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Harlem Strong Dogs prepare for ABA All-Star Weekend

February 11, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Tampa Bay Strong Dogs News Release


HARLEM, NEW YORK, USA (February 11, 2005) – The Harlem Strong Dogs of the American Basketball Association (ABA) are a star-packed squad ready to leave for Las Vegas today.

ABA East All-Star Assistant Coach and Harlem Strong Dogs General Manager and Head Coach Kenny Charles will lead his players Willie Shaw and Obadiah Toppin on the East All-Star roster while Courtney Fields will be participating in the ABA All-Star Weekend's Slam Dunk Contest.

Although, the Strong Dogs in its inaugural season has not been under the lime light without any widespread publicity that included an in-season ownership change in December, Harlem has persevered, won together by securing an ABA playoff spot and now, ready to shine during All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas.

Willie Shaw, St. John's product, leads the Strong Dogs in scoring (18.1 points per game) and also 5.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game averages.

Obadiah Toppin has recorded 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game averages.

Both Shaw and Toppin have started all 19 games for Harlem and have helped the Strong Dogs to a 13-6 record in the ABA Blue (East) Division, sixth in the ABA Playoffs Power Ranking.

Former Iona Gael Courtney Fields is the Harlem Strong Dogs' dominant inside presence. Fields boasts a double-double with 18 points and 11.3 rebounds per game averages. Courtney will represent the Strong Dogs during the ABA All-Star Weekend in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Former NBA player from Fordham University, Harlem Strong Dogs Head Coach Kenny Charles will be participating on the ABA East All-Star coaching staff. Charles' defense first, simple offense coaching philosophy has resulted in Harlem's winning percentage of .684.

"We will be going to Las Vegas to proudly represent the [ABA] Eastern Division and the Harlem Strong Dogs organization," said Coach Charles.

The ABA All-Star Weekend festivities begin on Friday, February 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada hosted by the Rattlers with the Three-Point Shooting Contest and Slam Dunk Contest. The gala concludes on Monday, February 14 with the ABA All-Star Game.

For further information about the Harlem Strong Dogs, e-mail info@harlemstrongdogs.com and continue to visit www.harlemstrongdogs.com for up-to-date news.

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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