Yes, there was a professional basketball game in Calgary last night. The American Basketball Association's Calgary Drillers made their home debut with little fanfare at the Stampede Corral against the visiting Las Vegas Rattlers.
Had there been a TV broadcast, fans in their living rooms would have thought they were watching a university contest in the Miami Arena thanks to the orange and green outline of the old Hurricanes floor imported by the Drillers.
The backboards and baskets also were right out of the Arena basement but the shot clocks above the boards didn't work.
Despite the 'Canes logo on the middle of the court, the on-floor product certainly looked better than college hoops with an array of alley-oops, three pointers and slam dunks throughout the high-scoring contest -- more than enough to satisfy even the hungriest basketball aficionado.
It's too bad only about 300 fans were on hand to witness the Drillers lose 114-104 because the ABA brand of basketball packs excitement, as those in the crowd found out.
The Drillers, sporting white uniforms with black trim, had only four workings days to prepare for the game and, considering the short time frame, things went fairly smoothly.
But there were a few glitches. There were no programs for fans to buy on their way in so they didn't know who was who on either team. Ultimately, it didn't matter -- they quickly got into the game, becoming louder as the contest went on.
It didn't even matter a hockey scoreboard just doesn't cut it for a basketball game.
The audience was entertained during timeouts by Da Fuel, a young troupe of dancers which busted some moves, including some old-school breakdancing, on the floor and in the stands.
While there were no programs, people could buy merchandise, including Drillers toques, hats and golf shirts.
Those in attendance came to check out the Drillers for a variety of reasons. Some were even longtime fans of the league.
"I grew up following the ABA back in the early '70s, listening to it on the radio when I was around 12 years old or so. Back then, it was as popular as the NBA with Dr. J (Julius Erving) playing," said Brian Lowe, 44. "Hopefully, they can get some fan support."
Lowe regularly checks the ABA website and read the Drillers were coming to Calgary.
Some fans, like Lonnie Brown, just wanted to check out the product on the floor.
"I'm interested in basketball, generally, and my son (Jamie) played college ball," said Brown. "I'm expecting to see some exciting basketball that's better than university and a step below the NBA."
But Brown did say he thought tickets were overpriced for a team that hadn't played a minute in Calgary.
"I think they started off on the wrong foot with ticket prices. They're too high," said Brown, who forked out $22 for his ducat.
But the general consensus among fans was they love basketball and wanted to see for themselves what the Drillers had to offer.
"It's just a love of basketball and I wanted to see what this is all about. I heard it was all offence and no defence," said Gord Harris.
Hoops enthusiasts can expect to see just that tonight (Corral, 7 p.m.) when the two squads tangle again.
