A New Team in Kankakee

One of the exciting new developments going on in Kankakee is Windy City Soldiers Basketball. While minor league baseball is popular in many small to mid-sizeed cities around the country the minor leagues of basketball also can bring a fun attraction to town.

As I have gotten to know the Windy City Soldiers I have realized that there is more to this than just playing basketball. I have attached Toby Olszewski's article from the Herald because she really hits it right on the head as far as the impact the Soldiers are having.

I had the chance to suit up with the Soldiers last Friday night for a celebrity game. It was not pretty. While they are nice guys off the court they are not above knocking the glasses off the local Chamber of Commerce director should he make a move to the hole. While I was impressed I was not scared. I will make that move to the hoop again the next chance I get.

More than just basketball
by Toby Olszewski
When Barry Bradford started talking about basing his professional basketball team, the Windy City Soldiers, in the Kankakee Resource Center, it soon became apparent that there was a lot more going on than a game.
Yes, Bradford, an Illinois native who graduated from Country Club Hills High School, wants his team to win the games they will play in the International Basketball League, but, as important to him is the model he and his men can set for the youngsters here.
“We are holding sessions with the young kids in the Kankakee schools, teaching the kids to do the right thing. Our team members will be good role models. Most have other jobs in addition to playing basketball. They are fathers and brothers to their own kids and know what they need,” said Bradford. He said his personal passion is kids. Stopping gang growth is a goal. “You don’t stop gangs by talking to existing gang members. You talk to the 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Get them on the right road and there will be no new members for the gangs and they will disappear,” said
Bradford.
The team talked about settling elsewhere, but, Bradford said, when he came to Kankakee, he felt welcome. Mayor Don Green said, “It is easy to welcome someone with Bradford’s ideas. I agree with his thoughts on the kids. The real winner will be
the community.”
Ron Jackson, director of the Resource Center which used to be the Armory in the 100 block of N. Schuyler, said the partnership with the Windy City Soldiers started about six months ago. “We are excited to have them as part of Kankakee and Kankakee County.”
Mikal Duilio, commission of the IBL, said his group has been in existence about five years and the 2008 season, which will begin in March 2008, has taken off well.
“It is well-structured and answers the problem facing NBA games. They are too long. With all the time-outs and other time wasting, a game can be three hours long, much too long for most families. We looked to make it better and shorten it a bit.
This season, the fourth, will feature those changes. Only one time out a quarter per team is allowed. Referees must inbound quickly. The result is an active, physical game that is fun to watch. Players play more than they wait around and the average scoring per game is 127 points per team.
Duilio acknowledged that the games are not watched by crowds of thousands, but the spectators who came loved the excitement. “The games flow and the fans are into it,” said Duilio. As one sportswriter said, “Welcome back to rock and roll basketball.”
The league has 22 teams and have added two teams from China. Teams are based all across the country and Canada. Duilio said that the Windy City Soldiers will be looking for sponsors and support. “They are a pro team and they are building. They will add luster to the community. I have a good feeling about the connection this team will have in the community,” said Duilio.
The team is a family affair. Bradford’s wife, Aisha, is president of operations. Brother Jay Bradford is the coach and his wife, Yoko, is his assistant. Eric Minor is an assistant coach and in charge of personnel. Brother-in-law Jamel Chavers is a player and in charge of image and finance. He is assisted by his wife, Nicole. Valencia Ballard is director of operations.
The team includes three Olivet Nazarene students, Zachary Birkey, Stan Chismark and Eric Rhinehart. All in all, the team definitely has a family feel. Their goal is
winning, but their ultimate aim is to help and entertain families. That’s something that is definitely needed in professional sports. You can check out the Windy City Soldiers at www.iblhoopsonline.com.
They will play a celebrity game at King Junior High School in Kankakee on Jan. 11, 2008 and a Kankakee County Police versus WCS at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School on Feb. 16. To find out about sponsorship opportunities, contact Bradford at
1-708-785-HOOP (4667).