Dayton Air Strikers
 | |
| Founded | 2010 |
|---|---|
| League | Midwest Basketball League |
| Team history | PBL: 2011–2012 IBL: 2011 CBL: 2013 MBL 2016–present |
| Based in | Dayton, Ohio |
| Arena | Vandalia Recreation Complex |
| Colors | Black, Red, White |
| Owner | Anthony Byrd |
| Head coach | Chris McGuire |
| Division titles | 1 |
| Website | www |
The Dayton Air Strikers are an American minor league basketball team based out of Dayton, Ohio. The team plays throughout North America between the United States and Canada. They currently compete in the Midwest Basketball League based out of Minnesota.
History
Established in 2010, the Air Strikers started as an expansion franchise of the Premier Basketball League in the 2011 season,[1] before competing in the International Basketball League as a "branding team" in the spring of 2011.[2] They subsequently resumed play in the PBL for the 2012 season.[3][4]
In 2013, they played in the Central Basketball League for one season (playing 6 games and did not return to the league the following season due to irreconcilable differences.
During 2014–2015 the team remained active on the Pro-Am circuit playing professional and club teams in the Great Lakes Summer League, and the Ohio Pro Development Basketball Organization hosting and traveling to teams located around Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
The team announced its full return as a member of the Midwest Basketball League that started in April 2016. The Dayton Air Strikers went undefeated on its home court going 7-0 holding the record for the longest winning streak.
In July 2016 the team became the MBL East Division champions ending the regular season with a record of 12–1.
Season-by-season
| Season | W | L | Result | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2011 (PBL) | 3 | 18 | 7th of 7 | DNQ |
| 2011 (IBL) | 5 | 0 | 1st of 8 (branding division) | --- |
| 2012 (PBL) | 6 | 11 | 6th of 9 | DNQ |
| 2013 (CBL) | 5 | 1 | 5th of 5 | DNQ |
| 2014 (OPBO) | 7 | 1 | ||
| 2015 (GLSL) | 7 | 1 | ||
| 2016 (MBL) | 12 | 1 | 1st of 11 | TBD |
Player development
Since inception the Dayton Air Strikers have helped launch the careers of over 20 players, recruiting players from well known colleges such as University of Dayton, Ohio State, Penn State, Wright State University, and Xavier University. Leaving directly from the team to play internationally in Germany, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Spain, Japan, Puerto Rico, Iceland, and Saudi Arabia.
Players also have gone on to playing for the NBA D-League and the Harlem Globetrotters. In 2012 four players were drafted internationally to play in the NBL Canada including two players selected in the top seven of the draft.[5]
Alumni
Mark Gomillia (2012) - Oshawa Power
William Harris (2012) - Oshawa Power
Brandon Hassell (2012) - Summerside Storm
Avery Smith (2012) - Summerside Storm
Joe Thomasson (2016) - BC Dinamo București
References
- ^ "Dayton Air Strikers vs. Razor Sharks". Dayton Daily News. 12 January 2011.
- ^ "IBL Standings". International Basketball League. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
- ^ "Dayton Air Strikers Return for the Premier Basketball League's 2012 Season". PR Newswire. 18 July 2011.
- ^ "The Dayton Air Strikers Shut Down the Admirals Run and Gun Offense". Lake Michigan Admirals. 12 February 2012.
- ^ "DRAFTED - Who drafted who at last night's NBL Canada draft". NBL Canada LIVE!. 28 August 2012.
External links
- Dayton Air Strikers website
- Eurobasket.com team profile
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