With the 2017-18 season underway, the Kyle Stallions continue to embark on their journey as a new member of the ABA.
The team has played three games this season, but held its first home game against the No. 4 ranked Austin Bats Sunday.
While the Stallions did not end the game the way they wanted, coaches and players still hold out hope. Head coach and general manager Ron Baxter said the Stallions must to do a better job at playing the full game.
“The guys are new to this level of basketball and they don’t understand what it takes,” Baxter said. “It takes a lot to go out there to play with experienced guys and it’s a little bit more physical than a college game and high school for sure. But they are learning, and it’s a learning experience.”
The Stallions played well in 24 out of 48 minutes Sunday. However, the Stallions are young and can only get better with every game they play, he said.
“You’re only as good as your last game,” Baxter said. “They don’t understand that they have the opportunity to do something about it. I can’t do anything about it, they have to.”
For Baxter, basketball is something that comes rather naturally. Baxter was a member of the University of Texas Longhorn basketball team that claimed the 1977 National Invitiational Tournament championship. He also experienced time in the NBA where he played with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Taking on the head coaching position was an easy decision, Baxter said. It was something to put his mark on.
Baxter said he’s grateful for the opportunity and wants to give back to his community as much as he can.
“Giving back means a lot to me because there is nothing down here in the southwest of Travis County,” Baxter said. “Everything is dedicated to the north, youth basketball and even this. It’s a stepping-stone to build up the youth basketball out here in South Austin. Travis County is growing, and it’s a way for us to build that back up.”
The Stallions not only learn from Baxter, but also from their owner Daphne Tenorio.
Tenorio said she is not the slightest bit worried about her team, they just need more time to mesh together.
“They are just as good as everyone else, if not better,” Tenorio said. “We are a new team, this is the first the team is playing together so we just need to get more confidence.”
While the Stallions may range in age, what they all bring to the table is passion.
Stallion Glen Gilliam said he loves what he does, and would do anything to be a part of the team.
“I have a passion to play and to compete in anything that I do,” Gilliam said. “I play multiple sports, but it’s the first time that I have played basketball at this level and it feels good to do so.”
While the Stallions struggled Sunday at times with matching the energy of the Bats, Gilliam said it’s there. Practices are strong and the team can compete against each other, all it takes is a little faith.
“We have what it takes, we have what it takes to beat that team,” Gilliam said. “We have the skill and a lot more offense than we put up. I have a lot more faith in us, we are a lot better than that.”
With the season just underway and a dedicated group on the court, Baxter said his team will continue to grow throughout the season.
“They will be fine, if it doesn’t kill us it makes us stronger,” Baxter said. “You learn a lot about yourself when you’re going through a loss like that, but we will be alright.”
