The First Jersey To Ever Be Retired by the Firebirds

During this season, the Raleigh Firebirds will retire their first-ever jersey. The jersey, number five, belongs to Kaden Lebray, a big man who played with the team during its inaugural season and a big portion of the team’s second year.

Lebray was a big part of our success. I don’t want to spoil too much because I have a feature with him that’ll be dropping soon on the Firebirds website, but Lebray is very hard-working, on and off the court. He started his basketball journey as an average-sized guard but grew rapidly in high school and college to become a big man. He was forced to play a new and at times uncomfortable role, but eventually adapted and thrived. On every team he’s ever played for, he’s been known as the high-motor, emotional leader.

Off the court, Lebray’s arguably been more impressive. He owns a boxing gym in Wilson, works as a prison guard, is a motivational speaker, and ran for Wilson City Council. He’s a true renaissance man, and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to be the first to have their jersey retired for the team (I do think Darius Leonard is next in line though, after everything he’s done).

His jersey retirement will be happening on Sunday, May 5th, during the Firebirds’ Friends and Family Day. This is another game that you really don’t want to miss, so make sure you get tickets as soon as possible.

Keep an eye out for the story on the Firebirds’ website! I’ll send a link to you when it drops 🙂 

Until then,

-Tex