Professional ABA Games - Hoopin' for Hope! partners ...The Columbus Crush
The Columbus Crush is a donor club operated by the Midwest Opportunity Group that works with area charities to raise money for select causes. The Columbus Crush competes professionally in the American Basketball Association (ABA) giving local players a chance to showcase their skills and further their careers.
The ABA originated in 1966, existing until a 1975 merger with the NBA. Four teams (Denver, Dallas, Nets, Spurs) went into the NBA. The remaining teams were dissolved until 2001. The ABA is where players like Doctor J, Moses Malone, and George Gervin got their professional starts.
Joe Newman led the push to bring back the ABA and began rebuilding the league. Currently 30 cities have ABA teams with many more developing franchises. The Columbus Crush play the majority of their games against teams on a regional basis (Chicago, Aurora, Detroit, Cleveland, Youngstown, Charleston, Beckley, Lexington, Owensboro, Nashville) as they prepare to enter into the National Arena.
The ABA offers an alternative sports entertainment option. General admission prices are usually around $10 yeilding a product that is "kid-friendly" and community outreach focused. The Columbus Crush incorporates community service/outreach with every home game.
One of the Columbus Crush's Community Service/Outreach is their partnership with Hoopin for Hope. On January 9, 2010 the home game Columbus Crush vs Youngstown Swish will help raise money for the Dollars Allocated To Assist program that provides financial relief services to people in active treatment for cancer.
Aside from community service/outreach, the Columbus Crush players host camps, tournaments, open runs, workouts, birthday parties, and special visits on a regular basis.
Players are aware of their responsibility to share their gifts and talents with the next generation.
With the Columbus Crush... It's more than basketball.
The athletes are paid less and required to have more interaction with fans and young people.