The ABA 2000 will tip-off the day after Christmas, with 10 teams on the bill. The question is “Who is going to play?” “He said, `I didn’t even know about it until [Monday],'” said Karen Hoiberg, mother of Fred, who was drafted by the Kansas City Knights in the 10th round. The fledgling league’s draft was held on August 15th. Rookies were drafted in the first six rounds. Hoiberg’s not even knowing about the draft could be seen as a desperate move by the ABA to bring in quality NBA players. The scheduled start was moved back to December 26 due to lack of interest. This could also be seen as a desperate move made by an already floundering franchise. Hoiberg wasn’t the only ISU alum drafted. Michael Nurse was picked by the New York Express in the sixth round. Other notables drafted were Dominique Wilkins and Dennis Rodman. Hoiberg, however, is in the second year of a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls. The first year of his contract was guaranteed, the second is still under negotiation. Eric Hoiberg, Fred’s father, believes that Fred’s first desires fall in line with the NBA and the Bulls. The ABA isn’t the only professional league that has vied for his talents. Hoiberg was selected the first overall pick in the CBA draft the summer after he graduated. But Eric believes that Hoiberg will always “want to play in the NBA.” “He’s happy in Chicago,” said Eric. “And Tim [Floyd] and he have a good relationship.” Eric believes his son’s eyes are set on a career in the NBA, and if the contract with the Bulls falls through, he believes Hoiberg will decide at that time what to do. Nurse is in a different situation. Terry Carroll, ISU assistant head coach for the men’s basketball team believes that Nurse is “very interested” in the rejuvenated league. “He’s been in New York all summer long playing ball and working out,” said Carroll. Nurse, however, has yet to make a final decision. Nurse was a senior on last season’s Big 12 title winning team. The efforts of Salvatore Fradella and Steven Jaloza had a big part in starting up the ABA 2000. Their former occupations were officers of a New York based investment banking firm. The co-founders are also part owners in the New York franchise. If Hoiberg were to join the league, he would play his home games on semi-familiar territory. Kemper Arena, home of the Big-8 and now Big-12 Championships, will be the Knights home floor. Coaching the Knights will be Kevin Pritchard, who played at Kansas University from 1986 to 1990. While there, he brought the ball up for the 1988 NCAA Champion Jayhawks. As a senior, Pritchard was an All Big-8 point guard. The New York Express will be coached by Leonard “Truck” Robinson. Robinson played 11 years in the NBA. He played for five teams, including the New York Knicks. Before this job, Robinson served as a scout, and was known as the “Big Man” assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns. The ABA was first successful with its flashy play and low prices. Prices for the games this year will again be reasonable. What remains to be seen is whether the ABA 2000 can compete with the NBA. ABA circa 1974 had the ability to compete with a then struggling NBA. Since then, the NBA has learned the art of marketing. The ABA appears to need a crash course in this.