Topeka Wizards join Triple Threat Basketball League. New head coach has ties to Topeka High

After a year or so of waiting, Topeka-area basketball fans will have to wait a little bit longer for their own professional basketball team.

Originally announced in August 2021, several changes have been made since then, and, with the announcement of new head coach Eric King on Tuesday, here's the latest on the Topeka Wizards basketball team.

Topeka Wizards to be first professional basketball team in Topeka since Topeka Sizzlers

The Topeka Sizzlers were the last men's semi-professional basketball team in Topeka, playing in the city from 1986 to 1990 as part of the Continental Basketball Association, which was bought out, rebranded and relocated to California.

In August of 2021, it was announced that a basketball team would be returning to Topeka as they sought out names for their team from the community with the goal of playing in The Basketball League.

"It was because Topeka needs something to fill the void during the winter months," said Topeka Wizards President Shawn Smith on the creation of the Wizards. "Topeka needs something from October to mid-February. Our initial plan was to join The Basketball League."

The Basketball League (TBL), formerly the North America Premier Basketball League, began in 2018 with eight teams and has rapidly expanded, offering another avenue for basketball players to continue playing the game they love for a living.

By September of 2021, the Topeka-based basketball team was named the Topeka Wizards, a name chosen from more than 400 potential choices submitted by the community.

Then Topekan 10-year-old Parker Barnes suggested the name to his grandmother, Janet Barnes, who submitted the suggestion.

"We wanted to stick with 'The Wizard of Oz' theme while we made our selection," said Smith in September 2021. "We wanted to dig deep in the Kansas roots."

At that time, the Wizards weren't officially part of TBL because there were still things to do in order for them to be able to join the league, and those things will need to be addressed if the Wizards make the jump to TBL.

"We have to make sure we have enough corporate dollars and corporate sponsors," said Smith. "To be able to afford the housing for the players, payroll for the players, payroll for the coaches, and we've got to make sure we make our annual league dues. Dues for the TBL range from $250,000 to $400,000."

Smith's health issues led to delays for Topeka Wizards

The creation of the team was announced in 2021 but the team is just now preparing to play later this year as it recently named its head coach and new tryout dates on Tuesday.

One of the main reasons for the delays for the Wizards in getting a coach hired and the team roster filled was the health of Smith.

In October of 2021, Smith got COVID-19, and in early November he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

"Your doctor tells you, 'You've got to lose weight or you're going to die before you're 45,'" said Smith. "It's not a simple way to do it, but I had gastric bypass surgery.

"I've been losing the weight trying to get healthy and it's just taken time to get healthy and good."

Smith had the gastric bypass surgery in January of 2022 and then went in for sinus surgery the week before initial tryouts were scheduled for June.

"Part of my nasal septum was collapsed on my right side," said Smith. "That's another reason why we couldn't do the tryouts in June."

Topeka Wizards pivot to Triple Threat Basketball League

In November of 2021, the Wizards announced the plan was to begin playing in the 2023 season of the TBL.

As a new organization, the reasoning was to allow a full year to get sponsors, sell season tickets and give opportunities for players to try out for the team.

"The efforts have been well received," said Smith on the progress made since the initial delays. "We've had numerous talks with corporate sponsors to get on board with our team."

On Tuesday, after a year of delays, the Wizards named former Washington and Topeka High boys basketball coach Eric King as its coach.

It also announced new tryouts dates this fall and that the Wizards would be playing in a different league, the Triple Threat Basketball League (TTBL), later this year.

"Coach King will bring a winning mindset to the team and we look forward to having a good coach aboard and looking forward to seeing him coach at this level,” said Smith in the Tuesday press release.

The TTBL began in 2019 and, according to the league website, is "envisioned as a basketball league invested in the success of each team owner and dedicated to a competitive platform for players to showcase that their abilities can compete at the next level."

In the 2021-22 season, there were two divisions, with nine and seven teams, respectively, with the league website also stating plans to expand to over 20 states with a TTBL team.

Smith said the long-term goal is to join TBL.

"With us joining a smaller market league right now, you don't know how well Topeka is going to receive a new basketball team, right?" said Smith. "That's the first thing that came to our mind. The TBL is a very hot, in-demand league. They've got teams from the east to the west coast.

"I've talked to (TBL President David) Magley on several different occasions. I've expressed that I think that we need to go to a smaller league before we jump into the big boy league."

"We thought the Triple Threat Basketball League (TTBL) would be the best way we can grow our program."

The TTBL season runs from mid-November to March, and Smith said he would find out more information on a league conference call next week.

"I believe we're playing 12 home and 12 away (games)," said Smith. "It's going to boost our economy, getting teams here to spend money in the restaurants and hotels."

Tryouts for the Wizards are planned for 1 to 3 p.m. Aug.20 at 785 Gym, 1239 S.W. Western, with plans to hold more tryouts in Topeka and Kansas City in early October as well.

Their home venue is to be announced, with Smith saying he wanted to get the contracts signed in the next couple of weeks.

"We want to bring family fun, affordable entertainment to Topeka, and this is a good way to do it," said Smith.

To learn more about the Topeka Wizards, contact topekawizards@gmail.com.

Tips or story ideas? Email Seth Kinker at skinker@gannett.com. or DM him on Twitter @SethKinker

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka Wizards bringing professional basketball team to Topeka