Pittsburgh Piranhas
Encyclopedia
The Pittsburgh Piranhas, were a semi-pro basketball team, that began play in 1994 as part of the Continental Basketball Association
. The team played all of its home games at the A.J. Palumbo Center located on the campus of Duquesne University
in Pittsburgh. From 1983-1985 the Piranhas were known as the Louisville Catbirds
and then as the La Crosse Catbirds
from 1985 until relocating to Pittsburgh in 1994. During their first year in Pittsburgh, the Piranhas made it to the CBA Championship. The team was defeated though in a best of seven series against the Yakima Sun Kings.
The team only lasted one season, before folding. According to Bob Murphy, the owner of the Piranhas, the main reason for collapse of the franchise was the team's attendance. The average attendance for the team was 1,600. For the team to be profitable, it needed an average of 3,000.
Continental Basketball Association
The Continental Basketball Association was a professional men's basketball league in the United States, which has been on hiatus since the 2009 season.- History :...
. The team played all of its home games at the A.J. Palumbo Center located on the campus of Duquesne University
Duquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
in Pittsburgh. From 1983-1985 the Piranhas were known as the Louisville Catbirds
Louisville Catbirds
The Louisville Catbirds were a basketball team of the CBA who played in the mid 80s.-History:The Catbirds played two seasons in 1983-85 in Kentucky before moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in which the team would reach the CBA finals three times, winning twice 1990 and in 1992). Head coach Flip...
and then as the La Crosse Catbirds
La Crosse Catbirds
The La Crosse Catbirds was an American basketball team based in La Crosse, Wisconsin and member of the Continental Basketball Association. The team has since disbanded.The Catbirds were the 1990 and 1992 CBA champions...
from 1985 until relocating to Pittsburgh in 1994. During their first year in Pittsburgh, the Piranhas made it to the CBA Championship. The team was defeated though in a best of seven series against the Yakima Sun Kings.
The team only lasted one season, before folding. According to Bob Murphy, the owner of the Piranhas, the main reason for collapse of the franchise was the team's attendance. The average attendance for the team was 1,600. For the team to be profitable, it needed an average of 3,000.