An ABA story of friendship
Published on February 19, 2005 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Tijuana Dragons News Release
Indianapolis, IN. Andrew Ditto, General Manager of the Tijuana Diablos sent an interesting email to the ABA league office. Thought it was worth sharing.
"On our way back from the Las Vegas All Star game Monday night, the team van broke down two hours outside of Tijuana. Gene Shipley (ABA All Star) and I were both tired and had a lot of luggage. We were stuck near Ontario, California. Over the course of the season, we have played the Ontario Warriors twice and have built a relationship with Oliver Binns, Warriors General Manager. He was the only person I could think of in the area that I knew. When I called him and told him what happened, he came to our rescue and drove us all the way back to Tijuana. This is the type of professionalism the league needs more of. He was tired and had been driving all night from Las Vegas as well but didn't hesitate one second to come help another team in a time of despair. For this act of charity, I, Andrew Ditto, nominate, Oliver Binns of the Ontario Warriors as GM of the Year."
Oliver Binns is a good man in a good organization and exemplifies the character of individuals the ABA seeks in its ownership and management. The business of professional basketball is tough and sometimes things do not go as we would wish. Just as Andrew's van had problems, which are solvable with some repairs and adjustments, so can the early problems of the ABA be solved. And it will happen because of men like Oliver and Andrew and others, who really care about the league and its fans. Thank you Oliver for exemplifying what is really important. The league is indebted to you.
Joe Newman
ABA CEO
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 February 19, 2005
- Mike 'the tackle' Jones to be 11th man Sunday - St. Louis Flight
- Harlem Strong Dogs' Willie Shaw joins Harlem Globetrotters - Tampa Bay Strong Dogs
- Rodman out for Sunday - Maywood Laguneros
- An ABA story of friendship - Tijuana Dragons
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.
