Grand Rapids Flight
The Grand Rapids Flight were a team in the International Basketball League based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Founded | 2004 |
---|---|
Folded | 2010 |
League | IBL 2004–2009 |
Team history | Grand Rapids Flight |
Based in | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
Arena | Northpointe Christian High School 2007 DeltaPlex Arena 2008 Davenport University 2009 |
Colors | blue, orange, and white |
Owner | Grand Rapids Junior Jammers Youth Foundation |
Coach assistant | Chuck Johnson |
General manager | David Fox |
Championships | 0 |
Division titles | 0 |
The Flight underwent a office change in 2007 when David Fox took over the roles of general manager and head coach from founder Tyler Whitcomb. The team was owned by the Grand Rapids Junior Jammers Youth Foundation from 2008 to 2010, a non-profit based in Grand Rapids, Michigan founded by David Fox. The team's head coach, David Fox, coached the team for three seasons, and in his third season was the longest running tenured head coach in the IBL.
On the court, the team was a solid success in 2006, reaching the Final Four. The Grand Rapids Flight at one time held the record for most points scored in a single game, after a 179–146 drubbing of the Des Moines Heat.
The Flight made international news in 2007 by signing 7-foot-9-inch (236 cm) basketball player Sun Mingming, still known as the tallest athlete in the world. The Flight helped to set the record for single game attendance against the Elkhart Express in 2007 as over 5,200 attended the game, many to see Sun.
For the 2008 season the Flight played their home games at the DeltaPlex Arena. The DeltaPlex seats up to 4,400 for basketball. The Flight cited an upturn in attendance for this move.[1]
The Grand Rapids Flight are unrelated to the former basketball team that played in Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Hoops.
Season By Season
Regular Season | |||||||
Year | Wins | Losses | Percentage | Division | |||
2005 | 13 | 6 | .684 | 3rd – East Division | |||
2006 | 11 | 10 | .523 | T-5th – East Division | |||
2007 | 5 | 18 | .217 | 5th – East Division | |||
2008 | 6 | 12 | .333 | 3rd – Midwest Division | |||
All-Stars
2005
- Jason Boucher
- Mike Dyson
- Dametrius Kilgore
- James Singleton
2006
- Lamont Barnes
- Duke Cleveland
References
- Ungrey, Steve. "Pro basketball team finds home at DeltaPlex." mLive.com:Everything Michigan. 28 January 2008. Grand Rapids Press. 28 January 2008.