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Presented by Ms. Carlisle
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Whereas, October 30th, 2005, Freddy Lewis and the American Basketball Association (ABA) will begin their 2005 - 2006 Pittsburgh Xplosion season that will include thirty six scheduled games including eighteen home games at the Mellon Arena; and
Whereas, Freddy Lewis, a true inspiration and an original member of Indiana Pacers' in 1967; Pacers' Team Captain; MVP of 1972 ABA Playoffs; Four-Time ABA All Star; MVP of 1975 ABA All-Star Game; Played on all three Indiana Pacers ABA Championship Teams; Pacers ABA Leader in games play (672), Free Throw Made (2,999), and assists (2,711); and
Whereas, the American Basketball Association featuring the Connie Hawkins Lead Pittsburgh Pipers started in 1967 and played nine full seasons. It battled its rival the NBA for players, fans, and media attention; and
Whereas, in 1976, the two leagues merged. Four of the American Basketball Association teams joined the NBA and are still in existence today. They are: the New Jersey Nets, the Denver Nuggets, the Indian Pacers, and the San Antonio Spurs; and
Whereas, in 2000 - 2001 was the new American Basketball Association's inaugural season started with eight teams around the country. Now there are fifty teams gearing up for the 2005 - 2006 American Basketball Association season, with Pittsburgh being selected as one of the most recent teams.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend the American Basketball Association, the Pittsburgh Xplosion and Freddy Lewis for their work with the youth and young adults in the community, and we welcome them to the Pittsburgh area.