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Hampton Roads now featured in the PBA
The Pro Basketball Association by 1891 has awarded the Hampton Roads market to the Seven Cities Vets.
Hampton Roads, the heart of Virginia, is recognized for its naval bases, beaches, and producing some of the best talent in the sports world such as, Hall of famers Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, Bruce Smith, and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, Old Dominion University alumni Jay Harris (ESPN Anchor) and Tony Brothers (NBA Official), Sam Presti, Virginia Wesleyan alumni and General manager for the OKC Thunder. Also, the most electrifying quarterback to play in the NFL in Mike Vick and Super Bowl Champion Kam Chancellor just to name a few.
On November 2019, the Seven Cities Vets (Virginia Vets) inaugural season began in the American Basketball Association (ABA). The Vets Big 3, Portsmouth native Marcus Fisher, Indian River standout Branden Smith, and Booker T. Washington star Myles Holley led the Vets on a quest to win the ABA regular season, playoffs, and become the first expansion team to win a championship in its 1st season.
The Vets Big 3 plus the heart and hustle of Greg Gibbs, the IQ of Nansemond River legend Marquie Cooke, the defense and athleticism of 4-time I.C. Norcom state champion Travis Ingram, the consistent double-digit rebounding of Richmond’s Demond Hickman, and the playmaking ability of Churchland’s Mel Johnson (son of ABA/NBA great Marvin Barnes) propelled the Vets to win 62 percent of their regular season games. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 pandemic, the ABA playoffs were cancelled.
In 2021, the Vets competed in the Virginia Hoop League. They added 3 key pieces in Dshaun Thomas (Norview Coach), Khalil Jeffries (Wilson High) and Raemaad “Maad” Wright (Kings Fork). Maad, would go on to earn MVP honors and lead the league in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. Greg Gibbs led the VHL in steals. Tim Montgomery led the VHL in assists. Coach Lina Brown led the charge to the Vets winning the 2021 Virginia Hoop League Championship.
The Vets are now an expansion franchise with the Pro Basketball Association (PBABY1891). The 16-game regular season is scheduled to start November 2022. Games can be streamed by downloading the PBA App, ROKU TV, YouTube.