In an in-depth interview with FL Teams, Bassel Harfouch of the Tampa Bay Titans talked about The Basketball League (TBL) and his life as both owner and player of the Titans.
At 27-years old, Harfouch, a Tampa native who played his college ball at Alcorn St., is that rare sort of person who is driven equally by lofty aspirations and altruism. Harfouch signed a D-League contract after college, but wound up playing briefly for a team in Lebanon before returning home to Tampa to become player-owner of the Titans, one of 29 teams currently competing in the up-start TBL.
TBL
The Basketball League (TBL), formerly North America Premier Basketball (NAPB), is a minor league basketball organization. The league began operating in North America in 2018 with eight teams, and expanded to over 30 teams as of 2021.
TBL is one of the few minor league basketball organizations providing player salaries from $1,500 to $6,500 per month, while teams operate on a budget of $125,000 to $250,000 per season.
Bassel Harfouch
Bassel Harfouch doesn’t just lead Tampa Bay in scoring, rebounds and assists, a feat impressive enough on its own, but is also the team owner. When asked how he successfully executes this balancing act, Bassel stated the following:
“Basketball is my passion, I love the game. Whenever I step on the door, I forget about everything and just lock into the game. All the owner jobs I have to handle are done during the day and in between practices, meetings, interviews, etc. The simple answer is, when you love something so passionately, it’s seamless.”
When asked about owning a team in the city (Tampa Bay) he was born in, Harfouch said the following:
“Tampa is home for me and I will always do what I can for my community. I’m all about giving back. Allowing athletes to achieve their dreams and goals is a beautiful thing. Bring professional ball to Tampa where there is no pro basketball gives hope and opportunity to the basketball world here. It drives all the young athletes to know there are opportunities in their city. I’m about making a positive impact on the lives of others and the fact that it’s for my people here in Tampa, just makes it that much sweeter!”
In addition to making an impact on the lives of others, Bassel wants to make his own impact on the court. Tampa Bay is currently 4-5. In order to improve, Harfouch stated that Tampa Bay needs to “limit turnovers and play together from the initial jump ball to the final buzzer after 48 minutes.”
Finally, Harfouch highlighted his future aspirations:
“My personal goal has always been the NBA. I will continue to work and grind for my opportunity to make the NBA. My driving factor is my family and being able to support and give back a fraction of what they’ve supported me with.”
“For the Titans, I want to continue to provide opportunities for athletes and that they have an outlet here in Tampa Bay. Providing an entertainment outlet for fans and kids around the Tampa Bay Area to watch some good basketball as well.”