Pro Basketball

Former NBA star John Lucas bought the Miami Tropics and vowed to use the United States Basketball League franchise as a tool in helping players overcome drug problems.

“I see the Tropics providing a valuable vehicle both for players in the after-care program and for the vast number of talented collegiate players that are overlooked in the NBA draft,” Lucas said.

Lucas, whose 14-year NBA career was interrupted by drug troubles, is the director of chemical dependency treatment and after-care programs for pro athletes.