Quebec City, Canada- Greg Plummer and Raphael Edwards scored double doubles to lead the Strong Island Sound to a 108-97 victory over the Quebec City Kebekwa in the first round of the ABA playoffs. With the win, the Sound move on to play the top-ranked Vermont Frostheaves on Sunday at 4:05. The Sound led by four after one quarter and went into halftime up by three. Quebec City came back in the third quarter to take a four-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter. But the Strong Island defense held the Kebs to just 14 points, while the Sound offense put up 29.
Sean Dantzler had 21 points and showed potent accuracy by shooting perfect on five attempts from the three-point arc. Tommie 'Gunzz' Eddie had another strong game with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal.
Plummer, the Sound's lone All-Star representative this season, led the team with 23 points, 11 boards and 2 steals. Edwards was huge with 19 points, an incredible 17 rebounds and 5 assists.
The Sound have hardly any time to enjoy the post-season victory with having to travel down to Vermont for the 4:05 affair with the first-year Frost Heaves (30-6), who topped the charts in the final ABA Power Rankings in their inaugural season.
Vermont won the regular-season series from Strong Island, two games to one. The first two games took place on Long Island, and the Sound won the first on December 1st, 104-98, and dropped the second, 96-94 on January 6th. The Frost Heaves took the game in Vermont on January 20th by a score of 119-96.
CANADA BASKETBALL AND ABA STRIKE STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP
22-Feb-2007 Toronto, Ontario -- Canada Basketball and the American Basketball Association announced a partnership aimed to strengthen the sport in Canada. As part of the agreement, the ABA has committed to having local representation involved in all Canadian ABA teams. As well, the ABA head office and all Canadian teams will also be a part of Canada's national basketball program, "Be One."
"The goal of Canada Basketball is to unify the Canadian Basketball community and we see this helping achieve that goal," stated Canada Basketball Executive Director and CEO Fred Nykamp. "We have a shared passion for the game and this partnership ensures that Canadian players will have a domestic option to play after the college or university level. As well, the ABA will provide coaches and officials an opportunity to further be involved in the game at an elite level."
"The ABA is extremely excited to be working closely with Canada Basketball," stated Joe Newman, ABA CEO. "We are planning major expansions in Canada and getting involved with Canada Basketball, representing Canada's national basketball interests was a natural fit for us. Their "Be One" program, vision, and strategy to take the sport of basketball to a whole new level in Canada, is truly outstanding and we are very proud to be associated with them. They are distinguishing themselves on the professional and world basketball stage."
Canada is currently home to two ABA teams, the Montreal Matrix and the Quebec City Kebs. Additional teams are anticipated for Halifax, Edmonton and Missessagua next season. The City of Halifax also played host to the 2007 ABA All-Star Weekend January 26-28.
"As a former Canadian University player, I feel like it's a great opportunity to play in the ABA in Canada," commented Dominique Soucy, a member of the Quebec City Kebs. "It offered me a chance to expand my game and to play against great competition after university. Having the ABA in Canada will help us as a country enlarge the pro athlete pool available to represent Canada in future international play, and therefore help us get better results. It will also have a great impact on future players as they will be able to see more and more quality basketball and know they have opportunities to play."
Canada Basketball is a private, not-for-profit corporation that is committed to the growth of the sport in Canada. Just as important, Canada Basketball is focused on the development and preparation of Canada's national teams for the Olympic, Pan American and FISU Games as well as the World Championships. The aspiration of Canada Basketball is to instill the pride, commitment, passion and respect that Canadians personify into the development of basketball across the country and internationally.
Not your average Joe Co-founder cites passion, commitment as league’s driving forces
CHRIS KALLAN The Daily News
The American Basketball Association’s sprawling numbers are a Catch 22, according to the league’s chairman and co-founder. “Some people have unlimited money and unlimited egos that transcend the ABA business model, and that’s unfortunate,” 69-year-old Joe Newman said yesterday at the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame inside the Metro Centre. “They don’t feel they have to get out into the community or the need to do the things you need to do in order to run a good business.” Newman cites former pro baseball player Brady Anderson, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller and Jessica Simpson’s former husband, Nick Lachey — all representatives of the Hollywood Fame based in California — as some of the worst offenders. So, who exactly is responsible for enabling these teams to expand from eight back in the league’s inception in 2000-01 to approximately 70-plus for the 2007-08 campaign? And for market reservation fees ranging from $20,000 US to $50,000 US? Hey, Joe, isn’t that you? “I’ve probably brought some people in that maybe I shouldn’t have,” Newman conceded following yesterday’s news conference to drum up support for this weekend’s ABA all-star festivities in Halifax. “I take a tremendous amount of heat and a tremendous amount of blows, but I have a drive for diversification. Sixty per cent of my teams have either black, Hispanic, Asian or women owners. “I defer on the side of dropping the rules when it comes to diversification because I want our league to be inclusive and for people to understand we want to represent North America.”
Struggles
The U.S., Canadian and Mexican hoop loop — which is expected to include the Halifax Rainmen and Mississauga Redwolves amongst its roughly 20 expansion entries next season — has endured its struggles. Since 2000, 43 teams have folded and 12 have joined other leagues. Last season, several struggling teams fulfilled their road dates by organizing pickup teams of former players who lived near the host site, while other teams refused to travel at all. Incredibly, three teams that qualified for the 2006 playoffs did not participate. Newman said he’s replaced 12 ownership groups this season alone, including Montreal. “I have over 5,000 applications from people who want teams, so there’s a tremendous desire,” said Newman. “I don’t expand willy-nilly. Sometimes the shine gets off the apple because the applicants are ex-basketball junkies who believe in the game of basketball but don’t understand the business of basketball.” Newman defends his league’s dropout rate compared to other rival circuits. “We have a lower percentage of teams that drop out than the Continental Basketball Association and the United States Basketball League,” he said. “The CBA has folded five teams for every team that’s still playing. “It’s not capital that drives the ABA teams. It’s passion and commitment.” A free family fest, which includes several activities for players to interact with spectators, runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Metro Centre.
A three-point shooting competition and slam-dunk contest is set for 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. The all-star game is tomorrow at 2 p.m. TIP INS: Halifax Rainmen majority owner Andre Levingston said between $2,000 to $2,500 from this weekend will go towards the East Preston boys and girls club. ckallan@hfxnews.ca
The Cape Cod Frenzy played well for three and a half quarters against the new Montreal ABA team, but failed to score in the last 3:26, and lost 87-85. Montreal, who is under new ownership and awaiting a new nickname, scored the final ten points of the game.
In the first half, the Frenzy moved the ball well and got off to a quick start. Rob Sanders established himself early with slashing rim attacks and deft interior passes to Frenzy front liners. The 2007 ABA All Star forward got the crowd on their feet when he went over the top to catch a Steve Hailey alleyoop pass for an emphatic slam. The Frenzy went up 25-14 in the first quarter.
The second unit was inserted into the game, and the Montreal guards took advantage of them by pressing. This enabled Montreal to go on an 11-0 run and tie the game at 25-25 early in the second quarter. Sanders was put back into the game and was again too much for Montreal, scoring eight points in the quarter. Sly McIntosh knocked down seven points from the outside, and the Frenzy went into halftime with a 55-49 lead.
Cape Cod built a twelve point lead midway thru the third quarter, but Montreal hung tough; getting to within four points on several occasions. Late in the game, Sanders' reverse jam extended the Frenzy lead to 81-75 with 6:31 remaining, and the Frenzy led 85-77 with 3:26 to go. They would not score again.
Five foot ten inch guard Bobby Miller grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed Montreal free throw and scored the layup while being fouled. That cut the Frenzy lead to 85-79. Miller missed the free throw but Uche Okafor grabbed the offensive rebound, and Richmond Pittman was whistled for an intentional foul on Okafor. Montreal made both technical free throws. Okafor made his first free throw and missed the second, but Montreal was awarded possession. Miller was then fouled driving to the hoop. He made both free throws and suddenly the game was 85-84.
On the other end, Ife Anosike missed a jump hook and Montreal gained possession. After working the ball around the perimeter, Denburk Reid found Shawn "Smoke" Browne on the baseline for a jumper and Montreal claimed an 86-85 with just 52 seconds remaining.
A turnover by Steve Hailey led to a Cape Cod foul. Shawn Browne went to the free throw line with 40 seconds remaining but missed both. Again, Montreal garnered the offensive rebound! Frenzy Head Coach Keith Clarke elected not to foul and play out the possession. The Frenzy got the stop they needed and set up a play for Sanders to win the game. Sanders drove middle and dished to Steve Hailey who lofted a floater on the drive that caught front rim and caromed out of bounds off the Frenzy. The Frenzy fouled with 1.5 seconds on the clock and Montreal made 1 free throw for the final 87-85 margin.
The Frenzy was led by 2007 ABA All Star Rob Sanders with 24 points, Ife Anosike with 15, and Sly McIntosh with 12. Montreal's leading scorers were Shawn Browne with 20 and Damon Jones with 17.
Sunday January 7, 2008
Quebec 84 Montreal 72
, Canada. The ABA Quebec Kebekwa won two games over the weekend against the improving Montreal team, bringing their record to 11-6 for the season - and moving them to the #13th position in the ABA Power Rankings.
After being on the road for almost three weeks, the Kebs returned home Friday night before a full capacity, load crowd and put together a strong win - 110-87. On Sunday, it was not so easy in a tough defensive battle that say Montreal hold on before losing 84-71. Next up for the Kebs will be the Strong Island Sound on January 19th - a battle of two strong playoff contenders. For more information, call 418 925 8008 or visit www.quebecbasket.com or www.abalive.com.
Indianapolis, IN. The American Basketball Association (ABA) today named the coaches for the ABA East and West All Star Teams for the game to be played on Sunday, January 28th in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. According to Tom Doyle, ABA President, "The coaches were selected by the positions of their teams in the ABA Power Rankings as of Saturday night. The coaches of the three highest-ranked teams in the East and West will be honored with the top two coaches named Head Coach. They are:
ABA West All Star Coaches Head Coach: Bob Holland, Arkansas Aeros Asst Coach: Chris Terrell, Texas Tycoons Asst Coach: Larry McKenzie, Minnesota Ripknees
ABA East All Star Coaches Head Coach: Will Voigt, Vermont Frost Heaves Asst Coach: Rod Baker, Rochester Razor Sharks Asst Coach: Steve Turner, Jacksonville Jam
"We will begin naming the ABA All-Star teams on Tuesday," added Doyle. "The talent in the ABA is tremendous. I know that fans will be pleased with the selections and for the people of Halifax in particular, I know that you will be impressed. When Halifax begins playing in the league next November, you'll have a good idea of the level of talent in the ABA. We are looking forward to putting on a great show for you in January and hope that you will welcome the best of the ABA." For more information, visit www.abalive.com.
Matrix ball bounces in mysterious ways Local ABA club hopes to end season of turmoil with new ownership, team name and website
STEPHANIE MYLES, The Gazette Published: Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Melvin Coles said he would be in Montreal yesterday, for the first time this season, to introduce a new, local, deep-pocketed owner for the Montreal Matrix.
If Coles was here, he went incognito. And the promised saviour never appeared.
The Montreal American Basketball Association franchise's new ownership team - which met for much of the day trying to figure out how to bring the team back from rock bottom - didn't hear from him, according to Pascal Jobin, founding coach and general manager of the Matrix who is the head coach of the ABA's Quebec City Kebekwa.
Jobin is acting as a consultant to the new owners, who would surely accept Coles's call. Luc Filiatrault, a chiropractor who will head the new group, is only one of the creditors whose cheques from the Matrix have bounced.
"We're going to try to do this right," Jobin said.
A news conference is scheduled for today to announce some of the changes, starting with a new team name and a new website - www.montrealABA.com - that should be up shortly.
"The Matrix may belong to Mr. Coles, but we have the franchise," Filiatrault said. "It's a name that doesn't mean anything, and owes a lot of money."
The team will be called the Flash, the Renaissance, or the Royal. Voting will take place on the new website, and the first 250 people to vote will get a pair of tickets to the Jan. 19 game.
The Brooklyn Wonders are scheduled that night. But the Wonders seem to have folded, so the ABA opponent is TBA.
The new ownership also is offering a two-for-one special: buy a ticket for Friday night's game against the Newark Express, and get a free ticket for the rematch the following night.
Coles contacted The Gazette Monday morning after getting wind that the new group had announced Sunday that the league had revoked the franchise from Coles and given it to them. He promised the mysterious new owner would make good with the players, some of whom, literally, are wondering where their next meal will come from.
"The players don't want me involved, so I'm going to step aside," he said.
Coles blamed the financial woes on a deal gone bad, one related to Quebec City Kebekwa owner Real Bourassa.
"The deal with Bourassa was to bring in $150,000-$200,000 in sponsorships. He promised. They didn't do it," Coles said.
Jobin said the search for corporate sponsors had been the responsibility of Stephane Boivin. Boivin didn't deliver; he then committed suicide in October.
"That money never came to Quebec, either," Jobin said. "Real (Bourassa) is digging into his own pockets. And he never promised $150,000 to Melvin Coles."
League CEO Joe Newman and vice-president of team operations Brad Hester did not respond to requests for comment.
The last few days have been a whirlwind of communications between Newman and the various parties. Jobin said the deal should be completed this week. What remains to be seen is if the franchise, which began with such promise a year ago, can survive.
Coles, who appeared to be Newman's favourite son a year ago, has gone from having a stake in at least four teams - Montreal, Baltimore, Strong
Island (New York) and a Virginia-based team that never really got off the ground) - to none.
Filiatrault said Coles turned down several offers to sell the Montreal team.
Rainmen wins in ABA name contest
By CHAD LUCAS Sports Reporter
The American Basketball Association franchise slated to hit the courts in Halifax has a name: the Rainmen.
The moniker stood out from a name-the-team contest that drew about 600 entries, said franchise vice-president Jad Crnogorac.
"We wanted something really unique, something no one else has had," said Crnogorac, who played university basketball at Saint Mary’s.
"We looked at (Rainmen) and thought it fit. Halifax gets a lot of rain, and in terms of basketball it’s great to market around raining threes (three-pointers) and that sort of thing."
Krista MacDonald of Halifax nominated the winning name. She said it was raining out when she came across the contest and "Rainmen" was the first thing that popped into her head. She was shocked to hear it was chosen.
"I thought everybody would think it was stupid," she said in an e-mail interview. "I was totally amazed that my name was chosen, and still find it hard to believe. I kept thinking somebody was playing a joke on me, but I hadn’t told anybody I entered, not even my spouse. I’m still really surprised at this point."
Crnogorac said she was aware some people might associate the name with the 1988 movie Rain Man, which earned Dustin Hoffman a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of an autistic man named Raymond Babbitt.
"A few people have said, ‘You mean, Rain Man?’" Crnogorac said. "But I think, with younger people, they don’t think of it that way."
Crnogorac said about 20 per cent of contest entrants suggested "Halifax Explosion," a name the team didn’t think was in good taste.
"We didn’t want to have anything with a negative (connotation)," she said.
The team plans to have its first merchandise ready for next month when Halifax hosts the ABA All-Star weekend Jan. 26-28 at the Metro Centre.
"It’s exciting," said Crnogorac, who also recently set up a local office for the franchise at Purdy’s Wharf. "We’re getting our T-shirts made for the weekend so our logo can be prominent at the game."
Independent designer Keith Flynn of Toronto created the logo.
For winning the naming contest, MacDonald will receive an autographed team jersey and ABA ball, and a chance to sit on the bench as the team’s "13th Man" during the Rainmen’s first home game in November 2007.
The ABA has a 13th Man promotion that allows local celebrities to sit with the team during a game and even see a brief amount of time on the court.
MacDonald said she hasn’t really played basketball since junior high school but she’s looking forward to being on the team’s bench.
THE MONTREAL PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL CLUB TASTES VICTORY JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Montreal, Qc. – December 23rd, 2006 – The Montreal Professional Basketball Club was battling the Newark Express for a second night in a row, this Saturday. Just before Christmas, the team’s hometown fans received a precious gift: a first victory! The Montreal Professional Basketball Club came out on top, 113-94.
At the end of the 1st quarter, the Newark Express had the advantage on the game, 17-15. The Montrealers managed to even the score during the 2nd quarter but were still behind at half time, 36-39. After playing 2 minutes in the 3rd quarter, the situation flipped. The score gradually went from 40-39 to 51-41 as Montreal took control of the game. With 4 minutes to play in the 3rd quarter, Montreal was heading to a first win, 61-42. At the 4th quarter, the board showed that Montreal was leading the game. It went from 88-66 to 109-03, and finally ended in favour of Montreal, 113-94. The players not only showed how devoted they really are, but also how well they know how to win. Shawn Browne led Montreal with 28 points; Bobby Miller and Damon Jones both had 19.
The team’s new website is now available at www.montrealABA.com. Visit it to get all the information regarding the team’s schedule and new developments. Also, the fans have the chance to vote there for their favourite name between Montreal Flash, Montreal Renaissance, Montreal Royal, Montreal Lights and Montreal Phenix. The contest will go until January 12th; the first 250 participants to enter will receive a free pair of tickets to the January 19th game.
Please take note that the next two games appearing on our calendar, scheduled to be held on December 29th and December 30th, have been cancelled. The Montreal Professional Basketball Club will be visiting his rival in Quebec on Friday January 5th, 2007, before coming back home to battle the Keb’s, on Sunday January 7th, 2007, at 4pm, in front of their hometown fans, at Pierre-Charbonneau Center. To get your tickets, please call the ticket booth at 514 255-4222 or go online at www.myticket.ca.
THE MONTREAL PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL CLUB SHOWS UP IN NEW UNIFORMS
Montreal, Qc. – December 22nd, 2006 – After revealing, last weekend, that the club is about to come to life again, the Montreal Professional Basketball Club was battling, this Friday, the Newark Express. Even though the game was really tight, the Montrealers were defeated by the score of 105-97.
“We really wanted to win this one, and it actually came very close to a win! The score showed a difference of two points only at many times during the game,” explained Bobby Miller, the team’s captain. The Montrealers offered a great performance to their hometown fans. Shawn Browne led Montreal with 26 points followed by Bobby Miller, 15.
The team showed a new energy tonight, and showed up in new uniforms too. Les Créations Ozzie worked very hard so that the players could wear those blue uniforms at the game tonight. “The uniforms are only temporary. Later on, the new name and the logo will be on there, but for now, it’s only written ''Montreal''. The public will be able to discover the team’s real new uniforms at the January 19th, 2007, home game,” stated Luc Filiatrault, the team’s new owner.
Until then, don’t hesitate to visit our new website at www.montrealABA.com in order to acquire all information with regards to the team’s schedule and developments. In the meantime, the public is asked to select their preference between 5 pre-selected names: Montreal Flash, Montreal Renaissance, Montreal Royal, Montreal Lights and Montreal Phenix. So far, people seem to have a little something for Montreal Royal and Montreal Flash. The contest will be held until January 12th, 2007. The first 250 participants to enter the contest will receive a free pair of tickets to assist our January 19th 2007 home game.
The Montreal Professional Basketball Club will battle, for the second night in a row, the Newark Express, at Pierre-Charbonneau Center, this Saturday, December 23rd at 7pm. The special promotion of the weekend is still available: The first 500 fans who attend Saturday’s game will receive a bracelet that will allow them to gain access to the game against the Newark Express. To get your tickets, please call the ticket booth at 514 255-4222 or go online at www.myticket.ca.
MLN Newswire-www.mlntherawfeed.com – Quebec, Canada - Two victories this weekend against the best teams of the league announce a brilliant route to success for the ABA Kebs. On Dec 15, the Kebekwa won 101-92 for their first game against the Strong Island Sound. The day after, the Kebs fought and defeated the defending champion Rochester RazorSharks, 85-75, giving their best performance of the season.
For the first time in Laval University, the players' performance totally satisfied the 1500 fans, a new record attendance in Quebec this season. Both nights, we felt the intensity on the court as the Keb's increased their attacks approaching the last quarter. "What I like about this team is that when we feel we're close to the end, we speed along," said Charles Fortier at the end of the first game. This apparently seems to be their trade mark at home; the team always scores impressive points in the 4th quarter.
In the next game, the crowd went crazy with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, the Keb's came back to tie the score at 61-61 and they took control of the game in the 4th with an incredible series of free throws.
The stars of the team continue to be Manix Auriental and Charles Fortier along with Cordell Jeanty and Aaron Williams.
THE MONTREAL PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL CLUB BORN AGAIN
Montreal , Qc. – December 17 th, 2006 – The Montreal Matrix was taken by storm this weekend. This Saturday, it was confirmed that the Montreal Professional Basketball Club has come to life again.
The club that has been known to have had a rough start will now be managed by a new administration team. “Basketball is about to revive itself in Montreal! We will make sure that it evolves to its full potential and take it to another level,” explained the new owner of the team Luc Filiatrault. M. Filiatrault is involved with the team since its very beginning as the director of the medical team. “We’re hoping to attract the public and allow the Montreal community to learn more about this amazing sport,” he added. A contest will be held for the general public in order to determine the new name of the Montreal Professional Basketball Club. Nevio Marzinotto will be working in two capacities as the present head coach and is also the new general manager. Paul Stephens remains the assistant-coach.
The Montreal’s team was already looking invigorated tonight at the game against the Vermont Frost Heaves. Even though Vermont came out on top, 102-83, the Montrealers showed great determination and hard work. The Matrix was dominating during the first half of the game: 42-37 in the 2 nd quarter, 50-47 at half time. Denburk Reid and Bobby Miller were the top scorers of the game, with respectively 16 and 15 points. The return of the former Matrix player Philippe Langlois proves the sign of renewal.
The Montreal Professional Basketball Club, formerly known as the Montreal Matrix, will keep its name until the new official team name will be chosen. The team will play its next game at home, at Pierre-Charbonneau Center, this Friday December 22 nd at 7pm against the Newark Express. Come and see for yourself the rebirth of this fantastic basketball club! To get your tickets, please call the ticket booth at 514 255-4222 or go online at www.myticket.ca.
Quebec, Canada. Two victories this weekend against the best teams of the league announce a brilliant route to success for the ABA Kebs. On Dec 15, the Kebekwa won 101-92 for their first game against the Strong Island Sound. The day after, the Kebs fought and defeated the defending champion Rochester RazorSharks, 85-75, giving their best performance of the season.
For the first time in Laval University, the players' performance totally satisfied the 1500 fans, a new record attendance in Quebec this season. Both nights, we felt the intensity on the court as the Keb's increased their attacks approaching the last quarter. "What I like about this team is that when we feel we're close to the end, we speed along," said Charles Fortier at the end of the first game. This apparently seems to be their trade mark at home; the team always scores impressive points in the 4th quarter.
In the next game, the crowd went crazy with 10 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, the Keb's came back to tie the score at 61-61 and they took control of the game in the 4th with an incredible series of free throws.
The stars of the team continue to be Manix Auriental and Charles Fortier along with Cordell Jeanty and Aaron Williams. The Kebs travel to the US for the next two weeks and will return home on Jan 5th to battle the Montreal Matrix. For more information, call 418 688 8008 or visit www.quebecbasket.com or www.abalive.com.
If you didn't know the Montreal Matrix's second season in the American Basketball Association kicked off last month, it might be because the team played its first two games at home, then fell off the face of the earth.
The Matrix return to the Pierre Charbonneau Centre tomorrow night with an 0-7 record: losses in those first two home games, then five consecutive defeats on the road.
Three of those setbacks came at the hands of the Kebekwa, a new franchise based in Quebec City. The Kebekwa will be the opponents tomorrow night at 7:05.
"We're 3-0 against them, but it could easily have been 1-2. They can play," Kebekwa head coach Pascal Jobin said. "They're a lot better than their record. I expect a battle."
Jobin knows the Matrix well. He was the head coach, general manager and the driving force behind the launching of the franchise before he was fired barely a month into last year's inaugural season by owners Melvin and Serena Coles.
As complicated as it was behind the scenes last year, the Matrix completed their season (unlike many ABA teams) and met most of their obligations. This year is a very different story, as the franchise tries to establish a foothold in the city's sporting community.
Attendance at the first two home games Nov. 10 and 12 was "disappointing," said Matrix general manager Tito Destin, who attributed part of it to competing with the Grey Cup.
"It's been a rough start, because we're still dealing with last year," Destin said. "In the next few days, or a week, our past will be our past, and we can advance to the future. We're working hard to get back."
One issue is that the players, according to several sources, have not been paid this season.
"That's a very sensitive topic. I don't think I can directly answer that question," said Bobby Miller, the team captain. "The advantage is that we have a bunch of local guys. If we were Americans, we would have all gone home already.
"For me, I would be playing basketball anyway, somewhere. But the line is so thin as to people trusting us."
One player, Mohamed Hachad, has already left to play for a team in Switzerland.
The lack of home games thus far has meant a lack of revenue to cover expenses, a situation that will be reversed in the next few weeks. The Matrix travel to Cape Cod Sunday, but have two games at home each of the next three weekends.
Destin, who wouldn't confirm the rumours, but didn't deny them, said a meeting was held with the players on Tuesday to clarify the situation.
"We have a plan," Destin said. "Everything is going to be taken care of in the next few days."
There is also talk the team might be sold. And the players, at least for now, have decided to continue playing.
But there's no doubt the chaos has taken a toll. A 12-hour round-trip bus ride to Rochester for a mid-week game last week enticed just a bare minimum of six players for a game the Matrix lost 127-101.
The team also is scrambling for gyms to hold evening practices, and scrambling to get the players available.
"We've been competitive in most of the games, but conditioning is a factor, because we don't practise that much," Miller said. "We're OK for three quarters. We have to forget all the surrounding things and just concentrate on the game itself. ... It's more mental than physical."
Miller and several of his teammates, including J.J. Brade and Shawn Browne, are over 30. They're not in it for the money.
"We want to leave something behind so guys who are playing in CEGEP and university right now will have something," Miller said. "We're sucking it up for the future. If we can get a win (tomorrow), I think we'll regain confidence with the community. Hopefully, it's going to build momentum. And hopefully, by January, we'll have our act together."
Jobin, who is a Montreal native, said he hopes the city's basketball fans will respond.
"I'm asking the fans to come out and support the team," he said.
"Forget about management, it's about the players."
The Matrix plays its home games at the Pierre Charbonneau Centre (3000 Viau St.). Tickets are available by calling the box office at (514) 255-4222, or at the door. Prices range from $10 (stands) to $28 (courtside). For more information, visit the website www.montrealmatrix.ca.
2007 ABA ALL-STAR GAME AWARDED TO HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Halifax, Nova Scotia -- On Monday, November 27th, the owners of the 2007 Halifax ABA expansion team held a press conference in Halifax to announce that the American Basketball Association (ABA) will stage the league's 2007 All Star Weekend in Halifax. The All-Star Weekend, slated for Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th, will take place at the Halifax Metro Centre and will feature the ABA Eastern All-Stars versus the ABA Western All-Stars.
The Saturday, January 27th session will feature a college game between the St. Francis Xavier X-Men and the Dalhousie Tigers at 4 pm. That will be followed by an ABA Three-Point Shooting Contest and Slam Dunk competition. And, there will be a major concert as well. (To be announced separately). On Sunday, January 28th, the 2007, the ABA All-Star Game will be played at 2 pm.
"We figured that this was a fabulous way to kick off our major expansion in Canada," said Joe Newman, ABA CEO. " We have two great teams now in Quebec City and Montreal and we are looking forward to having Halifax. Three great ownership groups and more coming."
Tickets range from $10 to $35 for each of the Saturday and Sunday sessions and will go on sale at 11 am Wednesday, November 29th. Tickets are available online at www.ticketatlantic.com or by phone at (902) 451-1221 or at the Ticket Atlantic Box Office located at Halifax Metro Centre and all participating Atlantic Superstore outlets.
Andre Levingston, the new Halifax expansion team added, "And as a way to introduce our team to the community, we are setting aside some of the proceeds from the game for local charities. We are going to be an important part of the community."
For more information, email karen@jazzmediagroup.com.
Note: The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the American Basketball Association.
Look out Canada here comes the red, white and blue.
American Basketball Association CEO Joe Newman believes it will be hot hoops in frozen hoops territory, in regards to the American Basketball Association's current and future status in Canada.
Here is a quick Q & A.
Frozen Hoops: In your opinion, how are Montreal (Matrix) and Quebec (Kebekwa) doing so far, early into the ABA season and what do you see for their future?
JN:: Montreal and Quebec are doing well this season, we think they'll be successful.
Frozen Hoops: Halifax will be joining for the 2007-2008 season. What kind of franchise do you see? They also have the 2006 All Star Game. What may we look forward to and how was that decision made?
JN: Halifax will be a great ABA city and we chose Halifax for the All Star Game because the entire city got behind the effort. It is a great way to introduce the ABA to Halifax.
Frozen Hoops: What is the status of Ottawa and London as possible ABA teams as they have been mentioned in the past?
JN: We are working on Ottawa and London, but have not confirmed either yet.
Frozen Hoops:: How did the fiasco in Calgary (Drillers) and Niagara (Daredevils) effect the ABA and if anything, the ABA in Canada?
JN: The "fiasco" in Calgary and Niagara hurt the ABA and it took us some time to regain credibility there - but we have. Two bad situations done by the same person. Shameful.
Frozen Hoops:: Vancouver has been mentioned off and on with various owners joining the ABA.. Now they are said to be joining the CBA for 2007-2008. Is Vancouver out of the ABA picture?
JN: Vancouver is in the ABA picture. We do not know anything about the CBA plans there.
Frozen Hoops: Lethbridge is also stated to be joining the CBA?
JN: No comment.
Frozen Hoops:: The Mississauga Redwolves joining for 2007-2008. That will give you four teams in Canada with them, Quebec, Montreal and Halifax. Can we see any more teams in Canada for the 2007-2008 season?
JN: We're looking forward to Mississauga in 2007. And yes, we are working on additional ABA teams in Canada.
Frozen Hoops: Can we see a Canadian headquarters for Canadian ABA teams in the future? Will the ABA stay in eastern Canada or may we see teams in Calgary again, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg etc.?
JN: We are working closely with Toronto lawyer Paul Riley and hopefully will build a structure in Canada. We do see having teams in Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg etc. We would like that to happen. When we are ready to announce names, we will post them.
MATRIX IN TROUBLE
