|
|
| |
| June 3, 2004 - Vancouver, BC. John Probandt, Co-Owner of the ABA's new Vancouver professional basketball team today
announced that John M. Brazier has been appointed CEO and Director of Basketball Operations. Probandt stated, "John provides
us with the perfect combination of sportsman/businessman, a man who has had success in every endeavor in which he has been
involved. He'll lead our organization well."
A native of Seattle, WA, Brazier attended the University of Washington where he played football and track. Upon graduation,
he served two years in the U.S. Navy on a cruiser in the Pacific. Following his service, he entered the forest products industry
and established Brazier Forest Industries that owned and operated sawmills, lumberyards, a door plant, and a laminating plant
in Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii and British Columbia with sales offices in western Europe, Japan, Australia and
Vancouver, B.C. Recently, Brazier joined Rising Star Holdings as Vice President of Marketing prior to being appointed CEO
of the basketball operations.
Brazier added, "As you know, our team will be very unique with almost all of our players being Chinese. We've spent considerable
time in China and have no doubt that we'll be very, very competitive. The talent is extraordinary. Vancouver is a great basketball
city and deserves a high quality organization. I think fans will love the ABA style of basketball and will be very impressed
with the quality of play. We're looking forward to the challenge."
For more information, log onto www.abalive or email John Brazier at j.brazier@verizon.net or usainvesting@yahoo.com.
|
League News VANCOUVER BC EXPANSION TEAM NAMES PRESIDENT/GM
Jamian Lai to Head Team
Operations
Vancouver BC. The new ABA Vancouver professional basketball team has announced that Jamian Lai will
be its new President/GM of Basketball Operations. Lai will be responsible for overseeing team operations including scouting,
marketing, merchandising and overall business development for the new team. Lai brings a strong international background in
finance, marketing and media from the US and Asia. Lai studied at Harvard University and Beijung University and speaks both
English and Chinese.
Vancouver team co-founder John Probandt stated, "Jamian has the idea background to successfully
build our Vancouver team from both a local and global perspective. His international experiences in business development,
marketing and media relations are important to achieve the global vision of our basketball organization."
"Jamian's
global experiences and connections in the sports and entertainment world will help establish Vancouver and the ABA to fans
around the world. Given his background, Jamian has the ability to bring a unique perspective with tremendous value to our
franchise, fans, partners and the ABA," added Vancouver team co-founder Weiqing "Walter" Huang.
Lai stated, "I am
very excited at this opportunity to put Vancouver basketball on the world map. We look forward to cultivating strong relationships
with the local community, as well as bringing a truly international flavor to the ABA."
"We aim to build a winning
team that will bring fun and excitement to basketball fans around the world, especially in Asia. Basketball growth has been
impressive in China, and we believe there is enormous potential from both a talent and market outlook. I believe our team
will represent the future direction of basketball and sports in the 21st century," Lai added.
Finally, Lai stated,
"I believe Vancouver will enthusiastically welcome the fast-paced, thrilling brand of ABA basketball that is appealing and
affordable to friends everywhere."
Vancouver is planning a press conference in the near future to announce the venue,
personnel, coaching staff, team development and other details, including the new team name.
For more information and
inquiries about the ABA Vancouver team, log onto www.abalive.com or contact Jamian Lai directly at jamian@post.harvard.edu.
Calgary has been home to two former pro basketball teams. The Calgary 88's of the World Basketball
League from 1988-1992 and the Calgary Outlaws of the National Basketball League in 1994.
The World Basketball League was founded as the International Basketball
Association in November
1987, but changed its name prior to the 1988 season.
The league allowed only players under 6'5" tall, changing the restriction
to
6'7" in 1992.
Some of the feature players for the Calgary 88s' included Carlos Clark, Dave Henderson, Chip Engelland,
Jim Thomas, Sidney Lowe, Perry Young and David Boone. Coaches for the team were Mike Thibault, 1988, Cory Russell, 1989 and
Roger Lyons, 1989 - 1992.
A cornerstone franchise for the WBL, the 88's reached the league finals three times. Although
the team never won a WBL title, Calgary posted the league's best regular season record in 1988, 1989, and 1991. In five seasons,
the 88's went 151-78.
 Former Calgary 88s' player Sidney Lowe was head coach for Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timerwolves. Calgary
teammate Chip Engelland is now a assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets.
|
