The StingersFayetteville

Interview with Kenneth Bishop, Team Market Owner

Yo! We’re here with Kenneth Bishop, owner of the Fayetteville Stingers, what do you want FAYNC to know about you as the Fayetteville Stingers Team Market Owner?

I’m all about community and giving back. Making sure our organization inspires our youth in a positive direction and be role models

When did you realize FAYNC needed a minor league basketball team and how did you know

As the inaugural season approaches what are some things you are excited for FAYNC to experience from the Stingers?

I’m excited that we can provide family affordable entertainment in basketball. The level of entertainment we bring plus getting involved with the community and becoming that positive impact is what excites me the most.

Describe the vibe that you want fans to experience at Stingers games? Give us a glimpse of what we can expect before tip off, during half time and throughout the whole game? We’re definitely ready for those vibes for real!

Family! That’s the vibe we want to create, when

Now this is where it gets even more interesting. So now let’s dive into the team, What was the process like for building this team?

Umm, it was interesting really, I first wanted to see what the response from the community would be like. So social media is really where I started. I made a simple post that said “coming in 2023” and it got quite a few shares and likes and the conversation started from there. Moving on to find the GM and coach was huge.

Tell us about your community events you’ve done prior to the season and others you plan to do in the future:

So far we’ve held an event mixer way back in June, we followed that up without Father/Son clinic and Father Daughter/Clinic. During our tryouts we held a free clinic after every tryout for local youth as well. We held a tryout at 71st High School and they had the basketball team come out and work with the guys.

We also partnered with Parks and Recs and held a clinic for ages 6-17. All clinics have been free. We adopted a street, So B St. is Adopted by the Stingers and we will go out and clean up the streets about six times a year.

There is a lot more in store for the season, I can’t give all the details but it’s going to be special.

What are your future aspirations for players on the Stingers?

We want these guys to grow in their profession. Become the professional they want to be, to inspire and give back.

How do you hope the Stingers will impact FAYNC?

I honestly hope we already have made an impact in the short year we’ve been here. Moving forward, when people speak on Fayetteville I want them to take pride in their pro basketball team and know the positive impact we have on our community. Know who we are not just on the court but more so the things we do off the court and the lives we’ve impacted.

If you could send a message to our community what do you want them to know: Buzz On, it’s not just a play on the Stingers but it’s really what we do. We make and create a Buzz when we hit the streets, the schools, the shelters and so on. It will be heard about and told that the Stingers made an impact. There will be buzz around the town.

JOSE ROMAN -ANGUEIRA

Do you have any motivation or words of encouragement for the young Hoopers in the community or a younger version of yourself?

“I would tell them that if they treat the game with love it will love them back. Also, whatever you pour into the game it will pour back into you. I’ve learned that the difference between an amateur and a professional is that an amateur does it until he gets it right, but a professional does it until they can’t get it wrong. Understand that there are sacrifices you must be willing to make. Sometimes it’s as simple as TikTok or playing video games. Honestly, I believe that wholeheartedly.”

Being a captain means you have to be the guy that everyone looks to on the court, so what does leadership mean to you?

“It means everything, before you can lead you must first be willing to follow. I love being able to lead, not so much by telling everyone what to do, but by making sure that everyone stays energized and motivated. Knowing where to be at the right spot is a part of it too. Everyone on the team is a leader. I’m just more so the vocal leader, the translation of whatever Coach needs to be said. Whatever he wants to be done on the court it is my job to communicate that. I have two uncles that played in the NBA, so I was born into a family of scorers. So my job growing up was to be able to do something that was a little different.”

What does it mean to be a part of Fayetteville’s first minor-league professional basketball team?

“It means a lot actually! When they first asked me to come I didn’t expect it to be this big, but it’s actually bigger than what I expected. The kids come out, the community comes out and that’s big for me. Giving back to the game of life is so important for all of us. I’m constantly reminding myself that my legacy on the court is just as big as my legacy off the court. So I feel being the first team here is something we have to cherish and kind of build from the ground up.”

Jacque Brown

@jacque2432

Tell me what does it mean to you to be a dancer for the Fayetteville Stingers?

“I feel as though it’s all about teamwork. Being a part of this organization makes me feel very supportive. I have a condition known as rheumatoid arthritis. So being here not only helps me control my condition but also keeps me active and fit. Everyone on the team including the basketball players makes me feel very comfortable.”

— Laysaysha Faulk, Dancer

Is dance a passion for you?

“Yes, dance is my first love. I started dancing at three years old taking African dance classes. Then it grew further with my singing, so I would sing praise & worship at the church.”

— Charnetria Washington, Dancer

When fans come to the games they will be expecting energy. So being a part of this team, what does energy mean to you?

“Energy for me it’s losing myself in the dance. I like to make eye contact and I want to make everybody want to jump down and dance with me. Really, that’s just it! No looking down at the floor. Being confident! If you’re not making ugly faces you’re not dancing hard enough.”

— Christina Lopez, Dancer

Is this your first year as a Coach?

If so, what are your goals for the season?

“Yes, it is my first year coaching. My goal for this year is to connect with the community and show these girls that they can live their dream. This is a dream of mine, so I’m really just trying to connect with the younger generation of dancers. Also, if there are any women out there who desire to dance this is for them too. I hope this inspires women that think it’s too late as well. This is not just for the younger crowd. I hope for all of us to reach our dreams. It’s all about getting my dream accomplished, therefore I can help others in the community reach their dreams as well.”

— Canadian Crowder, Dance Director