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Scott, Moe Pace Team

Squires: Pro Basketball For Keeps

By Bill Nachman
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Professional basketball has come
to Virginia. With the recent introduction
of the Virginia Squires of
the American Basketball Association,
the Old Dominion can finally
boast of a truly topnotch squad.

This is not to say that the
Squires are the first professional
athletic organization to appear in
Virginia. Several minor league franchises
have sprung up throughout
the state since the end of World
War Two. Baseball teams have
appeared at one time or another in
Tidewater (current home of AAA
and A class teams), Richmond
(home of a AAA squad), Petersburg,
and several small towns in the
Appalachians. Football has appeared
in the guise of the Norfolk
Neptunes, the Richmond Saints and
the Roanoke Buckskins.

New Sports Concept

The Squires are a part of a new
concept in sports. Instead of playing
all 'home' contests in the same
place, the team has several different
emporium with which they can identify.
Regional franchises have
cropped up in five of the American
Basketball Association's 11 teams.

Floating around the state was
first employed on a large scale last
season when the Carolina Cougars
happed around the Tar Heel State.
This season the Squires, the Texas
Chaparrals, the Floridians, and the
Utah Stars, have all given the Carolina
idea support.

Virginia claims at least four
cities as home. Norfolk, Hampton,
Roanoke, and Richmond all will
host games. Other areas will see a
contest or two-notably Salem and
Fairfax.

'Patriotic Ball'

Differing from the better known
NBA only in a few minor rules, the
ABA offers a topnotch brand of
basketball. A three-point field goal
(from outside 25 feet), a funny
looking patriotic (red, white, and
blue) ball, and small, antiquated
gymnasiums have characterized the
league in the past. The rule change
is still around with the colored ball,
but gone are National Guard Armories
and crowds of 200.

Pacing the Squires to their early
lead in the Eastern Division is slick
Charlie Scott, a hotshot guard.
Scott, a product of North Carolina,
is having a field day in his rookie
year. Averaging 25 points a game,
Charlie has dazzled opponents and
fans with his ball-handling and driving
layups in the team's first 10
contests, of which the Squires have
won eight.

Joining Scott at the other backcourt
post is Larry Brown. Brown,
who played with the club last season
when they were the Washington
Caps, also starred at UNC. Larry is
billed as the man who disputed the
theory that 'basketball is a game for
giants.' At 5′9″ he is the smallest
man in the ABA.

Forwards are Doug Moe and
Frank Card. Moe, acquired from
Carolina, is chipping in with 11
points an outing. Card is touted as
an extremely good rebounder. He is
noted for being able to box out
taller foes with his 6′7″ frame.

Jim Eakins starts at center for
the Squires. Playing in the ABA for
two seasons, Jim is still learning the
ropes, but his 6-11 frame is making
him a stellar pupil. Ray Scott,
former Baltimore Bullet star, backs
Eakins up.

Other top reserves are guard
Mike Barrett, forward Neil Johnson
(averaging 13 points a game), and
Mike Maloy. Maloy recently joined
the club from Pittsburgh's Condors,
and he will suit up Friday in his
first duty at forward for the
Squires.

Statewide Interest

Virginia certainly possesses a
fine team. New arenas around the
state clamor for the thrills and
color of the Old Dominion's first
regional sports endeavor. If you get
a chance go see a Squires' game.
Just look for the red, white, and
blue ball!