With the NBA playoffs in full swing, Phoenix has quickly regained its status of a basketball town -- a true resurgence after 10 years of mediocrity.
However, the brimming swimming pool figures to get a little deeper, and it's not because of the ASU men's and women's basketball teams.
At least not completely.
The Arizona Rhinos of the American Basketball Association will take the court this fall, offering an alternative to the pricey Suns and painfully average ASU men's basketball team.
The Rhinos are run by 28-year-old Aaron Scofield, a former Calvin (Mich.) College basketball player. Scofield is vice president of Phoenix Digital Solutions, an advertising and marketing company.
Scofield said his team will give Phoenix families that don't necessarily have the finances to enjoy the Suns a chance to see professional basketball.
"It's like the difference between a flashy foreign car dealer and a Honda dealer," Scofield said. "They are both going to be successful in their respective markets."
The Rhinos don't have any players under contract, but they are looking at a couple former Sun Devils.
Former ASU point guard Jason Braxton worked out with the team on Sunday. Former ASU shooting guard Steve Moore is scheduled to try out in the near future.
"He really understands the game, and I love his unselfish play," Scofield said of Braxton.
Braxton said he's keeping an open mind. He has considered playing overseas.
"I'm just keeping my options open right now," Braxton said. "You never know what's going to happen, and you have to take advantage."
Scofield said signing players who have seen action in the Valley will give his team more of a community feel.
"We are trying to get the community involved and stay accessible," Scofield said. "You've got to really push to get as much community backing as you can. By doing that, you try to explore the possibilities of local players."
Scofield's staff includes well-traveled coach Jeff Fore and former Phoenix Suns guard Bernard Thompson.
There's no doubt Scofield faces an uphill battle.
The last time the ABA ventured to Phoenix, it was met with failure. The Phoenix Eclipse lasted just one season.
The Tao of Zow is the weekly column of assistant sports editor Jeff Hoodzow. If you have any questions, comments or rumors to report, please feel free to
e-mail him at TaoofZow@gmail.com.
