With the American Basketball Association season looming, the Hawaii Mega Force are still looking for a home.

While the ABA season is set to tip off in the Islands Nov. 26 against the Los Angeles Aftershock, owner and general manager Orrys Williams said he hasn't settled on a home venue for his team — but it should be arranged by game time.

Still, confidence is high in the organization, from the owner on down to the players.

"I just believe we are gonna do some damage," Williams said yesterday after a team practice at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in Kane'ohe.

"I think things are gonna go great," said Chris Moore, 23, of Richmond, Va. "I feel like (people) are going to see some high flying action." The 6-foot-9 post player (positions haven't been finalized) played alongside Detroit Pistons star Ben Wallace at Virginia Union University, and believes the exposure a pro team brings to Hawai'i can only be good for the state.

For local product Kaunaoa McGee, the opportunity to play professionally here means a chance for friends and family to see him play, something he missed during his college days at Assumpion (Mass.).

"It's nice for the local kids, growing up here, it gives you something to try for," said the 25-year-old Kaiser High School graduate. "Nobody ever got to see me play except for my parents. It gives them an opportunity to come and watch my games."

Former Hawai'i Pacific players Kawika Smith and Scott Kato are also on the team, as well as University of Hawai'i alum Jason Carter.

Coach George Gilmore is cautious leading up to the Mega Force's first game. So far, he's been mostly concerned with getting his team rounded into shape.

"We got some guys who are not so bad, (with) some professional experience," said Gilmore, who played professionally in Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Israel. "Then we got a lot of guys who have never played professional basketball. We got a lot of work ahead of us — these guys gotta fight for it."

He said he didn't have any knowledge of the Aftershock, but would review information about their opponent in the days leading up to the game. There are so many teams in the league (54) it would be difficult to prepare for opponents well in advance, he said.

After some initial setbacks — the Mega Force's opening game was originally scheduled for today versus Inglewood, according to the ABA Web site — it appears things are gradually coming together.

Some other things are still up in the air: player contracts, a starting five and a player rotation. But the roster is set — 12 players, plus a couple of inactive reserves — and the team has practiced five times a week at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i the past few weeks.

Williams said a deal has been worked out with Hawaiian Airlines to fly the team back and forth for its road trips during the season.

Most of the players have full-time jobs in addition to their roles on the team, which pays up to $500 per week, Williams said. McGee, for example, is a full-time sales representative and must juggle team practices with his normal work hours during the day.

On the 28th, the team flies to Seattle for its first road games against the Bellevue Blackhawks and the Tacoma Navigators.

Moore said the team will play road games in bunches, but isn't worried about long road trips.

"If you love basketball, you don't let the other (travel) stuff bother you," he said.