| ANAHEIM, CA - (November 29, 2001) - The Southern California Surf of the American Basketball Association ("ABA") announced that former Los Angeles Lakers forward A.C. Green has been hired as the Surf's Vice President of Basketball Operations. Green will be responsible for overseeing the team's basketball operations, including player evaluation, acquisition and development, as well as coordinating community relations programs and youth basketball clinics. "Having a person with A.C.'s basketball knowledge and respect throughout the basketball world is just tremendous," notes Surf Owner/President Steve Chase. "More important than his basketball reputation, A.C.'s personal reputation, moral character and charitable involvements are second to none. He is a fantastic role model who promotes a positive message to our youth." A 3-time NBA World Champion during two separate tours of duty with the Lakers, Green is the NBA's "Iron Man" having played in a NBA record 1,192 consecutive games. Green enjoyed a 15-year NBA career that began as the Lakers' first-round draft pick (23rd overall) in 1985. After 8 seasons with the Lakers, he played 4 seasons with the Phoenix Suns, 2 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, 1 season back with the Lakers and last season reunited with former Lakers head coach Pat Riley in Miami with the Heat. "I am extremely excited about joining the Surf and doing whatever is needed to make this a successful team," says Green. "It's exciting to return to Southern California and to Orange County where I have many friends and businesses. I know that Orange County will get behind this team and cheer us on to an ABA championship." In addition to his distinguished NBA career, Green is also known for his moral character and dedication to helping the youth of America. He has embraced his station as a role model and started the A.C. Green Youth Foundation to "help young people build self-esteem, character and to teach moral and ethical principles to help them make responsible decisions." Joining the ABA in its second season, the Surf will play its home games at the Anaheim Convention Center beginning on December 26th. For more information including sponsorship and season tickets, contact the Surf at (949) 622-8500.
### ABOUT ANAHEIM - The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is California's 10th most populous city. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 345,500 residents and more than 3,200 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.4 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, and the 2008 Olympic Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, The Grove of Anaheim, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net. |