At the urging of his mother, Elton Brand is financing an expansion team in the revived American Basketball Association. The Westchester Phantoms are expected to debut Nov. 4 against the Strong Island Sound at Peekskill High School.

Daisy Brand is listed as the franchise owner. Her oldest son, Artie McGriff, is the general manager.

"Really, it's me running things and her telling me what to do," McGriff said with a laugh yesterday. "She thought it would be a good idea to own a basketball team and help some guys get to the next level. Elton put up the money, but we've still got to make it a business."

McGriff plans to interview coaches in the coming days and will conduct open tryouts for players in the coming weeks. A detailed marketing strategy is also in the works.