By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The recent news out of New Orleans regarding Saints owner Tom Benson’s surprising purchase of the Hornets basketball franchise seems to be of little interest to residents of the River Parishes, according to results of the latest L’Observateur online poll.

More than half of those who participated in the poll indicated that they do not follow professional basketball, which isn’t a complete surprise considering the region’s reputation for producing football talent.

As for those in the region who do follow the sport, most seem to believe that local ownership of the team will guarantee that the team will stay in the city. Others see it as an opportunity for Benson to cross promote with the Saints. A small percentage, less than 10 percent, does not like the move due to a distrust of Benson.

A complete breakdown of results is as follows:

• 20 percent of respondents said, “the local ownership will keep the team here.”

• 10 percent of respondents said, “it is a good opportunity to cross promote with the Saints.”

• 7 percent of respondents said, “Benson will be more likely to spend money for talent.

• 9 percent of respondents said, “I don’t like it. I don’t trust him.”

• 53 percent of respondents said, “I don’t follow basketball.”