ABA adds Murray, Kentucky to 2007 expansion lineup
January 4, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Kentucky Retros News Release
Indianapolis, IN. The American Basketball Association (ABA) today announced that it has added Murray, Kentucky to its growing list of 2007 expansion teams that will begin play in November. The team will be owned by Kentucky Colonels, LLC, a company owned by businessman Steve Van Waes. According to Joe Newman, ABA CEO, "Steve is a very interesting person who has such a wide range of skills; we have been extremely impressed with his plans both on and off the court. He has a great understanding of the ABA and its mission and his plans for implementing his programs are outstanding. I cannot see anything less than a very successful team and know that they will quickly become one of the premiere teams in the league."
Mr. Van Waes has 12 years of sales, marketing & upper management experience in the pharmaceutical industry, cardiac evaluation and rehabilitation fitness equipment market, including helping his family develop a new patented cardiac handrail system for physician offices, rehabilitation facilities and home use. "I have developed many community mentoring programs and outreach programs to help today's youth through sports, marketing and self esteem classes in grade school, middle schools and high schools," said Van Waes. "I am going to take these programs right into our ABA team community programs. It is a perfect fit."
"I am thrilled to bring professional basketball to "the best basketball state in the U.S. Kentucky's long history of tradition is second to none. I am also excited about having the most recognized name in ABA history as our team name, "Kentucky Colonels," he added. Our team will be very involved in many different cities/communities and work closely with not-for-profit organizations to enhance the lives they impact."
Head Coach Kevin Waters has been working with current ABA players for various teams and with player development. He was an Asst Women's Basketball Coach at Murray State University, has served as special assistant coach of Kennesaw State University, Asst Men's Basketball coach at Edward Waters College. Prior to that, Coach Waters played for three years at Fisk University. "Player development has been my strong point," said Waters. "My goal is to put together a very strong team and to compete for the ABA title in our first season - and also help our players improve their skills so that they may achieve their NBA goals. There are a lot of great players in Kentucky - and you will see Kentucky basketball at its best."
For more information, call Steve Van Waes at 270 293 2556 or email svanwaes@charter.net or visit www.abvalive.com or email Coach Waters at coachwaters@yahoo.com or call 270 759 9843.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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