Magicians Sign Former Auburn and Alabama Stars
November 16, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Birmingham Magicians News Release
Birmingham, AL....The Birmingham Magicians of the American Basketball Association announced today the signing of former University of Alabama star, Brian Williams and former Auburn star, Mack McGadney.
Williams, who starred for the Crimson Tide from 1995 to 1999 and former Auburn star Mack McGadney who played at Auburn from 1999-2002. The Alabama and Auburn duo become the first players signed by the new ABA franchise in Birmingham. "We are very excited to have Brian and Mack as part of our team. It's a tremendous coup for us to have a former Mr. Basketball in the state of Alabama and one of the Crimson Tide's all time leading scorers," head coach, Jim Farmer, said. "Likewise we are pleased to have one of the best players to come out of Auburn in the last 10 years in McGadney. McGadney was a national top 50 player coming out of LeFlore High School, and 6A 1st Team, All-State as a senior at LeFlore. McGadney, who led Auburn in scoring during his junior season before an injury cut his season short.. He was also an Academic All SEC performer while at Auburn.
Williams, an All SEC performer who has been playing in Division 1 leagues in Europe over the last 5 years said he was happy to be associated with the new ABA team. "I am impressed with Coach Jim Farmer and his staff," Williams said. "This gives me an opportunity to stay in the State of Alabama and help build a winning tradition with the Magicians and attract new fans."
Williams who played under Tide coaches David Hobbs and Mark Gottfried, was thrust into a starting role as a freshman at Alabama and ended his career as Alabama's sixth all-time leading scorer. Williams's brand of exciting play will fit well in the fast-paced style of the ABA, head coach Jim Farmer said. "Brian is in the prime of his career and still one of the most exciting players around."
Farmer said McGadney, a Mobile native, is known for his strong inside physical game and exuberant attitude on the court. "Mack has several years of professional experience overseas and here in the United States and gives our young team a veteran leader."
Team officials expect to announce more player signings in the next several days. The Birmingham Magicians open their season tonight against the Mississippi Stingers in Greenville, MS. The first home game is set for November 30, 2005 at Fair Park Arena against the Atlanta Vision, who are managed by former NBA great, Dennis Scott.
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 November 16, 2005
- Xplosion take second straight in Detroit - Pittsburgh Xplosion
- Rapids Rush to Give Thanks to Our Troops - Buffalo Silverbacks
- Magicians Sign Former Auburn and Alabama Stars - Birmingham Magicians
- Buzz announce weekly radio show - Maywood Buzz
- Tycoons announce Internet radio deal - Texas Tycoons
- Former Miami Dolphins star to serve as radio guest analyst - Miami Majesty
- Xplosion move game to avoid Steelers conflict - Pittsburgh Xplosion
- Hurricanes name NBA legend Moses Malone President of Basketball Operations - Lake Charles Hurricanes
- Buzz Talk Live on Buzz Cast Radio tonight and every Wednesday - Maywood Buzz
- Cobras announce major press conference - Inglewood Cobras
- Local heros to be reconized by Florida Pit Bulls - Miami Majesty
- Orange County Buzz annouce schedule change - Maywood Buzz
- Tycoons rout Style in season opener - Texas Tycoons
- Xplosion win for the first time this season - Pittsburgh Xplosion
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