Maywood Buzz of the ABA

[BuzzBasketball]

Hello all,

Unlike all the guys who post on here I am not scared to hide my name and say who I am. I am Burrel Lee III and I am the General Manager/Head Coach of the Maywood Buzz. I have been reading these post here on this website and really get a good laugh out of all of them.

The funniest thing I always read is about Joe Newman.

Here is a quick story before I leave a little info on my team and how we are doing.

A few years back I started a youth travel team. We were sponsored by Rapper/Actor Ice Cube. We didnt have the shoes and everything everyone else had, but we had talent and we would win. People didnt like it and started to write bad things and untrue things about me and my team. A good friend told me after I started to read and really get upset with the people hating on a good thing myself and Ice Cube was doing. He told me that when you are on top and doing things that others wanna do or cant do what you are doing they will hate on you.

I am behind the ABA and Joe Newman and have been since I first got a job in 2000 with the LA Stars. When I read all your post about Newman and the league I think wow this person is mad because (1) Joe didnt award him a team in the city of his choice, (2) He was kicked out the aba or folded his team because he couldnt run his team, (3) he is starting his own league and is upset because his league is growing like the ABA.

I just wanted to add my two cents...The ABA is a great league and just like any upstart business there will be a few problems. Before you start to talk about teams contact them and ask them how the season is going...

I also once read that a fan had came to few games here in SoCal and Hollywood had the best game he seen. Game Opp wise.....

A little for those who read that post and havent been to a game here in SoCal. We the Maywood Buzz out of the 3 teams here (Hollywood Fame & Beijing Aoshen) are drawing the most at a little over 250 fans a game and that is the truth. Hollywood does not have on court games, nor does Beijing.

We have been in the ABA for 3 seasons now as the Buzz and we play our games. As for the gentleman who stated that Bellingham is the only team playing their games on the west, here is a little info for you.

Bellingham has played 22 games prior to ABA All-Star weekend, Maywood has played 20 (10-10) and would have played 22 also but 2 games got canceled to the 5fwy being closed and teams couldnt come down fom up north and play. Beijing has played 19 games after last nights game.

So check your facts please. Again I never wanted to post on this site, but it just isnt fair to the teams to get hated on and many of the teams are trying to do something good....put yourself in the shoes of some of these teams and see how it is. Many of you say the CBA, NBDL are better leagues....Just like the ABA it is a minor league and they to have their problems. Ask the UTAH team of the CBA...folded...the Pittsburgh team was a ABA playoff team last year and only has 2 wins this season. In the NBDL the players are the same as in the ABA, but the ABA has a few more players with names and playing resumes....

I dont know...I think the ABA is working out the kinks and watch out....we will continue to grow.

But the one thing I do know, those of you out here writing all these bad things about the ABA will never come from behind your screen names and say who you really are.

Now a little info on the Buzz..... :D

As far as stats goes and player of the year honors....i havent seen teams in the Blue and White divisions play....but Lamar Gayle of the Maywood Buzz is
6th in scoring (28.1) and 2nd in rebounding (12.7) and that is from the guard spot. Who else can do that besides Magic Johnson. And is dishing out a little over 5 assist a game.

Burrel Lee III
General Manager/Head Coach
Maywood Buzz of the ABA
buzzbasketball@gmail.com
www.maywoodbuzz.com

[rams80]

In the interest of full disclosure...

I am a college student, usually at DePauw University, but this semester I am at American. This year there is an ABA team in my hometown (Peoria), I am not affiliated with any other basketball league, and I have never tried to own a team.

Now...Numbers without stability don't mean anything! You act like teams failing to finish the season should be a good (or at least acceptable) thing, but in reality your league takes huge credibility hits when that happens.

In reality, much of the instability comes from the fact that they improperly vet the expansion owners to make sure they can finish the year. That problem pretty clearly comes back to Uncle Joe.

This problem has happened every year for the last 3 in the ABA, demonstrating a complete unwillingness on Uncle Joe's part to modify his practices.

I am not "hating" for the ABA has yet to even get close to the top. The ABA is only successful under the most liberal definition of the world. You want credibility? The sanctity of the schedule is utmost. Also pointing out that a playoff team in your league now routinely gets destroyed in its new league is usually indicative that your league has poorer talent, not the other way around.

[psbf]

Hi Burrell,

I agree with your post. Although my team-the Pgh. Xplosion-is now in the CBA and is struggling, I do have faith in them. I'm very appreciative of the ABA after the great season we had last year(I went to almost all the home games). Unfortunately, we could not duplicate the success this year and I think we expected too much after changing leagues.
I enjoyed each game that I went, when the Xplosion were in the ABA(I still do), and it was good to see the growth of our crowd(from 75 to nearly 2,000). Our record is not nearly indicative of the talent on our team this year, imo. I sometimes wonder what the Xplosion season would be like if we were still in the ABA. I know that the league is far from perfect, but at least it gives cities that normally have no teams, a chance to give local fans some events to attend.
I do keep track of the ABA action. I wish the Maywood Buzz well.

[The Magician]

As for the gentleman who stated that Bellingham is the only team playing their games on the west, here is a little info for you.

Bellingham has played 22 games prior to ABA All-Star weekend, Maywood has played 20 (10-10) and would have played 22 also but 2 games got canceled to the 5fwy being closed and teams couldnt come down fom up north and play. Beijing has played 19 games after last nights game.

So check your facts please.

Burrel, I'm not sure if you were referring to my post ???
[The Magician, ABA Standings Are A Disaster, 01/21/07]

But ... Before I posted ... I checked the ABA website ... and here's what the Red Conference Standings were at that time (before games played that p.m.):

North
Bellingham 15-6 (21 games)
Sacramento 4-8 (12 games)
King County 3-11 (14 games)
Big Valley 2-10 (12 games)

South
San Diego 10-3 (13 games)
Gallup 8-3 (11 games)
Hollywood 8-4 (12 games)
Beijing 10-4 (14 games)
Maywood 8-8 (16 games)
Tijuana 4-10 (14 games)

And ... after my post at OSC ... and an e-mail sent to the ABA office ... it just so happened, that the standings on the ABA website were updated within 12-18 hours ... with an "additional" 5 games added to the the MAYWOOD record ... which then reflected 10 Wins 11 Losses = current record refected as of today on the ABA site. You stated above your record is 10-10??? I'd be a little distressed; as a GM; with my teams' record being reflected incorrectly by the league ...

The Sacramento record was also boosted by 5 games ... updated to 9-8.

The ABA, as of today, has Beijing reflected with a record of 12-8 ... 20 games. (You say 19?)

I'm not apart of the ABA bashing brigade ... But I am a fan ... who finds it necessary to point out certain things that need to be corrected. Keeping the ABA standings up-to-date should be a daily activity, without fail!

As a Fan, I should not have to view each and every day, every ABA team website to keep up with THE LEAGUE.

OSC does a much better job at keeping up with the ABA scores and records!!!

And the ABA League office knows who I am ... I like to keep them on their toes. And I do my best to supply 100% factual information.

[sportsguy12]

I'm not sure if you were referring to my post about Burell???

But ... Before I posted ... I checked the ABA website ... and here's what the Red Conference Standings were at that time (before games played that p.m.):

North
Bellingham 15-6 (21 games)
Sacramento 4-8 (12 games)
King County 3-11 (14 games)
Big Valley 2-10 (12 games)

South
San Diego 10-3 (13 games)
Gallup 8-3 (11 games)
Hollywood 8-4 (12 games)
Beijing 10-4 (14 games)
Maywood 8-8 (16 games)
Tijuana 4-10 (14 games)

And ... after my post at OSC ... and an e-mail sent to the ABA office ... it just so happened, that the standings on the ABA website were updated within 24-36 hours ... with an "additional" 5 games added to the the MAYWOOD record ... which then reflected 10 Wins 11 Losses = current record refected as of today on the ABA site. You stated above your record is 10-10??? I'd be a little distressed; as a GM; with my teams' record being reflected incorrectly by the league ...

The Sacramento record was also boosted by 5 games ... updated to 9-8.

I'm not apart of the ABA bashing brigade ... But I am a fan ... who finds it necessary to point out certain things that need to be corrected. Keeping the ABA standings up-to-date should be a daily activity, without fail!

And the ABA League office knows who I am ... I like to keep them on their toes. And I do my best to supply 100% factual information.

because of the league antics. People, who want to be fans of the league, just can't over their antics. Sure, they're may be a pocket of teams out west that are playing their games. But what about the Toledos, etc. of the league who can't seem to get their act together time and time again.

Where's Brooklyn? What happened to the Georgia Gwizzlies (now and also a few years ago when they were supposed to play)?

The ABA is a LEAGUE. How one team operates can tarnish the entire league. It reflects on everyone. So you can defend the reputation of 1 or 2 teams all you want Mr. Lee; however, the actions of other teams also reflect on you.

I live in the Philadelphia area, which had 2 teams in the ABA in one season. I wanted to go to see a game or 2, but when I went to their court. The doors were locked and there were no signs that a game was going to be held. Yet their schedule said it was game day.

As far as highways being closed, I'm sure that there were other roads to the game site.

In closing, I suggest that most professional leagues don't operate the way the ABA does. Nor would they be in business using the same practices. As far the excuses that the league uses time and time again, other leagues wouldn't accept or tolerate them.

Best wishes!

[panchess]

I'm an Albany Patroons fan from about half a hour south of Albany, having gotten into all of this when the Patroons. I work professionally in a community and economic development capacity, and run a small business development program.

I have no axe to grind against any of the leagues, but have used examples from the ABA in our classes as "how not to run your business." ABA teams in particular suffer from undercapitalization and lack of management expertise (exceptions, like Rochester and Vermont, draw well, but even Rochester seems to be slipping a bit in recent weeks). It certainly seems to me that Mr. Newman sells the "dollar and a dream" theory for prospective owners. I have always assumed the pitch was minimal franchise cost and travel, and teams "will live off ticket sales," which clearly doesn't happen for the vast majority of first-year pro sports franchises.

Having never seen an ABA game, I can't truly comment on the caliber of play, but the rosters and comparative scores lead me to believe it is lower, and the talent is more uneven. You see blowouts more in the ABA than the other leagues, as well as teams showing up with six to eight players. On the positive side, while Pittsburgh has bombed on the court in their first season in the CBA, Indiana came over and has performed well, as has Minot (formerly San Jose). As far as I know, the ABA has never had an NBA callup, unlike the CBA and D-League, which is an indicator of talent as well.

It was a big deal when a CBA team folded in mid-season for the first time in five years. Having eight teams fold halfway through the season is considered good for the ABA.

Given that Mr. Lee is an owner, I wonder what he thinks of the ABA owners attempting to cash out by going public.

With SoCal Legends slated to join the CBA next season, perhaps Mr. Lee would like to bring Maywood too.

[The Magician]

ABA teams in particular suffer from undercapitalization and lack of management expertise.

Having never seen an ABA game, I can't truly comment on the caliber of play, but the rosters and comparative scores lead me to believe it is lower, and the talent is more uneven.

As far as I know, the ABA has never had an NBA callup, unlike the CBA and D-League, which is an indicator of talent as well.

It is true, a good # of ABA teams which are founded, do not have the necessary funding required for adequate business development.

The ABA does have some quality players. And there are some very competitive games between a # of the teams. Looking at the league talent level as a whole, I think one of the things to consider; to a large degree; is that many of teams have not had the opportunity; nor have the resources; to start a "professional player development program" ... which is more than just practicing and sending 5 guys out on the floor for an ABA game.

Unfortunately, who knows if the ABA has had any callups to the NBA? The ABA does not have a registration or tracking system for the players who participate in the league. That really needs to change.

[Chuck the Writer]

Again I never wanted to post on this site, but it just isnt fair to the teams to get hated on and many of the teams are trying to do something good....

With all due respect, sir, for every team that is trying to make a stand in the ABA, there are at least three or four teams in the ABA that have collapsed, folded, relocated in the middle of the night, etc. Yes, there are teams that are "doing it right" - Rochester, Vermont, Quebec City - fine. But that doesn't explain the folded franchises this year in Toledo, Hammond, Brooklyn, Mexicali, Anderson, etc. It doesn't explain failures like the Red White and Blue concert (that was on Joe Newman's watch), the lack of available player statistics, teams that don't have home courts and are playing as travel squads, franchises that have to change their name because the home team disapproves of the visiting team's nickname (a la Gary Giants), it just goes on and on.

put yourself in the shoes of some of these teams and see how it is. Many of you say the CBA, NBDL are better leagues....Just like the ABA it is a minor league and they to have their problems. Ask the UTAH team of the CBA...folded...the Pittsburgh team was a ABA playoff team last year and only has 2 wins this season. In the NBDL the players are the same as in the ABA, but the ABA has a few more players with names and playing resumes....

Yes, the Eagles folded. The were the first franchise in ten years to fold on the CBA's watch, and that was after Isiah Thomas basically scud-bombed the league in 2001. That's one franchise in ten years. You've got cities in the ABA that have had franchises fold two or three times in a season (Brooklyn, for one).

As for Pittsburgh - let's put it this way. Pittsburgh tried to start the season by retaining the bulk of its ABA roster, i.e., Janerio Spurlock and Coleco Buie. As you can see, that didn't work. That's why they've got a new coach and are adding new players in an effort to make the season at least respectable, play spoiler, and show that the franchise isn't going anywhere and will hope to be a playoff contender in 07-08.

With all due respect, sir, another franchise left the ABA at the same time as did Pittsburgh - the Indiana Alley Cats. Those Cats are now fighting for the American Conference lead, and have sent four men to the All-Star Classic this season (only the Yakama Sun Kings, with five players, are sending a larger contingent). The Alley Cats learned to adapt to the higher level of talent that is the CBA. Pittsburgh is just learning that now, with the replacement of Larry Anderson with Jaren Jackson, a veteran CBA coach.

But the one thing I do know, those of you out here writing all these bad things about the ABA will never come from behind your screen names and say who you really are.

My bio is right out there, I've never been afraid to say who I am and what I do for a living. I'm a professional writer for fifteen years, and a qualified basketball historian from upstate New York. Last year I attended several ABA games, including the entire 2006 ABA Great 8 tournament and covered the event for minorleaguenews.com and probasketballnews.com (and have pictures to prove it as well). I'm also the webmaster for the CBA Museum, among many many other things. Feel free to PM me if you would like to talk more about this.

As far as stats goes and player of the year honors....i havent seen teams in the Blue and White divisions play....but Lamar Gayle of the Maywood Buzz is
6th in scoring (28.1) and 2nd in rebounding (12.7) and that is from the guard spot. Who else can do that besides Magic Johnson. And is dishing out a little over 5 assist a game.

Granted Lamar Gayle may be a quality player, but this is the first time we've heard anything about his statistics as compared to any other person in the league. The D-League and the CBA (and the USBL, for that matter) provide daily updated statistics that are easily downloadable or viewable. Why can't an ABA fan go on line to abalive.com and download a statistical package that shows the players leading in each statistical category? And no disrepsect to Lamar Gayle, but how many of his statistics are inflated by the 3-D rule, or by the level of competition in the ABA?

[BuzzBasketball]

I thank you for all your thoughts and I read them all. I wanna say a few things on what was repiled.

Yes Vermont, Rochester and a few other teams do well with fans, very true. But when you have nothing else in the area you should draw well.

Maywood is 10 minutes east of Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Which happens to be home to the Lakers, Clippers and the USC Trojans. It is kind of hard to compete (which we are not trying to do), but it is what it is.

My vision here in the ABA isnt to get rich or cash out by going public (I have nothing to do with that nor has we been told anything about it, but it is going to happen). My vision is to get the players that I have a chance to be seen, to get overseas, to get to the NBA or where ever they can go to better their careers. It can be done be done here in the NBA. I I havbe worked with teams here in socal int he past and saw the entire team sign NBA contracts.

2 years in a row the ABA sent more players to the NBA then the CBA did. Give us time down here, the right people are in place to help Joe and Dick and this league will grow and with more positives then negitives.

Now I dont believe the talent in the CBA is any different then here in the ABA, and I would be happy if the AlleyCats, Skyrockets and Xploison was still in the ABA. They were three good teams. As far as the Socal Legends playing in the CBA, I am waiting to see where they are going to play out of here in Southern Cal.

Mr Grant was quoted saying he lost over $400,000 in the ABA last year in a local paper here. The LA Times.

The Legends granted was a good team and went to the ABA finals, but to say it was the ABA and Joe Newman's fault you lost all that is untrue. To play in an arena as big as they played in and everytime we came to play them or we went to watch a game there was never anymore then 50 people if that a night.

You are going to lose money that way...PERIOD

Just looking at the CBA teams and to enter from the SoCal Area you are looking at air travel for all your games....look to lose more and more then u did in the ABA. I dont see the SoCal Legends making it in the CBA. Not hating, just some facts...

As for the ABA next season here in SoCal looks very bright. We have Maywood, Hollywood, Beijing, Long Beach, Orange County, San Diego, tossi in Tijuana and maybe Antelope Valley (Lancaster) and you have a nice socal division. Add Las Vegas and Henderson who are only a 4/5 hour drive from the LA area and I do believe Phoenix.

We will be ok here in the ABA. Teams are working together for next season, owners are sharing ideas, these are things that owners wouldnt do in the past. I do believe that everything will be turned up in matter of minutes.

As for the standings, we are 10-10. Go to http://new.abalive.com/maywoodbuzz and click on schedule and see that we only have played 20 games with the scores on there.

Yes OSC has a little more info then the ABA site, why I cant tell you. But it will come, just wait.

Again I thank all of you for your positive thoughts and be scared to gie me a call and talk ABA Hoops or just to ask how we are doing.

And I will say this....the talent level is the same...if not better here in the ABA. I would bet the farm with my team against any team in the CBA or NBDL. Last season out of 18 players that played for the BUZZ 14 of them went on to play overseas in high divisions and big countries.

Our record says 10-10, yes we are far better then that. We just had a few miscues and we would be right there. I am not going to sit here and say we can beat a lower NBA team, but as far as the CBA/NBDL goes we are evenly matched.

We can play a best of 7 and play with NBA rules and we would go to the wire of 7 games....

Burrel Lee III
Maywood Buzz

[BuzzBasketball]

Stats only....

The ABA 3-D Stat is a fun rule....but you get at the most maybe five chances a game at it.....

Lamar is a great rebounder and gets a bulk of his points on the offensive glass. As well as 3pt shoots and getting to the basket and drawing fouls.

If he gets one 3-D point a game cool....but I can assure you the other night at Bellingham when he got 45 and 15, only 2 of those points were 3-D points meaning he would had finished with 43.

I would love to talk with you....where can I PM you at. You seem like a great person to chat with. I love hoops both Major and Minor leagues. I stay on OSC and read about all the leagues. I got my start in the WNBA with Michael Cooper coming into practice and helping and now I am doing this.

U can be a great friend to have.

Let me know how I can do this.

Burrel Lee III

[The Magician]

As for the standings, we are 10-10. Go to http://new.abalive.com/maywoodbuzz and click on schedule and see that we only have played 20 games with the scores on there.

Yes OSC has a little more info then the ABA site, why I cant tell you. But it will come, just wait.

I just think it's funny that if you click on http://www.abalive.com/ or http://new.abalive.com/ ... How come there's no link to http://new.abalive.com/maywoodbuzz ... Am I missing something ... or are we going to see another edition of ___abalive.com???

[ABA06er]

I am a huge fan of the ABA and have even been to some different games this season on the eastern coast. Buzzbasketball you had some good points , however you totally trashed your credibility when you stated Rochester and Vermont both draw so well on fans compared to the west coast because they have nothing else to compete with ???

Vermont averages around 1,200 and yes you are right about them.

However you are 110% wrong on Rochester the ABA's attendence leader by a landslide at over 4,000 per game.
Rochester competes in a city in which there is more minor league pro sports teams then anywhere else or close to it ....... Rochester Rattlers , Rochester NightHawks, Rochester Rhinos , Rochester RedWings, Rochester Amerks, Rochester Raiders have I said enough yet ????? How about an hour down the road NCAA D-1 Power Syracuse University ?

Nothing to compete with in Rochester ???

I respect every ABA team who can play games at pay players and do things the right way which it appears you do , but the reason Rochester draws what they draw is simple ...... THEY HAVE THE TALENT that the west coast of the ABA lacks for whatever reason ....... Rochester always carries around 10 NCAA d-1 players who were strong players not role players or bench warmers ....... How many do the BUZZ carry on the team ????? 1 ? 2 ? 3? 0 ?.......see where this is going ....... Rochester has funding and can afford great players that is why they average what they average not because people in Rochester say hey nothing to do tonight lets toss $$$ away on the Sharks and not wait for the Amerks to play tommorow night .... get it yet ?

Its called talent ........ something Maywood and the west lack .......Rochester is on a 28 home game winning streak , could that have anything to do with attendence ? Or would going 10 and 10 having a weak roster be more suiting for you to lead the league in attendence , Just wondering again ?


Have a nice day.


ABA FAN - signing off

[panchess]

I agree with Mr. Lee on the clustering concept, particularly at the ABA's level. The CBA's original problem this season was that the two surviving teams are on opposite coasts.

I agree with him on the SoCal Legends financial situation, and having at least one or two bus opponents is critical.

On the NBA, unless he is talking about Summer League, he is mistaken. No player in the two years I have been following as gone from the ABA to even the D-League, much less the NBA.

While saying other people shouldn't be negative, he slaps around areas in his own league, saying:

[QUOTE=BuzzBasketball;32769]

Yes Vermont, Rochester and a few other teams do well with fans, very true. But when you have nothing else in the area you should draw well.

There's plenty to do in Rochester, a metropolitan area of one million people with Buffalo and Syracuse an hour away at each side. Rochester has pro hockey, baseball, lacrosse, indoor football, and on and on. Is it LA? No. But it's closer to an NFL team than LA is.

Vermont is a nice story in a small state. It is very oriented to outdoor recreation, and UVM hockey.

On betting the farm on his team, maybe Mr. Lee will throw $100,000 on the table and invite the CBA champions out for a best-of-three. April in SoCal would be a nice vacation for the Patroons.

[brucker]

ABA06er,

I disagree with you regarding east coast teams in the ABA having much greater talent than the west coast. Rochester won the title last season, right? They beat the SoCal legends by how many points in the final? I believe it was by a basket or something like that. The SoCal Legends barely escaped their conference by beating a young Beijing team by one point...I was at the game. And prior to that, Beijing had beaten SoCal convincingly in their previous two matchups. Bellingham was another strong team last year with Caleb Gervin...they were right there with SoCal and Beijing in terms of talent. Any of those three teams could have won the title last year. And I have to think there was somewhat of a homecourt advantage for Rochester.;)

BuzzBasketball,
I respect what you are doing...you, like us, seem to be a basketball purist. You love the game, being around the game, and are not doing it for hte money or fame. We are all the same...otherwise, why would we all be so passionate about MINOR league basketball...I mean, c'mon we talkin about MINOR league basketball...not MAJORS...MINORS. I love the Lakers, I love the NBA, but I feel like the ABA is mine. I can go to a game and sit whereever I want, and I know the team appreciates me being there.

I, too hail from Los Angeles, and I feel lucky to have so many great franchises in the area. As far as I know, every game has been played by all of our teams here...Hollywood, Maywood, Beijing, San Diego. And there is a lot of parity. I think Hollywood, Beijing and San Diego all have legit shots at winning it all this season. Sorry, I think the Buzz are solid, but they don't strike me as having the talent necessary to get that far. Maybe that will change. By the way, what happened to Cedric C? Will he rejoin the team anytime? What was his motivation for playing on your team?

Best,
Brucker

[The Sweeper]

Glad you mentioned UVM hockey when talking about the Heaves. What is it now, 50 straight sellouts? The Heaves have even drawn about 1000 on nights that UVM hockey is home. Don't think we draw that bad when the Catamount basketball teams play on the same night either. When the home games are in Barre, it is a little different, there's no other draw, per se, and we average a little over 1000 for games there too (have had 2 sell-outs..1 in Barre and 1 in Burlington).

[The Magician]

ABA East vs ABA West ... CBA vs ABA ... And this league vs every other league.

It's a question of how well each organization; no matter what league your in; can do to develop the best basketball possible!

And collectively ... All the leagues should work dilligently to become permanent sports fixtures within the various geographical markets around the county.

All the leagues have something some to offer, but they can't keep butting heads with each other. We all know that the NBA, The NBDL and the International Leagues are at the top, so let's find ways to maximize the development and exposure of the other leagues. Each league should do what they do best and improve upon that. What works and what doesn't work within a market, is something that should be shared between organizations, no matter league you are a member of.

Markets, Organizations and Players need to be developed in the most professional way possible. The measurement of success depends on a great deal more than just a single basketball institution or constitution.

Let's truly identify the levels of our basketball leagues and associations.

Let's truly identify the types of coaches and coaching staffs needed to develop these organizations, teams and players.

Let's truly identify the levels of the players who should be competing in these leagues and associations.

Let's truly identify the owners' who have what it takes, both financially, and in business, to run these organizations at the various levels.

In the end ... Let's create a system by which a player's potential and development is maximized ... so that they may compete at the highest level of the sport.

Let's utilize Exposure Leagues, Regional Leagues, National Leagues and International Leagues to benefit the game.

Being I'm in Alabama, I'd love to have an exposure league which transitions players to a regional league (ex. WBA) ... which transitions players to a national league (ex. ABA) ... which transitions "the best players" to either another national league (ex. CBA who has a history of sending players to the NBA/NBDL) ... or to the international leagues ... or even better ... a chance to sign an NBDL or NBA contract.

And Yes, every league has it's own "system of development" to transition players to the highest level through their own mission plans --- I hope you see what I'm getting at ???

Let's just do it right and be supportive.

Rochester is a great great great sports town. They support all their sports 100% :) ... and I applaud their community for that.

California has; if not the largest; the most unbelievable talent pools across all sports in the USA :) I'd love to see 12-18 teams from Cali in the ABA, battling it out for supremacy out of the West.

The CBA has a long and respected basketball history that should be acknowledged by all basketball fans who appreciate the game :) If the CBA has a "proven route" for our players to move onto the next level of pro basketball, let's allow the CBA to provide that!

[BuzzBasketball]

When I said nothing to do I didnt say it the right way....I was comparing the towns....when you look at LA you think of the Lakers, Clippers and everything else...not minor league sports...

As far as talent on my team...we have some...but talent has nothing to do with why they draw...

We are 1-0 vs San Diego, 2-0 vs Hollywood and just so happen that Bellingham and Beijing has our number we are 0-3 against both. Watch out for us during the next half of the season...

We dont need at those name players to compete vs the best...we will be there in the hunt. But rather we win the ABA title or not, it is my job to move these guys on.

Now about players moving on to the NBA from the ABA, it was stated the ABA never sent players to the NBA....not true, the last two years that is true, but you stated never....

Now granted I dont have the players that the Power House ABA East Coast team have and I am not here to get into all this whos better the east or west....but my guys played college ball some D1, some D2 some Jr college.

I look forward to the 2nd half of the season....yes I would bet $100,00 in a best of 3 games vs any CBA/NBDL team....but why bet money...they all have money to throw away....I would just wanna play to play...to show that these leagues are the same....except for the management.

As far as Cedic goes, he is a good close personal friend that has benn helping me out the last few years. He has a ton on his plate in the Phoenix area and hstill wants to play ball just to have fun.

He signed with an IBL team there so he can keep playing and is close to home...who knows he maybe be back...

Looking forward to reading more...and yes I do have a passion for this game of basketball and would still follow the minors if I was to move on somewhere else.

Burrel Lee III
Maywood Buzz

[BuzzBasketball]

If i got your name wrong sorry....

You say 1hr down the street is powerhouse Syracuse....hmmmmm

Powerhouse in what....

10 minutes from Maywood u have and we will just count the last 4 years....USC whos football team is GREAT and basketball team just cracked the top 25 and baseball team is always in the hunt.

Less then 30 minutes from Maywood is the 2006 runner up in college basketball....u may have heard of them UCLA and #3 right now int he county...also whos football team is good and baseball team is always up there....

Also less then 30 minutes from Maywood is Long Beach State, whos basketball program is on the rise and baseball team does damage.

About 45 minutes is UC Irvine who also has a top baseball program and basketball program is on the rise....

Then you add Mater Dei High School who is #2 in the county in High School Hoops, Artesia High School #8 in the county both in Boys Hoops.

We already said the Lakers, Clippers....toss in Westchester and Fairfax high schools who basketball is HUGE and Compton Dominguez...i know u have heard of them all....

Then the 3 NBDL teams in the socal area and 2 are with 20 minutes of one way and 10 minutes the other way and one is 1 1/2 hr north....The two hockey teams....

Disneyland, Magic Mtn, Hollywood and the Beaches....(ya know we got the sun year round)

Toss in 6yrs in the ABA in Socal and guess what....I have seen the good and bad, top players who played in the NBA, who came from UCLA after winning a title, NBA Coaches and players and it just dont work yet.

So attendence and winning championships are far from the mind of some....it is again to help these young men better their careers, a place to play rather then go overseas and make the same 1500 a month, when you can stay home and see your little ones play...

So now my turn to ask you....DO YOU GET WHERE I JUST WENT

Burrel Lee III
Maywood Buzz

[BuzzBasketball]

If you are here in LA....I would like to extend a special invite to the Buzz next home game Friday, Feb 2nd at 7:30pm vs the San Diego Wildcats.

We are giving tshirts to every fan in attendence....

Sunday, Feb 4th at 11am vs the Gallup Outlaws we are giving away 500 hats to all...

Think about and let me know...would like someone to come and see and then we can talk.

Burrel

[psbf]

First, Mr. Barrell said that the Maywood Buzz have average 250, if I recall. For a city with so much Basketball competition, I'm impressed. But he also included Las Vegas as a future Division opponent. With what I've seen said about the average turnout in the gambling city, I would not count on them.

I also want to thank Chuck for actually understanding what is going on here in Pittsburgh.

As far as talent on the West Coast, I was at the second round playoff game, last year, when the Xplosion hosted Bellingham. The Slam had a great team and I feel they are a good organization. When Caleb Gervin was with them, I saw how good he was. Even the teams out there that I've not seen, I read about their talent.

And I don't think I have ever read about a player being called up to the NBA from that league. This is one reason the Xplosion switched leagues.

[brucker]

Paul Shirley played a handful of games last season with Beijing, and he was supposedly one of the last players cut from the TWOLVES in training camp this season.

Now, to me...this is indication of just how close the talent level is between the NBA and ABA. Let's not fool anybody, the NBA is a different level, but it may not be quite as different as most people think. Paul Shirley was a scrub in the NBA, right? But he was good enough to make a Phoenix Suns roster in 2004-05, and almost good enough to make the Wolves this year. Last season he played in the ABA. And guess what? He was a scrub. I watched his games when he played for Beijing and he got very limited playing time because when he did play, he was just plain bad. He shot the ball often, but was unable to get a good looks against the defenses, and he was far less effective than Beijing's other bigs.

Tremaine Folkes just got picked up by a NBADL team a few days ago, but when he played for Socal last season in the ABA, he came off the bench and was unremarkable. Bryon Russel is one season removed from the NBA and he comes off the bench for Hollywood. Jamison Brewer had 4 yrs in the NBA, and is still young...he got owned by Sun Yue of Beijing in their last game...the same Sun Yue who swatted Carmelo Anthony's dunk attempt in the World Championships this past summer. San Diego Wildcats have a slew of unheralded players who are tough, and can shoot the lights out. I would put them up against the top players in the NBDL and CBA ANYDAY of the week. What I'm saying is the upper echelon players in the ABA can stand toe to toe with those of the CBA or NBDL...the problem is the talent disparity within the ABA...yes, there are still a few too many guys who just don't belong in the professional ranks...but those types are few and far between.

[BuzzBasketball]

Here are just a few that I worked with and saw go back to the NBA and coaches went on also....

Coach Paul Westhead - Long Beach Jam to Orlando Magic
Coach Earl Cureton - Long Beach Jam to WNBA
Coach Corey Gaines - Long Beach to WNBA
Coach Scott Brooks - Socal Surf to Denver Nuggetts
Joe Crispin - SoCal Surf to Phoenix Suns
Matt Carroll - Long Beach Jam to Portland Trailblazers
Juaquin Hawkins - Long Beach Jam to Houston Rockets
Matt Barnes - Long Beach Jam to LA Clippers
DeMarr Johnson - Long Beach Jam to NY Knicks
Derrick Dail - Long Beach to Orlando magic
Yuta Tabuse - Long Beach Jam to Phoenix Suns
Geno Caslile - Long Beach Jam to Portland Trailblazers

And former NBA players I have worked with in the ABA

Ed O'Bannon
Paul Grant
Tony Farmer
Cedric Ceballos
Sean Rooks
Fred Vinson
Dennis Rodman
Keith Closs

Former Bigtime College players

Kevin Freeman
Tyson Wheeler
Curtis Staples
Nick Sheppard
Mark Stanford
Kenny Brunner

And I started as the equipment manager and worked my way to the top and sat and learned from these guys who have helpped me make it to where I am now and maybe soon make it a little further.

That list along looks pretty damn good....

[heavesrock]

A few thoughts:


1. The talent level goes down as you go from east to west. Don't care about last year, this year the east will trump the west every time.

2. Vermont averages about 1,300 in Barre with a high of 1,650 and a low of 1,100. In Burlington they draw from 600-1,400 with 600 and 900 being their only crowds below 1,000 out of like 6 games.

3. You say you draw 250 per game, yet Bellingham's box score in Maywood says the attendance was only about 50.

4. Where the heck do you play your games?

5. You really ought to proofread your press releases.

[boing]

For full disclosure, I work in law enforcement and live near downtown Los Angeles, in the community of Montecito Heights, which is maybe 10 minutes from Maywood.

So Mr. Lee, what happened on December 10? I went there to see your team play and there was nothing. No game. No note attached to the door. There could have been someone outside the gym apologizing and offering people tickets to a future game. All I saw were some kids playing a pickup game and I left. Your opponent that night was the Hollywood Fame, who play out of Santa Monica. I would not blame that on Interstate 5, because you would not take Interstate 5 to get to Maywood from Santa Monica.

I'm sure there was some good reason, but if something like that happened with the Dodgers, Lakers, Kings, Clippers, Angels, Ducks and any of the eight division one schools here in So Cal, something would have been done to make it up to the people who tried to attend the game. In fact, I went to a Dodger game at the beginning of last season that was plagued by a steady rain, and the Dodgers gave free tickets to a future game to anyone who stayed through the end of the rainy game.

Still, I will try to make it to either of the games on the 2nd or 4th. I believe in supporting our local teams, no matter what league they play in.

[TEN]

To be fair....Most of those players on the list of ABA "callups" also have played as much or more in the CBA, NBDL or USBL. And most of those names are from the first season or two when Joe Newman was able to sell his "bill of goods" to people who didn't know any better.

As a minor league guy who built a pretty good franchise in a city of 25,000 in the middle of nowhere that never drew less than 1200 to a game in four seasons, I see a LOT of things wrong with the ABA....and see it affecting the league I'm affiliated with now because we all get lumped together (or former ABA teams come to our league and become a trainwreck).

To tell you how far minor league basketball has dropped since I got involved in 1999...When I started, a disappointing crowd was anything below about 1500....Now you are trying to say that 250 a night is successful.

And another thing you could help me understand....Considering how important season ticket revenue is to a successful franchise...How do ABA teams sell season tickets if they keep cancelling games for no solid reason... (Interstate 5 was closed?...You had to drive 100 miles on two lane highways to GET to the interstate from here!)....Damn...the CBA would have not played all winter long in the Dakotas if that was the case!

Sorry....You won't convince me that the ABA is equal to the other leagues....I know quite a few players who are playing in the ABA that would kill to get into the D-League and CBA.

[jamesaba]

I am a huge fan of the ABA and have even been to some different games this season on the eastern coast. Buzzbasketball you had some good points , however you totally trashed your credibility when you stated Rochester and Vermont both draw so well on fans compared to the west coast because they have nothing else to compete with ???

Vermont averages around 1,200 and yes you are right about them.

However you are 110% wrong on Rochester the ABA's attendence leader by a landslide at over 4,000 per game.
Rochester competes in a city in which there is more minor league pro sports teams then anywhere else or close to it ....... Rochester Rattlers , Rochester NightHawks, Rochester Rhinos , Rochester RedWings, Rochester Amerks, Rochester Raiders have I said enough yet ????? How about an hour down the road NCAA D-1 Power Syracuse University ?

Nothing to compete with in Rochester ???

I respect every ABA team who can play games at pay players and do things the right way which it appears you do , but the reason Rochester draws what they draw is simple ...... THEY HAVE THE TALENT that the west coast of the ABA lacks for whatever reason ....... Rochester always carries around 10 NCAA d-1 players who were strong players not role players or bench warmers ....... How many do the BUZZ carry on the team ????? 1 ? 2 ? 3? 0 ?.......see where this is going ....... Rochester has funding and can afford great players that is why they average what they average not because people in Rochester say hey nothing to do tonight lets toss $$$ away on the Sharks and not wait for the Amerks to play tommorow night .... get it yet ?

Its called talent ........ something Maywood and the west lack .......Rochester is on a 28 home game winning streak , could that have anything to do with attendence ? Or would going 10 and 10 having a weak roster be more suiting for you to lead the league in attendence , Just wondering again ?


Have a nice day.


ABA FAN - signing off

I am now convinced you have no idea what you are talking about. First off, there are many small D1, D2, D3, and NAIA guys that will dust many so called 'big name D1' players.

Secondly attendance and talent are only minimally connected. Case in point...Socal made it to Final Game lst (had Rochester beat at Rochester I might add) and yet they only drew 50 fans a game at home. Another: Indiana Alleycats...#1 almost all season yet they only drew in the low hundreds. You have to start with a great market, then find a great venue, and MARKET. Winning will sustain attendance but not start it or keep it going on its own.

Thirdly, what planet are you on saying the WEST COAST has NO TALENT or LESS TALENT than the East Coast?? After you wrote, the West All Stars just crushed the East All Stars by double digits. How do you explain that??

Maybe some of you will disagree, but I'll go out on a limb and say Rochester's not that talented. Definitely not the most talent-laden team in the ABA. They are (a) very well coached, (b) they have a great atmoshphere to play in, and (c) they are strong and physical. All that = YES. Super talented = NO.

That's one reason they are SUBPAR on the road this season.

[Fells]

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a freelance writer having written for d3football.com, Max Preps, and Varsity Magazine. I am also the Sports Director for four ESPN Radio stations.

I, as many have, do point out the good aspects of the ABA. I enjoy the 3-D rule, seven seconds to get the ball across half court, etc. The players play with enthusiasm as they know this just might be their last shot at playing professional basketball. The players I have met at games will sign autographs until their fingers bleed and truly seem to enjoy being around the fans; especially the kids.

Do not discredit the work of Alex Wolff and his staff with the Vermont Frost Heaves. The Frost Heaves are a class organization and have marketed their team VERY well since their inception. There is competition with UVM hockey and basketball, as well as high school sports in this area that draw very well. Bear in mind as well that one thing we have to deal with up here is the cold. There was a solid turnout the other night when the windchills were down near -30f. If I wasn't broadcasting a game that night, there is no way I would have left the house. It is a tribute to Vermont fans to attend a game when it is that brutally cold outside.

I am of the belief that this is a league that can be strong, but it needs work. Don't go for 100 teams when there are teams folding/moving in mid-season. Go with a smaller base of teams, let them grow, and then expand. Rapid expansion simply does not work.

Joe Newmann has sent e-mails to me that are just nasty. He is not a good PR person; he lashes out at those who dare to question what he or the league is doing; he is not honest about the problems the league has, and has made many promises he simply could not keep. Yes, I have spoken with many former owners who have told me stories that made my eyes bug out. Many of us do not base our opinions on what we see in here. We have talked to fans, owners, players, etc who have told us about how they did not get paid, promises were not kept, the conditions of arenas, etc. In speaking with one of the officials who does Frost Heaves games, this speaks volumes when he told me ABA officials must be paid in cash before a game. No official who does games across the league will take a check from an ABA team. (Even Alex Wolff) THIS says something to me.

When it comes to the initial impression of a team/league, being the 21st century, I take a look at the websites. The ABA site does not have updated standings, does not have stats, and links to the team sites do not work. The site does not have box scores on any games, this includes the All-Star game!!!! There are only "positive" items in the news section and there is never any mention of the teams who have folded. From the site, you would think the league is being run by amatuers who just don't care.

I wish the league well, and I truly hope it does succeed. I love the rules, the spirit of play, the fans that attend Heaves games when it is -30, how the players sign autographs, and just how much people like Alex Wolff get it. Alex works his tail off to make his team and the league a success. He does it with a combination of plain smarts and common sense. (And I only speak of Vermont because I am in the area and have not attended games in other venues.) A word of warning if you attend a game at the Aud in Barre.....Bring Advil by the ton. When the chant of "more cowbell" comes over the PA, the ringing will give you a headache, but man it is still fun.

Please feel free to contact me via PM if you would like to talk more. I think you are a good advocate for the league, and I appreciate the fact you have entered the discussion on this board. I have to say, with what we write, that takes guts my friend. I wish you and your team well.

[panchess]

..not in a good league. Though the RazorSharks are 4-6 on the road, a few of their road games were cancelled. If they had played Toledo, for instance, it would have been an easy win.

Six NBA teams currently have winning records on the road, out of 30.

Four D-League teams do out of 12.

Only in the CBA do half the teams (four out of eight) have winning road records, though two of them are padded by Pittsburgh not winning a single home game.

[The Magician]

Good post my friend!

[bdaly]

Last year, I think Rochester was competitive with anyone in talent. This year, I'd agree they may not be the most talented. Rochester does have a ton of depth and a great coach. So those are two critical elements. Resigning Troy Brown of late was a big talent add for them. But, with 15 rostered players, sometimes I wonder if they would have been better off with 13 and spending those bucks to get a higher-level player or two. Carrawell was a big loss and obviously Gervin didn't pan out as his replacement.

As for the road record, a big part of that is their 0-3 record in Detroit. It's safe to say that if the Razorsharks have to visit them in the playoffs, they'll be in trouble. It's funny, because I thought they handled them pretty well here. But, we'll see if they do as well next weekend. But, most importantly, Rochester has seen better competition this year. Vermont, Buffalo, Detroit, Quebec, and Cape Cod among others are much stronger than many of the teams they saw quite a bit last year.

[Fells]

Good post my friend!

Why thank ya. :D