Omaha's Finest
| Omaha's Finest | |
|---|---|
 | |
| League | The Basketball League |
| Founded | 2020 |
| History | Omaha's Finest 2021–present |
| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Team colors | |
| Head coach | Eric Behrens |
| Ownership | Tra-Deon Hollins |
| Website | Official website |
The Omaha's Finest is a professional basketball team in Omaha, Nebraska that is a member of The Basketball League (TBL).
History
[edit]In May 2020, Tra-Deon Hollins announced the formation of the Omaha's Finest basketball team to compete in The Basketball Tournament 2020. It was composed of Justin Patton, Louisville grad Akoy Agau, and Tre'Shawn Thurman, among the players who were invited to participate.[1] Previously, the city hosted the Omaha Racers. The franchise played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) from 1989 to 1997. However, on June 16, 2020, the tournament was scaled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the team was not included.[2]
On January 27, 2021, Evelyn Magley, CEO of The Basketball League (TBL), announced that Omaha's Finest, owned by Tra-Deon Hollins, was joining the league for the 2021 season.[3][4] On January 28, 2021, Eric Behrens was announced as the head coach.[5] Ryan Stubbe was named the general manager, while Agau was the director of basketball operations.[6] It was announced on March 15, 2021, that the team would play its home games at Millard North High School and the season opener was on April 9 against the Enid Outlaws.[7]
The team's initial roster featured Thurman, SWAC player of the year Devonte Patterson, former Mississippi State player Craig Sword, as well as several local Omaha players.[6] Omaha's Finest reached the playoffs in their first season before losing to Enid.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Ex-UNO star Tra-Deon Hollins launches Omaha Dream Team, enlists Justin Patton and more for tourney". Omaha World-Herald. May 4, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
- ^ "Omaha's Finest doesn't make cut for pared-down The Basketball Tournament worth $1 million". Omaha World-Herald. June 16, 2020. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
- ^ "Former Central, UNO star Tra-Deon Hollins is starting a minor league basketball team in Omaha". Omaha World-Herald. January 11, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
- ^ "Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report". OurSports Central. January 18, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
- ^ "Omaha's Finest head coach is announced for the 2021 inaugural season". Omaha's Finest. January 28, 2021.
- ^ a b Nyatawa, Jon (April 8, 2021). "The goal for Omaha's new basketball team? Make an impact in the community". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
- ^ "Omaha's Finest: Pro basketball prepares for first season in Omaha". KETV. March 15, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
- ^ Masri, Tarik (July 21, 2021). "Outlaws take on Stallions in TBL Finals". Enid News & Eagle. Retrieved October 13, 2021.