In attempting to define the Continental Basketball Association, veteran sports writer Bob Ryan once noted: "The NBA is sirloin, medium rare; the CBA is a double cheeseburger, ketchup only. The NBA is a best-selling novel; the CBA a feature in the National Enquirer. The NBA is fantasy; the CBA is reality."
The description, however, may no longer fit the 52-year-old league."We are very much in the process of reinventing ourselves," said CBA commissioner Steve Patterson, who would like to see the official developmental league of the NBA (cutivating players, officials and coaches) cash in on recent marketing successes by minor league baseball and hockey teams.
His master plan for sprucing up, what he once called professional basketball's "stepchild" is loaded with innovations. Among the most intriguing is blending entertainment into the games, such as placing microphones on officials, players and/or coaches during television broadcasts. Patterson is exploring all options to modernize the CBA, which has shrunk from 17 to nine teams over the past six years - it's smallest number since 1981-82, when the league had just eight teams.
"The CBA is alive and well. We have a solid core," he insists.
Patterson admits it was painful to have both of last year's teams in the CBA Finals (champion Oklahoma City and West Palm Beach, Fla.) close their operations. However, he said it was equally disheartening to see the lack of support the teams had in their respective communities. Omaha, Neb., also lost its franchise.
"We are working for a solid base. This is just more or less a growing pain or a bump in the road," said CBA media relations director Troy Furr.
"Nine teams is a little low, so we are definitely looking to grow."
Under an aggressive expansion plan, which began this season with the addition of the Idaho Stampede in suburban Boise, the CBA will be a 16-team league by the year 2000.
Oklahoma City may reopen or relocate after sitting out the current campaign, while expansion is all but assured to Prospect Heights, Ill.; St. Charles, Mo.; and Trenton, N.J. Other cities involved in the expansion process include Greenville, S.C.; New Orleans; and Savannah, Ga.
Each must meet Patterson's criteria for modern sports ownership, including top-rate facilities. In return, the CBA is committed to putting improved talent on the floor - even if it means pursuing high school seniors. The league's Connecticut Pride offered 1997 Parade magazine high school player of the year Lamar Odom, a 6-foot-9 forward, a $100,000 contract to turn pro. He declined.
"We're certainly not going to go out and be competition for the NCAA," said Furr. "We just want to be another avenue for a player to pursue a dream of playing in the NBA."
According to Patterson, the average player salary for the 20-week CBA season is $30,000. Top players make as much as $50,000.
The situation could improve even further if the CBA is able to reach an accord with the NBA and its players association on setting up an established minor-league system complete with affiliations. The CBA, which has roster spots for 90 players, has already sent 10 to the NBA this season. Last year, a record 45 players were called up.
Billy McKinney, vice-president of basketball operations for the Seattle SuperSonics, said the CBA gives players a leg up on NBA openings over those who choose to play overseas.
Utah Jazz guard Howard Eisley agrees. His playing career included a seven-game stint with the CBA's Rockford Lightning.
"I'd say playing in the CBA is the fastest way to get back into the NBA. A lot of guys go overseas where the money is definitely better, but if you go over there you have to be there the whole year," said Eisley, who signed a contract extension with the Jazz last summer.
"In the CBA, the money is not great but it seems like there are NBA scouts at your game every night."
Sounds like America's two biggest professional basketball leagues need each other.
"In the CBA, you are there to improve your game and hopefully get a shot at playing in the NBA," Eisley said.
And as far as Patterson is concerned, what's wrong with having a little fun along the way?
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONTINENTAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Active franchises 1997-98
Connecticut Pride (Hartford)
Fort Wayne Fury (Indiana)
Grand Rapids Hoops (Michigan)
Idaho Stampede (Boise)
La Crosse Bobcats (Wisconsin)
Quad City Thunder (Rock Island, Ill.)
Rockford Lightning (Illinois)
Sioux Falls Skyforce (South Dakota)
Yakima Sun Kings (Washington)
Inactive franchise
Oklahoma City Calvary
Expansion franchises*
Prospect Heights, Ill. (Chicago)
St. Charles, Missouri (St. Louis)
Trenton, N.J.
(Involved in the expansion process)
Greenville, S.C.
New Orleans
Savannah, Ga.
*Soon to be awarded