The 78’s are Worcester first professional basketball team since 1989.
"It means something to me to bring a team to the city, and where we are playing and what we are doing for the community, as well as, Boys and Girls Club is also very important for me. We will see how city accepts it," 78's President and Owner Tom Marino told GoLocal.
Forming the 78’s
The 78’s were established in July of 2017 after completing a pilot season in the ABA in 2016-17 as the New England Anchors.
They finished with seven wins and four losses.
During the off-season following the 2016-17 season, Marino set a goal of finding a permanent home in Worcester.
Along with the announcement of the team in July, it was also announced they had an agreement with Boys & Girls Club of Worcester to host its home games at the Club’s Tainter Street headquarters.
Recent Signing
Most recently, the 78’s announced the signing of Shrewsbury High School alum Jose Cruz Jr.
Cruz is a 6'7” forward and has a 28” standing vertical, giving him the ability to play above the rim.
“Jose is a perfect fit for the mold of player we want to attract to our team: a good man who is smart, works hard and is active in the basketball community. He is frighteningly athletic for his frame, can defend several positions and can win tough rebounds against anyone,” said Marino.
Cruz graduated from Shrewsbury High in 2010 after being a two-time league All-Star and helping the team win a title in 2010.
He spent the next year at Worcester Academy, winning the Lawson Riley Award.
He graduated from NCAA Division II Southern Connecticut State University in 2015.
The ABA
The original ABA was launched in 1967 and played nine seasons. The league produced NBA stars such as Moses Malone and Julius “Dr. J” Erving.
Today ’s version of the league has more than 100 teams across the United States. It is the largest and most diverse sports league in the world.
Holy Cross defeated Providence 68-67 on a buzzer beater by Chris Potter to win ECAC Championship and advance to NCAA Tournament for first time in 21 years.