The Florida Basketball Association

Florida Flight Fly High at the Kia Center; Defeat the Volusia Serpents 97-86 In Home Opener

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 20:59:00 GMT

Grant Gullett and Clarence Tillman teamed up to lead the Florida Flight past the Volusia county Serpents 97 to 86 on Sunday, March 17th at the illustrious Kia Center, home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic.

The Flight was all business after enduring their worst season in history last season. They jumped out to a dominant 9-1 lead to start the game against last year’s FBA Champion runner-ups, but the Serpents rallied back to capture a 27-18 lead to end the first quarter.

Gullett kicked a high post pass to Flight newcomer Ignacio “Nacho” Padilla who drained a deep 3-pointer to start the 2nd quarter, initiating an 11-point run to recapture the lead. Trailing once again 32 to 28 shortly after, the Flight went on another 15 to 3 run to take the lead and never look back, outscoring the Serpents 31 to 15 to close out the first half.

The Flight had a solid day shooting from inside the ark, shooting 52% on the night, but it was their defense that anchored them, as they blocked 11 shots and grabbed 12 steals. Flight forward Sam Theriault had a game-leading 3 blocks. Ulrich “Bulb” Paul, another Flight newcomer, had a game leading 5 steals in the contest. The team also won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding the Serpents 59-51.

Gullett led the Flight in scoring with 23 points. Tillman led the team with 12 rebounds to go with his 14 points. Ron Burr-Madalone also contributed 15 points, and rookie Tyler Rodrigue finished with 12 points in his debut as a professional.

The Flight host the Winter Park Storm next on Saturday, March 30th at the Silver Spurs arena, home of the NBA G-League’s Osceola Magic. Tip off is scheduled at 1:30pm. To secure tickets to this special event, email info@flighthoops.com or visit http://www.theFBA.com.

The FBA is a Florida-based professional basketball league providing a development, branding and exposure platform for athletes, referees and other individuals seeking to further their professional basketball careers.

Florida Basketball Association Names Former NBA Star, Coach Sam Vincent as Chief Advisor for Global Development

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:15:00 GMT

Orlando, FL – The Florida Basketball Association (FBA) today announced it has appointed former NBA player and coach Sam Vincent as the league’s first-ever Chief Advisor for Global Development.

Also the Head Coach of the Bahrain Men’s National Team, Vincent is excited to offer his extensive international basketball knowledge to create new opportunities both for the FBA and his own team. Discussions are already in the works to bring the Bahrain squad to Florida to compete against FBA franchises in the not-so-distant future. In addition to Bahrain, Vincent has also played or coached professionally in Greece, the Netherlands and Nigeria.

“Over the many years I have been a player, coach and league executive, I have developed a countless number of contacts both in the United States and abroad,” Vincent said. “The FBA exists to create opportunities for players to find jobs in other countries … and there is no doubt this league features players who would help many such teams. As a result, my job will include creating additional knowledge of the FBA and helping supply deserving players to teams in need of their services.”

Vincent and longtime FBA Commissioner Greg Kite were teammates on the Boston Celtics’ 1986 NBA Championship team, and the duo is excited at the opportunity to once again work together – this time under the FBA umbrella. “I have spent a great deal of time with Sam over the years, first with the Celtics and most recently with the Florida chapter of the NBA Retired Players Association. His experience, contacts and professionalism will make him an invaluable resource for our league, its teams and its players.”

Vincent also has numerous ties to Central Florida and was an integral part of the Orlando Magic’s inaugural 1989 season.

Chosen Michigan’s “Mr. Basketball” coming out of high school, Vincent played collegiately at Michigan State. While there, he was a Sporting News All-American in 1985 and played alongside future Magic teammate Scott Skiles, comprising arguably the nation’s best backcourt. Vincent was drafted by the Celtics in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft and enjoyed a seven-year career in the NBA with four teams before playing overseas and then turning his focus to coaching – including a stint as the Head Coach of the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats.

www.thefba.com

Florida Basketball Association Announces Addition of Clermont Crocodiles for the 2021 Season

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 01:49:00 GMT

_{John Weis}

(Clermont, FL) – The Florida Basketball Association (FBA) has awarded an expansion franchise to the city of Clermont. The team has been named the Crocodiles (“Crocs”) and will begin league play in the upcoming 2021 season.

Team owners are Daniel, David and Max Luna, three brothers with extensive playing and coaching experience both in the United States and abroad. Twins Daniel and David, former professional players in Catalonia, Spain and current executives with Hilton, will handle the sales and marketing side of the team, with older brother Max, who coached at Life Pacific College in California, handling Head Coach and General Manager duties.

“Re-involving myself with the game of basketball has been my passion,” said Daniel Luna. “I have been researching the FBA since 2015. We are convinced Clermont will be a great place for a franchise because it’s relatively close to a number of other teams – but not too close.”

David Luna is also heavily involved in the fashion industry. He not only has his own clothing line but has also done online promotional work for Kanye West’s Yeezy brand, Forever 21 and Kenneth Cole, among others. Due to these connections, the Crocs’ have teamed with representatives of the Yeezy brand to design their inaugural uniform. “They will surely be unique and our logo will be fantastic for team merchandise items,” Daniel Luna said.

“We are excited to welcome the Clermont Crocs to the FBA,” said league Commissioner Greg Kite. “The Luna brothers’ experience, business acumen and enthusiasm for the game of basketball make this an expansion team to watch.”

The FBA now consists of eight teams, with the Crocs joining the Brevard Bobcats, Florida Flight, Gainesville Mighty Oaks, The Pride (Poinciana), St. Pete Tide, Tampa Gunners and Winter Park Storm.