ABA’s Compton Cobras Play Santa’s Elves in Big Christmas Trees Giveaway!

Compton, California (December 20, 2009) – The 4-1 Compton Cobras today announced they made a double-whammy this week. One of the 2009/2010 expansion teams, the Cobras surprised the ABA league with its winning record and ranking at 18th nationally according to the league’s Power Rankings. And, as the first-and-only professional team in the city of Compton, the team also surprised its residents by playing Santa’s elves and handing out Christmas trees.

Compton Cobras players and staff, along with Compton City Mayor Eric J. Perrodin, Dr. William Jones and members of the Compton City Council, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and brothers from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., participated in a “standing room only” Christmas Trees and Toys Giveaway at the Dollarhide Neighborhood Center in Compton. The Cobras donated 200 trees, while the other organizations contributed food and toys to more than 200 families in need. On Saturday, Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents lined up in droves to receive the much-needed holiday donations.

“We want the community to recognize us as more than just their basketball team,” says Compton Cobras owner Tyrone Rodgers. “It’s important that the community knows we are here to support them just as much as they support us,” adds Rodgers, who grew up in Compton. He, along with Head Coach Ralph Lawson, has assembled a deep roster of veteran and impressionable rookie players that are taking the ABA league by storm.

Cobras leading scorer Guard Isaac Burton, is a former IBL All-Star that was voted MVP as well as Defensive Player of the Year and averages 25 points per game. Small Forward Jamar Cramer and Power Forward Jermain Willform both average 16 points, are veteran defense powerhouses and members of last year’s West Coast ABA Championship team. Quick-handed Guard Yemie Wells is a veteran crunch player in the paint with 10 points a game, while rookie Small Forward Curtis Small can hit from outside the perimeter, steal the ball as well as fearlessly drive to the post.

The Cobras will have a short holiday break and then have a rematch at home on Jan. 7, 2010 against the San Diego Surf. In their previous contest the Cobras made a miraculous 101-91 comeback victory.