Vancouver Bears
| Vancouver Bears | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Western | ||
| League |
| ||
| Founded | 2005 | ||
| History |
| ||
| Arena | Mountain View High School (2007) O'Connell Sports Center (2008–2014, 2021–2023) Hudson's Bay High School (2023–present) | ||
| Location | Vancouver, Washington | ||
| Team colors | |||
| Championships | 1 (2011) | ||
| Division titles | 4 | ||
| Website | www | ||
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The Vancouver Bears are a professional basketball team based in Vancouver, Washington that play in the United States Basketball League (USBL). They previously competed in The Basketball League (TBL) and in the International Basketball League.[1] The team has played at several arenas throughout their existence, and currently play at Hudson's Bay High School.
History
International Basketball League (2005–2014)
The team's 2005 inaugural season was a huge disappointment. The team started 0–7, and went on to go 4–18. The Volcanoes were led in scoring by Charles McKinney (20.7 ppg). Despite high hopes in 2006, the Volcanoes were mediocre again, posting a 4–21 record. Brad Lechtenberg led the team in scoring at 25.0 ppg. He and Kevin "Pip" Bloodsaw (19.6 ppg) were IBL All-Stars in 2006.
During the 2011 season, the Vancouver Volcanoes began to show signs of success both on and off the court for team owner Bryan Hunter.[2] The team won its first IBL title, defeating Edmonton.[3] The franchise were runners-up in the 2013 and 2014 seasons before the IBL ceased operations in 2014. The Volcanoes played in the 2015 Portland Pro-Am before also ceasing operations.
Rebirth (2021–2025)
On November 2, 2020, The Basketball League (TBL) announced the Portland Storm was approved as an expansion franchise for the 2021 season owned by Curtis Hill.[4] The team decided to sit out for the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the 2022 season, former team owner of the Vancouver Volcanoes, Bryan Hunter sold the team's image and rights to Curtis Hill, who relocated his Portland Storm to Vancouver.
In 2022 the team was coached by head coach Jeff Perrault and assistant coach Curtis Hill. The team finished 7-17. Guard Jaylyn Richardson made All TBL Western Conference 1st team while Guard Andre McCowan made 2nd team.
In 2023 the Volcanoes were coached by associate head coaches Curtis Hill and Calvin Hampton. The team finished with a 8–15 record and was eliminated by the Salem Capitals in the play in game. Guard Jaylyn Richardson made All TBL 2nd Team and made 1st Team All Western Conference.
In 2024 the Volcanoes finished the regular season 1st in the Pacific North West Division with a 16–4 record. The Volcanoes were eliminated by the Seattle Super Hawks in the Pacific Northwest Finals. Guard Markus Golder made the TBL All Star Game. Markus Golder made 2nd team All TBL and 1st team All TBL Western Conference. Forward Tyshon Pickett was named to 2nd team All Western Conference. [5] [6]
United States Basketball League (2026-Present)
In late 2025 early 2026 the Vancouver Volcanoes announced they were leaving The Basketball League (TBL) and joining the reborn United States Basketball League (2026) (USBL). In 2026, Curtis Hill and head coach Calvin Hampton created a new team called the Vancouver Bears and joined the USBL.[7]
Season-by-season
| Year | Games | Wins | Losses | Percentage | League | Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 22 | 4 | 18 | .181 | 15th - IBL | 8th - Western Division |
| 2006 | 25 | 4 | 21 | .160 | 23rd - IBL | 12th - Western Division |
| 2007 | 23 | 6 | 17 | .260 | 17th - IBL | 4th - Western Division |
| 2008 | 25 | 18 | 7 | .720 | 4th - IBL | 2nd - Western Division |
| 2009 | 23 | 15 | 8 | .652 | 4th - IBL | 2nd - Continental Division |
| 2010 | 23 | 16 | 7 | .696 | 5th - IBL | 1st - Continental Division |
| 2011 | 21 | 15 | 6 | .714 | 1st - IBL | 1st - Continental Division |
| 2012 | 20 | 11 | 9 | .550 | 5th - IBL | 3rd - Continental Division |
| 2013 | 21 | 16 | 5 | .762 | 3rd - IBL | 3rd - International Division |
| 2014 | 19 | 13 | 6 | .684 | 2nd - IBL | 3rd - International Division |
| 2022 | 24 | 7 | 17 | .292 | 4th - West | |
| 2023 | 23 | 8 | 15 | .348 | 7th - West | |
| 2024 | 20 | 16 | 4 | .800 | 1st - Pacific Northwest | |
| 2025 | 14 | 3 | 11 | .214 | 5th - Pacific Northwest | |
| Total | 303 | 152 | 151 | .501 |
Coaching roster
| Head Coach | Season |
|---|---|
| Terrence Dickenson | 2005–2006 |
| Jason Philips | 2007 |
| Theo Evans | 2008–2009 |
| Bryan Hunter | 2010–2012 |
| Joe Navarro | 2012–2014 |
| Jeff Perrault | 2022 |
| Calvin Hampton & Curtis Hill | 2023–present |
References
- ^ "IBL - Vancouver Volcanoes".
- ^ "Vancouver Volcanoes, the city's International Basketball League team, shows signs of success on the court and in the stands". The Oregonian. 24 June 2011.
- ^ Calkins, Matt (July 4, 2011). "Champions stand tall". The Columbian. p. B1. Retrieved November 6, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "TBL adds Portland Storm as Newest Member of growing pro basketball league". TBL. October 23, 2020.
- ^ "Vancouver Volcanoes basketball returns, joins fast-growing league". The Columbian. 24 June 2021.
- ^ "Portland Storm move to Vancouver and rebrand as the Volcanoes". TBL. May 24, 2021.
- ^ "Vancouver Bears". www.vancouverbears.com. Retrieved 2026-01-29.