Flight Co-Founder and President Mark King 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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