Aviators getting ready to rumble

June 29, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Ohio Aviators News Release


Cleveland, OH. The ABA Ohio Aviators, who will open their inaugural season at the Canton Civic Center, put the world on notice that they are setting out to be one of the ABA's premiere teams. Their first free agent tryout camp was held at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland's Westside. Set to the sounds of a not to distant street fair, the atmosphere was friendly, but the competition was fierce. Each one of the 36 free agents was first put to the test by "Super Dave and his Crew" through a pro combine that measured each athlete's speed, agility, and mobility. Next, Remarkable Mark and Company put the players' ball handling, passing and shooting skills to the test. Finally, under the watchful eyes of GM Bryant, six "certifiable" coaches and two "visiting" coaches plus three referees, a professional photographer, videographer, four summer interns, members of the Aviator Staff and most of the audience filled with enough basketball experience to fill the "Hall of Fame," the players took to the court.

The players came from near and far including one from South Carolina whose trip took 21 hours and who had never seen a skyscraper. After his first year in the ABA, he might well see a few as a point guard - he has NBA talent. His roommate was nicknamed "Skywalker," who took nine hours from Chicago to make the tryouts. One of the players came from Turkey after seeing the tryouts posted on the ABA website. And "Zoom," a Cleveland streetball legend arrived on his bicycle. When the day was over, he left with Rucker Park NY respect because people felt he could be Cleveland's answer to Philadelphia's Answer.

7'0" Kevin gave new meaning to the slam as each dunk met with the approval of the house by the excited fans who raised the roof in delight. The Soldier who heard about the tryout on a "hot" radio spot gained his basketball notoriety in the Armed Forces. It would be a good bet that on opening night for the Aviators, he will be a "force" to be recckoned with. Rollie and Big Al, who had tryouts with the Cavs and Clippers respectively, took their turns in leadership roles on the court as only vets can. R.C. gained his reputation on a national college championship team while Chris developed his discipline in the basketball version of "The Longest Yark." 5'6" "Las Vegas" put on the world on notice that it will be showtime in the event that he teams up with "White Chocolate" in the backcourt. "Heartbreak" and "Million Dollar" will do the same with relentless defense and a lethal combination of "And One" street moves.

The Aviators brought in oranges and bananas by the crateload from the famous Westside Market to replenish lost energy. But, in the end, it was the players own heart and soul that replenished the spirit. To a person, every athlete, bonded by the experience and grateful for the opportunity, left a member of the new Ohio Aviator family. The CEO thanked the players and the "Preacher" ended the day with a prayer. This is what the ABA is about in Ohio. Next stop for the Ohio Aviators is the Home of the State Champion McKinley Bulldogs in Canton. Be there if you dare. Call 330 430 0200 in Akron-Canton-Massillon or 216 861 2000 in Cleveland and register online at www.ohioaviators.com - or email manhatbren@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 29, 2005


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