Whites-only basketball league planned

A man by the name of Don "Moose" Lewis is leading a consortium to start a new semi-professional basketball league this summer. The All-American Basketball Alliance (AABA) wants to start play in June in 12 cities across the southeastern United States. This new league has brought controversy, because it will only admit white, American born players.

In an article by the Augusta Chronicle of Georgia, Lewis said the restriction is not based on racist principles, and the AABA is "a league for white players to play fundamental basketball, which they like."

A league only allowing white players to play is seen by some as racist. Texas A&M University-Commerce's junior guard Dallas Hunter agrees with that view.

"Today, that's kind of racist, all white players," he said. "It probably wouldn't work, but you never know."

In the Augusta Chronicle story, Lewis said he wants his league to emphasize the fundamentals of basketball instead of the "street ball" he says "people of color" play. A&M-Commerce freshman Preston Whitley said fundamentals are still the basis of the game anywhere.

"It all comes from fundamentals, but you've got to make it fun, too," he said. "The game's developed more, and there are a lot more talented players. The game has elevated to where it's a lot more finesse, but it all comes from the fundamentals."

The AABA is reportedly having trouble finding cities that want to host a team. Another issue that may arise is finding players. A league as controversial as the AABA may turn away some who are afraid of having their reputation tarnished. Dallas Hunter said most, however, are just looking to play.

"If they decided to play, it doesn't make them racist," he said. "It's just, they want to play, see how it pans out."

Whitley also said players would just be looking to play on a team and playing in the AABA does not necessarily mean they are not as good as NBA players.

"Even overseas, there are players that are not as talented, or even as talented, as NBA players but just didn't make it," Whitley said. "Everybody can't make it all of the time."

Junior Cardell Hunter also thinks the AABA will not make it, and said those looking for more fundamental based basketball can look to the European leagues.

""There are plenty of fundamental basketball players that are black, or Hispanic," he said. "The most fundamental basketball is in Europe, and they've already got a league."