When I told people that I was writing a book about a basketball team called the Birmingham Squadron, the response was usually something like, “Oh, cool! Is it your team?” Of course, I understand the confusion. Why wouldn’t that be the response? I love basketball; I write about basketball for a living; my last name is Squadron; the team’s name is Squadron. It all made too much sense. At the same time, though, I really hope that people don’t think I would buy a basketball team, name it after myself, and then write a book about it.
So no, it is not my team. I had an idea to write a book about the NBA G League, and there happened to be a team (a brand new one too!) called the Squadron. I mean, come on! It would have been far more ridiculous for me to ignore something like that, right? I chose to follow the Birmingham Squadron as opposed to the Sioux Falls Skyforce or the Rio Grande Valley Vipers or the Delaware Blue Coats or the Wisconsin Herd because it felt like destiny. There, I said it.
It has always been my dream to write a book. I was drawn to this one for so many reasons, including the fact that I share a name with the team at the center of it. But I must make clear before you go any further that I have absolutely no professional connection to the Birmingham Squadron.
Okay, that covers it. You can start the book now. I may not be crazy enough to buy a basketball team and name it after myself, but I am just crazy enough to believe you might actually enjoy what I’ve created here.