Harbor Shore Dreams to replace Ballers?

[Dan K]

According to WSJM AM1400 [www.wsjm.com] in southwest Michigan, the Harbor Shore Dreams might be the Benton Harbor area's new ABA team next season. From WSHM on 1/31/07:

"As southwest Michigan gets set to welcome a new pro basketball team to the area, the original team is still looking for a home.

American Basketball Associaiton representitive Brad Hester tells WSJM that Twin City Ballers owner Sidney Brooks is shopping for other cities in the Chicago-area to host the former Benton Harbor team. Hammond and Joliet are possibilities, but after an experimental try as the Gary Giants, the nothern Indiana city is not in contention. Hester says the Ballers are still using their current schedule but have had to play at least one "home game" at a visiting team's court.

Meanwhile, the Harbor Shore Dreams will likely be led by former Ballers coach Peter Jackson and 10 of the original 12 players when they debut in late October or early November."

This also sheds a little light on the Gary Giants experiment.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

According to WSJM AM1400 [www.wsjm.com] in southwest Michigan, the Harbor Shore Dreams might be the Benton Harbor area's new ABA team next season. From WSHM on 1/31/07:

"As southwest Michigan gets set to welcome a new pro basketball team to the area, the original team is still looking for a home.

American Basketball Associaiton representitive Brad Hester tells WSJM that Twin City Ballers owner Sidney Brooks is shopping for other cities in the Chicago-area to host the former Benton Harbor team. Hammond and Joliet are possibilities, but after an experimental try as the Gary Giants, the nothern Indiana city is not in contention. Hester says the Ballers are still using their current schedule but have had to play at least one "home game" at a visiting team's court.

Meanwhile, the Harbor Shore Dreams will likely be led by former Ballers coach Peter Jackson and 10 of the original 12 players when they debut in late October or early November."

This also sheds a little light on the Gary Giants experiment.

The city of Gary would be totally and completely hostile toward the Twin City Ballers (Gary Giants?) as long as the Gary Steelheads exist. Mr. Brooks obviously knows that now. Hammond would NOT be happy to accommodate the Ballers either--especially after the Hammond Rollers affair. Hammond welcomes technology incubators and cultural endeavors--not minor league basketball. Joliet hosts big time NASCAR, NHRA, and Northern League baseball--minor league basketball would not get a foothold there.

...in short (and in light of recent developments). There's too much competition for entertainment dollars in Chicagoland. Minor league basketball will not work here unless...well, I've been there too many times already.

[heavesrock]

THe Ballers were drawing over 500 per game I believe.