Aeros to forego playoffs, withdraw from ABA
March 14, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Arkansas Aeros News Release
SPRINGDALE - Due to the inconsistent direction from the league office, the Arkansas Aeros have decided not to participate in this year's playoffs and have withdrawn immediately from the American Basketball Association.
The decision to leave the ABA by the 25-2 Aeros was one made with careful deliberation in respect to the team's coaches, players and support staff but needed due to the lack of consistent direction from the league office.
Not only did the Aeros have the best record by winning percentage in the league (93%), they also led the ABA in scoring during the regular season at 133.3 points per game and winning margin (22.7 points a game).
Winners of 14 games in a row to close the season, the Aeros were the No. 1 team in the league's Power Ratings for 10 of the 16 weeks this year, occupying the second position five times and unexplainably being rated fifth by the league office in the final rankings that came out Monday. Based off the current format, the No. 5 rating meant the Aeros would host a single playoff game at the All-Star Sports Arena where they were a perfect 17-0 on the regular season.
By virtue of receiving a bye into the second round, the Aeros were advised by the league office to secure their home venue between March 16th and March 19th. Once team officials set the date of the 16th and began selling tickets, the league office indicated Arkansas' opponent, either Mississippi or Waco, was being determined instead on the 16th, and that it was not possible for the Aeros to play that night as previously scheduled.
The team abided by the league's rules and mandates throughout the season and was even preparing to go on the road for the playoff stretch despite their sudden and surprising drop in the ratings. After securing the venue, doing an advertising campaign and selling tickets for a home playoff date then be told by the league the team could not play that night, Aeros officials have decided to withdraw from the league at this time.
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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