Youngstown Pride
 | |
| Founded | 1988 |
|---|---|
| League | World Basketball League |
| Based in | Youngstown, Ohio |
| Arena | Beeghly Center |
| Colors | |
| Owner | Michael I. Monus |
| Head coach | Floyd Kerr (1992) |
| Championships | 2 (1989 & 1990) |
The Youngstown Pride was a professional basketball team that competed in the World Basketball League during the late 1980s and early 1990s.[1] Based in Youngstown, Ohio, the Pride was established in 1987 by Phar-Mor executive Michael I. Monus and performed well during its five-year lifespan.[1] They were one of only three teams to ever win a WBL championship.
In 1988, the Pride closed its second season with a 28-26 record, placing third in a five-team league that included franchises from Calgary, Las Vegas, Chicago, Fresno, and Vancouver.[2] The following year, the team fared better, sweeping the WBL league championship in two games over the Calgary 88's. Youngstown closed the season with a 31-13 record, compared to Calgary's 31-13.[2]
In 1990, the Youngstown Pride enjoyed its best season, when it seized a second straight WBL championship with a stunning record of 38-8.[2] The next year, the Pride competed well in the WBL's Northern Division, closing the 1991 season with a 26-25 record and placing second in the five-team division.[2]
During its final season in 1992, the Pride posted a 22-13 record, placing second in what was now a 10-team league.[2] At this point, however, the WBL was in trouble, and it disbanded before the close of the season.[2] The league's unraveling is attributed to waning public interest.[1]
Season by season record
[edit]| Season | GP | W | L | Pct. | GB | Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 54 | 28 | 26 | .519 | 4 | 3rd WBL | Lost WBL Semi Finals 105–103 Vs Las Vegas Silver Streaks |
| 1989 | 44 | 30 | 14 | .682 | 1 | 2nd WBL | Won WBL Semi Finals 2–0 Vs Illinois Express, Won WBL Championship 2–0 Vs Calgary 88's |
| 1990 | 46 | 38 | 8 | .826 | – | 1st WBL | WBL First Round BYE, Won WBL Semi Finals 2–1 Vs Memphis Rockers, Won WBL Championship 3–2 Vs Calgary 88's |
| 1991 | 51 | 26 | 25 | .510 | 11 | 2nd WBL Northern Division | Lost WBL Northern Division First Round 2–0 Vs Saskatchewan Storm |
| 1992 | 35 | 22 | 13 | .629 | 5 | 3rd WBL | None, League Folds August 1, 1992 |