THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 9, 1996 TAG: 9606070204
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Bill Leffler
LENGTH: 51 lines
Let's hope in the study by the mayors of area cities for a major sports franchise that the Portsmouth Connection isn't overlooked.
That would be Dolsey, Baker and Parker.
It's not a law firm. Yale Dolsey, James ``Booty'' Baker and Mahlon Parker have been the guiding forces behind the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament since its inception and nobody in South Hampton Roads has the dealings with the professional basketball folks these two have.
On a first-name basis with virtually every team president, general manager and coach in the NBA, Dolsey, Baker and Parker have much to contribute to this study.
Dolsey and Baker have served as co-chairmen of the player-selection committee of the PIT since the tournament went to the format of inviting only college seniors. Parker and Baker both were players themselves in the very first PIT. Parker served in numerous positions on the volunteer workers' committees before becoming tournament chairman.
The commissioner of the NBA, David J. Stern, has told officials from the city of Norfolk that the region has a good chance of getting a franchise if it puts together an ownership group and a commitment to build a 20,000-seat arena.
The Hampton Roads Partnership, which includes 53 of the area's business, civic, political and military leaders, is looking into this.
Dolsey, Baker and Parker, the Portsmouth Connection, are not a part of the partnership. But if the study gets beyond determining the region can support an arena and needs to attract an NBA team, it would be good to include them.
They are close friends with Jerry Colangelo, owner of the Phoenix Suns. Colangelo is regarded as the most influential owner in the NBA on expansion matters.
Dolsey is one of a very few in South Hampton Roads who can pick up a telephone, dial Colangelo and get right through to him.
Until the last five or six years, Colangelo was a regular attendee at the PIT. His son still comes here every year.
It's only natural that, with their long love for basketball, Dolsey, Baker and Parker would be behind any efforts to bring the NBA to South Hampton Roads.
``I think it's wonderful they are looking into it,'' said Baker. ``I would certainly be glad to support it and help in any capacity that might be needed.
``In working with Mahlon Parker, I have been impressed with his wide range of knowledge and I believe he could be helpful.
``And everybody knows Yale Dolsey has more friends in the NBA than anybody in Tidewater.'' ILLUSTRATION: Dolsey by CNB