The American Basketball Association (ABA) is filled with a rich history and historic figures. The ABA was founded in 1967 and is still going strong. The red, white and blue basketball league is bouncing its way to the Central Valley as the Stanislaus Superkats get ready to tip off their inaugural season.

A relocated franchise from Yuba City, the Superkats are ready to make their presence felt. As the Yuba City Gold Miners, the team peaked at number nine in the nation a year ago, and with returning player Jobe Dillard IV, the ABA has the Superkats ranked 25th in the nation.

The team is owned by former National Basketball Association guard Spencer Norman. He is a New York native and played professional basketball overseas as well as a stint in the NBA. The Superkats are coached by Ron Weltmer. He coached high school basketball for Beyer and is currently the vice president of Hilmar Cheese Company.

“We have a great group of guys, who want to win. The ABA is an exciting atmosphere and we are ready to get the season started,” Weltmer said.

This Saturday the team will host the Oakland Bayhawks in a scrimmage game. The game is scheduled for a noon tipoff at Salida Middle School in Salida. The Superkats welcome all fans to come check out the scrimmage and tickets will be available at the door for $5 each.

Saturday, Nov. 4 the regular season tips off when the Superkats host the 14th ranked Orange County Novastars at Modesto Junior College. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Superkats are still accepting sponsors for the season. Packages start as low as $500. For more details on how to become a sponsor email the team at modestosuperkats@yahoo.com.