The Island Storm announced today the team has re-signed NBL 1st Team All-Defensive player Antonio Ballard, pending FIBA clearance. 

Ballard, a 6’5” Small Forward from Lexington, Kentucky, was injured for the final 19 games of the Storm’s 2012-2013 Season. He suffered a hairline fracture in his foot during a game against Montreal in February. 

Storm Head Coach and VP of Player Personnel, Joe Salerno, says Ballard is a true workhorse on the court. “This will be one of our biggest signings this season. Tone [Antonio] was one of our top priorities when it came to re-signing players from last season’s roster. He was one of the top rookies, if not THE top rookie, in the NBL last season. We are looking forward to having a healthy Tone back for a full season. He is as blue-collar of a type player as you will find. He comes to work every day with his hard hat, and lunch pail, and does all the little things that are often overlooked in the box score. Not only will Antonio be one of the top rebounders in the league, he is a tremendous defender. This is a big piece when it comes to reaching our goal of an NBL Championship this season. We are thrilled to have Tone back!"

Ballard, despite his mid-season injury, was named a starter for Team Atlantic in the 2013 NBL All-Star Game, when he scored 28 points and pulled in 11 rebounds. Ballard recorded 16 Double-Doubles in 31 games played throughout the season, and managed to average 14.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. 

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For more information:
Candace Woodside
PR/Communications Manager
Island Storm
m – 902-388-0462
e – info@stormbasketball.ca