OH DEAR GOD, NO

[Lee.]

Looks like Basketball Canada has given up on trying to put forth a competitive, winning team. Why, dear God, why couldn't they have consulted Steve Nash on any of this?

ABA and Basketball Canada Announce Strategic Development

Toronto, Ontario -- Canada Basketball and the American Basketball Association announced a partnership aimed to strengthen the sport in Canada. As part of the agreement, the ABA has committed to having local representation involved in all Canadian ABA teams. As well, the ABA head office and all Canadian teams will also be a part of Canada's national basketball program, "Be One."

"The goal of Canada Basketball is to unify the Canadian Basketball community and we see this helping achieve that goal," stated Canada Basketball Executive Director and CEO Fred Nykamp. "We have a shared passion for the game and this partnership ensures that Canadian players will have a domestic option to play after the college or university level. As well, the ABA will provide coaches and officials an opportunity to further be involved in the game at an elite level."

"The ABA is extremely excited to be working closely with Canada Basketball," stated Joe Newman, ABA CEO. "We are planning major expansions in Canada and getting involved with Canada Basketball, representing Canada's national basketball interests was a natural fit for us. Their "Be One" program, vision, and strategy to take the sport of basketball to a whole new level in Canada, is truly outstanding and we are very proud to be associated with them. They are distinguishing themselves on the professional and world basketball stage."

Canada is currently home to two ABA teams, the Montreal Matrix and the Quebec City Kebs. Additional teams are anticipated for Halifax, Edmonton and Missessagua next season. The City of Halifax also played host to the 2007 ABA All-Star Weekend January 26-28.

"As a former Canadian University player, I feel like it's a great opportunity to play in the ABA in Canada," commented Dominique Soucy, a member of the Quebec City Kebs. "It offered me a chance to expand my game and to play against great competition after university. Having the ABA in Canada will help us as a country enlarge the pro athlete pool available to represent Canada in future international play, and therefore help us get better results. It will also have a great impact on future players as they will be able to see more and more quality basketball and know they have opportunities to play."

Canada Basketball is a private, not-for-profit corporation that is committed to the growth of the sport in Canada. Just as important, Canada Basketball is focused on the development and preparation of Canada's national teams for the Olympic, Pan American and FISU Games as well as the World Championships. The aspiration of Canada Basketball is to instill the pride, commitment, passion and respect that Canadians personify into the development of basketball across the country and internationally.

[rams80]

"Probably" smoke and mirrors here.

Some of the ABA's owners appear to have deposed Newman as CEO (we won't really know until the legal smoke clears mind you). Anyway, until that time, abalive announcements, and those featuring comments from Newman should be taken with an even larger grain of salt than usual.