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By Marcus Shockley

Little Rock Lightning Logo

The Little Rock Lightning, a new ABA franchise based in Arkansas, is beginning the work for their first season. With tryouts already scheduled for July 16-17, 2011, Bernard Brown, one of the team’s owners, is looking forward to the new endeavor. “We’re probably going to have a couple more tryouts,” says Brown, who is also networking in the Arkansas area to ensure that players are aware of the new opportunity.

The Lightning are not associated with the former ABA team that was located in the Arkansas area in 2004, the Rim Rockers. This team is a completely new team, but Brown is hoping to repeat something that the Rim Rockers did, which was bring some former Arkansas Razorbacks to the roster. The team hasn’t designated a coaching staff yet, as the season does not start until December 2011, but they are already working in the community.

Normally the Lightning expect to play between 30-35 games, but the schedule is still being determined. We will be featuring more information and follow ups with the team as they begin tryouts and of course, follow the team as they kick off their inaugural season.

Basketball Elite is proud to be a media partner for the the Little Rock Lightning and wish them much success in the coming year.

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Heartland Prowl

The American Basketball Association (ABA) today announced that it will add a team in Cleveland, Texas beginning in the 2011 season. “We are very pleased to add another excellent organization to our Gulf Coast Division,” stated Joe Newman, ABA CEO. “The two owners, Kevin Franklin and Leonard Eythell have excellent sports and business backgrounds. They know what it takes to operate a successful sports organization and have already begun the process getting ready for next season.”

The co-owner and head coach of TEAM HAVOC will be Kevin Franklin. Prior to beginning his career in coaching, Kevin was a well rounded athlete and has working in coaching at Boston College, Northeastern University, Salem State College and University of Mass at Salen. He was also a highschool basketball coach and AAU coach in Massachusetts, Indianapolis IN and Houston TX and a collegeiate player in basketball/baseball at LeMoyne-Owen College. He was assistant coach/recruiter for Endicott College baseball and assistant coach/recruiter at Newbury Jr. Colldge where they were ranked #3 in the nation. He was also head coach/offensive coordinator of the semi-pro Indianapolis Panthers football team….”and now, with all the blessings of hard work and help along the way, I’m now the new co-owner/head coach of the professional ABA basketball Team Havok. I couldn’t have asked for more,” stated Frankline. “I’d like to give special thanks to my wife Alberta, who is from Cleveland TX and my son KIhristian.”

The other co-owner is Leonard Eythell, a native of Houston TX who moved to Huntsville TX where he played for the Huntsville Hornets basketball team. Leonard will also serve as Asst Coach. After attending Sam Houston State University for two years, he joined the US Navy and became a Dental Technician. While stationed in Sigonella Sicily, he was a shooting guard on the US Navy basketball team. Upon his return to the US, Leonard was stationed in San Diego before returning to Houston and started his own business. “As co-owner and assistant coach of Team Havok, I look forward to many wonderful seasons in the ABA,” stated Leonard. “I would like to thank my family for supporting me during this wonderful opportunity and may this be the start of a great future with the ABA.” For more information, contact Kevin Franklin at 832 767 9000 or email eyewirshut@yahoo.com or contact Eythell Leonard at eythell1@yahoo.com or call 832 724 8937 or visit www.abalive.com.

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