ABA Championship Thread

[The Magician]

2006-2007 ABA Championship Game

#3 Texas Tycoons @ #1 Vermont Frost Heaves

Date: Thursday, March 29, 2007

Time: 7:05 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Location: Barre Municipal Auditorium, Barre, Vermont

Tickets for Thursday's title game will go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. through the Flynn Regional Box Office by calling 802-86-FLYNN, going to flynntix.org, or visiting the ticket window in the lobby at 153 Main Street in Burlington. The lobby of The Aud will open at noon on Thursday for walk-up sale of all remaining tickets as well as will-call pick-up of previously purchased tickets

Vermont Frost Heaves http://www.vermontfrostheaves.com/
Texas Tycoons http://www.txtycoons.com/

Frost Heaves to play for title Thursday
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3442427
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Fans ... Let's try to keep all the ABA Championship Discussion under one thread so we can read from beginning to finish.

Let's post all releases pertaining to the championship under this thread also.

Thanks, Magician [DWS]

[TR Waters]

Game time will be 7:05 p.m., Thursday, March 29th.

[TR Waters]

March 27, 2007

For Immediate Release

FROST HEAVES DEFEAT WILMINGTON 113-85 TO ADVANCE TO FINAL

Semifinal victory means Vermont will host Texas at The Aud in Barre on Thursday

Barre, Vt.—The Vermont Frost Heaves will host the ABA Championship Game at the Barre Municipal Auditorium by virtue of their 113-85 victory over the Wilmington Sea Dawgs tonight.

Five Frost Heaves scored in double figures, including Antonio Burks (22 points), Melvin Creddle (18), Kelvin Parker (17), Antoine Hyman (12) and Aaron Cook (10). John Bryant added 12 rebounds for Vermont, which outrebounded Wilmington 53 to 36.

Terrance Todd paced the Blue Central Division champion Sea Dawgs with 26 points, while Alexander Harper added 18.

The Frost Heaves’ opponent at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, the Texas Tycoons, gained its berth in the championship game with a 126-114 defeat of Beijing Ao-Shen Olympian in Dallas.

Tickets for Thursday’s title game will go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. through the Flynn Regional Box Office by calling 802-86-FLYNN, going to flynntix.org, or visiting the ticket window in the lobby at 153 Main Street in Burlington. The lobby of The Aud will open at noon on Thursday for walk-up sale of all remaining tickets as well as will-call pick-up of previously purchased tickets.

END

[bomp]

Will there be a radio broadcast that is streamed?

Joe Newman makes want to HEAVE!

[The Sweeper]

I am quite sure that there will be a radio broadcast. Keep checking the schedule page.

[The Magician]

Heaves will host ABA title game
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS/703280318/1004/SPORTS

'Heaves Advance To ABA Finals
http://www.caledonianrecord.com/pages/sports/story/8107fea2e

A fan-tastic experience
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/NEWS01/703280361/1002/NEWS01

Heaves head to final
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS/703280315

Frost Heaves tickets on sale today
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/SPORTS/703280316

[The Sweeper]

I'm mentioned in the "A fan-tastic experience" article. Fells sent the reporter to talk to me after the game. Fells, did Alex say something to the reporter about me? You guys seemed to be pointing at me a lot last night.

I should actually thank Fells, he knows how much I love this team, he just wants other folks to know too.

[Fells]

I'm mentioned in the "A fan-tastic experience" article. Fells sent the reporter to talk to me after the game. Fells, did Alex say something to the reporter about me? You guys seemed to be pointing at me a lot last night.

I should actually thank Fells, he knows how much I love this team, he just wants other folks to know too.

Actually, we both did. I was trying to get your attention to meet me over at the scorers table so I could introduce you to James.

And I do know how much you love the team which is why it is perfect you were interviewed.

[cglue]

I like the direction of this thread and wish we had more, thanx guys.

cglue

[Fells]

Radio broadcast will be on the web at www.wsno1450.net.

Background on the Heaves. These guys can flat out shoot. They will shoot the three and will do it often. Quick shooters, deadly defense, and one of the best coaches in the game. Some from the NBA have said Voight is an NBA caliber coach. Aaron Cook is a solid guard, explosive to the rim, good all around game. John Bryant is a strong rebounder, good on the inside. Issa Konare had 18 boards against Bellingham, but may not play due to injury. Kelvin Parker is a 5'11 guard who gets in and rebounds. He had eight last night, nine against Bellingham. SMART ballplayer.

Deepest bench in the league. Voight will go ten deep, sometimes 11. The intangible here is the home court advantage. With the cowbells going and the noise that little arena can hold, it can be deafening. If the game gets out of hand, expect the chants of "Free Kerry Lyons" to start. Kerry is one of the great stories of the league. Kerry made the team out of the open tryout camp and has played five minutes this season. He is the biggest cheerleader on the team, and gets the team fired up. One of the nicest guys on the planet, universally respected by his teammates and ownership.

If anyone has information on Texas, I would appreciate it. I am doing a preview article and know very little about the Tycoons except that similar to the Heaves, they run and press.

Note: If the Heaves win, this would be the first professional title for the state since 1996 when the Vermont Expos(Now Lake Monsters) won the 1996 New York Penn League crown. The game is expected to sellout.

Man alive, I have covered this team from day one, and to see the Heaves win an ABA title would be incredible. If they win, you will feel an earthquake that make California quakes feel like a dish breaking on the floor.

[TR Waters]

Here's my personal story about the Frost Heaves. I'll keep it short.

Just about a year ago, my daughter and I volunteered for the Frost Heaves. At that time, the Frost Heaves were a name and a dream, and not much more. Well..... except for a banner, a folding table, and a sign up sheet for anyone interested in getting more information. Our first assignment was at an AAU tournament... held at none other than the Barre Aud.
Sitting there and watching the people pass by..... pointing and chuckling at the banner.....most often saying "Frost Heaves........ thats a funny name". The second most frequent comment was " are they a real basketball team?" And the third comment being "do you think it will actually work?"

Now....... less than a year later, with whatever the outcome of tomorrow's game may be, my comment to those people would be:
" How do you like us now?"

[LASportsFan]

Fells, that was a great article you wrote that was just posted on OSC!!!

I knew the Miracles were having problems getting to the game. I'm actually surprised they ever made it, based on what I heard from several other sources in the days leading up to the game. What I was hearing was that they weren't even going to travel to the game based on the short notice. But look what actually happened. Joe suckered them in again with false promises.

I noticed in your article that you mentioned that Joe stated that he only promised to help them out with travel to get to the game. He never promised to get them back home!!! How crazy and unethical is that!?!?!? That's like telling a NASA astronaut after you've blasted him to the moon that NASA is only providing transportation TO the moon, not back.

That comment by Joe speaks volumes. By only agreeing to pay for travel TO the game (which is sounds like he ended up never paying), he's clearly stated his agenda: he only cared about having the team show up on the court so not to be another embarassment in an already horrible playoff picture for the league. Once the game was played, the Miracles served their purpose, and Joe was done with them. They could fend for themeselves when it came to them trying to get back to Mississippii.

Joe, you've sunk to a low that I didn't think was possible.

[Fells]

LA,

Thank you for the kind words. This is being run for the Vermont Guardian and Paul was kind enough to post it on the site.

It is an interesting dynamic in the league, that is for certain. By the way, the quotes from Mother Williams came from an interview done yesterday afternoon; all other information was verified with the ABA office having a chance to respond for comment.

[cglue]

I wasnt too happy when I got that information myself, I was one of the first she called on monday and could only say that I would try to contact them as well. I really would like to hear what happen in this situation and see if we can try to better the outcome cause its not pretty.

cglue

[LASportsFan]

Cglue, this would be a perfect topic to confront Joe with infront of the rest of the owners at the owners meeting coming up in April.

[preeths]

Enough of us have given Larry a hard time, but I have to give him props here for saying he too was concerned about this.

[cglue]

Enough of us have given Larry a hard time, but I have to give him props here for saying he too was concerned about this.

Thanx preeths, tell me how does this bond thing work so I could point that out as being a nice option. Im a real estate developer so I am familiar with a CMO bond which is a very instrument that you or a franchise to benefit from. Im actually going to use that to fund my investment into an indoor football team, but there is a performance bond that have never heard about. Please fill me in.


cglue

[The Sweeper]

A quote from today's Times Argus...

"As of closing last night, the Flynn Regional Box Office sold over 1,300 tickets for tonight's game. Roughly 461 tickets remain and will be sold today starting at noon at the Barre Auditorium."

Fells, I sure hope they got one left for me. They might be sold out by the time I get there....

[Fells]

A quote from today's Times Argus...

"As of closing last night, the Flynn Regional Box Office sold over 1,300 tickets for tonight's game. Roughly 461 tickets remain and will be sold today starting at noon at the Barre Auditorium."

Fells, I sure hope they got one left for me. They might be sold out by the time I get there....

Let me e-mail Alex and I will see if he can hold a ticket for you.

Chris

[The Sweeper]

Alex and Michael have told me there will always be a ticket for me, but I still worry. Would be just my luck that my car would break down in Sharon......

[Fells]

Alex and Michael have told me there will always be a ticket for me, but I still worry. Would be just my luck that my car would break down in Sharon......

If it does, call me on my cell and I will pick you up. There is NO WAY you will miss this game.

[heavesrock]

Can I ask the brilliant question, what time is the game?

[The Sweeper]

7:05...Pregame show starts at 6:40, according to the WSNo web site.

[The Magician]

Frost Heave players form close bonds
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/SPORTS/703290338/1004/SPORTS

Barre mayor issues Texas-sized challenge
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/NEWS01/703290366/1002/NEWS01

Vermont sticks to successful strategy
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/SPORTS/703290335/1004/SPORTS

ABA title showdown
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/SPORTS/703290319

[The Sweeper]

"Frost Heaves Prepare For Texas" video clip


http://www.wcax.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?clipid1=1330902&at1=Sport&vt1=v&h1=Frost+Heaves+Preparing+For+Texas&d1=51833&redirUrl=www.wcax.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.wcax.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp%3Fclipid1%3D1330902%26at1%3DS port%26vt1%3Dv%26h1%3DFrost+Heaves+Preparing+For+T exas%26d1%3D51833%26redirUrl%3Dwww.wcax.com%26acti vePane%3Dinfo%26LaunchPageAdTag%3Dhomepage&rnd=72205756

I think it was cut short. Kerry Lyons makes an appearance in this video....

[Fells]

My prediction for this one is that it will be a track meet.

Vermont 145
Texas 130

Noise from the crowd is then so loud the roof blows off the Aud. The town celebrates as the roof is about 60 years old and needs some work. Fans pour into the streets of Barre, Montpelier, and Chelsea but then realize it is after 10:00, Burger King is closed, so they all go home therefore eliminating the post-game riot. Instead, cows are tipped for hundreds of square miles in celebration. Once all of the cows have been tipped, the natives go after moose and promptly get their @sses kicked by the animal made up of spare parts that can get hit by a fleet of semi trucks and look at the fleet and say, "Oh, I'm sorry, did you mean to hurt me?"

School children take the day off from school and start chanting, "Be like Lyons, I wanna be like Lyons!!" Children are named Bump, and in honor of the victory, all of the suspension destroying frost heaves are declared a state treasure and never repaired. Auto repair joints rejoice and give Alex free auto work for the rest of his life.

The Green Mountain State is renamed "The Red, White, and Blue state" by Governor Douglas which then sets off protests from the tree huggers in the state.

News at 11.....................Media impartiality aside, I have just this to say....

GO HEAVES!!!!! (Screw it, I am working tonight, but it doesn't mean I can't cheer in my head. Oh wait, those are the voices from Joe calling me a disgrace to my profession so never mind.)

[TheStandard]

Chris I say you rip up Joe all night long. I will be wearing a New York Nets Rick Barry Jersey. and a bluetooth headseat that the lights will be changing in red white and blue all night long!

best thing is that i have a smartphone so i will be commenting on this game all night. Hopefully i can steal a wi-fi connection too

[Fells]

Chris I say you rip up Joe all night long. I will be wearing a New York Nets Rick Barry Jersey. and a bluetooth headseat that the lights will be changing in red white and blue all night long!

best thing is that i have a smartphone so i will be commenting on this game all night. Hopefully i can steal a wi-fi connection too

I will see you at the game! I should be there around 5:00 or so to do a story on the pre-game. I will be in an ESPN Radio cream colored shirt.

[TheStandard]

Chris. Any word on Coach Brennan showing up?

[preeths]

Noise from the crowd is then so loud the roof blows off the Aud. The town celebrates as the roof is about 60 years old and needs some work. Fans pour into the streets of Barre, Montpelier, and Chelsea but then realize it is after 10:00, Burger King is closed, so they all go home therefore eliminating the post-game riot. Instead, cows are tipped for hundreds of square miles in celebration. Once all of the cows have been tipped, the natives go after moose and promptly get their @sses kicked by the animal made up of spare parts that can get hit by a fleet of semi trucks and look at the fleet and say, "Oh, I'm sorry, did you mean to hurt me?"

School children take the day off from school and start chanting, "Be like Lyons, I wanna be like Lyons!!" Children are named Bump, and in honor of the victory, all of the suspension destroying frost heaves are declared a state treasure and never repaired. Auto repair joints rejoice and give Alex free auto work for the rest of his life.

The Green Mountain State is renamed "The Red, White, and Blue state" by Governor Douglas which then sets off protests from the tree huggers in the state.

You've been hanging out with Chuck too long! Good stuff.

[TheStandard]

can we tar and feather joe tonight? i bet he will make alex pay for the whatever its name will be trophy.

[The Magician]

The Texas Tycoons sure have generated alot of publicity for this Championship eh? :rolleyes:

Thank goodness the Frost Heaves are hosting!

I wonder if they offered to help Vermont ... by going "out in the community" to generate some hype for the game ... and to spread some good will?

[LASportsFan]

I was at the Long Beach Jam champsionship game a few years back (I think 2003?) when they won the ABA championship. They sold out the Pyramid (4,000 +) and had Dennis Rodman playing for them. It was a really exciting game with many celebrities in the crowd.

I hope that Vermont fans can experience something similar to that tonight.


And a notice to all potential minor league basketball franchise owners: Long Beach is a great minor league market. The fans come out in droves (look at the attendance of all the Long Beach Jam games) because Long Beach has its own great basketball subculture (including the surrounding towns). Plus, you're close to LA and Anaheim, so you can easily draw some of the best basketball players not currently in the NBA (look at how many of the guys on the Jam went on to play in the NBA!!!). They also have a great minor league venue in the Pyramid.

I know that there is supposedly going to be an expansion ABA team in Long Beach next season, but their website lists absolutely no information on the team, management, or the venue they plan on using. So far, I'm not impressed. If they fail to start a team, or start a team in a high school gym, there's still a great opportunity for a team at the Pyramid.

[Minor League Man]

I was at the Long Beach Jam champsionship game a few years back (I think 2003?) when they won the ABA championship. They sold out the Pyramid (4,000 +) and had Dennis Rodman playing for them. It was a really exciting game with many celebrities in the crowd.

I hope that Vermont fans can experience something similar to that tonight.


And a notice to all potential minor league basketball franchise owners: Long Beach is a great minor league market. The fans come out in droves (look at the attendance of all the Long Beach Jam games) because Long Beach has its own great basketball subculture (including the surrounding towns). Plus, you're close to LA and Anaheim, so you can easily draw some of the best basketball players not currently in the NBA (look at how many of the guys on the Jam went on to play in the NBA!!!). They also have a great minor league venue in the Pyramid.

I know that there is supposedly going to be an expansion ABA team in Long Beach next season, but their website lists absolutely no information on the team, management, or the venue they plan on using. So far, I'm not impressed. If they fail to start a team, or start a team in a high school gym, there's still a great opportunity for a team at the Pyramid.
I have seen a lot of press releases from them recently though...But you do have a point, Long Beach is an EXCELLENT market for minor-league basketball.

[TheStandard]

anyone can whipout a press release.

you have to show the people a venue and capital

[TEN]

I hope the Mayor in Vermont isn't waiting to hear from the Dallas mayor before he goes to the game...

I'm sure the Mayor in Dallas is trying to Google Texas Tycoons to find out what the heck that letter in the mail was about...

[The Sweeper]

"Sell-Out" doesn't begin to describe it (I got to the Aud at 3, and there was already a 'sold out' sign on the door). Even the press box was overloaded, ask Fells. Crowd was hot all night, and rightly so. Folks were sitting in the aisles.

[The Sweeper]

The Champs!

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070330/NEWS01/703300379/1002

Vermont Romps To ABA Title

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070330/SPORTS/703300385/1004/SPORTS

Levett Leads The Way

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070330/SPORTS/703300378/1004/SPORTS

Heaves Ho!

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070330/SPORTS/703300316/1002

Vermont Star Found Close To Home

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070330/SPORTS/703300317/1002&theme=

Frost Heaves Breeze To ABA Title

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/SPORTS/70329044/1002&theme=

Frost Heaves Win ABA Title-With Video (Fells appears in the video)

http://www.wptz.com/news/11443598/detail.html

Now I got to make another trip to Barre (not like I am complaining) for today's parade.

[Fells]

http://www.vermontguardian.com/local/032007/HeavesTitle.shtml

[The Sweeper]

We had that much of a rebounding edge?? Dang.

What about that sweet ally-oop from Burks to Levett in the 4th?

[heavesrock]

are you filming the parade sweep?

[The Sweeper]

I am taking my camera along with me. It will depend on what time I get into Barre, if I'll film it or not. I will probably shoot some footage.

[AConcernedCitizen]

:infun: So good to read the enjoyment people took from this game. It's why we are all here. It's that simple.

[jamesaba]

I too was at the game, and was Texas terrible or what?

I mean the Frost Heaves are really, really good but most of their games in the Blue North were competitive. Rochester, Quebec, Cape Cod, and Buffalo (along with Strong Island) all had games with the Heaves that could've gone either way.

I do think the Heaves are on a new level with Parker and Hyman in the mix and being in 'end of season' conditioning and chemistry.

But I didn't expect Texas to be THAT BAD. They were ranked in the top 5 all season, averaged about 140 points a game, and were 28-5. I don't think they attempted to run a play or a set all night. Every offensive possession was one on one or summer league/streetball type basketball - which ain't gonna work against a legit team. They also had no clue defensively, gave no help D, and rotated poorly - allowing the Heaves to drive and kick out to their deadly three point shooters (ALL NIGHT)!!.

Does anyone watching Vermont doubt that Montreal could beat Texas if the Tycoons came to Canada?

I think that settles the question that the toughest teams and best basketball is played in the Blue North!

Look at Bellingham - they were top 10 all season and lost to Montreal and Vermont. Then went home and beat top western team Gallup the next day by 30.

Hollywood got decimated by Rochester then flew home and beat San Diego or Maywood by a big score.

And so on.

Bravo to the Heaves! the Best of the Best. (althought Vermont - Rochester or Vermont - Arkansas would've been the best finals match up)!!

[Fells]

"Sell-Out" doesn't begin to describe it (I got to the Aud at 3, and there was already a 'sold out' sign on the door). Even the press box was overloaded, ask Fells. Crowd was hot all night, and rightly so. Folks were sitting in the aisles.

That box hasn't seen that many media in oh..........FOREVER!!! When the burgers started burning and the smoke came up in the box, we thought it was Brad Hester having a thought.

[heavesrock]

From looking at the pics, you couldn't tell that there were any aisles, nor breathing space.