Albany Patroons return to CBA in 2005
Published on November 24, 2004 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release
Boise, ID (November 24, 2004) â The Continental Basketball Association announced during a Wednesday press conference that one of the most storied franchises in the history of the league will return to action in 2005. The Albany Patroons will re-join the world's oldest professional basketball league in time for the league's 60th anniversary season in 2005-06.
"Having the Albany Patroons and their history return to the CBA is a distinguished accomplishment for us," remarked CBA Commissioner Gary Hunter. "We now have nine teams heading into our 60th season, and as a league we are as strong as ever."
As an expansion franchise in 1982, the Patroons finished their inaugural campaign with a 16-28 record, marking the only season in the team's ten year history that the squad did not participate in postseason action. Beginning in 1983, the Patroons reached the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons, winning two CBA Titles during that span (1984, 1988). Along the way, the franchise was led by coaching greats Phil Jackson (1983-87), Bill Musselman (1987-88), George Karl (1988-89, 1990-91) and Charley Rosen (1991-92). Jackson led the team to its first championship in 1984, while Musselman captured the CBA Title in his only season with the franchise in 1988.
"I am both happy and excited to hear that the Patroons are back," remarked Karl, who led Albany during the team's record setting 50-6 campaign in 1990-91, and is now part owner of the CBA's Idaho Stampede. "The Albany Patroons were one of the most successful professional basketball franchises during the 1980's and some of my fondest basketball memories come from my time spent there."
Albany holds the top two spots on the CBA's Single-Season Winning Percentages list with a .893 average (50-6) in 1990-91 and .889 (48-6) in 1987-88. The Patroons also hold the top two spots on the Single-Season Home Winning Percentage list with a perfect 28-0 season (1.000) in 1990-91, and a 26-1 (.963) mark in 1987-88. During the 1987-88 season, the team also finished with a 22-5 (.815) record on the road, which ranks them first all-time in Away Winning Percentage during a season.
The Patroons will play their home games in the historic Washington Avenue Armory, after recent renovations to the building have increased the number of seats to 4,000, and added a jumbo-tron scoreboard in the arena. Albany previously played in the Armory from 1982-1990, where they posted a 154-45 record in eight seasons. Overall, the team owns a 199-56 home record.
"We are thrilled to have the Patroons back," stated Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Coyne, who founded the team in Albany in 1982 and also served as the team President from 1982-88. "It is a great day for Albany and the fans of the Albany Patroons. This was a really hot spot when the team was here before. The place was rocking, it was packed all the time, and we hope to revive that excitement."
Coyne will be joined by President and CEO Benito R. Fernandez, who also formerly served as the Patroons President during the 1988-89 season, and as Chairman of the Board in 1989-90.
"We just thought that the city was ready, and the community and region were ready to see the Patroons return," added Coyne. "Many people came to us over the years and said âbring them back'. So we were able to bring it to fruition."
The Patroons will be the ninth team currently slated to take to the court during the CBA's 60th anniversary season in 2005-06. The league's 59th season tipped off over the weekend with eight games in three days, and an average league-wide attendance of 3,576. Opening night also saw the 2004-05 expansion Michigan Mayhem play their inaugural game at the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Michigan.
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