Niagara DareDevils' head coach Otis Hailey speaks to the media
September 16, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Niagara Daredevils News Release
ST. CATHARINES -- Niagara DareDevils' head coach Otis Hailey is convinced that if fans give the American Basketball Association expansion franchise a chance they will not be disappointed. "If fans walk in the door one time and put their eyes on this game, I can guarantee they will be back. It will be just as good quality as the Raptors," said Hailey last week following the DareDevils initial press conference.
Hailey is no stranger to Canada, having coached previously with the Montreal Dragons, Saskatchewan Hawks and the Vancouver Nighthawks.
He was an assistant coach with the ABA's Tijuana Diablos in 2003-2004 before taking on the head role of the ill-fated Calgary Drillers last season.
"The ABA fits me because I like teams that get out and run and I like very athletic kids and that's what we'll have here in St. Catharines," said Hailey.
At the request of team president Al Howell, Hailey is planning to go to New Orleans soon and lend a hand in any way he can to the victims of hurricane Katrina. Hailey's cousin Byron Scott is the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets of the National Basketball Association.
"I'm quite sure I can do something to help somebody out down there," said Hailey. "I haven't heard from Byron so it will be good to go down there and see how he's doing."Howell explained that Hailey's trip to New Orleans will be to identify some specific needs that they DareDevils can help address.
"I would want us to raise some money for a family or a community specifically, something that you can touch or visualize," explained Howell. "If you throw five dollars in the pot you know that it went to help that specific family in need."
The DareDevils begin their inaugural ABA season Nov. 5 on their home court at the Jack Gatecliff arena against Maryland Nighthawks.
At last week's press conference at Wrigley's Field, the DareDevils announced two initiatives aimed at helping area high schools and charities to raise funds.
At each of the team's 18 home games, a local charity will be featured and given the opportunity to run a 50/50 draw as well as inform the public about their cause.
For more information check out www.niagaradaredevilsbasketball.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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