The takeoff was a little shaky, but the Honolulu Pegasus professional basketball team is up and running.

The Pegasus made its debut as an American Basketball Association franchise in an 111-109 loss to the California Beach Ballers yesterday at Mänoa Valley Recreation Center.

"We didn't get the win, but it was nice to play basketball here at home," said Pegasus guard Geremy Robinson, a former University of Hawai'i player. "I've been wanting this for a long time."

That the Pegasus was able to play a game was an accomplishment in itself.

Three separate Honolulu franchises have failed as ABA franchises since 2005. Those three franchises played a total of two games.

LaShun McDaniel, a former NBA player, is serving as both president and head coach of the Pegasus.

"With the history of prior teams here, I am thankful that we played this game," McDaniel said. "And I am humbled by the people who came to watch us."

Blaring hip-hop music during timeouts brought in a constant flow of spectators throughout the game. All told, around 200 fans attended yesterday's game, including dozens of youth players from a nearby Mänoa league.

"Everybody asks me, why Honolulu?" McDaniel said. "I say why not? I think the need for a professional team here is greater than the need for a team in Michigan."

McDaniel was the head coach of two previous ABA franchises. He said he is aware of the financial obstacles facing a Honolulu franchise.

"We found some sponsors who understand what we're trying to build here," McDaniel said. "We're pretty solid for now, but eventually we'll need more to keep this team going."

The Pegasus players have not been compensated yet, but the first paychecks are expected within the next week.

"I signed a contract, and I'm confident it'll work out," Robinson said. "For minor leagues, I'll just say they're taking care of me. This is my job now."

Players on the Honolulu roster include former UH players Robinson and Jason Carter, former Damien and Hawai'i Pacific standout Kawika Smith, former HPU players Zack Anderson and Jason Curtis, and former Chaminade player Leon Ballard.

The Pegasus also had enough funds to bring in "recruits" such as 7-foot-3 center Michael Boone from California, and point guard Hirofumi Oga from Japan.

The action is fast-paced, and there are some unique rules — including opportunities to score a 4-pointer.

Perhaps as expected, there were some glitches.

Honolulu's original opponent — the Seattle Mountaineers — canceled their trip earlier in the week. After a late scramble, the California team agreed to play Honolulu.

California head coach Kirk Turner said the Pegasus paid for their trip. When Honolulu travels to California next month, the Beach Ballers will pay for the Pegasus' travel costs.

"We're all going through some growing pains," Turner said. "We came straight from the airport to the gym here ... not ideal conditions. But who wouldn't want to play in Hawai'i this time of year?"

Honolulu and California will play another game today at 2 p.m. at Mänoa Valley Recreation Center. Admission will be free for today's game, then the Pegasus wants to start charging "a minimal fee" for future games.

"We wanted to play in a city park for free for these first two games to introduce ourselves to the public," McDaniel said. "It'll probably be $7 to watch us after this weekend — a small price to help the team and watch some quality basketball."

Future Pegasus home games will be played at various gyms around O'ahu. For more information visit www.honolulu-pegasus.com.