Get to know Schenectady's newest professional basketball team: the New York Phoenix
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The professional basketball scene in the Capital Region is expanding. There's already, of course, the Albany Patroons. Tuesday, a brand-new team coming to Schenectady was officially introduced: the New York Phoenix.
A press conference was held Tuesday morning at the future home arena of the Phoenix: Armory Studios NY in the heart of "The Electric City." The team will compete in The Basketball League (TBL) - the same league the Patroons play in. But that's not the only common thread between the organizations.
Phoenix owner and CEO Rebecca Clifford was a former operator of the Patroons, and has brought in Trevis Wyche to be the general manager and head coach. If that name sounds familiar, it's probably because Wyche had been a standout guard the last three seasons for the Patroons.
As Wyche starts to construct a roster, he'll be looking for guys that model his style as a player.
"[They'll] play both offense and defense, and just bring that energy every night," said Wyche. "Good-character guys, and guys that are gonna get out in the community and do some major things."
Wyche, who's only 29-years-old, said his decision to give up playing was a difficult one. But the opportunity to coach a professional team was ultimately too good to pass up.
He believes going straight from playing to coaching will help him be better in touch with his players.
"A lot of people ask me, "You're retiring? But you're so young. How's it gonna be to coach guys?"" said Wyche. "I'm just like, "I've earned their respect on the court as a player, captain, point guard. That's just what I do. I'm a leader." And it's gonna be the same as a coach. Be respectful to the guys. Understand that they are human beings as well. And just have an open communication and dialogue with them each and every day."
Wyche, who has experience playing in the NBA G League, played his collegiate ball at Saint Peter's University, and was a TBL All-Star during his time with the Patroons.
"It was a no-brainer," said Clifford of her decision to bring in Wyche. "He's so knowledgeable. His previous coach (Derrick Rowland) relied on him heavily. We watched that, and saw, like, "Yup, he's our guy."
The rise of the New York Phoenix creates a golden opportunity to establish a cross-town rivalry with the Patroons. The prospect of that was enticing to TBL president Dave Magley.
"I think what we're going to do is draw folks to the league that maybe never went across the river to the Patroons," said Magley. "They'll (the Phoenix) have people who've come to both, and then they'll have their own individual things. I think they'll see sponsorships that will do both teams. I think that you're gonna see engagement that's gonna be off-the-chain. I think these guys are gonna be a lot of fun to watch."
A full schedule for the Phoenix will be released in December. Ticket sales begin Nov. 29, and the season opens up in early March.
For more information on the New York Phoenix, you can head over to their website.