Otterbein University will begin playing host to semi-pro basketball inside the Rike Center this coming weekend, welcoming the newly-formed Columbus Condors of The Basketball League (TBL) for what will end up being 12 home games.

A minor league team based in Columbus, the Condors are owned by 1979 Otterbein graduate Darrell Miller Jr. and are now one of 12 organizations (mostly located around the east coast) competing in TBL. Their home opener is scheduled for this coming Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Condors, already 2-0 on the young season after a pair of road wins, will play a 24-game schedule spanning into mid-April before the playoffs. A total of 13 players make up the roster, almost all from Ohio and holding various levels of college playing experience.

Columbus native AJ Davis (James Madison), local Delaware product Matt Bingaya (Southern Miss), Lancaster’s Brett McKnight (Akron), Columbus resident Richie Gordon (Western Carolina) and Grove City resident Todd Brown (Wright State), originally from Canton, are a few notable names. Forward Randon Dyer spent time with the Harlem Globetrotter while Miller’s son, Trey, is also on the roster.

In addition, players such as Miller (Wooster/New Albany), Boo Osborne (Ashland-Centenial), Jalen Benton (Youngstown State-Westerville North) and Andy Bosley (Lake Erie-Olentangy Orange) have played against each other since the third grade.

“This is a pretty special thing we are trying to do,” Miller said. “The local flavor is really cool with so many Columbus area and Ohio products. Some of these guys have played against one another since the third grade, and are now united for something special. The culture is fun and challenging, so we are excited to see what can be accomplished.”

Miller also serves as head coach and is assisted on the bench by Marvin Stephens. Administrative staff includes general manager Cody Ballard, former Ohio State player Jimmy Ratliff as head of basketball operations, and former Otterbein men’s golfer Sage Engel in the front office.

TBL, considered a step below the G-League, features an AAU-type travel schedule and has teams located in places such as New York, Texas, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, North Carolina, Kentucky and even Dayton.

Miller also spent more than a decade as an assistant under three different head coaches at Otterbein. He is co-founder of a very successful company, Aqua Science, and also co-owned The USA Sports Academy in Columbus with former NBA coach George Karl.

To learn more, visiting the Columbus Condors Team Page and/or check out The Basketball League official website.