Former basketball star Art Long gets 81 months

A federal judge Tuesday sentenced former high school basketball star Arthur "Art" Long to 81 months in prison for drugs and guns crimes.

A jury in July convicted Long of plotting to deal marijuana and the designer drug ecstasy. He was also found guilty of using his Chili home as a drug operation hub, and of keeping two firearms — a stolen .45-caliber handgun and an AK-47 rifle — to protect his drug trade.

Ex-hoops star Art Long guilty of drugs, guns crimes

Long starred at East High School and played briefly in the NBA.

Police arrested Long in July 2013 after a search of his car yielded 44 ecstasy tablets and 18 bags of marijuana. Police found the firearms at Long's home, along with a small amount of marijuana that authorities say could have been for personal use. They also found tools that prosecutors alleged were used to package and sell marijuana.

Art Long, former NBA player and East High star, arrested on gun charges

GCRAIG@Gannett.com