F.B.A. Florida Basketball Association 2016

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Evad
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F.B.A. Florida Basketball Association 2016

Post by Evad » Fri Oct 23, 2015 4:16 pm

2016 is around the corner and the FBA is starting things off with a bang. The biggest FBA news to come out of the Sunshine State is the addition of a new team called the Space Coast Stars.

https://floridabasketballassociation.wo ... -for-2016/

The FBA has been around for a few years now. The league has announced an official partnership with Molten Basketballs.

There have been players from the Midnites that have gone on to play over seas,

http://www.miamimidnites.com/maccabi-ha ... er-ii.html

The Florida Flight will be playing most of their season in the Amway Center

and they have a commissioner that is a known former NBA player.

http://www.celticslife.com/2013/05/the- ... -flew.html

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zeke41
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Post by zeke41 » Fri Oct 23, 2015 10:58 pm

Thanks Evad. Actually, the Midnites aren't the only team at all to place players overseas. The Florida Flight has 2 so far from last season playing abroad: Chris Watson (France) and James Cambronne (UK). We would have had 3, but...unfortunately, Chris Uhle passed away a couple of weeks before heading to Japan. I believe Heartland has 1-2 players abroad as well, and Palm Beach is improved tremendously, and their players are also being considered for more and more jobs now as well (Fred Brown is an absolute FABULOUS talent).

Probably the biggest news is that Miami Midnites players Amir Celestine, (FBA Championship MVP 2015), Oran Chin (FBA Championship MVP 2014) and Nigel Spikes all got some pre-season NBA action against the Memphis Grizzlies and the LA Lakers courtesy of playing with Maccabi Haifa, the Midnites parent team. Amir also signed a 3 year deal to play for Haifa, after Kenny Bellinger (previously signed to Haifa) was released after he injured his knee.

Of course, playing at Amway puts the Florida Flight in a class of it's own. We've really garnered a good handle on the Orlando market. The players we've got coming in this year are on another level. We should see the Flight return to the 2010-2011 days where we competed for Championships.

We're really proud of what we've created. We see all thee other leagues taking a national approach. Once again, we'll see how that works out. We know that what we do works. People have asserted that our state model doesn't work. Well, we're seeing more and more of our players sign overseas, more and more traffic on our videos reaching 35+ countries across the globe, and, with the Maccabi Haifa connection, well...playing in our league gets you a very valid look at one of the most notable international teams...a team that's played NBA teams every preseason for like 4-5 years running.

We feel that what we're doing is the only proper sustainable, safe model for the type of people getting in this business these days. Even if we COULD travel around the nation, why would we want to? Spend $100,000+ in traveling all over, or play competitively in-state and re-invest those thousands of dollars into the league and our players? A smart leader knows that answer, and it doesn't take long to contemplate if you have decent math and economic skills.

No swift growth plan here. Not throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Just building into who we want to become while knowing what we are, and what we are is a pretty solid, reputable league with nothing but solid growth projection. Thanks for always following and being a fan, even if you are on the other side of the nation!
Last edited by zeke41 on Fri Oct 23, 2015 11:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
http://www.thecrossoverbasketball.com
http://www.flighthoops.com
http://www.iamsecond.com

"What do your daily actions say about the pursuit of your dreams?"

"Our Dreams are the roadmap that God uses to get us to where He intends for us to be!"

"When I stand before God at the end of my life
I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

"Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
--- Psalm 37:4

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Post by CBM » Sat Oct 24, 2015 4:26 am

Looks like you drove the CBDL out of Orlando too. They just relocated to Daytona Beach for no apparent reason.

That being said, I know your focus is on the great work being done by the FBA and not what fly-by-night leagues and owners are doing.

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Post by zeke41 » Sat Oct 24, 2015 3:10 pm

[quote=""CBM""]Looks like you drove the CBDL out of Orlando too. They just relocated to Daytona Beach for no apparent reason.

That being said, I know your focus is on the great work being done by the FBA and not what fly-by-night leagues and owners are doing.[/quote]

I tried to tell Ben. Greg Kite and I both tried, when we told him we'd pass on letting them be an FBA team at Starbucks in downtown Orlando. He had some not so nice things to say about me under his breath and to others later. Heck, he was even arrogant to my face a bit. Oh well. Actions always speak louder than words. He's in Daytona now. We are approaching our 7th season, opening our season at the Amway Center! ✈️�� It took him a couple years to concede, but he eventually came to his senses and bolted. Smart man.

Crazy thing that he and others probably don't know is I hear from almost every player and even some of the staff that is "volunteering" for these other teams trying to play in Orlando. Fortunately, the Florida Flight has become a known brand that doesn't get coupled with the newbies making grandiose promises to people that fall through. We've got real sponsors that put up real money now, and were able to get the ear of big time companies because of our longevity (Orlando Magic, Molten, City and County Commissioners and County School Boards, the Jordan brand [oh yes...it'll take a while but its coming], etc.). And the FBA is approaching that type of familiarity and respect, too. It's all a process. Patience, respect, building brand awareness, and consistency in your activities (on and off the court). That's what it takes.
Last edited by zeke41 on Sat Oct 24, 2015 3:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
http://www.thecrossoverbasketball.com
http://www.flighthoops.com
http://www.iamsecond.com

"What do your daily actions say about the pursuit of your dreams?"

"Our Dreams are the roadmap that God uses to get us to where He intends for us to be!"

"When I stand before God at the end of my life
I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

"Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
--- Psalm 37:4

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Post by Dan K » Sun Oct 25, 2015 1:56 pm

What happened with the Marion County (Ocala) team last season?

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Post by zeke41 » Sun Oct 25, 2015 3:57 pm

[quote=""Dan K""]What happened with the Marion County (Ocala) team last season?[/quote]

Great question. Quite baffling actually. Out of no where, after a promising, well attended round of preseason/exhibition games in Marion County, we started seeing signs of financial difficulty. They needed to move games to Tampa (very strange). Then, one day, we learned (via social media mind you) that they sold/merged teams with the South Florida Gold of the ABA. We do not allow teams to play within the same county or within 40 miles of another operating FBA team's venue, to protect markets, without 100% approval of the Board of Governors. The Palm Beach Knights already play in Palm Beach, so that wasn't going to fly. Obviously, with the situation they put themselves in, we had to remove them.

If they communicated better, we might have been able to salvage the situation. One of the luxuries of playing in the same state is covering travel is not as expensive. We might have been able to help cover the season for them if we knew what happened and there was a legitimate explanation coupled with a plan to get things back on track. Unfortunately, that wasn't what happened. We rearranged the schedule to make sure all teams got every home game scheduled. It was unfortunate, but what had to be done. We caught it early and rectified the situation as best as we could without canceling any home games for anyone.

This is exactly why we have been so slow with growth. To be frank, the people that want to do this really haven't been very successful at proving their income levels and providing us the confidence we need to accept them. It takes money AND trust/confidence. Now, we'd probably accept a team like Marion County 99 out of 100 times. They had leadership experience (came from ABA Cali division relocated to Florida), showed they had the money, played successful exhibition games, and put a competitive team on the floor. This one was just strange to us. I'm not sure where their money went, but they had none left, and we needed to act. But...FBA standards aren't suggestions. They are requirements. We had another team that looked solid and good to go, but they didn't get 100% FBA vote approval. We are going to grow together. That's not optional. Everyone needs to feel good as business partners.
Last edited by zeke41 on Tue Oct 27, 2015 3:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
http://www.thecrossoverbasketball.com
http://www.flighthoops.com
http://www.iamsecond.com

"What do your daily actions say about the pursuit of your dreams?"

"Our Dreams are the roadmap that God uses to get us to where He intends for us to be!"

"When I stand before God at the end of my life
I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

"Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
--- Psalm 37:4

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Not affraid to Fly Program...

Post by Evad » Thu Nov 12, 2015 7:45 pm

The Flight are doing all kinds of cool things with the local schools. This is the kind of stuff that sets the F.B.A. apart from the other leagues.

http://www.flighthoops.com/#!not-afraid-to-fly/cjg0

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Post by zeke41 » Fri Nov 20, 2015 6:26 am

Cool interview on Power 95.3 (top 3 station in Orlando) we did with Kenny Anderson. He's coming in Saturday to play in our 6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive game. We'll likely look into doing additional stuff later. He's got a documentary he's trying to finish up - Mr. Chibbs: Basketball is Easy, Life is Hard. We're also promoting this for him as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8ZF1oeTlj0

Bottom line - I am THOROUGHLY enjoying our run. It's taken a while, and we've gone the patient, steady approach, but we are really, really doing some cool things in the community, and our relevance in Orlando continues to rise. And what I did not expect was the Orlando Magic being so very supportive of us. Playing games at the Amway Center has been huge. It's taken our credibility to levels most minor league teams never get to. If I'm not mistaken, we are playing games in I believe the best venue of everyone, even some D-League teams.

To all that doubted and hated, I sincerely hope you have taken notice, and might second guess discouraging others from taking chances and pursuing their own dreams. I ESPECIALLY hope that if you do feel so inclined to "enlighten" people about what you think their reality is, you do so in a much more respectable manner. When we lose our ability to dream, we lose breaths of life. We've all been intelligently designed with different gifts, talents and abilities....different passions. I might not have been the best player, but I knew, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that my passion for basketball was extraordinary and unique, beyond most people in the world. I also knew it was there for a purpose, even when 100% of the people around me thought otherwise. I'm enjoying this time in my life where it is very clear why that unique passion existed.

I never got to the NBA like I always hoped, and as I've gotten older, and father time has zoned in on me for the kill (LOL), it still bothers me that I didn't get the chance that I wanted to use my extraordinary passion to cultivate my skills alongside a good coach that believed in me...or saw the upside of my hard work and passion. The beauty is...that is what drives me for these new guys. I know what it feels like to be overlooked. I like looking for that in others, and giving those players what I never got. I've also evolved to understand the importance of having certain skills and tools as a player to be successful. I got a chance to attend the NBA Summer League this past year, and that opened my eyes to see that most minor league basketball players aren't even CLOSE to where they think they are. I still think there is a place for AA basketball, which is what I tout the Flight and the FBA as. Sure, we have a few select guys that can play at the highest level. Most of them...no. However, they are all STILL very talented, and are worth paying $10 - $20 to watch. At least they all dive for basketballs and play for the love instead of getting watered down by million dollar contracts (not that that is a bad thing, but...).

Anyway, just thought I'd write a little something extra with this one. I've gotten to know many of you outside of OSC: on Facebook especially. Despite what anyone might think, there were far more of you that supported me than not. They non-supportive just tended to be bigger-mouthed bullies. Thanks for believing and supporting. If any of you tarry down to Orlando, hit me up. I'm not hard to find. I'd love to have you for a game!

#Flight2016 #RunwayToAmway #FlightNation #TeamNoShovels
http://www.thecrossoverbasketball.com
http://www.flighthoops.com
http://www.iamsecond.com

"What do your daily actions say about the pursuit of your dreams?"

"Our Dreams are the roadmap that God uses to get us to where He intends for us to be!"

"When I stand before God at the end of my life
I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"

"Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
--- Psalm 37:4

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Evad
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Post by Evad » Thu Dec 03, 2015 9:56 pm

It's time for the Florida Basketball Association to get its own forum. What else does this league have to do to get the recognition it deserves. Come on OSC make this happen for the 2016 season.

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Evad
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Post by Evad » Fri Dec 04, 2015 4:12 pm

6th annual Florida Flight Holiday Toy Drive. Played at the Amway Center in Orlando.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRUqWY0 ... e=youtu.be

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