Seattle's "Harlem All-Star" Kyle Keyes Signs with Royals
December 12, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
King County Royals News Release
SEATTLE, Wash., December 12, 2006-- Harlem All-Star point guard Kyle Keyes officially signs with the King County Royals of the ABA. Playing for the Globetrotter's Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal for the past two years, Keyes now teams up with his former Community College Coach, Rick Turner.
In his first game with the Royals, on November 20th, Keyes scored 24 points with 6 helpers. Picking up full court and completely shutting down opposing guards defensively, Keyes swiped 3 steals. On December 3rd, in his second outing with the Royals, Keyes near triple-double performance, with 22 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds was again complimented by outstanding defense, shutting down his match-up. After two games, Keyes is now averaging 23 points, 6.5 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals per game since signing with the King County Royals.
When asked about his signing, Keyes said, "I've decided to sign with the Royals and play for Coach Turner because they're really building something great out here in Seattle. The ABA is a historic league that is very competitive and well respected." Keyes continues, "I feel that it will give me the best opportunity to reach the NBA right now."
Referencing the ABA's auspicious legacy, Keyes joins the company of former ABA players such as Hall-of-Famers Julius "The Doctor" Erving, Rick Barry, Larry Brown, George "The Iceman" Gervin, Moses Malone, David Thompson, Connie Hawkins and Artis Gilmore. (See "ABA-NBA Crossover" backgrounder for more ABA history.)
After being named Basketball News Magazine's Big-Sky Pre-Season Conference "Newcomer of the Year", Keyes sustained injuries which limited his initial opportunities for NBA exposure. Battling back from college injuries, Keyes has played for or signed contracts with, every professional league of note in the United States, save the NBA. Prior to electing to return to the Globetrotters, Keyes played in the CBA, XBA/MBA and signed a player contract in the NBDL in 2004. Now back in his hometown of Seattle with the King County Royals, Keyes continues to work tirelessly in building his hoops resume, with his sights set on "The League".
Come check out the Royals in their next home game, this Thursday, December 14th, at 8:00pm at North Seattle Community College Wellness-Center Gym.
For more information about the Royals, visit the team's website at www.kingcountyroyals.com
Backgrounder: ABA-NBA CROSSOVER
The ABA was instrumental in popularizing the exciting brand of basketball synonymous with the NBA game today.
The exciting, dynamic, run-and-gun style of basketball traces its roots directly to the ABA. Over the last quarter-century, the ABA has pioneered much of what pro basketball thrives upon today.
The ABA's flashy style of red-white and blue basketballs, flamboyant street-style nicknames, huge afros, high socks, headbands and high-spirited attitudes all contributed to the unique personality of this league, making it immensely attractive to fans across the country.
From adopting the three point shot, to extravagant half-time shows, the ABA always found a way to keep up with its powerful rival, the NBA. The ABA featured players like "The Doctor", "Dr. J" Julius Erving, Connie "Hawk" Hawkins, George "The Iceman" Gervin, David Thompson, George McGinnis, Artis Gilmore, Moses Malone, Roger Brown and Dan "the Horse" Issel. These electric players all originally found their home in the ABA before eventually crossing over to the NBA.
For nine full seasons, from 1967 to 1976, the ABA fought many battles with its rival league, the well-established NBA for players, coaches, fans, and media attention. This feud was ended in 1976 when four of the strongest ABA teams (the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs) became an established part of the NBA.
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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American Basketball Association Stories from December 12, 2006
- Hollywood Fame partners with School of Skills - Hollywood Fame
- Seattle's "Harlem All-Star" Kyle Keyes Signs with Royals - King County Royals
- ABA addes expansion team in Henderson , Nevada - ABA
- Ballerz drop Express in exciting game - Virginia Ballerz
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