NBA Veteran and Former Laker Bryon Russell Joins Hollywood Fame
December 22, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Hollywood Fame News Release
Hollywood, CA - December 21, 2006 - It was announced today that 12-year NBA veteran Bryon Russell officially joined the American Basketball Association's (ABA) Hollywood Fame. He will see action at the team's next home game on Friday, Dec. 22 at Santa Monica College.
Russell, a former Long Beach State University standout, was drafted in the second round of the 1993 NBA Draft. He played nine seasons with the Utah Jazz and went to the NBA Finals in 1998 and 1999, only to be knocked out by the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. His best season came in 1999-2000 when he averaged 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Russell also played with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2003-04 season when the Lakers reached the NBA Finals.
Russell will play under head coach Don Casey, formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers and New Jersey Nets. Russell and Casey are a perfect fit - an NBA coach and NBA player - helping the Fame get the best look from the NBA and clubs in Europe. Fame co-owner Brady Anderson, a former MLB All-Star outfielder, will act as Russell's trainer as the team prepares for a playoff run.
"It's a credit to our players and the Fame organization to attract a player like Russell who has thoughts of going back to the NBA," said Casey. "He's jumped right in and is truly part of the team. We are using his expertise to positively impact the team and he gives the organization credibility. It will bring attention to us and opportunity for our players to be seen by European and NBA scouts."
"Bryon Russell is a great shooter and always will be," said Anderson. "He's also known as a good defender. Playing for the Fame will get him back in basketball shape. In addition, I will introduce him to new training philosophies that will not only get his body ready to play in the NBA, but back to the shape he was in during the prime of his career."
The Hollywood Fame is the newest team to join the ABA. It is owned by a host of celebrities and professional athletes including A.J. Discala, Nick Lachey, Geoff Stults ("7th Heaven" and "The Break-Up"), Stacy Keibler ("Dancing With the Stars"), former NBA legend John Salley, former MLB All-Star Brady Anderson, the Atlanta Braves Mike Hampton, NFL quarterback Kyle Boller of the Baltimore Ravens and NASCAR's Brian Vickers, among others.
For ticket information please call Ticketmaster at 213-480-3232 or the Fame at 310-844-7000. General admission seating is available for $10, with limited courtside seating for $25.
More information, including a complete season schedule of the Hollywood Fame can be found on their website at www.hollywoodfamelive.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.
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