New York Guard

All-American Basketball Alliance (1978)

Background

This very obscure minor league basketball team from the All-American Basketball Alliance played just nine games before folding. The AABA formed in January 1978. The level of play was roughly on par with the Eastern Basketball Association (1946-1978). The EBA was a no-frills bus league which offered a place to play for NBA training camp cuts and for refugees from the recently defunct American Basketball Association (1967-1976).

The Guard were based in White Plains, New York at the Count Center. The team boasted a few New York Knicks connections. Head coach Fuzzy Levane coached the Knickerbockers in 1958 and 1959. Forward Mel Davis out of St. John’s was the Knicks’ 1st round draft pick in 1973. Other notable players included New York playground legend Fly Williams and former ABA All-Star center Gene Moore.

Not all of the Guard players were at the end of the professional road. Young center Major Jones went on to a six-year NBA career with the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons from 1979 to 1985.

The End

The Guard made their debut on January 11, 1978 with a 129-110 road loss to the Rochester Zeniths. The team played eight more games over the next three weeks and compiled a record of 4-5. This included the final game in league history on February 2, 1978, which was another road loss in Rochester. The AABA turned out to have no real financial backing and closed its doors a few days later.

In Memoriam

Forward Larry McNeill died on December 29, 2004 at age 53.

Guard head coach Fuzzy Levane passed away on April 30, 2012 of heart failure at age 92. New York Times obituary.

Downloads

January 11, 1978 New York Guard @ Rochester Zeniths Scorecard & Roster

Links

Programs

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