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]
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