NBA Draft Pick Suports Gallup's ABA Effort

July 23, 2008 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release

Gallup, NM. When University of New Mexico star J.R. Giddens was chosen in the first round of the NBA Draft by the world champion Boston Celtics, he knew it was a dream come true. The well-grounded Giddens also knows he is the exception to the number of college basketball players that ever make it to the NBA.

Prior to Monday's announcement by the Gallup Talons that the team was returning to the American Basketball Association (ABA) for the 2008-2009 season, Giddens was in town holding a basketball clinic for area youth with some players head coach Kelvin Scarborough was looking to sign for the Talons.

"It's very important that you love the game," said Giddens. "I was very fortunate that I was chosen by an NBA team, but I could not have done it without my teammates and coaches."

Giddens praised the value of leagues such as the ABA to give players an opportunity to continue playing basketball after college. "Anytime there are leagues like the ABA that can help players advance to the next level, that is a valuable asset to the game," said Giddens.

He also expressed the vital contribution teams such as the Talons, that play in small markets, make to their communities. "New Mexico is a great basketball state and this is a great opportunity for kids to see the game at such a high level without having to travel many hours," added Giddens. "This is a very positive contribution to the Gallup community." For more information, email ghsat@hotmail.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 July 23, 2008

• Paul Monozca Named to Executive Committee of World Basketball Cup - ABA
• Buffalo Sharks Announce First Tryout Camp - ABA
• Georgia Gwizzlies Native American Player - ABA
• NBA Draft Pick Suports Gallup's ABA Effort - ABA
• West Virginia Blazers And ESPN Drug Free All Stars Partner - ABA

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