An all Native team for the American Basketball Association is on the rocks, The Billings Gazette reports.

William Stephen Ledesma, who claims "Mission" Indian ancestry, said he would hold seven tryout camps throughout the country. According to the paper, all of them were canceled.

A consolidated camp was held in New Mexico last week, the paper said. At the camp, organizers indicated the team would play in Toronto rather than Albuquerque, the paper reported.

Joe Newman, ABA co-founder and chairman was quoted as being "extremely angry" and "extremely disappointed" with the situation. Ledesma appeared to blame gaming tribes for not supporting the team.

Get the Story:
Inside glance: ABA Indian team appears unlikely [see fifth item] (The Billings Gazette 10/14)

Relevant Links:
Native American Camps - http://www.nativeamericacamps.com
American Basketball Association - http://www.abalive.com

Related Stories:
Column: All Native basketball team a 'cool' idea (06/29)
Column: Native-only basketball team 'unworkable' (06/16)
All Native basketball team slated for ABA (06/08)