PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Military Basketball Association (MBA) will hold its Atlantic Coastal Regional Conference Playoffs this weekend at Temple University’s McGonigle Gym.
“For some of the post-traumatic injuries they may have suffered while deployed, this competition serves as an outlet for them,” said Major Mike Meyers, founder and commissioner of the MBA competition.
The MBA was founded in 2017 by Meyers and First Sergeant Angel Acevedo, two retired U.S. Army veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After returning home, both men watched as senior officers committed suicide and men under their command also committed suicide as they dealt with the ravages of war and what they saw and did during their tours of duty.
“I know their hardships and I know what basketball does for them,” said Joseph Mends-Cole, head coach of the Montford Point Marines. “It allows these young players to really fight through adversity. It also shows them a way to overcome those things or some of the problems they have off the field.”
Mental health and suicide are known to disproportionately impact military veterans.
The latest report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shows that suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45.
“This really means everything to me; I’m looking forward to this,” said Sgt. Jurmond Cattenhead, point guard for the Montford Point Marines. “There have been times when it’s been hard to get off work or you might have family problems. Once you step on that field and you’re around your brothers and sisters, it gives you a breath of fresh air.”
In the six years since the league began, there have been no suicides among their players or coaches.
“I can speak for myself, I suffered from an adjustment disorder when I left the Marine Corps after eight years,” said Marine veteran Aaron Douglas, shooting guard for the Montford Point Marines. “It takes a lot of stress off your shoulders and it’s a lot of fun when you get together.”
Veteran Affairs is now partnering with the league, using the game as a way to focus on the invisible wounds veterans face.
Meyers and Acevedo bring their MBA World Championship Finals to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Memorial Day Weekend in an exciting double-header at Temple University’s Liacouras Center.
The men’s finals will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Regional conference play ends in Philadelphia with the other regional conference games completed.
Tickets for the double-header are now on sale via Ticketmaster.
The women’s tip is at 5pm and the men’s tip is at 7pm for just $21 per seat.
