A New Game in Town

by Ed Gross
Published on January 4, 2008 under Premier Basketball League (PBL)


Another chapter in the history of minor league basketball opens on Friday as the Premier Basketball league tips off its first regular season. Starting as a bridge in the gap between the perennially struggling American Basketball Association and 62-year-old Continental Basketball Association, the PBL will consist of 10 teams: seven former or planned ABA franchises, along with three additional entries. Five franchises are located in the East, stretching from Rochester (N.Y.) down to Jacksonville (Fla.), three in the Midwest, one in Texas and another in Arkansas.

Admittedly, the PBL is stepping into some muddy waters. It should be given credit for even attempting a startup with the current status of the shrinking ABA and the United States Basketball League, which recently announced it was suspending its 2008 season. Once promising "A game we've never seen before," the PBL has taken a more traditional route, aligning with USA Basketball, the sport's governing body in the U.S. While the league has kept most rule changes under wraps, the PBL will reportedly offer a "plus one at one rule," adding one point to the value of field goals made during the last minute of each half.

Off the court, the PBL appears ready to go, albeit scaled down from original plans. Once projected for 16 franchises, the PBL will begin with 10 teams, starting later than originally planned. Several of the former ABA teams were among that league's strongest, including those in Rochester, Maryland and Jacksonville.

As for the future, the PBL promises it has a workable long-term plan. Its current announcement of expansion franchises in Montreal and Toronto may have been somewhat premature. While some current markets such as Reading and Wilmington seem sensible, one may question others such as Chicago and Dallas, both homes of NBA teams. The Chicago Throwbacks, in particular, were a late entry, moving over from the ABA when its Midwest division collapsed.

For its rookie campaign, it would be refreshing to see continuity and consistency in the PBL. Well-played and reported games in venues that are worthy of minor league basketball would be a great start. Players who can be recognized and perhaps have local ties to their communities are welcome. Less controversy in the front offices and more competition on the court, a nice change of pace for minor league basketball. We shouldn't be dissuaded if one or two franchises move or fold after the season. In the minors, it is to be expected. The question is how the PBL will fit in with the other leagues. Maybe it won't be a problem. Different products and philosophies should be able to work together, even in the sports world.

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Premier Basketball League Stories from January 4, 2008


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