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February 9, 2005
Drillers out of gas
ABA club officially closes up shop but vows to return next yearBy RANDY SPORTAK -- Calgary Sun
The buzzer beater was an airball but the Calgary Drillers are still hoping to draw up another play. The American Basketball Association club officially suspended operations yesterday -- a couple of weeks after owner Glen Straub abandoned the franchise. But GM Ruby Richman hopes to return next season. "Myself and Otis Hailey, the coach, we attempted to find investors in Calgary," Richman said. "A number of them did come forward but with the limited time, we weren't able to cut a deal with them. They would rather get involved with the team starting next year. What we're going to do is spend the next while raising the funds to try and do this next year with Calgary owners and with sufficient funds to finish the year." The fledgling team posted a 4-9 record. If the Drillers do return, Richman knows they'd be received with a jaded eye. "People will be cynical and say, 'With what happened last year, how do we know it's going to be successful this year?' " he said. "We'll just have to overcome that. "That's the main reason I tried to convince these people they should finish this and start immediately to work for next year." As for their odds of returning, Richman admitted they're still long. "There are steps in place but there is still a lot of work to," he said. "It's so far in advance, it's hard to say (those chances are) 50-50 or 75-25. I think Calgary's the best sports town that I've ever worked in and I think the people were very receptive to the Drillers and to basketball. "I thought we were making headway and I hope we'll meet with the same reception next year." |