Friday Firebirds News!

Firebirds news and updates coming your way!

Author

Nicholas Ferrante
October 24, 2025

In partnership with

Happy Firebirds Friday! The Firebirds are everyone about our team book, “From the Ashes: The Story of the Raleigh Firebirds“, as we are entering the holiday season! Additionally, we want to give some advice to players looking to try out for the Firebirds. Before getting into that, let’s hear a word from today’s sponsor:

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Table of Contents

Get the Firebird’s Book for the Holidays!

📚🔥 Got our Book? Now’s your Chance Firebirds Nation!

A reminder that the Firebirds released a book this year! “From the Ashes: The Story of the Raleigh Firebirds“ is an incredible story about the history of the Raleigh Firebirds organization. It is available on amazon using the link above. Support us and get your own piece of Raleigh Firebirds history today!🔥 

Huge shoutout to Tex Greene, our team journalist, and Wade Harris, our team owner, for creating this book to help tell the story of our franchise to date!

Advice for Firebird’s Try-Outs

Players ask me all the time what should I do to give myself the best chance of making a team. I thought I would take the liberty of giving you all a plan. This plan will work on any level. Below is a clear, actionable plan and process to maximize your opportunity to play in The Basketball League (TBL). Follow it step-by-step and use the checklist and sample messages to make the best impression.

High-level overview
- Phase 1 — Prepare (training, film, documents): 6–12 weeks before combines/tryouts.
- Phase 2 — Local combine and local team tryout: attend, perform, network.
- Phase 3 — TBL National Combine (Indianapolis): bring everything, stand out, follow up aggressively.

Phase 1 — Prepare
- Conditioning: be in game-ready shape — endurance, speed, strength, recovery. Aim to be noticeably fitter than the competition.
- Skills & basketball IQ: daily shooting, finishing, ball-handling, defensive footwork, pick-and-roll reads, situational play. Practice playing “the right way” (selfless, high basketball IQ, consistent effort).
- Film & stats package: create a 2–3 minute highlight reel (also full-game clips), a one-page resume with height/weight/measurements/position, recent stats, and contact info. Have these ready to send immediately.
- Medical & logistics: clear any minor injuries, bring any required ID/waivers, and have travel plans sorted.
- Mindset & prep: study team styles, coaches, and learn what TBL teams value (versatility, defense, IQ, toughness).
- Appearance plan: decide how you’ll stand out visually (e.g., yellow shoes, green armband) while respecting combine/tryout uniform rules.

Phase 2 — Local combine and local team tryout
- Arrive early and be professional from arrival to departure (clean, punctual, polite).
- Introduce yourself to every member of the coaching staff and front office. Make eye contact, give a firm handshake, and deliver a 10–15 second intro: name, position, strengths, contact info.
- Be vocal on court — lead when appropriate, call out screens, communicate on defense, and show leadership.
- Play the right way: move without the ball, dive for loose balls, play winning defense, and be a good teammate.
- Wear something that stands out (e.g., yellow shoes, green armband) while staying within uniform policy — this helps coaches remember you.
- Hustle every rep. Never let up.
- Collect contact info: ask for cards, take notes on coaches’ names and roles.
- After the workout, send a personalized thank-you email to the coaches and GM (sample below).
- Maintain contact: send a brief weekly update (see template) and occasional highlight clips — don’t be spammy, keep it value-driven.

Phase 3 — TBL National Combine (Indianapolis)
- Register early and confirm all logistics. Arrive rested and fully prepared.
- Everything you did at local events applies here, but elevate it:
- Bring multiple copies of your resume and a thumb drive or QR link to highlight film.
- Re-introduce yourself to coaches (they’ll see many players; repeated introductions help).
- Be extremely vocal and professional with every staff member.
- Make sure the staff remembers you — stand out visually and in your play.
- Network with team reps and other players — relationships matter.
- Follow up immediately after the combine with thank-you emails and film links.

Communication plan & templates
- Immediate thank-you (send within 24 hours):
Subject: Thank you — [Your Name] — [Combine/Tryout]
Body: Hi [Coach/GM name], thank you for the opportunity to participate in yesterday’s [combine/tryout]. I enjoyed competing and meeting the staff. Attached is my 2-minute highlight reel and contact info. I’d welcome any feedback and the chance to continue the conversation. Best, [Your Name] | [Phone] | [Email] | [Link to highlights]

- Weekly check-in (keep short, one-sentence updates or one highlight clip):
Subject: Quick update — [Your Name]
Body: Hi [Name], hope you’re well. Still training hard and wanted to share this short clip from my last session — [link]. Appreciate your time and consideration. Best, [Your Name]

- If asked for more info (send concise resume film link availability):
Attach: one-page resume, 2-3 minute highlights, full-game link, availability dates.

Networking & follow-up tips
- Make contact with team owners, coaches, GMs, and TBL reps. More contacts = more chances.
- Use email, LinkedIn, or a short polite DM on team social platforms. Keep messages professional.
- Save contact info and set reminders for weekly follow-ups; rotate what you send (updates, new highlights, game stats).
- Ask for feedback politely if you don’t make a roster — it shows maturity and gives you ways to improve.

On-court behavior & traits that get you noticed
- Consistent effort and motor: cause hustle plays and be visible without forcing shots.
- Team-first mentality: set screens, move without the ball, make the right play.
- Versatility and defense: guard multiple positions, show on-ball and help defense.
- Communication and leadership: call out coverages, encourage teammates, stay composed.
- Professionalism: arrive on time, be respectful to staff, and leave the facility tidy.
- Visual recall: wear the agreed standout item (yellow shoes, green armband) but don’t let it outshine your play.

What to bring with you
- Copies of resume, highlight USB/QR link, phone chargers, extra shoes, water, snacks, ID, and any medical info.
- A short printed or digital list of talking points about your strengths/fit for teams.

Dos and Don’ts
- Do: be relentless on defense, be coachable, hustle every play, follow up.
- Don’t: trash-talk coaches/other players, be late, spam staff with too many messages, act entitled.

Quick checklist (day of)
- Arrive early
- Introduce yourself to all staff
- Wear something that stands out but follow rules
- Play hard, be vocal, be a team player
- Collect contacts
- Send thank-you email within 24 hours
- Add follow-ups to calendar for weekly contact

Final encouragement & Firebirds contact
Play hard all day. Never let up. Be a great teammate and be in great shape — that’s the path to being a pro.

The Firebirds wish all of you hoopers the best during these next few months as you continue to chase your dream of playing professional basketball. Please reach out to us by email at [email protected] or by text at 919-830-0305. Let's Goooo

Make sure to stay tuned for our next edition of the Firebird Focus, as we have some exciting news coming up!

Until then,

-Nicky