There are a couple of the eastern CBA teams that would benefit from being in the PBL and perhaps the PBL would benefit from having them. If those teams are interested in making a switch, they should be evaluated on their own merits and consistency of vision. The same thing holds true for the strongest ABA teams.
The two leagues as entities seem to be too far apart philosophically. Personally, I think this is a shame. I'd really like to see a combined league that is run under a PBL model, but called the "CBA" with 20 teams, but I don't think it can happen unless there is an epiphany of some sort.[/quote]
CBA/PBL merger is increasingly far and for ende the dream of one 20-team super-minor league. I coincide with you DazedAndAmused, PBL should do to add CBA's franchises Pittsburgh Xplosion and Albany Patroons (enclosed East Kentucky Miners, realese Dallas, Jacksonville) and ABA's NE division (Vermont Frost Heaves, Manchester Millrats, Quebec City Kebekwa, Halifax Reinmen, Montreal Royals).
If PBL acquires ABA NE franchises and CBA New York and Pennsylvania franquises PBL could become a very strong regional league with very important cities among if especially in the NE and Canada (low cost in travel).
NEW PREMIER BASKETBALL LEAGUE (16 or 19 teams, 2 or 3 divisions 08/09 season)
North-east Division: (9 or 11)
Reading, Rochester, Buffalo, Vermont (ABA), Manchester (ABA), Quebec (ABA), Halifax (ABA), Montreal (ABA or announced expasion team), Toronto
Pittsburgh, Albany (CBA)??
Mid-east Division: (7 or
Quad City, Rockford, Chicago, Wilmington, Maryland, Arkansas, All-Star team to Thailand (PBL).
East Kentucky (CBA)??
Folded: Dallas and Jacksonville.
Thanks
