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Ask the ABA CEO

March 11, 2008 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Question from Lyle W, Los Angeles (and many others, consolidated). "Why did you decide to do mini-playoffs rather than having the top 8 teams in the Final playoffs in Quebec?"

Answer: Lyle, et al. Thanks for the questions (and the interest). This was a tough decision to make. We were torn between having the top eight teams qualify and rewarding those teams that made a great effort throughout the season to play and compete.

There were several teams very close to one another for the top eight spots and organizations that we felt deserved an opportunity. There were a few where it was questionable. But overall, we believed that the best eight teams could be decided on the court rather than an arbitrary decision and this game some additional teams an opportunity that they might not have had. Their fans are very supportive. I don't think it's the perfect solution and certainly not if a lower ranked team should upset one of the top eight. But, competing is what professional basketball players want to do and I think it will work out well. I hope so.

Because teams don't play outside of their division often, the strength and record of a team is really not known. In the NBA, many of the great West teams won't make their playoffs, while lesser East teams will. It is just the way it is. We're doing our best. If you have a question, please email conniejoenewman@aol.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.

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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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