Sports stats



Rapids Acquire Two Local Stars

February 1, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Buffalo Silverbacks News Release


Buffalo, NY. The ABA Buffalo Rapids signed two former University of Buffalo basketball stars, Turner Battle and Mark Bortz, for the remainder of the 2005-2006 season as they gear up for a playoff run.

Turner Battle, previously signed with the NBA Toronto Raptors, was the first UB basketball player to ever win the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Award (2004-2005). He was also named to the All-Tournament team and was the first UB player named to the All-MAC First team.

During the 2004-2005 season, the 6'3" guard led the Bulls for the third straight season, scoring 15.5 points per game. He is the onnly player in UB history to achieve 1000 points, 400 rebounds and 400 assists. Ironically, he broke the previous career assists record of 391 set by Rapids teammate Modie Cox (1992-1995) and set the modern era record (since 1991-1992) with 458 assists.

Mark Bortz was signed by the Los Angeles Clippers for their summer league team. He also worked out for the LA Clippers, the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. A Bulls leader, the 6'10" forward/center was previously named All-MAC Honorable Mention. He also earned the MAC Six Man Award in 2005. For more information, visit www.buffalorapids.com or email bperry@buffalorapids.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.

• Discuss this story on the American Basketball Association message board...

American Basketball Association Stories from February 1, 2006


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.

OurSports Central