The Ohio Aviators of the new American Basketball Association get their inaugural season off the ground Saturday.

And two former Slippery Rock University players will be at the controls.

Bryant Lewandowski, a 1997 Butler High School graduate and Butler County Community College's all-time leading scorer, is coach of the Canton-based team.

Dave Johnson, SRU's point guard two years ago and a teammate of Lewandowski's at The Rock, will start at the point for the Aviators.

Lewandowski's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lewandowski, own the franchise. Joe Lewandowski is an attorney in Cleveland, Ohio.

"My parents, especially my father, have always been huge sports fans," Bryant Lewandowski said. "One of my father's dreams has been to own a professional franchise."

Their son wasn't just handed the head coaching reins. He went through an interview process with other candidates.

"I wanted it that way," Lewandowski said. "I wanted the job on my own merits. I wanted to prove I was qualified and capable of running this team."

While at SRU, Lewandowski took courses in sports management. He has also spent time playing professional basketball in Europe, averaging 14 points per game in helping Denmark win a championship.

Until last week, Lewandowski held the Aviators' general manager's job as well before Mike Ross took over that position. Ross had teamed with Bryant Lewandowski and current Butler High School varsity basketball coach Joe Lewandowski in winning numerous 3-on-3 tournament titles.

"Joe won't be involved with this team," Bryant Lewandowski said of his brother. "He's busy with the Butler program and he's committed to that."

Johnson joined the Aviators after being asked to try out by the team's coach.

He was one of the first two players signed by the franchise.

"I knew what kind of player he was and I knew he'd get better," Lewandowski said.

Johnson only averaged 4.3 points per game his senior year at The Rock, but shot 81 percent from the free throw line and led the squad with 77 assists. He also had 29 steals.

Playing with the Aviators' summer team this year, he averaged 20 points and nine assists per game as his team went undefeated.

"We were beating teams by 30 points per game and Dave was the main reason," Lewandowski said.

"I always knew I could score," Johnson said. "At Slippery Rock, I had to play within a system and was team-oriented. I did what I was asked to do, but I couldn't do my own thing.

"When I came to the Aviators, Bryant simply told me to play the way I know you can play. That's all I needed to hear."

Johnson admitted to being apprehensive about playing for a former teammate at first.

"I thought it might be awkward, but honestly, this is the best relationship with a coach I've ever had," he said.

"We have a lot of great talent here and a lot of good chemistry. We play well together as a team."

Lewandowski brought NBA standout Earl Boykin into camp to play Johnson one-on-one over the summer.

"I wanted to make sure Dave was the player I thought he'd be," Lewandowski said. "He more than held his own against him."

SRU coach John Marhefka said the shorter shot clock will suit Johnson's skills.

"Dave can get it up and down the floor," Marhefka said. "I didn't have him for very long, but in his last few games with us, he averaged 12 or 13 points, eight assists and only one turnover per game.

"I wish I was able to have him for another year."

Johnson isn't shy about stating his intentions for this year.

"I want to win a championship, then move on to bigger and better things," Johnson said. "I'm still hopeful of playing in the NBA down the road.

"This year will be my coming out party. If you haven't heard of Dave Johnson before, you will after this season."