Manu20
09-10-2005, 10:31 AM
David Flores: Bass: S.A. can back two teams
Web Posted: 09/10/2005 12:00 AM CDT
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/dflores/stories/MYSA091005.1C.COL.FBNflores.bass.d1614e1.html
San Antonio Express-News
Given his experience and stature, former New Orleans Hornets executive Bob Bass is well qualified to address the question about whether San Antonio could support two major sports franchises.
After all, he worked for two years in a city that — at least for the time being — has an NBA and NFL franchise.
Moreover, Bass is a refreshingly plainspoken man who always adds something interesting to any sports dialogue. At 76, he's one of pro basketball's elder statesmen.
So, Mr. Bass, could the Spurs and an NFL team (insert Saints here) coexist?
"I don't want to come across like I'm being insensitive to New Orleans in light of what's happening there, because it's been very sad to see what the people are going through," Bass said this week. "But I think the opportunities for a professional team are far greater in San Antonio than New Orleans.
"I think the chances of two franchises being successful are far better in San Antonio than New Orleans. The corporate base is better in San Antonio, and the average income is better."
Bass, who lives in San Antonio, made it clear he had that opinion before Hurricane Katrina ravaged the New Orleans area and cast a shadow on the future of the Hornets and New Orleans Saints.
Fiercely loyal, Bass said he still feels a strong emotional bond to New Orleans and the Hornets' organization.
He and his wife, Pat, lived in a condominium "about eight blocks" from the Superdome in New Orleans before moving back to San Antonio when he retired in June 2004.
"I've seen parts of downtown that I recognize — and they're underwater," said Bass, a two-time NBA Executive of the Year. "That's when it really hits you."
Bass was a coach and executive with the Spurs for 20 years before joining the Charlotte Hornets' front office in 1995. He was executive vice president of basketball operations for nine years with the Hornets, who moved to New Orleans in 2002.
Bass spends most of his time nowadays playing golf, hunting and fishing, but he still keeps up with the NBA.
While the San Antonio sports landscape would change dramatically if the Saints moved to the city, Bass expressed doubts the Spurs would lose significant ground to the NFL.
"I think it would change things, yes, but I think with the organization and the team the Spurs have, it would be difficult for the NFL team to take their fans," Bass said. "The Spurs are entrenched here. They're so good right now, and their organization is so strong.
"But there's no doubt that when you have the only ball in town, you're better off than when somebody else comes in."
Bass praised Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who last season led the franchise to its third NBA title in seven years, and general manager R.C. Buford for signing free agents Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel in the offseason.
"Gregg and R.C. have done an outstanding job," Bass said. "Sometimes teams win a championship, and they don't do anything to get better. The Spurs have gotten better.
"They've got nine guys on that team who could start for anybody. That's one of the real rewards of winning a championship — players want to play here."
While the Spurs might squirm at the mere thought of an NFL team wanting to play in San Antonio, I believe the city could support two major sports franchises.
Yes, we have our problems, including too much poverty and too many high school dropouts, but San Antonio is a thriving city with a bright future.
Still, it's important that any plan to lure the Saints includes a regional strategy that would focus on Austin and bring the rest of South Texas into the mix.
Make no mistake about it: Getting Austin's support for an NFL franchise is critical. Why? Folks up there have more "discretionary cash" than San Antonians.
Also, San Antonio leaders shouldn't underestimate the passion of South Texas fans.
Si se puede. It can be done.
Besides, Bob Bass says so.
Web Posted: 09/10/2005 12:00 AM CDT
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/dflores/stories/MYSA091005.1C.COL.FBNflores.bass.d1614e1.html
San Antonio Express-News
Given his experience and stature, former New Orleans Hornets executive Bob Bass is well qualified to address the question about whether San Antonio could support two major sports franchises.
After all, he worked for two years in a city that — at least for the time being — has an NBA and NFL franchise.
Moreover, Bass is a refreshingly plainspoken man who always adds something interesting to any sports dialogue. At 76, he's one of pro basketball's elder statesmen.
So, Mr. Bass, could the Spurs and an NFL team (insert Saints here) coexist?
"I don't want to come across like I'm being insensitive to New Orleans in light of what's happening there, because it's been very sad to see what the people are going through," Bass said this week. "But I think the opportunities for a professional team are far greater in San Antonio than New Orleans.
"I think the chances of two franchises being successful are far better in San Antonio than New Orleans. The corporate base is better in San Antonio, and the average income is better."
Bass, who lives in San Antonio, made it clear he had that opinion before Hurricane Katrina ravaged the New Orleans area and cast a shadow on the future of the Hornets and New Orleans Saints.
Fiercely loyal, Bass said he still feels a strong emotional bond to New Orleans and the Hornets' organization.
He and his wife, Pat, lived in a condominium "about eight blocks" from the Superdome in New Orleans before moving back to San Antonio when he retired in June 2004.
"I've seen parts of downtown that I recognize — and they're underwater," said Bass, a two-time NBA Executive of the Year. "That's when it really hits you."
Bass was a coach and executive with the Spurs for 20 years before joining the Charlotte Hornets' front office in 1995. He was executive vice president of basketball operations for nine years with the Hornets, who moved to New Orleans in 2002.
Bass spends most of his time nowadays playing golf, hunting and fishing, but he still keeps up with the NBA.
While the San Antonio sports landscape would change dramatically if the Saints moved to the city, Bass expressed doubts the Spurs would lose significant ground to the NFL.
"I think it would change things, yes, but I think with the organization and the team the Spurs have, it would be difficult for the NFL team to take their fans," Bass said. "The Spurs are entrenched here. They're so good right now, and their organization is so strong.
"But there's no doubt that when you have the only ball in town, you're better off than when somebody else comes in."
Bass praised Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who last season led the franchise to its third NBA title in seven years, and general manager R.C. Buford for signing free agents Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel in the offseason.
"Gregg and R.C. have done an outstanding job," Bass said. "Sometimes teams win a championship, and they don't do anything to get better. The Spurs have gotten better.
"They've got nine guys on that team who could start for anybody. That's one of the real rewards of winning a championship — players want to play here."
While the Spurs might squirm at the mere thought of an NFL team wanting to play in San Antonio, I believe the city could support two major sports franchises.
Yes, we have our problems, including too much poverty and too many high school dropouts, but San Antonio is a thriving city with a bright future.
Still, it's important that any plan to lure the Saints includes a regional strategy that would focus on Austin and bring the rest of South Texas into the mix.
Make no mistake about it: Getting Austin's support for an NFL franchise is critical. Why? Folks up there have more "discretionary cash" than San Antonians.
Also, San Antonio leaders shouldn't underestimate the passion of South Texas fans.
Si se puede. It can be done.
Besides, Bob Bass says so.