Dayton Air Strikers

History

Established in 2010, the Air Strikers started as an expansion franchise of the Premier Basketball League in the 2011 season, before competing in the International Basketball League as a "branding team" in the spring of 2011. They subsequently resumed play in the PBL for the 2012 season.

In 2013, they played in the Central Basketball League for one season (playing 6 games and did not return to the league the following season due to irreconcilable differences.

During 2014–2015 the team remained active on the Pro-Am circuit playing professional and club teams in the Great Lakes Summer League, and the Ohio Pro Development Basketball Organization hosting and traveling to teams located around Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

The team announced its full return as a member of the Midwest Basketball League that started in April 2016. The Dayton Air Strikers went undefeated on its home court going 7-0 holding the record for the longest winning streak.

In July 2016 the team became the MBL East Division champions ending the regular season with a record of 12-1.

Player development

Since inception the Dayton Air Strikers have helped launch the careers of over 20 players, recruiting players from well known colleges such as University of Dayton, Ohio State, Penn State, Wright State University, and Xavier University. Leaving directly from the team to play internationally in Germany, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Spain, Japan, Puerto Rico, Iceland, and Saudi Arabia.

Players also have gone on to playing for the NBA D-League and the Harlem Globetrotters. In 2012 four players were drafted internationally to play in the NBL Canada including two players selected in the top seven of the draft.

Alumni

Mark Gomillia (2012) - Oshawa Power

William Harris (2012) - Oshawa Power

Brandon Hassell (2012) - Summerside Storm

Avery Smith (2012) - Summerside Storm

Joe Thomasson (2016) - BC Dinamo București