Aftershock offers challenge to league and SoCal teams
Published on June 22, 2005 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Los Angeles Aftershock News Release
Los Angeles, CA. New Los Angeles Aftershock owner, Shawn Blattenberger, offered a challenge to the basketball talent of Southern California. According to Blattenberger, "It is quite simple and profound, and the way I feel. We expect to be the best team in Southern California and the ABA because we have the best talent here in the country. I'm not sure why anyone trying to advance their careers would want to play anywhere but here in Los Angeles so I am expecting to field a team as strong as any in the league - and that's my challenge to the ABA and the other teams out here - to put together a stronger team than I will put together."
Blattenberger has an aura about him as you watch im go about the task of organizing and operating. Young, intelligent, insightful and driven, he carries it on broad shoulders and with an athletes stride like a trophy. And you might notice the Freddie Prinze Jr good looks and style. He has the whole package and it sells big time. A former basketball player himself, Shawn exudes knowledge of the game, knowledge of what is needed to succeed and a willingness to do extra to make sure that those around him have what they need to do the same.
In June, the Aftershock held its first tryouts at Los Angele's Southwest College gym with all of its echo's and screeching of new shoes and bouncing red, white and blue ABA balls, an ominpresent aura of "let's work" is there. Shawn and Head Coach Andre Smith had the camp organized and operating like a well oiled machine. ABA referees were there to explain the league rules and style of play allowing the players a chance to feel professional even in tryout mode. Coach Smith had his assistants stationed and in mid-season form, passing off cuts, running drills and evaluating. You heard encouragement and truth, reality and dreams, all with a touch of parenting. Shawn worked the gym, eyeballing potential and drive, unpreparedness and lack of conditioning, willingness and upside. He worked hard while never loosening his top shelf tie and collared white shirt. Think young Pat Riley, and you are not far off.
Truths were all over the gym as Shawn told his gathered troops, "we must get better," imploring individual accountability with group accomplishment. He whispered to Smith over gradual improvements and nodded in agreement over flashes of professionalism. It was apparent, even at the first tryout, that Blattenberger and his staff have a plan. Step by step, drill by drill, cut by cut, that this group was not ABA ready. But it is way ahead of where they were a year ago and not where they need to be in November.
"There is too much talent in the LA area for us not to get better," he said to Smith. At this point, while he has talented players, he does not have all of the players needed to be the best. Not yet. Not today. And Smith answered loud enough for all of the players to hear, "If uyou are trying to play and get paid, you need to be in shape, you need to do that before you get here!" And the players agreed. The Los Angeles Aftershock will hold another tryout July 23-24 at Southwest College. The challenge still stands and it will advance. The Aftershock is planning to win the ABA title in 2005-2006. They are not only expecting to win, they have a plan in place to do it. That's the challenge to SoCal and the ABA. For more information, email Shawn at laaftershock@aol.com 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 June 22, 2005
- Aftershock offers challenge to league and SoCal teams - Los Angeles Aftershock
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.
