By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PRINCE Braynen will make the transition to professional basketball in the American Basketball Association.

Braynen signed with the league’s Nassau Pride following the completion of his collegiate career with the Edward Waters Tigers.

The 6’2”, 210-pound combo guard joins a Pride team following Free Agent Training Camp last weekend. The Nassau Pride is based in Nassau County, Florida. The mission of the Nassau Pride is to provide a new level of sports and entertainment to Nassau County and surrounding Florida communities.

The Nassau Pride focuses on strong community involvement through enrichment and development programmes. “We represent more than 5 of Florida’s northernmost cities, bringing together a diverse group of sports fans from around the community, as we are the county’s first professional sports team,” said a press release.

Braynen played locally for the CR Walker Knights before playing for Pensacola State at the junior college level. He then transferred to Edward Waters for his final years of collegiate eligibility.

The original ABA existed from 1967-1977 before they merged with the NBA. It re-emerged in 1999 with a new model aimed at forming strong bonds with communities and encouraging family friendly entertainment.

The second edition of the league is now one of the largest professional sports leagues in the US, with over 70 teams competing for the championship this upcoming season, across 10 divisions.

Today, the ABA has nearly 1,000 players competing at the pro level, over 200 coaches and over 200 officials. It is made up of former NBA players, NCAA Div 1 and 2 players, McDonalds All Americans, international players, and is the platform for sending off many players to international teams.

The ABA has unique rules which allow for a faster pace leading to a higher scoring, more exciting game. For example, the ABA’s halfcourt violation is seven seconds opposed to eight seconds in the NBA to get across the half-court line. Following a turnover it initiates the 3D light. When the 3D Light is on: two point shots = three points, three point shots = four points and a half-court shot = five pts.