If you’re over the age of 50, chances are you remember the original American Basketball Association (ABA) for being the home of such teams as the Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets, and a league that was made famous by Hall of Famers like Moses Malone, Rick Barry and Julius “Dr. J” Erving before it merged with the NBA in 1976. Even after the merger, fans who did not have access to a local franchise wanted to have a taste of professional basketball in their own backyard, so when the league re-emerged in 1999, it was just a matter of time before they made their presence here in Prince William County. The Woodbridge Wolves were formed in 2018 and play in the ABA’s Mid-Atlantic Region.

Yesterday was my first opportunity to attend a home game, which is played at Freedom High School in Woodbridge. It was a beautiful display of fast breaking, hard-nosed basketball that I came to know and love as a child. The Wolves defeated the PG Valor in dominating fashion, winning 108-77 before an energetic crowd who cheered every dunk and appreciated the wizardry in passes that would make the Washington Wizards jealous. Guard Kam Williams stood out as he recorded 34 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals for the Wolves, but it’s what this team represents to the community that is most important.

Everyone from the youngest child who was selling refreshments to the students who were helping take scores, there’s a close-knit feeling that bring fans together to enjoy the beautiful game. Although they are still in their infancy, the foundation has been set by the Wolves and participants to make sure it has a lasting effect in Prince William County. Their next home game will be at 4:00pm on March 1 vs. Fredericksburg.

For more information about the Woodbridge Wolves, check them out on Instagram (@woodbridgewolvesaba) or if you would like to know about the ABA, go to https://abaliveaction.com/.