Flyers edged by Cagerz in Gates' return as coach
May 29, 2004 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
New Jersey Flyers News Release
The Florence Flyers returned to Florence on Friday following a 10-day road trip for their game against Kansas. Upon their arrival, a new coach and a new owner were waiting for them.
The Flyers wanted to get past the ownership and off-court distractions that have plagued the expansion team since its conception. At last, the Flyers might be able to do just that as Bryan Gates has returned to the Florence Flyers bench.
After a two-week break, Gates has been re-named the coach and general manager by the USBL - which has now assumed full control of the team - following the departure of M3 Sports and team owners Wilbur Christy and Michael Yant.
"We made a bad business decision," Christy said. "We weren't fully educated in the situation. We weren't willing to lose, and there wasn't a future for basketball in Florence. But we did what most business people would do, cut your losses and move on."
The USBL received notice from M3, acknowledging their relinquishment of the team on Thursday at 2:03 p.m. The league wasted no time, and by 2:04 p.m. Gates was back in charge of the Flyers.
"He got them through that week when (the first owner) Jeff Burns walked away and he kept the guys together on their crazy road trip," Director of Public Relations for the USBL Dennis Truax said. "The guys stayed with him and he was an easy choice."
Gates' return to the sideline signals the end of the front office problems for the Flyers this year.
"I am so happy to be a part of the USBL," Gates said. "(The USBL) is going to provide the funds to finish the rest of the season. I didn't want to leave, but when people make decisions who are in charge you have to deal with it."
Fiscal problems aside, the Flyers are struggling on the court with a 6-13 record and are a long shot to win the league title with only 10 games remaining after Friday night.
"My personal goal is to help the team make the playoffs," Mario Woodson said. "I think we are in a situation now where we can shock some teams and make the playoffs."
With six players on the roster now, Gates' first matter of business is getting bodies in uniform. Gates said that trades and offers will be made in an attempt to get Jamaal Davis back, who was released by the former owners and picked up by Westchester. Gates said they could possibly get Lamayn Wilson back from Cedar Rapids via trades.
"We are in ninth place and have six guys," Gates said. "I am going to do everything I can."
United States Basketball League Stories from May 29, 2004
- Flyers edged by Cagerz in Gates' return as coach - New Jersey Flyers
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