ABA division names

[oldfatguy]

Has Joe asked any of these guys if they could use their names? I can't imagine Joe's purchased any naming rights from the old ABA or the use of any of the player names.

Just wondered.

[Sam Hill]

The divisions as I understand them (with two to be named):

Freddie Lewis Division
Marvin Barnes Division
Spencer Haywood Division
Moses Malone Division
Louie Dampier Division
Ron Boone Division
Connie Hawkins Division
Roger Brown Division

Barnes and Brown are dead. Lewis is just thrilled to have someone mention his name, I would imagine. Of the others, I can imagine Malone might cost money, but I don't know about the rest.

[ABARedWhiteBlue]

from the ABA last year:

ABA TO NAME DIVISIONS AFTER ORIGINAL ABA LEGENDS

14-May-2004
Indianapolis, IN. Joe Newman, ABA Co-Founder, today announced that the ABA will name its divisions after the original ABA players who distinguished themselves with outstanding careers in the ABA and later the NBA. According to Newman, "This is our way of thanking them and honoring them for the contributions they made to the sport of basketball and for the legacy they left. These players were all symbolic of fast-paced, exciting, high energy basketball." Newman added, "One of the goals of this ABA is to follow the examples set by these fabulous players; they set high standards on and off the court."

The divisions will be announced shortly. The following players are under consideration: Julius Erving, George Gervin, Spencer Haywood, Connie Hawkins, Rick Barry, Billy Cunningham, Dan Issel, Moses Malone, George McGinnis, Marvin Barnes, Roger Brown, Charlie Scott, David Thompson, Maurice Lucas, Artis Gilmore, Freddie Lewis.

Newman concluded, "We envision six or seven team divisions. Obviously we cannot include all of these fabulous players immediately - but as the league grows, we will certainly add more. You have to admit, this is an amazing group - and all came from that little "upstart" league. Wow."


Apparently, Boone and Dampier have had a great year, since their names are being used, after not making the list prior to 04-05. Joe is also announcing the teams for a couple divisions, without naming all of them first.

According to Joe, they are 'using Legends who have specifically given us permission to use their names.' How could Dr. J pass up an opportunity like this? :wink: And Gervin was involved the 'new' ABA two different times, but he said NO as well? That can't be a positive...

[nksports]

Given the ABAs success and credibility overall, how about these for division names:
P.T. Barnum Division
Enron Division
Tyco Division
Adelphia Division
Martha Stewart Division

Y'all get the point