Shreveport Mavericks deserve some love From citizens and city hall

Prentiss Smith

The city of Shreveport has always been a nice sports town, but for some reason, the Shreveport Mavericks are not getting the love they deserve. This city needs something to celebrate and be proud of, and there is no better candidate than the 18-3 Shreveport Mavericks, who are the reigning TBL (The Basketball League) champions.

The Mavericks, a semi-pro team, with exceptional players, has been around for a long time. The team has been revived and re-invented many times, and it has done it again in Shreveport. The Mavericks provide quality basketball for its Shreveport fans, which is a good thing for entertainment-starved Shreveport.

The Mavericks were voted the Sports Team of the Year in 2016 for their work on and off the court. In April 2017, the Mavericks decided to cease operations and go dark once again.  It was the end of one of the best runs by any Professional Basketball Organization/Team in the world of professional basketball, but this respite did not last very long.

After several years of being dormant, the Mavericks have returned home to the city and community that embraced it like no other and showed them their love. The team continues to show that it is a quality organization that is well-coached and poised to do big things in the fledgling TBL (The Basketball League).

The team is still owned by Pat Booras, and The Shreveport Ownership Franchise, who have pushed, cajoled, encouraged, and put everything on the line to make this team a viable entertainment component for Shreveport citizens. People like good basketball and the Shreveport Mavericks are recognized as one of the best semi-pro basketball teams in the country.

The plan by its owners has always been to make the team the best show in town, and to continue its long history of success and winning.  “I cannot say how special it is to me and all who are a part of our Mavericks Family,” stated Mavericks Managing General Partner/Head Coach, Steve Tucker, when the team was brought back to Shreveport to start a new chapter in its storied history.

 Although the season has been going on for several months, and there have been some challenging times with respect to resources and taking care of the players. The team has endured the trials and tribulations of this season and continued to win. For many of the players, it is a chance to showcase their talents and hope that they can move to the next level. Now, the team is looking for support from the city that it has represented so well.

As a new era dawns upon Shreveport, Mayor Arceneaux faces the crucial task of recognizing and harnessing the immense value that the Shreveport Mavericks basketball team brings to the community. With their championship-caliber play, the Mavericks not only ignite local pride but also have the potential to significantly boost the city's economy through increased tourism.

The Shreveport Mavericks have firmly established themselves as a force to be

reckoned with in the world of basketball. Their impressive track record of success on the court, including capturing multiple championships, has generated a fervent following among both die-hard fans and casual spectators alike. This passionate fan base serves as a testament to the team's ability to unite the community and create a sense of camaraderie.

However, the Mavericks' impact extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court. Recognizing the team's potential as a catalyst for economic growth, it is crucial for the new mayor to support and invest in the team, particularly during these challenging times. By doing so, the city can leverage the Mavericks' success to attract tourists and stimulate the local economy.

The new mayor's recognition of the Shreveport Mavericks' significance goes beyond simply supporting a sports team; it entails acknowledging the economic potential that lies within the realm of sports tourism. By embracing this opportunity, Shreveport can secure its position as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and bolster its reputation as a vibrant and thriving city.

Finally, the Shreveport Mavericks basketball team represents more than just athletic excellence: they possess the power to drive tourism, stimulate the local economy, and unite the community. With a visionary approach, the new mayor has the chance to harness the team's success and maximize its impact, ensuring that the Mavericks continue to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of Shreveport for years to come.

On its website, it states that the Shreveport Maverick’s mission is to “shape the minds of young children into helping them become the best person they can be.” That is a laudable mission, and one that should be embraced by all of Shreveport. As someone who follows the team said recently, “The Shreveport Mavericks are the best game in town.” They deserve some love from the citizens of Shreveport and City Hall. And that’s my take. 

smithpren@aol.com