooting Stars of the IBL in 2000-01, averaging 7.1 points and 6.7 rebounds in 44 games. Has also played in the USBL the past two seasons, with Adirondack (2002) and Pennsylvania (2001). Played in the Rocky Mountain Revue with the Denver Nuggets in 2000. Participated in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in 2000.

Since joining the NBL in 2006 for the Townsville Crocodiles the 6'8" Forward has amazed crowds with his dunking skills, has won player of the week awards, made the world all-star team 3 years running and made the 06 All-NBL First Team.

Abney joined the Crocs for the 2005/06 season as an import player and made immediate impact in his first season averaging 20.06 ppg and 11.28 rebounds. In his second and final year for the crocs it was more of the same for Abney going on to average 21.28 ppg and 9.16 rebounds.

Abney was then release from Townsville after a big overhaul of their roster, Abney became one of the hottest free agents in the NBL and it didn't take long before the Cairns Taipans signed him up and is currently averaging 16.63 ppg and 9.04 rebounds. The Taipans are sitting 8th on the ladder.

References