ABA returns to Las Vegas with Star Power
December 10, 2003 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release
Kansas City, MO. Jim Clark, CEO of the ABA today confirmed the rumors that have been circulating for the last several weeks - and which will be announced later this week at a formal press conference in Las Vegas. "The Rattlers have indeed signed former NBA player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, father of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, to coach the ABA professional basketball team and Percy Miller, better known as one of the world's foremost rap stars, Master P, as a player."
Clark continued, "And this is only the beginning. Team owner Roy Hammonds, a former NBA and ABA player has put together a plan that will make the team successful. Roy was a tough competitor on the court; and he's just as tough off the court. Roy doesn't like to lose. He knows full well the past history of basketball in Las Vegas and is not deterred. He is approaching the season and the challenge with a positive attitude and will unveil his plans at his press conference. But I do know that he has assembled a tremendous experienced management team, a great coaching staff, a star-studded team, and will market it into the heart of the Las Vegas community."
Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, played in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston Rockets. After the NBA he coached in Italy and now brings his experience to the ABA as the head coach for the Rattlers.
Percy Miller, aka Master P, joins the Rattlers as a guard and forward. The 6'4" Miller is the CEO of No Limit Records and is known for many hits such as "I Got the Hookup" and "Make Them Say Unhh", as well as numerous feature film appearances. Miller's talents don't stop at music, he is also skilled on the court and is expected to be an exciting presence on the team and in the league.
"The ABA continues to play an exciting brand of fast-paced, high scoring basketball with its innovative rules," stated Clark, "and continues to provide fan-friendly affordable entertainment in an era where high ticket prices make attending games almost impossible for families with children, senior citizens and our military. Roy will remedy that for sure."
For more information about the Las Vegas Rattlers and the ABA, log onto www.abalive.com.
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.
American Basketball Association Stories from December 10, 2003
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
