October 9, 2023 – Sarasota, FL –
The Sun Belt Basketball Association (SBA) is on the cusp of introducing a transformative era in professional basketball, with its inaugural season primed for 2024. At the heart of the SBA’s pioneering vision is not just the sport itself, but an all-encompassing approach that weaves player engagement, community enrichment, and technological advancement. The Charlotte Knights, as the first announced franchise, set the stage with an embodiment of passion and ambition. They’re joined by well-established teams like the St. Cloud Force and the Sarasota Lions, both transitioning from their chapters in The Basketball League (TBL) alongside fellow entrants, the Central Alabama Jaguars.
One of the focal points for the SBA in their inaugural season is providing a high-quality live broadcast for fans. Octavius McCullough, in his pivotal role as Director of Media, is the driving force behind the league’s ambitious live-streaming vision. His stellar success with the Daily Faith Network, offering 24-7 programming for churches and ministries, serves as a testament to his prowess in harnessing technology for consistent and high-quality content delivery. Further enriching his profile is his leadership of the Orlando Boom in the WBDA, a team with two championship titles under its belt. His nuanced understanding of basketball, both from a player’s and manager’s perspective, promises to provide fans of the SBA a premium viewing experience, bridging on-court action with digital excellence. Charisse Lovett, as Director of Teams, brings to the table a rich blend of basketball coaching experience and strategic acumen. Her tenure coaching girls’ middle school basketball gives her a grassroots understanding of the sport, player dynamics, and the nuances of team building. This basketball-centric knowledge, combined with her extensive background in event planning and parks and recreation, assures that the SBA will experience top-tier operational efficiency. Her skills in organizing athletic leagues, scheduling, and program management are set to be instrumental in ensuring the league’s smooth progression.
Guiding the league’s overarching trajectory is its commissioner, Nick Perioli. His deep-rooted engagements spanning from the Syracuse Stallions in TBL to international collaborations like Denmark’s Lemvig Basket reflect a global and innovative perspective. More than just an administrator, Nick represents the league’s heart and soul, emphasizing the core values of basketball as a community binder and sport of passion.
Adding another layer to the SBA’s holistic approach is its strategic partnership with BMO Bank. Recognizing the often-overlooked importance of financial literacy for athletes, this collaboration aims to equip players, staff, and even the youth within each team’s community with essential financial skills. BMO’s involvement doesn’t stop there; fans can also look forward to multiple exciting giveaways throughout the season. Statistics, a vital aspect of any sport, has found renewed emphasis in the SBA. Their collaboration with SportsVisio ensures player statistics are not only accurate but also verifiable, addressing a longstanding issue in professional sports. Using cutting-edge AI technology, SportsVisio will track and verify game stats, ensuring players’ resumes remain impeccable. This partnership also promises meticulously crafted highlight reels for players, amplifying their professional presence.
With a synergetic blend of innovative leadership, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the sport and its community, the Sun Belt Basketball Association is poised to carve out a unique space in the annals of basketball history. As anticipation mounts, fans, players, and communities alike are set for a basketball experience unlike any other.
