The Big League
17 Reasons to check out the ABA and other notes.
By Matt Caputo
While the ABA isn’t nearly perfect, it has come a long way. With just a few days left before opening night, it seems like every team in the league has a place to play, which is a big improvement from previous seasons. With the rising cost of seating in the in NBA arenas, it should be appealing to peep an honest two hours of basketball that you won’t have to skip lunch for a week to pay for. Without futher delay, SLAM presents 17 reasons the ABA is worth checking out.
-In Vermont, the defending Champion Forst Heaves, owned by Sports Illustrated writer Alexander Wolff, are the New York Yankees of the ABA. Look for them to play tough games all season against a promising new rival, the Manchester Mill Rats. The New Hampshire based team will play their inaugural season at Souter New Hampshire University. They beat the Forst Heaves 97-92 in their first ever (pre-season) game in October.
-In Flordia, the Orlando Aces signed Dennis “Spyda” Chism for AND1 and Ball4Real fame. Down in the ATL, Former NBA 3-Point gunner, Dennis Scott is the general manager of the Atlanta Vision and his team features AND1 and Ball4Real star Robert “50” Martin. Also, AND1 guard Cardell “Ballaholic” Butler of the San Diego Wildcats, who is one of the ABA’s most outstanding players. And the owner of the recently formed Los Angeles Push says he has signed Larry “The Bone Collector” Williams and Robin “Sik Wit it” Kennedy, both are storied streetball legends. So if you’re into streetball, the ABA presents you with the unique opportunity of being able to watch these guys play under their government names.
-In Westchester, NY, Elton Brand’s mother and half-brother will operate the Westchester Phantoms, who are coached by WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon.
-In Cali, former NBA big guy Olden Polynice will coach a Long Beach Breakers team that may or may not feature former Utah Jazz forward Byron Russell.
-In Canada, the ABA is working to restore the domestic rivalries lost when the Vancover Grizzlies moved to Memphis. The Montreal Royal, Halifax Rainmen and the Quebec Kebekwa represent Canada in the ABA.
-The ABA has several international teams. The ABA acts as the host-league for international clubs who are operating in the states. In fact, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bejing Olympian guard Sun Yue with the 40th overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. The Beijing club has been in the ABA since 2005 playing in Los Angeles. Other foreign franchises competing in the ABA are the Bahama All Pro Show, an awflly named team stationed in Miami and the Cicero Cometas, a team that was originally in Mexico’s pro league the LNBP.
-On Long Island, Strong Island Sound owner Darren Cioffi has assembled a “Who’s Who” of New York City basketball roster. Former NCAA leading scorer Charles Jones ( and his brother, Shamel) former T-Wolves draft pick Gordon Malone, Street Godz founder Raphael Edwards and Shawn “Murder” Simpson round out the roster.
-In Houston, TX, 81-year-old local legend, Howard Judah, is ready to begin his second season playing for the Houston Takers, formerly known as the Houston Understakers.
-In Boston, the newly formed Boston Blizzard will compete with the newly awesome Boston Celtics and all the college basketball a city could hold for attendance. The Blizzard’s only advantage is that SLAM’s own Ben Collins has signed on to do their radio play-by-play.
-Because the ABA “3-D” rule (which states that afer a made basket, if the defensive team forces a turnover in the backcourt, and converts the turnover into a basket, that basket will be worth three points) really isn’t such a terrible idea.
-In Macon, GA, the Georgia Grizzlies have signed Behdad Sami, the only professional basketball player of Iranian decent in the United States. In a time of war, maybe the orange ball can serve as a common ground.
-Because ABA CEO Joe Newman believes more than anything that his league will survive. Ask him yourself: JoeNewman@abalive.com
-Because this reporter (a lifelong New Yorker) had never heard of any “Corning, NY” until the ABA introduced the Corning Bulldogs for the 2007-2008 season. (Geographical note: Corning, NY is two hours south of Rochester and three hours southeast of Buffalo.)
-Because PONY is now the official sneaker of the ABA and David Thompson rocked them in the original ABA. Enough said.
-Because when players like Tim Hardaway, Dennis Rodman, Lawrence Moten, Cedric Ceballos, Master P, Randy “White Chocolate” Gill, Sun Ming Ming and James “Hollywood” Robinson are to jump-on ABA rosters, ABA games can look more like a direct to DVD cast list. But if it’s the entertaining competition that matters to you, then the ABA, when done right, is worth trying out.
-Because actual ABA games are almost as entertaining as “Breaking News from the ABA” in the HYPE section of our magazine.
-Because after the game you will be able to shake that point guard’s hand and tell him what a great game he had, and your kid will be able to take a picture with him.
MADE IN THE ABA
Critics have always picked a bone with the ABA over it’s constant fluctuation. While many franchises should have never been allowed to play, other teams take advantage of the ABA’s affordable entry fees, develop a fan base, and jump to another league. Here is a pretty accurate list of teams that were formed in the ABA and built strong enough organizations to move to other leagues.
* Arkansas RimRockers - joined NBA Development League, currently inactive
* Bellingham Slam - now in International Basketball League
* Charlotte Krunk - now in Continental Basketball Association as Atlanta Krunk
* Florida Pit Bulls - now in Continental Basketball Association as East Kentucky Miner
* Indiana Alley Cats - joined Continental Basketball Association, currently inactive
* Jacksonville JAM - now in Premier Basketball League
* Long Beach Jam - now in NBA Development League as Bakersfield Jam
* Maryland Nighthawks - now in Premier Basketball League
* Minnesota Ripknees – Established to be in the ABA, joined in the Premier Basketball League, came back to the ABA all before playing a single game.
* Northeast Pennsylvania Breakers - joined United States Basketball League, but folded after one season there
* Pittsburgh Xplosion - now in Continental Basketball Association
* Quad City Riverhawks - now in Premier Basketball League
* Reading Railers - now in Premier Basketball League
* Rio Grande Valley Silverados - now in Continental Basketball Association
* Rochester Razorsharks - now in Premier Basketball League
* Rock River Fury - now in Premier Basketball League
* San Jose SkyRockets - now in Continental Basketball Association as Minot SkyRockets
* Waco Wranglers - now in United Basketball League
* Wilmington Sea Dawgs - now in Premier Basketball League
ABA to NBA
Here is a list of current NBA players who have played in the modern ABA.
-Malik Allen , San Diego Wildfire, 00-01
-Matt Barnes , Long Beach Jam, 03-04
-Charlie Bell, Phoenix Eclipse, 01-02
-Jannero Pargo, Long Beach Jam, 03-04
-Darrick Martin, Las Vegas Slam, 01-02
35 Responses to “The Big League”
Nov.1 at 3:15 pm
jbn74sb says:
Howard Judah? I thought eboy’s name was Cliff.
Nov.1 at 3:20 pm
Matt Caputo says:
oh that’s classic.
Nov.1 at 3:20 pm
white hot eboy says:
Randy Gill is garbage, Caputo. Why did you put him in the list of names with legit ball players? He sucked on the MTV show and he’s horrible in competition. I’ve played him in a tourney, btw so I know his game first-person. I do wish there was a team local to me, because I would definitley give it a shot. It would be cool to be in a more relaxed enviornment than a regular NBA game.
Nov.1 at 3:22 pm
white hot eboy says:
Caputo, don’t fall for Bodie’s sh*t otherwise you’ll lose your best customer.
Nov.1 at 3:28 pm
Matt Caputo says:
Where do you live in FLA? there must be a team.
Nov.1 at 3:29 pm
joe newman says:
Matt. Great article. Much appreciated. You captured the ABA beautifully. Have a good evening.
Joe Newman
ABA CEO
Nov.1 at 3:31 pm
white hot eboy says:
Damn, Caputo, that’s a big time shout out. West Palm Beach area, BTW.
Nov.1 at 3:33 pm
jbn74sb says:
Where is John Salley? Isn’t he the commish of the ABA these days?
Nov.1 at 3:42 pm
Matt Caputo says:
Eboy- My cousin used to coach W.Boca HS until recently. He was an intern for the old Florida Beach Dogs of the CBA. I think Palm Beach had an ABA team.
Nov.1 at 3:44 pm
white hot eboy says:
I used to see the Beach Dogs games. But they shut down the small arena they played n. And T-Bug had the Miami Pit Bulls team a few years ago. Now, where ABA/CBA empty.
Nov.1 at 3:45 pm
white hot eboy says:
*we’re
Nov.1 at 3:46 pm
Jake says:
Yay Rainmen!!
Nov.1 at 5:01 pm
Dick Tinkham says:
The article is fun (and affordable
So is the league
Just like first time around
(original ABA)
Nov.1 at 5:32 pm
Adam says:
Just a quick counter-point; the league has never completed a full season, has yet to publish a schedule for THIS year (with opening day tomorrow), has numerous pending lawsuits against its “leader,” is run from a basement in Indiana, has ownership groups and league officers with very questionable legal and ethical issues, etc. Not surprising that Joe chimed in positively; only positive articles, in his mind, present his true view of the ABA. Yet the biggest indictment of his league is right in your column, and endorsed tacitly by Joe himself; the fact that teams jump to another league at the first opportunity shows how poorly to league is viewed by knowledgeable basketball people. Also missing in your article - how Joe insults and demeans those that do leave (calling those franchises ’shameful,’ ‘unethical,’ and ‘garbage’). Good ol’ Joe…
Nov.1 at 6:05 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
81-year-old!!!!!!!!!!! local legend, Howard Judah, is ready to begin his second season playing for the Houston Takers,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov.1 at 6:08 pm
Ricardo Smith says:
lONG LIVE THE ABA!
Nov.1 at 6:30 pm
Chuck Miller says:
Matt, unfortunately the information you’ve gotten on the ABA has been assembled through the viewing of rose-colored glasses. Examples - The Hawaii Hurricanes franchise promised a travel deal for teams to come play home games in Honolulu; that deal never took place and the Hurricanes are toast. The Reno Sharpshooters (operated by Greg Newman, Joe Newman’s nephew) came and went without ever playing a single game, but not before screwing up the ABA’s schedule - which is, as of November 1, 2007, still in a state of flux - which is a problem, considering Opening Night is November 2. Howard Judah has no professional basketball experience, he is the personal banker for Houston Takers owner Larry Leonard, and is only “playing” as a publicity stunt. A deal to broadcast games through PlayOn! Sports, a Division of Turner Broadcasting, fell through two weeks ago; which necessitated the ABA to sign with a public-access channel called Colours TV for their games. Over the past week, the ABA has involved itself with a music company, VRCA Records, to promote clothing and concerts - while at the same time, the league has either neglected or refused to promote the players on their franchises’ teams. Yes, Joe Newman has the Midas touch. Whatever he touches, it turns into a muffler.
Nov.1 at 7:29 pm
donye says:
well written story. i am the owner for the los angeles push (formily the pasadena push). i’ve signed the bone collector(larry williams), sik wid it (robin kennedy), inches (sean jackson), sh8kes (stan fletcher) , boise (gladden leboise), fai yow (chris bailey), grasshopper (vincent harris), face (joshua gordon) and a few others. hopefully we won’t do too bad…
just wanted to drop u a line to keep u updated…
Nov.1 at 9:44 pm
Adam says:
And as to the list of players you posted (Tim Hardaway, Dennis Rodman, Lawrence Moten, Cedric Ceballos, Master P, Randy “White Chocolate” Gill, Sun Ming Ming and James “Hollywood” Robinson) - I don’t believe any of them are in the ABA this season, so I don’t see the selling point.
Nov.1 at 10:23 pm
Vincent says:
Matt, Great article. We will be playing in the ABA next season in Buffalo, NY. Our team is being very well accepted and supported with great sponsorship and community excitement. Thans for all your support of the ABA.
Nov.1 at 11:54 pm
Co Co says:
Does Khalid know ya’ll are doing an article about the ABA?
Nov.2 at 8:38 am
Matt Caputo says:
Adam: Your points are all well taken. But being a real basketball person myself, having been involved in the game on several levels for almost 20-years, I can tell you that the ABA is needed because of the fact that there are only so many basketball jobs available in the world at large. I think the point I’m trying to make is, if you looked at all of the players who were able to advance their careers, either in Europe or in South America or any other places where the money is better, the good outweights the bad…..Also, I mentioned all those players because, while none of them are current ABA rosters. The selling point is, you’ll never know who is going to end up in the ABA……In regard to lawsuits, what business doesnt have them? Do you think the NBA doesn’t operate without lawsuits pending against them? What do lawsuits against the league have to do with the success of the individual teams?…..Also, just about every ABA team in my area has published their schedule…I won’t comment on teams jumping to other leagues, but in all honesty, independent minor league hoops is in trouble and unless these “knowledgeable” basketball people do something about it, there will be fewer and fewer places for our talented ballers to play in the land where the game was created.
Nov.2 at 8:46 am
Ray The Ref says:
Excellent article. For the last seven years…the ABA has provided basketball games for fans to watch, coaches to coach, players to play and officials to officiate. Today, we have assembled the largest officiating staff in sports history. Thank you to the ABA and our Director of Officials: Tom Chichester!
Nov.2 at 10:32 am
The ROCK says:
Those who publish negatively about the ABA are those that are simply jealous and disgruntled that they were not able to be a part of it.Their detachment is only by their own impatient doings.
LONG LIVE THE ABA. IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY LEAGUE FOR MANY,INCLUDING THE FANS OF THE GAME OF BASKETBALL. Thank you Mr. Newman for sticking things out and putting up with all of the ones that have no vision whatsoever.
Nov.2 at 10:50 am
Adam says:
I respect your reply, Matt, and would love to discuss the issue off-live from your comments page (probably not the appropriate place). The “idea” of the ABA is needed (and I am all for it), but this ABA has a long track record of seasonal failure, broken promises and empty guarantees - all starting from the top. Please feel free to email me; I’d enjoy the opportunity to discuss this further with you.
Nov.2 at 11:08 am
Matt Caputo says:
feel free to email me any time. caputomedia@gmail.com.
Nov.2 at 12:12 pm
Scott says:
100 failed teams since 2000, no media, no schedule days before the season begins, 10-20 fans per game, teams folding overnight, unpaid bills, no advertising……YES, this is just what fans want, a train wreck amateur rec-league. At least teams ( with working websites ) have dance teams in place. And the Snoop Dog entertainment for kids at games? Will he teach the 12 kids at games how to smoke dope? What a joke !!
Nov.2 at 7:59 pm
Adam says:
****Ummm:
The ROCK says:
Those who publish negatively about the ABA are those that are simply jealous and disgruntled that they were not able to be a part of it.Their detachment is only by their own impatient doings.
- over 100 failed franchises in 7 years, never completed a full season, dozens of failed ABA-announced initiatives, owners admitted to the league who couldn’t manage a lemonade stand —- yep, it is us negative ones who are jealous. And ‘impatient doings’ - what the heck does that even mean? That teams should stick it out until the ABA turns the corner? It’s been 7 years, and massive turnover each year. THe only thing around the next corner is another bus wreck. ** The ROCK - LONG LIVE THE ABA. IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY LEAGUE FOR MANY,INCLUDING THE FANS OF THE GAME OF BASKETBALL. Thank you Mr. Newman for sticking things out and putting up with all of the ones that have no vision whatsoever.
- the dozens or so that actually attend may agree. And for the record, I LIKE the idea of the ABA, and its brand of basketball. It is the utter failings of the management of the league (Hi Dick! Hi Tom! Glad you culd chime in. Where are Brad and your new buddy Paul?) that has ruined minor league basketball in dozens of markets around North America. But you all keep to the party line, just as Joe has trained you. And Tom (or whomever is ‘Ray the Ref’), when you lift a quote word for word - as you did with one of Joe’s classic lines - you should credit the author; otherwise it is plagarism, and you and the rest of the league don’t nedd any MORE legal or ethical headaches…
Nov.3 at 1:45 am
twisted says:
wasn’t Randy Gill the ABA allstar MVP last year. I’m sure he dropped a tripple double in that game. So yea W.H.E he must be garbage right?
Nov.3 at 11:41 am
Adam says:
Twisted - Randy Gill didn’t make the all-star team last year as per Wikipedia; the ABA website doesn’t have the rosters or stats (typical for Joe…):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_ABA_All-Star_Game
Nov.3 at 12:31 pm
joe newman says:
Matt. You’ve opened yourself up to a good dialogue about the pros and cons of the ABA.
I expected the “Adams” to comment. They’ve been doing it for years. Several of these negative bloggers don’t mention that they are with other leagues and have a personal vested interest in hurting the ABA and its teams. The ABA is the most diversified professional sports league in history with more African-American, Hispanic, Asian and women owners than all of these other leagues combined. The ABA employes more players, coaches, staffs and referees than the other leagues combined. And the ABA teams do am amazing job benefitting the kids in their communities - Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, PALs, youth groups, schools and churches. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Have a good weekend.
Joe Newman
ABA CEO
Nov.3 at 9:44 pm
Tony says:
I hope my ABA team leaves…
Nov.3 at 9:44 pm
Tony says:
the ABA that is
Nov.5 at 9:43 am
Matt Caputo says:
Adam: You never emailed me.
Dec.9 at 11:07 pm
Adam says:
Joe - You’ve lost half your league in barely a month. I dodn’t think ‘mean-spirited bloggers’ are your problem. 7 years of over 120 failed teams - and now your CFO bails as well? You want to see the problem, buy a mirror…