ABA to play in Anderson, Indiana

September 26, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Anderson, IN. In 1977, the English rock band, Queen, stated it best in their internationally acclaimed now stadium album, "We are the Champions." Now, the American Basketball Association has their own self-proclaimed champions amongst their ranks of professional teams.

The ABA today announced the leagues newest team in Anderson, Indiana for the 2006-2007 season. The team is owned by architect/designer Jesse J. Wilkerson who has heralded in ownership the support of former NBA player Bobby Wilkerson (1976 NCAA Indiana University Championship Team) and former NBA player/Indiana University player Ray Tolbert (all former residents of Anderson). The ANDERSON CHAMPIONS will launch their official web site and open offices at the Flagship Enterprise, 2701 Enterprise Drive in Anderson shortly.

Mr. Wilkerson serves locally and has been heavily involved in the community. He has been able to secure the commitment from several hometown greats including a former Indiana Mr. Basketball. This will be basketball at its finest. "We plan to bring back the nostalgic era of high school basketball when 9,000 fans packed the gymnasium on Friday nights to see basketball played by people who lived the game," stated Wilkerson.

The ANDERSON CHAMPIONS have already begun to make an impression on the local community by gaining the support of the local government. "Our city is known nationally for its basketball. We pledge our support of the ABA and the ANDERSON CHAMPIONS and look forward to the impact they will make as we increase our sports and entertainment venue to attract local citizens and outside communities to the area," said Anderson Mayor Kevin Smith. "This is family entertainment that the whole family can enjoy and afford."

Joe Newman, ABA CEO, added, "The ABA has been very supportive of Jesse and his group. Anderson is a great basketball city. Jesse's business plan, which involves the entire community and focuses especially on the youth of the area, fits perfectly into the ABA model. We have no doubt that they will be successful there - and we are solidly behind them."

The team will be formerly announced at a Booster Club Event to be held shortly. "This is a great business opportunity," said Wilkerson. "My goal is to get a ticket in the hand of every citizen of Anderson - of the entire Madison County in fact . If I can have everyone of our 58,000 citizens invest in one game, I guarantee they will be entertained." For more information, email jessw@ucea.com or call 317 895 2585, ext 169 or 317 513 1920 or visit 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 September 26, 2006


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.


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