Ohio Aviators
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| League | ABA 2007-present |
| Team history |
Ohio Aviators 2005-present |
| Based in | Canton, Ohio |
| Arena | Canton Memorial Civic Center |
| Colors | Blue, Black, White, Red |
| Owner(s) | Joe Lewandowski |
| Head coach | Bryant Lewandowski |
| Championships | 0 |
| Division titles | 0 |
| Cheerleaders | Lady Aviators |
The Ohio Aviators are an inactive team in the American Basketball Association based in Canton, Ohio. The team finished 3-13 in their lone season (2005–06), and lost in the first round of the ABA playoffs.
"Aim High, Fly High!"
Announced to much fanfare and excitement at an April 14, 2005 press conference, the Aviators pledged to sell 4,000 tickets to the home opener, and, according to GM Bryant Lewandowski, sell out every night. Throughout the summer of 2005, the Aviators participated in streetball tournaments, and summer leagues, winning one such.
Despite a seemingly successful pre-season and press conferences to unveil new signees, the team had very slow ticket sales. Referring to the home opener, one person in the front office stated "I do not know how many tickets have been sold so far. Season ticket sales have been very slow."(as quoted in an email exchange), and noted that press coverage was less than friendly.
The First Season
The Aviators opened their season on November 18 with a 108-96 loss on the road versus the Detroit Wheels. Three more losses followed, against the Lake Erie Rockers (110-104), Indiana Alley Cats (136-133), and the Toledo Ice (110-109).
Current status
The Aviators did not play in 2006-07, spending the season listed on ABALive.com's 2007-08 expansion list. In July 2007, the Aviators were dropped from the team list at ABALive.com, indicating that the Aviators are not expected to return.