KY Mavs Take a page from Joe Newman

[rockhound]

Here is a scrolling alert from the Bisons web-page.

HOME GAME ALERT!..February 4th @ 7:00 PM Bisons to Play Beijing Aoshen Olympian in an unprecedented match-up for the Bisons...the Olympians are stacked with players from the NBA and the Chinese 2008 Summer Olympics team!.. This has all the makings to be the "game of games" for Your Kentucky Bisons...a must see for all basketball and sports FANS!!

Now I don't know what there definition of "stacked" is, but I see one player on that team that played in Beijing this summer. I have not been able to find any NBA experience for any of the team members. Maybe they are talking about the combine or summer league? Maybe I'm just wrong?

Sounds like ole Jay has been taking game hype lessons from Joe.

Oh yeah, it goes without saying but the "game of games" has just been added to the schedule within the last week.

[runninref]

Rockhound ... have you been to any KY games? That team is actually pretty good and fun to watch (when compared to other ABA teams). I guess Jay is just trying to get some empty seats filled. Are the games actually televised in Oboro? If so, then why TV given the low fan turnout?:mrgreen:

[rockhound]

Interestingly I live just a few blocks from the Bisons' office here in Bowling Green. I however have never entertained the thought of driving an hour up the road to Owensboro to see an ABA game. Honestly, I probably wouldn't walk across the street for an ABA game because I would have to kick myself all the way back across the street when the game is canceled at the last minute.

I wonder if Beijing and their "stacked roster" of one Olympian will actually show?

[Paul S]

Maybe this guy Jay should post a schedule so he doesn't have to hype each game a week out at a time.

just saying

[panchess]

..is one of the few ABA teams that meets its commitments.

[The Sweeper]

They apparently did cancel one game against the Buzz...

http://www.oursportscentral.com/boards/showpost.php?p=107844&postcount=5

[preeths]

In the ABA, Beijing does what Beijing wants.

[basketballjones]

season ticket holder for the Bisons... have been to every game and the team is great...they have followed through with everything they said they would...as for the Beijing team if rockhound knew how to use a computer he would check things out before making himself look bad...
http://www.usbasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=USA&Team=3511&Page=1
http://www.aoshenbasketball.com/roster.html
as for tv, they just started doing that here Owensboro...they are tape delayed and have a couple guys I grew up listening to doing the commentary...pretty good stuff..I sure as hel# don't see any of these other teams doing it. From what I can see this ABA league is a mess and KY is trying rise above it. As for the schedule http://kentuckybisons.com/schedule_2008.htm it has always been there since I bought my tickets online in Nov. home dates have never changed, only opponents...sounds like the ABA at work
I have been to many college games and had fun..but this team here in Oboro flat friken kiksass! I hope they stay here for a long time to come.....oh yeah one more thing...rockhound you stay in boring green we don't want you here in Oboro rockhound<bitter and not worthy

[preeths]

From what I've been able to see, Mr. Sills is making a good, honest effort in Owensboro. I imagine he's very aware of how messed up the ABA is.

[ABARedWhiteBlue]

basketballjones -
Which items is rockhound looking bad about? yes, he does rip the ABA, but there is a long line of people here doing the same.

Look at the Aoshen roster - where are the "stacked" NBA/Olympic players?

It's one thing to hype, but another to flat out lie.

And while the date may have already been listed as a home game, the fact that this specific match-up was just announced is, apparently true also (a by-product of the ABA standard operating procedure).

(I would question the use of 'unprecedented' as well, but I understand the desire to pump up the message with big impact words; I might have gone with words more in the vein of titanic/monumental/huge/etc...)

And I will agree that all indications are that the Bison organization is far ahead of the vast majority of their fellow league members; which is why this over-hype is out of the ordinary and unnecessary. Let Embry stick with making half-cocked comments about players nobody outside their immediate families has ever heard of. The Bisons should look to operate above that level.

[rockhound]

season ticket holder for the Bisons... have been to every game and the team is great...they have followed through with everything they said they would...as for the Beijing team if rockhound knew how to use a computer he would check things out before making himself look bad...
http://www.usbasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=USA&Team=3511&Page=1
http://www.aoshenbasketball.com/roster.html
http://kentuckybisons.com/schedule_2008.htm it has always been there since I bought my tickets online in Nov. home dates have never changed, only opponents...sounds like the ABA at work
I have been to many college games and had fun..but this team here in Oboro flat friken kiksass! I hope they stay here for a long time to come.....oh yeah one more thing...rockhound you stay in boring green we don't want you here in Oboro rockhound<bitter and not worthy

Seems like I'm not the one with computer usage issues here. The claim that the Bisons made was this team was stacked with NBA and Olympic players. Using your link to the Aoeshen roster and cross referencing it to the Official Chinese Olympics site you will find there is ONE PLAYER on the Aoeshen roster that was on the Olympic team in Beijing. I would not call that stacked. http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/sports/headlines/basketball/n214477559.shtml

I told Jay, after he got snookered by Jason Smith, that he should just cut his losses.

Jay is trying very hard but he is way in over his head, inexperienced, underfunded, making a mistake trying to run a team 60 miles away from where they play, and dealing with a league that has a history of failure, and is losing money like a sieve.

I wish Jay the best, but the realities of the situation point to another fate.

[BisonsOffice]

Ok. This is Jay Sills the CEO of the Bisons. I do my best to keep OSC informed with our schedule, games played, scores, etc. As I am reluctant to respond I feel it necessary. I can't help but read posts on this board, some can be accurate, some cruel, and some seem to be just angry.

As far as the funding aspect of my team I'm not sure where or how anyone would know about that other than me. Lack of funding? What are you referring to. All my players are paid (on time) a very fair wage which consists of housing, housing assistance, practice per diem, and game pay per game dressed, medical expenses, gas reimbursement. We bring in sound and lights for every game and the only team that comes close to our show is Nashville. Again the funding comment is of no knowledge on your part (rockhound). That is not a knock to other ABA teams b/c there are a few more out there I know of that would do more if their venue would allow.

What else you don't know is the interest we are getting every home game we play, it has increased every game. Yes, small, but when you come from 50 fans to 300 over a span of 1.6 months that's not bad. This is a long term deal for me(us), I never expected things that weren't realistic. If in fact you have talked to me, as you stated you told me to cut my losses in which I do not recall anyone telling me that, than you would know I am realistic and fair, if nothing else.

Does the ABA have problems, yes, I am very open to OSC about the problems. Can I fix it? Not sure, all I can do is try and continue to do exactly as I said I would do when I took over the team. Did I get snookered by Jason Smith, yes, as we all did. But, I put together a good team and coaching staff...all of the original good people stayed on board even after the termoil with Smith. Technically there are 4 people in my organization that run the operations and they all have done a tremendous job as our game day operations run smooth with the entertainment we provide to the travel preparations for games to our practices almost nightly.

My team is fun to watch and worthy of being in any minor league system, all of my players are marketable on and off the court. We are involved in Owensboro, we have been involved in several events such as being the honorary grand marshall for the Owensboro Christmas Parade, a big deal there. Plus other Christmas events such as the light up Owensboro deal, I could not attend because we were playing in Knoxville...but 2 of our players and some staff attended. We are attending as a team this Friday a benefit for the Red Cross as well.

We have support from good people in Owensboro such as a consulting firm who has asked for no money from us to help, Fairfield Inn, Time Warner Cable, Cromwell Group, to name a few all people trying to promote our team and keep us in Owensboro. We have worked our butts off to make this organization a solid one, I have nothing to hide as to why I am telling you exactly who I am in this post.

In regards to the Beijing team, they wanted to play 2-3 games over here against possibly some better competition. They have a good team with reputable players, one of which did play in the NBA for a short stint and another who tried out but ultimately got cut. I heard they had 2-3 players that played for the Olympic team and that can be my fault, our web adminstrator is and did try and pump up this game b/c it was added, and I say why not. One or two Olympic athlestes on an ABA team is good, as well as an ex NBA player, right..?

The ABA has a lot of things to fix as I am frustrated with some things, but as far as my part we have followed through. Funding has never been an issue and again it baffles me to see someone make a snide comment as if you know something about our organization from that stand point. Please, go ask my players or coaching staff if I have ever come short on that aspect. You live in Bowing Green, my people are very easy to find.

This is my only post after viewing this board for some time now. I respect most opinions but where I draw the line is when a person is speaking completely out context as if "in the know".

Jay Sills
KY Bisons

[The Magician]

Ok. This is Jay Sills the CEO of the Bisons.

Hey Jay,

In your opinion, How many markets (cities) are there in Kentucky, currently, who are legit supporting, or who have the potential to support Minor League Basketball, at the higher, more attractive, competitive brand? How many developmental rings (leagues) are their in Kentucky right now?

[rockhound]

To his credit Jay has had the scroller updated on his web site. It now says:

HOME GAME ADDED!..February 4th @ 7:00 PM Bisons to Play Beijing Aoshen Olympian in an unprecedented match-up for the Bisons... the Olympians roster is stacked with talent!....This has all the makings to be a great game for Your Kentucky Bisons...a must see for all basketball and sports FANS

This is a much better and honest plug for the game.

I really think that Jay, in is heart, thought the Bisons would draw KWC numbers in Owensboro which would make the team very solvent. Unfortunately 300 people a game just isn't enough.

One thing I think would be great for the Bisons is to have a game against KWC. That would be a good profit maker and entertaining for the fans, although it would be kind of a risk for the Bisons.

[Houston Caldwell]

The fan base of Jay's team may not be monstrous in size yet, but I can tell you first-hand that they ARE devoted. I went to the Nashville Broncs- Kentucky Bison game in Nashville, and I'd estimate that the Bisons brought about 100 fans that came from Owensboro to cheer on their homeboys. That's an encouraging sign.

[BisonsOffice]

Hey Jay,

In your opinion, How many markets (cities) are there in Kentucky, currently, who are legit supporting, or who have the potential to support Minor League Basketball, at the higher, more attractive, competitive brand? How many developmental rings (leagues) are their in Kentucky right now?

That's a tough call. Louisville tried to bring the Colonels back but never got off the ground. I lived in Louisville at the time and regretted to hear they were playing or trying to start up as I would have supported but never heard about it. I feel a town with 50,000-100,000 "can" do well because of limited options for entertainment, hence, why we are in Owensboro. Bowling Green could have been good as well but no venue to choose from that's reasonable, and I refuse to play in a high school gym. BG has some nice high school's with chair back seating but I feel it's just less attractive for players to come play for me (us).

The bottom line is it's all about the marketing, in which I will do a better job next season and going forward. I give a lot of credit to the Eastern KY Coal Miners (CBA), they have a nice following over in Pikeville, KY (of all places), nice venue, good fans. They are prime example of a low population area that can generate 900-1,200 consistant crowds. I witnessed 949 when we played them.

D-league teams are having problems getting over 600 fans to games, we spoke with the Colorado team recently with them saying it's just hard to get people out and empathized with us being in year one trying to develop fans. His opinion was nothing but positive b/c you have to start somewhere. 300 fans at this point doesn't cut it but it's a start.

I truly feel the marketing for a loyal fan base in a lower population (50-100) can prove to be more successful in the long run. Small town people tend to stick with things and not be as fickel....but we must always follow through b/c as long as it will take to build we can lose it quickly. Bigger city teams I think have an uphill battle with all the options provided (college football, college basketball, pro hockey, theater, etc.). People, say, in our market are dying for something to do.

There are some good markets in KY but I think you have to go with a niche, and not be foolish and try and compete with the local college or even high school teams in the area. Our niche is the game is fast, you can't look away or you'll miss something, 3D makes it interesting and rewards defense (yes, a strange rule but it's a niche), 7 second rule all create a different style of game that brings "quicker" excitement. Another post about me was that I expected KWC level attendance, right now 1,500+..maybe more. KWC has been around forever, won lots of D2 championships and a loyal following. Go ask how long it took them to build that fan base...years! Owensboro people tell me that constantly. We have KWC season ticket holders at our games now, not a lot but again it's a start.

Anyway, sorry the long response.



Jay Sills
KY Bisons

[BisonsOffice]

A game with KWC would be great but the NCAA won't allow it. We would love to do it and will continue to try for next year (pre-season).

[dougjohnson41472]

Jay, I am a Kentuckian and a Louisvillian and a fan of the old ABA. Please don't compare this ABA with the old ABA, and especially please sir, don't mention the Kentucky Colonels in the same sentence with your crooked league. This ABA is not the real ABA.
The fact is that you may be a great guy with the best of intentions, but being assoicated with Joe Newman and this ABA brings to mind something my grandma taught me. "No matter how clean you are, if you sleep with trash, you wake up filthy."
Go Louisville Cardinals!!

[dougjohnson41472]

In the long term, you won't be able to compete with the University of Kentucky.
IF your town has an ABA team in it, my best advice is, Don't get too attached.

[BisonsOffice]

Jay, I am a Kentuckian and a Louisvillian and a fan of the old ABA. Please don't compare this ABA with the old ABA, and especially please sir, don't mention the Kentucky Colonels in the same sentence with your crooked league. This ABA is not the real ABA.
The fact is that you may be a great guy with the best of intentions, but being assoicated with Joe Newman and this ABA brings to mind something my grandma taught me. "No matter how clean you are, if you sleep with trash, you wake up filthy."
Go Louisville Cardinals!!


I have nothing but respect for the old ABA, never once mentioning parity. The Colonels were tried to be brought back in Louisville, this was an example I used to a previous post. I am sorry you are taking offense to that example, but your reading into something I was not referring to.

I schedule all of our games around UK basketball and high school basketball to avoid that competition. Our league has problems but the solution is very simple and if I can't accomplish that simple problem with the league than we'll adjust. I have been a life time Cats fan, haven't missed the SEC tournament in a decade, I completely understand that. An ex UK player plays for us. I'm not sure why I am responding to your post but I am not referring to the Colonels in a bad light and sorry you took it that way.

[dougjohnson41472]

well I came across as a jerk and I am sorry. What I hate is someone with the best intentions getting screwed by Joe N. if you haven't been screwed over, then I bet you soon will be. I hope not. Sorry that I came across that strongly. As for attending the SEC tournament, why not go to a real tournment. The Big East!! just kidding...best wishes.

[wellington]

Jay -- Kudos for posting on here. Best of luck!

[CHris902]

Please join another league. Either the CBA or the PBL. It doesn't matter what you do, being in the ABA will undermine your efforts.