ChumpDumper
03-27-2006, 11:12 AM
CBA's future still clouded
Steelheads owner continues searching for investors
BY AL HAMNIK
[email protected]
219.933.4154
This story ran on nwitimes.com on Monday, March 27, 2006 12:03 AM CST
GARY | By April 5 or 6, the Continental Basketball Association may have undergone a major facelift, if not a completely new identity.
That was the word circulating at Sunday's Game 2 of the CBA Finals involving Gary and Yakama.
According to league sources, the nine-team National Basketball Developmental League is interested in adding the CBA's Sioux Falls Skyforce, Dakota Wizards, Idaho Stampede and the new Colorado entry which is scheduled to begin play in 2006-07.
That would leave the CBA with four teams: Gary, the Michigan Mayhem, Rockford Lightning and Yakama Sun Kings. But league sources have also indicated the CBA is looking at San Jose, Reno, Grand Forks, Mont., and Bend, Oregon -- plus two eastern cities -- as possible additions.
"Obviously, the NBDL would like to have the more financially stable franchises," said CBA Commissioner Gary Hunter, in attendance at Sunday's Finals. "I'm very optimistic and would be shocked if the CBA didn't start its 61st season. This league has been knocked back on its heels more times than I can count, has had tremendous ups and downs, shocks and surprises, and has bounced back.
"It's been proven that the CBA has more call-ups, better attendance, and is more profitable than the D-League. If you compare us to other basketball minor leagues -- the ABA, NBDL -- we're very proud of where we are. I'm told by NBA scouts our talent is as good or better than it's ever been."
Asked about Gary's CBA future and well aware of its financial struggles, Hunter said: "I think there has been some potential political fallout (with outgoing Gary Mayor Scott King) and if that can be cleared up, I'm confident they'll find new investors."
Steelheads owner Jewell Harris Sr. said Hunter didn't have all his facts straight.
"There is no political fallout anymore. He's gone," said Harris. "(Acting mayor) Dozier Allen (Jr.) and Rudy Clay are both supporters of the Gary Steelheads and understand the (financial) commitment that needs to be made."
When pressed as to whether or not he plans to sell the team, Harris responded: "The Gary Steelheads, with or without me, will be here next year."
As part of the D-league, maybe?
"I'm not going there," said Harris.
Topping his list of possible investors is the Gary-based Mamon Powers & Sons Construction Company.
"To what extent other investors are willing to come in, I have no idea at this point," said Harris. "Would I sell if they wanted to buy the whole thing? If the commitment were on the same level as mine for this community, I probably would sell."
Harris also revealed his son, chief counsel Jewell Harris Jr., would prefer to join the D-league.
"But that would be a fight with me," he said.
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/03/27/sports/pro_sports/d8b0bbc8972bc4d78625713e0016f9f3.txt
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There is going to be a crapwad of movement in the minors this summer. Tim Hardaway's ABA team pulled out of that league before their playoffs and has already petitioned to join the D-League as well.
Steelheads owner continues searching for investors
BY AL HAMNIK
[email protected]
219.933.4154
This story ran on nwitimes.com on Monday, March 27, 2006 12:03 AM CST
GARY | By April 5 or 6, the Continental Basketball Association may have undergone a major facelift, if not a completely new identity.
That was the word circulating at Sunday's Game 2 of the CBA Finals involving Gary and Yakama.
According to league sources, the nine-team National Basketball Developmental League is interested in adding the CBA's Sioux Falls Skyforce, Dakota Wizards, Idaho Stampede and the new Colorado entry which is scheduled to begin play in 2006-07.
That would leave the CBA with four teams: Gary, the Michigan Mayhem, Rockford Lightning and Yakama Sun Kings. But league sources have also indicated the CBA is looking at San Jose, Reno, Grand Forks, Mont., and Bend, Oregon -- plus two eastern cities -- as possible additions.
"Obviously, the NBDL would like to have the more financially stable franchises," said CBA Commissioner Gary Hunter, in attendance at Sunday's Finals. "I'm very optimistic and would be shocked if the CBA didn't start its 61st season. This league has been knocked back on its heels more times than I can count, has had tremendous ups and downs, shocks and surprises, and has bounced back.
"It's been proven that the CBA has more call-ups, better attendance, and is more profitable than the D-League. If you compare us to other basketball minor leagues -- the ABA, NBDL -- we're very proud of where we are. I'm told by NBA scouts our talent is as good or better than it's ever been."
Asked about Gary's CBA future and well aware of its financial struggles, Hunter said: "I think there has been some potential political fallout (with outgoing Gary Mayor Scott King) and if that can be cleared up, I'm confident they'll find new investors."
Steelheads owner Jewell Harris Sr. said Hunter didn't have all his facts straight.
"There is no political fallout anymore. He's gone," said Harris. "(Acting mayor) Dozier Allen (Jr.) and Rudy Clay are both supporters of the Gary Steelheads and understand the (financial) commitment that needs to be made."
When pressed as to whether or not he plans to sell the team, Harris responded: "The Gary Steelheads, with or without me, will be here next year."
As part of the D-league, maybe?
"I'm not going there," said Harris.
Topping his list of possible investors is the Gary-based Mamon Powers & Sons Construction Company.
"To what extent other investors are willing to come in, I have no idea at this point," said Harris. "Would I sell if they wanted to buy the whole thing? If the commitment were on the same level as mine for this community, I probably would sell."
Harris also revealed his son, chief counsel Jewell Harris Jr., would prefer to join the D-league.
"But that would be a fight with me," he said.
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2006/03/27/sports/pro_sports/d8b0bbc8972bc4d78625713e0016f9f3.txt
--------------------------------------------
There is going to be a crapwad of movement in the minors this summer. Tim Hardaway's ABA team pulled out of that league before their playoffs and has already petitioned to join the D-League as well.