sees this unique approach to business as the fulfillment of core foundational ideological principals for the
upstart team set to begin play in late 2010.
“We are building a team that goes beyond the basketball court,” King declared. “As an organization, it is our
goal to invest holistically into our people. We want to build a future for everyone involved that goes beyond
the athletic sphere. This opportunity builds a future for Jones and Haas after their playing careers come to an
end.”
Holding a dual player/front office role for a minor league team is something King is no stranger to. As a
member of the Orlando Aces of the American Basketball Association (ABA), King was a player, Director of
Basketball Operations, Assistant Coach, and webmaster. Out of necessity, he assumed the role of Head Coach
for the second half of the season. During his time with the East Kentucky Miners of the Continental
Basketball Association (CBA), he was promoted from practice player to team manager, and eventually added
to the active roster to play at the end of the season.
While many point to the efficiency challenges of holding dual roles of this nature, King sees it as a challenging
yet rewarding experience.
“It takes a driven individual to operate effectively as a player and front office executive, and I see the same
ambition that I had in Ernest and Andy,” said King. “Minor-league basketball is a unique business. Many
teams, under the leadership of strong business-minded individuals, have come on gone simply because they
were led by individuals who don’t understand the basketball side of this business. You need basketball-minded
people to be successful in this business.”
King continued.
“I started the Flight with this reality in mind: Sometimes…you’ve gotta create your own shot! This position is
more than a salary for these guys. This is just as much their shot as it is for me, and having committed, hard-
working guys like them allows me to rest at night knowing I have surrounded myself with people who care
just as much about this organization as I do.”
As Director of Basketball Operations, Jones’ first book of business will be to establish a structured format for
youth basketball camps, particularly for the House of Hope event tentatively scheduled for the beginning of
this year. He’ll also be responsible for planning travel, scheduling practices, player recruiting, and ordering
and maintaining team equipment, supplies and merchandise.
"I look forward to the responsibilities given to me, especially my duty to get the community involved with
various projects," said Jones. "I have been involved in the minor league circuit for over four years and played
for three teams in three different leagues. Based on my experience, I have no doubt that with God’s hands on
this organization, we will succeed in all the endeavors we hope to accomplish."
For Haas, the Director of Corporate Relations position was strategically developed to suit his gifts and abilities
as a front office executive.
“Andy has done a remarkable job marketing the team throughout Central Florida. I needed to customize a
position that best characterized what he already does,” King said. “Andy is always wearing his Flight polo, he’s
always networking, always brainstorming ideas. He’s established some great connections already, and his
eccentric passion has resulted in the development of key relationships with several companies in our market.
He has single-handedly brought several possible sponsors and partners to our door waiting to commit.”
The Director of Corporate Relations is responsible for building relationships by sharing the mission and vision
of the Florida Flight with possible corporate sponsors and investors, something Haas has voluntarily taken
ownership of even before being appointed to this position. Additionally, Haas will search for community
development initiatives to partake in that allow the Flight to publicly demonstrate the vision and mission of
the team. Upon appointment, Haas had this to say:
“Being appointed the Director of Corporate Relations is a God-given blessing, honor and privilege. The Florida
Flight is a unique sports organization with an innovative approach to professional basketball. I want to play my
part in giving the community and the fans something to be proud of.”
The Florida Flight hope to participate in some exhibition games as early as this summer. The team will also
look into competing in one of the annual Pro-Am tournaments this summer. Details of such events will be
announced in the months to come.
upstart team set to begin play in late 2010.
“We are building a team that goes beyond the basketball court,” King declared. “As an organization, it is our
goal to invest holistically into our people. We want to build a future for everyone involved that goes beyond
the athletic sphere. This opportunity builds a future for Jones and Haas after their playing careers come to an
end.”
Holding a dual player/front office role for a minor league team is something King is no stranger to. As a
member of the Orlando Aces of the American Basketball Association (ABA), King was a player, Director of
Basketball Operations, Assistant Coach, and webmaster. Out of necessity, he assumed the role of Head Coach
for the second half of the season. During his time with the East Kentucky Miners of the Continental
Basketball Association (CBA), he was promoted from practice player to team manager, and eventually added
to the active roster to play at the end of the season.
While many point to the efficiency challenges of holding dual roles of this nature, King sees it as a challenging
yet rewarding experience.
“It takes a driven individual to operate effectively as a player and front office executive, and I see the same
ambition that I had in Ernest and Andy,” said King. “Minor-league basketball is a unique business. Many
teams, under the leadership of strong business-minded individuals, have come on gone simply because they
were led by individuals who don’t understand the basketball side of this business. You need basketball-minded
people to be successful in this business.”
King continued.
“I started the Flight with this reality in mind: Sometimes…you’ve gotta create your own shot! This position is
more than a salary for these guys. This is just as much their shot as it is for me, and having committed, hard-
working guys like them allows me to rest at night knowing I have surrounded myself with people who care
just as much about this organization as I do.”
As Director of Basketball Operations, Jones’ first book of business will be to establish a structured format for
youth basketball camps, particularly for the House of Hope event tentatively scheduled for the beginning of
this year. He’ll also be responsible for planning travel, scheduling practices, player recruiting, and ordering
and maintaining team equipment, supplies and merchandise.
"I look forward to the responsibilities given to me, especially my duty to get the community involved with
various projects," said Jones. "I have been involved in the minor league circuit for over four years and played
for three teams in three different leagues. Based on my experience, I have no doubt that with God’s hands on
this organization, we will succeed in all the endeavors we hope to accomplish."
For Haas, the Director of Corporate Relations position was strategically developed to suit his gifts and abilities
as a front office executive.
“Andy has done a remarkable job marketing the team throughout Central Florida. I needed to customize a
position that best characterized what he already does,” King said. “Andy is always wearing his Flight polo, he’s
always networking, always brainstorming ideas. He’s established some great connections already, and his
eccentric passion has resulted in the development of key relationships with several companies in our market.
He has single-handedly brought several possible sponsors and partners to our door waiting to commit.”
The Director of Corporate Relations is responsible for building relationships by sharing the mission and vision
of the Florida Flight with possible corporate sponsors and investors, something Haas has voluntarily taken
ownership of even before being appointed to this position. Additionally, Haas will search for community
development initiatives to partake in that allow the Flight to publicly demonstrate the vision and mission of
the team. Upon appointment, Haas had this to say:
“Being appointed the Director of Corporate Relations is a God-given blessing, honor and privilege. The Florida
Flight is a unique sports organization with an innovative approach to professional basketball. I want to play my
part in giving the community and the fans something to be proud of.”
The Florida Flight hope to participate in some exhibition games as early as this summer. The team will also
look into competing in one of the annual Pro-Am tournaments this summer. Details of such events will be
announced in the months to come.
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JONES AND HAAS APPOINTED TO KEY STAFF POSITIONS
Orlando, FL – January 1, 2010
The Florida Flight started the New Year off with a bang by
appointing Ernest Jones and Andy Haas to key staff positions
within the organization. Ernest Jones has been appointed
Director of Basketball Operations, and Andrew Haas has been
appointed Director of Corporate Relations.
Jones and Haas will assume dual duties as players and front
office executives. Flight Co-Founder and President Mark King
Orlando, FL – January 1, 2010
The Florida Flight started the New Year off with a bang by
appointing Ernest Jones and Andy Haas to key staff positions
within the organization. Ernest Jones has been appointed
Director of Basketball Operations, and Andrew Haas has been
appointed Director of Corporate Relations.
Jones and Haas will assume dual duties as players and front
office executives. Flight Co-Founder and President Mark King
