Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrin Eakins.
Hi Darrin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with my love of the game of basketball. As a basketball coach and entrepreneur, I knew I could leverage my talents to help athletes reach their biggest dreams. One common topic of conversation I had with Athletes who recently graduated college was in regards to their next step. Some were waiting on their Agents to get them placed overseas. Some were traveling state-to-state trying-out for different professional leagues, but the vast majority were in limbo, seeking that one opportunity to showcase their talent.
I reached out to a good friend who is the Medical Director at one of the local hospitals to get his thoughts on the current climate of today’s collegiate athletes. He had great insight on the topic as his concentration is Sports Medicine and Family Care. I asked him what he thought about bringing a professional team to Nassau County. We looked at each other and grinned. We knew we had something! Being a close-knit community, the idea of having a professional team that could provide a new level of sports and entertainment to Nassau County and surrounding Florida communities was something we thought would be great. So we proceeded on. We met with local leaders and organizations that focus on strong community involvement. Together we were able to merge a diverse group of sports fans from around the community, and successfully launched the Nassau Pride, the county’s first professional sports team.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Obstacles and challenges are what set the greats apart from the rest. Our biggest obstacle thus far has undoubtedly been Covid-19. Last season the ABA suspended the post-season due to the pandemic. We were just coming off a big win, making our regular-season record 14-3, ranking us #13 in the Country. We were preparing for the playoffs, so it was very unfortunate when we got the news that the remainder of the season was suspended indefinitely. This year, with strict Covid protocols in place, we were fortunate to be able to have shorten season. There were many challenges, but the gravity of the pandemic far outweighed our wonderful game, so we were blessed that we were able to compete this season. We finished ranked 10th in the Country, with a 10-2 season record. Like with any obstacle or challenge, we meet it with innovation and adaptability. We will continue to work closely with league and health officials regarding the pandemic to create a safe environment for our players and fans. Currently, we are scheduled to begin our next season in November 2021.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nassau Pride?
The Nassau Pride is a professional basketball team based in Nassau County, Florida. The Pride was established in 2018 and competed in the American Basketball Association as a member of the league’s Southeast Region. The ABA was formed in 1967 and lasted ten seasons prior to merging four of its teams into the NBA (Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs and New Jersey Nets, now Brooklyn). The lead attorney for the ABA during the merger was one of the Indiana Pacers Co-Founders and Commissioner of the ABA, Dick Tinkham, an Indianapolis attorney. Opposing counsel was David Stern, who was later to become the NBA Commissioner. The ABA produced some of the greatest players of the 20th century- Julius “Dr. J” Erving, George “Iceman” Gervin, Connie Hawkins, Moses Malone, Rick Berry, Artis Gilmore, Dan Issel, David Thompson and many others…
Today, the Nassau Pride focuses on enrichment programs for the community. We have community partnerships with the Nassau County School Board, Nassau County Sheriffs Office, DARE, The Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. We have development and career placement programs for the players to aid in career growth. On the basketball side, our team is electric. We play a fast-paced game with high flyers, which the fans love. Our games are family-friendly and entertaining, which sets us apart.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say my work ethic, having an enquiring mind, being genuine, and my ability to say “no” when things are not in my best interest or the best interest of the business no matter the circumstance.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@nassaupride.com
- Website: www.NassauPride.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nassaupride/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nassaupride
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NassauPride
Image Credits
1. Newsleader NewsPaper: Beth Jones 2. Baptist Medical Center Nassau 3. Nassau Pride
