Atlantic City Gambits Kick Off Their 2022 Season

By Krystle J Bailey

The Atlantic City Gambits basketball team kicked off their 2022 season this week. On March 1, the team gathered at the Vue Rooftop Bar & Lounge at The Claridge for a much-anticipated media day. The coaching staff and team members each took turns introducing themselves and sharing their enthusiasm about the upcoming season that began on March 5th.

The Gambits are a TBL (The Basketball League) expansion team, hosting 12 home games at Atlantic City High School and 12 on the road. TBL, which is a step below NBA’s G-League, consists of 42 teams across the country that compete from March through May. The Gambits joined the league in early 2021 under the ownership of Robert Baldeo at which time Elijah Thorpe was brought on as the team’s GM and head coach. Since then, the team has changed ownership to include owner Deshawn Ward, General Manager Frank Turner, and President of Basketball Operations Kamau Johnson. The three South Jersey natives are committed to bringing winning basketball back to Atlantic City.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. was in attendance at both the media day and the home opener this past Sunday. Small shared his excitement stating, “In Atlantic City, we have a history of winning. AC has won a championship in every sport. I’m happy to be here to support the Atlantic City Gambits. Wishing our homegrown team Godspeed and good luck!”

The team is deeply rooted in Atlantic City from the ownership to many of the athletes who grew up in and around South Jersey. During the media day event, each team member stood at the microphone to talk about their basketball experience, athleticism, and hope for the season ahead. The common thread was a spirit of winning. The Atlantic City Gambits team is comprised of athletes who have competed professionally including DJ Young, who was a former Houston Rockets draft pick, as well as young men who have played overseas, and local athletes hoping for more exposure on the court. What they all have in common is their commitment to excellence.

The season opener this past weekend was filled with high-energy, competitive basketball. Unfortunately, it ended in two close upsets. However, the team is rejuvenated and ready for more fierce competition this weekend. On the schedule, the Gambits will face the Connecticut Cobras at home on Friday, March 11th followed by an away game at the Reading Rebels on Saturday, March 12th.

As an organization, the Atlantic City Gambits team is committed to building community relationships through the inclusion of youth organizations and partnerships. Attendees of the Gambits home games can expect different themed events, fans of the week celebrations, local entertainment, prizes, raffles, and the excitement of a home team to root for.

“The goal is to bring family attractions back to the city. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the team and the youth,” explains activities coordinator, Shameeka Harvey Cottman.

Home games are held at the Atlantic City High School Sports Complex. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children with free parking.

In an effort to build a relationship between the team and the local community, the Gambits hold open practices at the Atlantic City PAL throughout the week, usually on Wednesdays and Fridays. Team president Kamau Johnson encourages locals to come out, meet the team, and become a part of the family. Follow ACGambits on social media for more information.