
The first ever semi-pro American Basketball Association team in Sarasota, known as the Sarasota Manatee have officially started their season. Last season, there was great support throughout the exhibition season, this season there is much more excitement and more games with a full 20 game schedule. Marcus Pitts and Jesse Parker have been added as head coach, along with Mike Pitts taking the reigns as GM and co-owner. Joscelyn Spivey is now Director of Ops and Entertainment. New players coming from across Florida include Auri Nelson, Mykel Shelman, Jalen Seel and more to include veterans Henry Ford and Kobe Johnson coming back. The team looks to be sleeker with speed and some additional shooting. The team has expanded allowing more fans to see what the journey has been like, they’ve filmed and released the first episode of their docuseries called “The Game Don’t Play” which is available via youtube, it stars another new player Darius Williams in the first episode. For more information check out he team’s website www.941balliz.com or follow them on facebook @manateebasketball. The team is hosting a home game Saturday Dec 9th against the Florida All-Stars from Gainesville. It will be held at The Bridge Training Facilities, come out and support and cheer them on. There will also be vendors for a fun shopping experience.