Springfield names its NBA minor league team

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The birthplace of basketball is now home to the Armor, Springfield’s new NBA Development League team.

The team unveiled its name and logo on Tuesday, chosen by fans in an online poll. The Armor, a reference to the historic Springfield Armory created in 1777, beat out contending names like the Colonials, Founders and Spirit.

The logo includes an armored figure holding a basketball decorated in red, blue, black, silver and orange.

The team will be affiliated with the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. It will play a 50-game schedule beginning in November, with 24 home games at the MassMutual Center.

Basketball was invented in Springfield by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 and is home to the sport’s Hall of Fame.