Buffalo Silverbacks
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| League | ABA 2005-present |
| Team history | Buffalo Rapids 2005-2006 Buffalo Silverbacks 2006-present |
| Based in | Buffalo, New York |
| Arena | Buffalo State Sports Arena |
| Colors | Gray, Red, and Black |
| Owner | Vincent Lesh |
| Head coach | Rich Jacob |
| Championships | 0 |
| Division titles | 0 |
| Cheerleaders | Buffalo Rush (05-06) |
| Dancers | WBLK Sweet Divas (06-07) |
The Buffalo Silverbacks are an American Basketball Association (ABA) team based in Buffalo, New York.
History
The Buffalo Rapids were founded by Gary Nice and began play in the fall of 2005 as part of the ABA's Connie Hawkins Division. It was the first professional basketball team to play in Buffalo, New York since the Buffalo Braves. The team's name was chosen by a fan voting, with "Rapids" finishing second to "Braves". Trademark restrictions prevented the franchise from adopting the Braves name, but the Rapids team colors were identical to those of the Buffalo Braves.
Dan Robbie and Todd Wier became co-owners of the franchise in December 2005 following the departure of Gary Nice.[1]
Initial games were played at Burt Flickinger Center, but a financial dispute left the team searching for a new permanent home. They played most home games at Park School of Buffalo until February 2006. The final home game of the 2005-2006 season was played at Buffalo State Sports Arena, with the team later utilizing the venue for most 2006-2007 home games.
It was announced in May 2006 that the franchise had changed its name to the Buffalo Silverbacks.[2] Controversy arose in August 2006 when the Buffalo News ran an article condemning the team's logo, which featured a silverback gorilla, as racist. The team responded by adopting a new team logo featuring a tiger in October 2006.
Another bit of controversy involved the Silverbacks announcing that DayShawn Wright had been signed to the team in September 2006.[3] Soon after this announcement, Wright signed with the Minot SkyRockets of the CBA.[4]
Head coach Richard Jacob resigned from the team in November 2006 to focus on his job at Medaille College.[5] Trevor Ruffin, a player from the team's inaugural season and an assistant coach during their 2006-2007 training camp, replaced him as head coach.
Standings
| Regular Season | |||||||
| Year | Wins | Losses | Percentage | Home | Away | League | Division |
| 2005-2006 | 11 | 17 | .392 | 6-7 | 5-10 | 17th - ABA | 3rd - Connie Hawkins |
| 2006-2007 | 16 | 10 | .615 | 10-3 | 6-7 | 12th - ABA | 3rd - Northern |
| Playoffs | |||||||
| Year | Wins | Losses | Percentage | Home | Away | Seeding | Finish |
| 2005-2006 | 1 | 1 | .500 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 15th - ABA | Lost Quarterfinal |
| 2006-2007 | 1 | 1 | .500 | - | 1-1 | 12th - ABA | Lost Semifinal |
Results
2005-2006
2006-2007
Roster and Staff
2005-2006
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Released
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Staff
- Owners - Gary Nice (11/05 - 12/05), Dan Robbie and Todd Wier (12/05 - present)
- General Manager - Richard Jacob
- Head Coach - Richard Jacob
- Assistant Coach - Tyrone Thomas
- Player Assistant Coaches - Modie Cox and Tim Winn
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Bob Bateson
2006-2007
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- All-Star Selection - Antoine Sims
- ABA Community Service Award - Modie Cox
Released
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Staff
- Owners - Dan Robbie and Todd Wier
- Head Coach - Trevor Ruffin
- Player Assistant Coach - Modie Cox
- Strength and Conditioning Coach - Bob Bateson
References
- ^ http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3252068
- ^ http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3307942
- ^ http://oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3381729
- ^ http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3384184
- ^ http://www.niagara-gazette.com/sports/local_story_304224717.html
External links
- BuffaloSilverbacks.com - Official website of the Buffalo Silverbacks
- Buffalo Silverbacks @ OurSportsCentral - Buffalo Silverbacks scores, news and information
- Buffalo Silverbacks @ UBFan - Discussion forum dedicated to the Buffalo Silverbacks
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