By Daily Press staff
NBA veteran Byron Russell officially joined the American Basketball Association’s (ABA) Hollywood Fame. He saw action at the team’s home game on Friday, Dec. 22 at Santa Monica College.
Russell, a former Long Beach State University standout, was drafted in the second round of the 1993 NBA Draft. He played nine seasons with the Utah Jazz and went to the NBA Finals in 1998 and 1999, only to be knocked out by the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. His best season came in 1999-2000 when he averaged 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Russell also played with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2003-04 season when the Lakers reached the NBA Finals.
Russell will play under head coach Don Casey, formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers and the New Jersey Nets. Fame co-owner Brady Anderson, MLB All-Star outfielder, will act as Russell’s trainer as the team prepares for a playoff run.
“It’s a credit to our players and the Fame organization to attract a player like Russell who has thoughts of going back the NBA,” said Casey.“He’s jumped right in and is truly part of the team. We are using his expertise to positively impact the team and he gives the organization credibility. It will bring attention to us and opportunity for our players to be seen by European and NBA scouts.”
“Byron Russell is a great shooter and always will be,” said Anderson. “He’s also known as a good defender. Playing for the Fame will get him back in basketball shape. In addition, I will introduce him to new training philosophies that will not only get his body ready to play in the NBA, but back top the shape he was in during the prime of his career.”
The Hollywood Fame is the newest team to join the ABA. It is owned by a host of celebrities and professional athletes including A.J. Discala, Nick Lachey, Geoff Stults, Stacy Keibler, former NBA player John Salley, Mike Hampton, Kyle Roller and Brian Vickers.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 27, 2006. Read the original PDF.