Former Sound player killed in auto accident in Finland

Published on November 23, 2006 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Strong Island Sound News Release


Patchogue, NY-Any time there is a loss in the family, there is sadness to cope with. When it is a tragic end that occurs much too soon and it is at the beginning of the holiday season, it makes it that much harder to accept.

Far away from his hometown of Brooklyn, Chris Sandy was involved in a fatal vehicular accident in Finland on Thursday, where he had been playing professional basketball for Kouvot Kouvola. According to Finnish sources, the accident occurred during the evening hours, conditions were rainy and the road was wet. Sandy was 27 years of age.

Sandy played at Fresno State collegiately until 2002, and later played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He signed with the Strong Island Sound during the 2005-06 season and instantly became a sparkplug for a team that eventually made the Final 4 in the ABA's Great 8 Tournament in Rochester. The guard was the anchor of the team and a truly exceptional talent. In 12 games with the Sound, Sandy averaged 20.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.0 APG, and shot 49 percent from the field and 44.2 percent from 3-point range. Post-season awards named Sandy to the All-ABA Honorable Mention Team.

Following the ABA season, Sandy signed with the North East Pennsylvania Breakers of the USBL. In five games, he averaged 14.0 PPG and then was traded to the Brooklyn Kings, where he averaged 17.8 PPG and helped the Kings capture the Eastern Division crown. Sandy was named to the All-USBL Second Team. Sandy signed to play in Finland upon completion of the USBL playoffs.

"Even though Chris was playing in Europe, he was in constant contact with us, following and concerned with our progress. He is a major part of the Sound family and his loss saddens all of us," stated Sound team owner Darren Cioffi. "Our sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. This is truly a sad day for us all."

The Sound will honor Sandy by retiring his uniform number 22, wearing black memorial bands on their uniforms, and observing a moment of silence prior to their next home game on Friday, November 24th.

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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