The Rochester Razorsharks have a new coach, new venue and new ownership as they prepare to hit the hardwoods for the home opener.
Training camp at the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester finished up Thursday and the 12-man roster is set.
The Razorsharks are heading into a 20-game Premier Basketball League schedule with the home opener on New Year’s Eve at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex on Elmwood Ave. It’s the team’s new home court.
Jen Moore and her husband Keith are responsible for getting the team back. The Moore’s are huge basketball fans and have been season ticket holders for the Razorsharks since 2005. Keith was even the mascot, Finley, for three years.
"This is a dream come true. All the hours of hard work is amazing to see it come to fruition and have our team together. We are so excited to have everybody come from the city, the suburbs and everywhere. We just have such an eclectic mix and the demographics. It is wonderful," said CEO Jen Moore.
Head Coach Troy Jackson is a former Razorshark player and champion MVP.
"Yes I’m very excited for me this. It's a lifetime type of job," said Jackson. "I’ve been dreaming about something like this. I coached in Canada last year professionally so I consider Rochester my second home and to leave this organization back to dominance. I am very excited about it."
Seven of the 12 men on the team are from the Greater Rochester area. There are players from St. John Fisher College, Gates-Chili, Spencerport, Wheatland Chili, Aquinas, and Wilson high schools.
Razorshark combo guard Peach Dixon is from Georgia. He tried out for the Razorsharks three years ago and was cut the first day.
"I came back around and just got to stay locked in and stay the course and everything happens for a reason, so I looked at it like I just need to get into the gym and get better and it came back and I am grateful for this opportunity," said Dixon. "I've been feeling at home since the first day I got here. We are acting like a family, an organization and the coaches and the players it is beautiful. It feels great to be a part of.”
The team will play a Holiday Charity Exhibition game Saturday at the Thomas Ryan Community Center at 2:00 p.m.
The home opener is taking place at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex on December 31.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids.