Some Firebirds Monday News

Good morning! Per usual, I have three quick updates for your inbox, and then it’s off to a new week! Let’s get started:

Shoutout to Clayton and Kenny Collins!

Those of you who have been fans of the Firebirds for a long enough time know about Kenny Collins. Collins is a sharpshooting guard who played college basketball downtown for St. Augustine’s University. Now, he’s spent almost every season of the Firebirds’ existence with the team and plans to be the longest-tenured player in The Basketball League before he retires.

During the Firebirds’ offseason, Collins coaches at Clayton High School, and was named the team’s head coach this season. He’s attracted some exciting new transfers, and after getting their football players back, Clayton has been on an absolute roll this season. Their current record sits at 4-1, and just yesterday, they shocked everyone with a comeback win against New Hanover, a team that finished as the state runner-up last year, only lost two games all season, and returned almost their entire team.

The program is in good hands, with future college stars like Preston Copeland, Andrew Grimes, Justice Mitchell, Darrion Ellis, and Aiden Smalls. Congrats on the win Kenny, and we can’t wait to see how Clayton does in the playoffs!

Empire Eats

The Firebirds are excited to announce that Empire Eats has come on board as a sponsor for the 2025 season. Empire Eats is a chef-driven restaurant group dedicated to the Raleigh, North Carolina community and creating environments and experiences for the well-being of its people.

Inspired by the traditions of our ancestors while experimenting with contemporary recipes and techniques, their cuisine offers a blend of innovation and familiarity that draws you to your favorite memories, savoring food with family and friends. With nine unique dining experiences throughout downtown Raleigh and Durham, they welcome you to write part of the story with them.

Empire Eats will allow the Firebirds to access healthy foods and provide our fans (you) with a great set of restaurants to add to their list. We’re super excited to have them as a partner!

Highlighting…A New Team Coming to the TBL??

A new team might be coming to the TBL soon! There are over 40 teams in this league, so that might just make you roll your eyes; however, this team is coming to the Southeastern Division, meaning they’ll be in the same Division as the Firebirds. More importantly, they’ll be coming to North Carolina, the same state as the Firebirds!

I’m talking with the new team's owner soon, so it shouldn’t be too long before you find out its name and city.

Catch you on Wednesday!

Until then,

-Tex