Ask the CEO

Published on July 14, 2007 under American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release

Question from Ryan P, Los Angeles: "I know this is a hard question, but how do you think the ABA players rate against the NBDL players?"

Answer: Ryan, thanks for the question. It is often asked. It probably would be better answered by a coach or professional scout. But since this is Ask the CEO, I will give my opinion. Based on conversations with the coaches in our league and many of the former NBA players associated with the league and our officials, I would suggest that the players in the ABA are every bit as good as the players in the NBDL and many of our players are better. In fact, we believe that many of our players are better than some of the players that occupy spaces on the benches of NBA teams.

Our players complete in summer leagues against both NBDL and NBA players and more than hold their own. I have had many suggestions that the ABA challenge the NBDL to an All Star Game. ABA All Stars versus NBDL All Stars. We would do it in a minute if the NBA would agree to it. The only caveat would be that we play the ABA rules for at least one half of the game. We would play it at an NBDL site, an ABA site or a neutral site.

I think that what is more important that who is better - NBDL players or ABA players - is the fact that both leagues do provide outstanding quality basketball played by highly-skilled players and do it at affordable prices for the fans. We both provide fast-paced, exciting basketball that whole families can enjoy. So, whether they're better or we're better is not the main issue. We believe that fans get their money's worth every time they buy a ticket. But I think an All Star Game between the two leagues would be fun.

Maybe we can be like Jericho on TV. Get a petition up, create a groundswell of fan support, send it to David Stern or the NBDL - and see what happens. Again, thanks for the question. If you have a question, 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.