Westchester to get professional basketball team
A new professional basketball team plans to call the Lower Hudson Valley home during the upcoming season.
The Westchester Phantoms are an American Basketball Association expansion team, and will play home games at Peekskill High School this season. The franchise is owned by Daisy Brand.
Financial backing came from her son, Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand, a former Red Devils star. His brother, Artie McGriff, is the general manager.
"I believe we're making a major commitment," McGriff said. "I think we're in this as long as it takes to be successful. Of course it would be nice to make a profit, but our main goal is to create something that can sustain itself. And if that takes a few years, we're here for a few years."
Westchester's first game is scheduled for Nov. 4 against the Strong Island Sound. The season runs through March and is expected to include between 32 and 36 games.
The organization is currently interviewing coaching candidates and will soon hold open tryouts for players.
"Our first goal there is to go local," McGriff said. "If we can put a competitive team together from the area, that would be the best thing for us."
The current ABA is made up of nearly 50 teams playing in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It's a league that encourages a family atmosphere while promoting an up-tempo game.
While none of the marketing plans have been finalized, McGriff is considering an idea to offer tickets for as low as $5 in the first season. He also plans to recruit community groups with an offer to share profits from ticket sales.
Similar ventures here in the past have not found a fan base.
The Westchester Wildfire, a USBL team, debuted in 2003 and lasted just three seasons. The franchise played 15 home games between April and June at the Westchester County Center and Pace University.
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