ALBANY – The Albany Patroons have come agonizingly close to winning the championship in The Basketball League (TBL) for the past two years. Now, they are faced with a difficult decision of whether to pursue another title in the TBL or join the new Basketball Super League (BSL) next year.
Following their heartbreaking 95-93 loss to the St. Louis Griffins in Game 3 of the TBL’s East Regional finals, co-owner Rebecca Clifford expressed that the Patroons are leaning towards declining membership in the BSL, which is a higher-level league branching off from the TBL and set to start playing in December.
“Let the BSL work out any initial issues in its first year,” she said. “We will continue to focus on our own success here in the TBL.”
One of the main concerns cited by Clifford is the travel involved in playing against several Canadian teams in the BSL. One such team is the Newfoundland Rogues, whom the Patroons defeated in the East Conference finals. Albany had to travel by bus to Montreal and then take a 2 1/2-hour flight to reach Newfoundland.
“I have no desire to endure that travel again,” she explained. “It’s simply too much.”
TBL commissioner Dave Magley confirmed that he has not discussed the matter extensively with Rebecca Clifford but has had conversations with her husband, Sam Clifford, who is also a co-owner.
“We want what is best for them,” said Magley. “Ultimately, it’s a personal decision for each team to make.”
Sam Clifford’s response to the decision remains uncertain, as he expressed that the organization is taking time to recover and assess their options after the devastating loss.
“Once our players have returned home safely and reunited with their families, the ownership team will regroup and analyze the BSL before making a final decision,” Clifford stated. “This has been an incredible season that demanded a lot of energy. We need to take some time to recharge and reflect.”
According to Magley, the BSL will consist of eight to twelve teams from both Canada and the United States in its inaugural season. The league offers a 32-game schedule, with 20 home games and 12 away games, including an additional eight home games against TBL teams. In comparison, the TBL plays a 24-game schedule.
BSL players can expect to earn between $2,500 and $5,000 per month, while TBL players typically earn between $1,200 and $2,000 per month. Magley assured that the Patroons’ salaries are already competitive within the TBL.
While TBL travel is more convenient and cost-effective for the Patroons, who often drive to away games against teams like Syracuse and Atlantic City in the Northeast Division, there is no guarantee from season to season regarding which opponents will remain in the 49-team TBL.
Albany’s season came to an end with a heartbreaking loss to the Griffins, following a mid-range jumper by Timmy Goodwin with just 2.2 seconds remaining in the game.
St. Louis will now face the Potawatomi Fire, the West Regional champions, in the TBL finals.
“We’re devastated, honestly,” expressed Patroons guard Ed Dyson III. “Losing in that manner is even more painful. We truly believed that we could make it to the finals and win it all. However, our journey has come to an abrupt end.”
Dyson, a Washington, D.C. native, shared that he is looking forward to returning home and reuniting with his young son after being away since March.
This is a familiar ending for the Patroons, as they also lost Game 3 of last year’s TBL finals in overtime to the Shreveport at the Armory. Head coach Derrick Rowland, who led the Patroons to the TBL championship in 2019, had left to coach Potawatomi last season but returned this year to replace Will Brown as head coach.
“I am disappointed, but now that it’s over, I am proud,” said Rowland. “I am proud of what we have accomplished throughout the year. I am proud of our players, fans, and sponsors. Everyone contributed to making this an exciting season for us.”
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
