The Buffalo 716ers were a basketball team based in Buffalo, New York. The team competed in the Premier Basketball League (PBL) for three seasons between 2013 and 2016 before suspending operations.
History
2012–2013: Franchise acquisition
Tawan Slaughter partnered with Franklin Jackson to purchase an American Basketball Association (ABA) franchise for the city in November 2012 at a cost of $5,000.[1] However, Jackson left the partnership soon after to form the ABA's Buffalo Blue Hawks.[1]
In preparation for her team's first season, Slaughter had them participate in the July 2013 Summer Pro League in Los Angeles.[2] The leading scorer at that showcase was Amir Billups, former Fredonia Blue Devils player and second cousin of Chauncey Billups.[3]
In November 2013, it was announced that Slaughter was launching the Buffalo 716ers for the 2013–14 PBL season.[4] The team takes its name from the 716 area code, widely known as the area code for Buffalo and much of Western New York.[5] Slaughter simultaneously launched a second PBL team, the Erie Hurricane in Erie, Pennsylvania.[4]
Home games were played at Tapestry Charter School, which the team referred to as The Thunderdome due to its raucous crowds.[7]
Glenroy Carr was named to the 2014 All-PBL Team for his performance during the season.[8] Carr led the team in rebounding, with Kelvin Agee leading in both scoring and assists.[9]
Tawan Slaughter coached her team to an 8–7 record in the East Division, but the club failed to qualify for the playoffs.[8]
2014–2015: Second season and playoff controversy
Team co-captain Amir Billups was killed in a February 2015 car accident.[10] The team retired his jersey prior to their 143–114 home win over the Philadelphia Flight on February 21, 2015.[11]
For the second consecutive year, Glenroy Carr was named to the All-PBL Team for his performance during the 2014–15 season.[12]
After the team finished with a 7–10 record in the East Division, it was originally announced that the club had made the playoffs.[12] However, PBL owners changed the playoff structure after top seed Bloomington Flex was expelled from the league, ending Buffalo's season.[13]
In protest of the league's actions, Tawan Slaughter made plans for her team to join the American Basketball Association for the 2015–16 ABA season.[13] Just prior to the season starting, Slaughter changed course, and the 716ers returned to the Premier Basketball League.[14] The ABA consequently brought suit against the team, claiming Slaughter was in breach of contract.[15]
In their final season, the 716ers finished with an 9–6 record in the Northeast Division and qualified for the playoffs.[19] They were eliminated in the semifinal round by the Rochester RazorSharks.[20]
Tawan Slaughter folded the team after the 2015–16 season and sold the Chautauqua Hurricane to new ownership.[21]
^Athletics, Fredonia State University (February 15, 2015). "Fredonia State University Athletics". Fredonia State University Athletics. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
