Inconsistent Crowds, Injuries Bog Down Abl Despite Problems, League Content After First Month

All of a month old, the women’s American Basketball League can point to good attendance and the surprising success of one of its teams, the Columbus Quest.

“I feel very good about where we are,” said Gary Cavalli, a co-founder and vice president of ABL.

There have, however, been many injuries, including one to Olympian Jennifer Azzi. Through 43 games, the eight teams of the fledgling pro league have averaged 3,420 fans, surpassing the break-even goal of 3,000.

The only disappointment at the gate has been the league’s winningest team. The Quest are drawing a league-low average of 2,223 fans.

He offered several possible explanations: the popularity of the Ohio State football team, star guard Katie Smith’s late signing and the number of weekday night games.

Quest coach Brian Agler believes that once Ohio State’s season is over, fans may catch on. Columbus was 11-0 and leading the ABL’s Eastern Conference entering Thursday’s game against the Seattle Reign.

“There’s no question, it’s been a surprise,” Agler said. “Not that I’m shocked, because I knew we could have a good team.”

While Columbus was reveling in its success, the San Jose Lasers were stinging from the loss of Azzi, who went up for a layup last week against the Portland Power and came down hard on her right shoulder. She had arthroscopic surgery this week.

Steve Hams, an ABL co-founder and its chief operating officer, pointed to Azzi and fellow Olympian Teresa Edwards of the Atlanta Glory as the “two real rocks of the league.”

Azzi was averaging 16.6 points and 4.7 assists through 11 games.

“We will definitely miss Jennifer on the court but her presence on the bench will be extremely important,” said Lasers coach Jan Lowrey.

Elsewhere in the league, the first quarter of the season has been marked by physical play and a dominant perimeter game.

“It’s not sissy basketball,” said Cindy Brown, a guard, forward and center for the Reign. “It’s basketball.”

Atlanta’s Saudia Roundtree said inconsistent officiating has given way to some grueling games.

“It’s more aggressive than college,” she said.

Cavalli worries about the flow off the court. His job now is to build a national presence and attract additional corporate sponsors.

“We haven’t had time to catch our breath yet,” he said.