The TBL Combine Is Almost Upon Us!

Good morning! As you’re reading this, the Firebirds are preparing to hit the road and travel to Indianapolis for The Basketball League’s annual combine and draft. Let’s break down exactly what’s going to happen, and what it means for the Firebirds.

Every year, the TBL hosts a combine where every player who has entered the 2024 TBL Draft will be in the same room for the 40+ teams in the league to scout. The combine and draft span Saturday and Sunday, with both days being dedicated entirely to testing and scrimmages. On Sunday night, the league holds a draft. It’s similar to the NBA, in that there are two rounds, and each team gets a first-round and second-round draft pick. Draft order is determined by each team’s record, with teams in their first season getting much higher draft picks. However, teams can make trades for players and draft picks live during the draft.

The Firebirds drafting and scouting squad consists of team market owner Wade Harris, general manager Chris Lightner, and head coach Mitch Jeffries. The Firebirds have had immense success drafting in the past, such as:

1. Julian Harris, the Firebirds’ first-ever draft pick who went on to win the league’s Rookie of the Year award and landed several overseas contracts

2. James McKelvin, the Firebirds’ 2022 first-round pick who was named a finalist for Rookie of the Year and was named All-Conference

3. Conner Kelley, the Firebirds’ 2023 first-round pick who’s immediately become a huge contributor to the team, as well as a knock-down shooter

While the Firebirds do have two draft picks, the first-round pick usually ends up with a spot on the final roster, while the second-round pick is stashed elsewhere for development until their ready for the fast and physical play of The Basketball League. Make sure to tune into Firebird Focus next Monday for results of the combine!

-Tex