GM BLOG 4-11-11

Hey Flight Fans! It has been over a month since I last posted a blog. So much has happened in the past 30 some odd days. Let me start with “Taking it to the Streets”. We joined up with some members of River Run Christian Church and helped out at Orange County Academy in Bithlo. I believe there is some video on the website.

After the work was done, I wanted to make a trip out to Fort Christmas. I spent a large amount of my childhood traveling this fine state, accompanying my Mom as she researched “Florida One Day Adventures and Weekend Getaways”. Her book was published in the early 90’s. I have found myself wanting to revisit most of these places and Fort Christmas was just around the corner.

The King Family joined me for this adventure. Before arriving at the Fort, we made a short trip out to Titusville to grab some food for the family. I was quite shocked by how close it all really is. Once we arrived to the park, I did my best to play History Buff. We only had one hour to get though the fort, due to its closing at 6pm. Mark and I ran though the old farm house and the Fort. We brainstormed some future ideas using the Flight and historical places in the area. All in all it was a fun trip.

Flight Scout league is wrapping up. I am almost all but set with the squad for the season. This new format has been a blast. I have seen a lot of great basketball, and also some quality players to work with. We will be completing the Scout League in the next week.

Our Streetball Event was on April 6th. It was a great success! If that is a showing of how the season will be, we are in for one heck of a season. Our home opener is on Friday May 13th, which is followed by Saturday May 14th. Please join us for the great weekend to open our new home at Avalon Middle.

We hope to post the complete roster in just about a week. I feel that this year’s team will not only be a competitive one on the court, but the individuals involved will make a difference in the community as well. It is my goal to make a team that Avalon Park can be proud of.

That is all for now! Please visit our page on Facebook and Twitter. Just search Florida Flight! As always, GO FLIGHT!

GM Blog: 3-4-11

Hey Flight Fans!!!

We started our Flight School Scout League on 2-22-11. The first week was great! We have some quality players working hard to earn a sport with the team. Week 1 saw the Free Agent team beat the Pistons 56-29. Kamar Russell, Jonathan Adamson and Greg St. Remy shined in that game. The second game of the night had the Flight team getting the better of the Bobcats 42-35. “The Franchise” Ernest Jones led the effort for the Flight. In week 2, The Free Agents topped the Bobcats 53-51. Again, we saw solid performances from Greg St. Remy, Kamar Russell, and Jonathan Adamson. For the Bobcats, Antonio Monroe and A.J. Simmons had a great night. The second game had the Flight v. Pistons and the Flight cruised 81-34. The Pistons were led by Eddie Rosario, while the Flight showed a great team effort. It has been a great two weeks. I am impressed by the level of play so far. Tuesday nights at River Run Christian Church (8pm/845pm), if you would like to catch the next few weeks.

If you missed the sign up for Scout League and would like a shot, please sign up for the And 1 Live tryout and try to earn a spot with the Flight there. Check the website http://www.flighthoops.com

Funny text I received last week during Scout League: “Rebound, Rabon” from my Dad…

Growing up I played Jr. High Basketball at the old “Hornet’s Nest” at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. My Dad would film my games from the top of gym stands and he never failed to wait until the whole gym was totally quite, during a free throw and scream…..”Rebound, Rabon”. As a 12-14 year old it was as embarrassing as it got. Not to mention, what else could I be thinking about doing…I do have ADD, so maybe I was distracted (hey look a butterfly). So maybe I should be saying “Thanks Dad for keeping me focused”. However, I doubt it. Usually, I would look at him and then totally miss my rebound…. Regardless the text made me laugh, so Thanks Dad. (Figure it’s him and maybe two others that read this anyway) Speaking of that, if you read this, please ask questions. I can write about anything, but a prompt would be nice. I am pretty much an open book. Just Ask! You can email me at rsmith@flighthoops.com if you don’t want to post.

That is it from me!

Until next time, be safe and GO FLIGHT!

GM Update – Avalon Dance Clinic, And 1 Live, etc.

Hey Flight Fans, I hope everyone is enjoying their 2011. January has come and gone and February is quickly wrapping up. I am busy working on preparations for the upcoming season. This weekend I will be at Avalon Dance Company assisting with the Junior Flight Attendants Dance Clinic. Come on down from 12-3 pm on Saturday 2-12-11.

If you haven’t heard, we have announced that our And1 Live Streetball tour game will be April 7th, 2011. Be sure to get your tickets early, so you can guarantee your chance to see Hot Sauce, The Professor, Spyda, Amazing and many other infamous And 1 tour mates. I have connected with most of them on twitter and they are excited about 2011 and working with the CBL. If you would like to follow them as well as myself, send me a message (@rsmithlaxhoops via Twitter). I try to post something at least once a day. The And1 guys post all the time!

Make sure to check out our Flight Forum on the website. I have posted a thread to hear what the fans would like to see this year. You can also respond to these blog posts. Feel free to ask questions and I will always try to answer most of them.

Until next time, be safe and GO FLIGHT!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Reflection – GM: Rabon Smith

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

I hope everyone is enjoying the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Weekend. Please take time to remember why we have this day. The above quote from Dr. King is one that I always remember. It rings home and always challenges me to make sure I am working for others and not being too self absorbed. I will spend some time at a local holiday basketball tournament, as well as get together with some family and friends. I hope everyone has a great MLK, Jr Day on Monday. As always, GO FLIGHT!

Introducing Rabon Smith – New General Manager of the Flight

Hey there Flight Fans,

This is Rabon Smith the new General Manager of the Florida Flight. I served last season as the Director of Game Day Operations, which bled into the wearing of many different hats over the course of our first season. I am new to the world of blogging, but I want to give it a try. If you haven’t read my bio on the Team website yet, let me start by telling you about myself.

I am a native Floridian. I played basketball and lacrosse growing up and continued playing lacrosse at Mars Hill College in North Carolina. While in school, I was able to be a part of the Game Day Staff with the Asheville Altitude in the NBDL. I went on to teach high school history and coach basketball and lacrosse. I really enjoy evaluating talent and seeing a person evolve as a player.

I am very excited about the new endeavors ahead for myself and the Flight. Over the next few months I hope to give the fans an inside look into the front office and how we as an organization are truly trying to meet the mission statement each and every day.

We have a lot in store over the next few months. We are actively finalizing Sponsorships, organizing pre-season interns, and ironing out game day contests and talent. Not to mention scouting very game at our men’s basketball league with our partners Central Florida Hoops. (Check the website for more info – http://www.centralfloridahoops.com) to bring our roster to a full squad.

It’s going to be a great 2011! I hope to hear from the fans also. Please feel free to ask questions. I will do my best to work them into my posts.