Flight takes off in new direction
December 5, 2006 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Grand Rapids Flight News Release
Grand Rapids, MI--The Grand Rapids Flight, a third year professional team playing in the International Basketball League, recently announced several front-office changes geared toward helping the organization build upon last season's Final Four run.
Change: At the forefront, IBL Commissioner Mikal Duilio has negotiated for majority ownership of the team, adding both strength and stability off the court to an organization that for two years was very strong on the court.
Strong team on the floor: The Grand Rapids team was very competitive for two years in a row. The 2005 Flight team finished with a 68% winning percentage. The following year-the2006 team (put together by Tyler Whitcomb and coached by Terry Sare) finished in the final four of the IBL tournament. They were led in this 2006 tournament to the final four by the stellar play of 2005 IBL All Star Jason Boucher and 2006 IBL All Star Lamont Barnes. Duke Cleveland was another player from Grand Rapids that made the 2006 IBL All Star team.
Previous owners: The previous majority owners of the Grand Rapids Flight own the Holland Blast (also a professional basketball team in the IBL) and they simply did not have enough time to devote to two teams. The previous majority owners will maintain a minority share of the new Grand Rapids Flight. The Holland Blast play in Holland at the Civic Center; the Blast did well in 2006 with attendance, enthusiasm and on the court the Blast also finished in the final four impressing fans with their up tempo, guard heavy, style of play.
About the new majority owner: Mikal Duilio is the founder and commissioner of the IBL. "Grand Rapids has always been a great sports city," said Duilio "taking into account an abundance of local basketball talent and a strong fan base that knows and loves the game of basketball, the potential for Grand Rapids to be one of the top markets in the IBL is there," Duilio added-'I see that there is a reluctance to support minor league basketball in Grand Rapids, but it is my desire and the goal of the new General Manager David Fox to get the basketball fans of Grand Rapids to see great basketball in 2007-we want to win the fans over". There are many markets that are seeing great basketball that are not far away; in Elkhart Indiana they regularly draw over 2,400 fans and up to 3,400 fans and Battle Creek draws similarly well. The Elkhart team plays in a high school, while the Battle Creek teams plays in Kellogg Arena in downtown Battle Creek.
Grand Rapids, Duilio noted, was the first team to join the IBL and held the first ever IBL game, a lop sided contest that was not indicative of the competitiveness the league has enjoyed since; in fact, just one hour later and a few states over on the same night, the second IBL game was completed in a more competitive fashion as former NBA star Tim Hardaway scored 48 points in an overtime win 131 to 129.
About the IBL: The IBL boasts 25 teams from Seattle, Phoenix, Colorado, Tennessee, West Virginia and eight teams in the Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio region. The IBL offers fans non-stop action, an exciting and fun family atmosphere and teams that average nearly 127 points per game - all for $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Change: In one of his first moves as owner, Duilio named former Aquinas College assistant coach David Fox as the team's new General Manager and Head Coach. Fox, who spent the last 10 years coaching at the collegiate level, helped lead Aquinas to their first-ever trip to the National Tournament last season.
"David's background and experience, both on and off the court, made him the ideal choice to lead our organization in a new direction," said Duilio.
Under Fox, the Grand Rapids Flight has already signed five players, including the Flight's leading scorer and 2006 IBL All-Star Lamont Barnes. Fox has secured a local venue for all of the team's home games. In addition, his staff has spent the last two months making initial contact with over 100 businesses (as potential sponsors). David Fox has also met with potential co-owners. "I am truly excited to be a part of this organization, this league and the rebirth of professional basketball in Grand Rapids," said Fox. "I guarantee that once you see us in action, you will want to come back for more."
Information: The Grand Rapids Flight open their 2007 season in Holland, Michigan on Friday March 23rd. The Flight's home opener is on Friday April 6th at 7:15pm at Forest Hills Northern High School versus the Columbus Cyclones. More information, including the complete 2007 schedule can be found at www.iblhoopsonline.com
International Basketball League Stories from December 5, 2006
- Flight takes off in new direction - Grand Rapids Flight
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
