New ABA team in Springfield to be coached by Dr. Steve Sobel

There's a new ABA franchise starting up in Springfield, Massachusetts this season, and it will be coached by Dr. Steve Sobel, who also coaches Rodney Purvis's team in the Greater Hartford Pro-Am and who dedicated Sunday afternoon's win to the memory of Purvis's "brother, Tyrek Coger.

Here's the press release announcing the new team, which will be called the Springfield Sting:

The American Basketball Association (ABA) is bringing its first franchise to Springfield, Massachusetts during its 50th anniversary season. Coined the Springfield Sting, the organization will boast the best professional talent from the Greater Springfield area and beyond. The season commences in November 2016. The Sting will be joining the ABA’s Northeast Division for the start of the 2016-17 season, alongside teams in Boston, Providence, New York, Long Island and New Jersey.

The franchise will be owned by Zach Baru of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Baru’s past experience in sports and entertainment includes the Springfield Spirit of the National Women's Basketball League, the Greater Springfield Pro-Am Basketball League, the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League and the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.

Dr. Steven Sobel has been hired as the team’s first General Manager and Head Coach. Sobel, a former Division II star at the University of Hartford, has spent over 40 years coaching collegiate and professional basketball teams and players. During the offseason, Sobel is at the helm of the Springfield Slamm of the Greater Hartford Pro-Am Basketball League. Sobel is also a nationally recognized Motivational Speaker and author of The Good Times Handbook - Your Guide to Positive Living and Exciting Life.

“We are excited to bring professional basketball back to the city of Springfield. With Dr. Sobel at the helm, and potential supporters already reaching out, the possibilities for success here in the community are endless,” said Zach Baru, Springfield Sting Founder/Owner.

Further information about the Sting is available on the team’s official website, SpringfieldSting.com.