The local American Basketball Association Affiliate, Reading Wizards are back for their second season and ready to prove to the community they have what it takes to be the best in their division.
We caught up with Kashif Reyes, Owner and General Manager of the Reading Wizards during their tryouts at the Children’s Home of Reading Day Academy to get his take on the up coming Wizards season.
Reyes tells us a lot has changed with the team since their first year including the organizations structure, policies and players. The first big change has been the teams decision to apply for nonprofit status. Reyes explains the decision to become a nonprofit organization gives them more opportunity to help support the local community.
Another change this year is the implementation of several new team policies. Looking for professional players Reyes and his staff have enacted new rules on player attendance, ethics code and updated drug policy. Reyes says many of the new policies were implied their first year, however putting them on paper shows fans the team is serious about giving the community role models they can count on.
Moving on to the players Reyes was positive about the upcoming season, “Looks pretty good”. Besides the typical dribble, jump and shoot, Reyes says he and his coaches are looking for athletes who know the game well, can work with others and are eager to improve themselves. With five tryout sessions finished, Reyes is confident they have found the right group.
Adding to tryouts this year was the launch of the teams dance squad “Lady Amulets”. Headed up by Ginelle Ophelia, the squad will consist of 12 dancers which will perform at halftime, sidelines and act as community ambassadors. As an added benefit Reyes tells us both players and dancers will be paid in the upcoming season, a change he is hoping will help recruit a higher level of talent.
So what can fans expect to see this year? A lot of running, high flying alley-oops and scoring says Reyes. “If you love basketball come out and give us a chance, we are going to do our best to make our fans happy”.
In addition, Reyes will be adding a few new experiences for fans including free throw contests, merchandise giveaways and a VIP package. Reyes explains the VIP package offers fans the opportunity to join the team for a meal before the game, court side seats during the game and an exclusive photo/autograph session with players and dancers after the game.
The Reading Wizards first home game is November 11th against the Philly Cannons at Southern Middle School in Reading. Fans can also re-watch full length Reading Wizards games throughout the season on Reading Magazine.