By Erika Winston
Joyce Patterson
With a rich history and a commitment to community, the Richmond Elite is much more than a championship winning basketball team. Its a family-centered organization, giving Richmond area fans and their families a reason to cheer and feel a deep sense of pride. At the helm is a business-minded leader, who holds her own as an African American woman inside of a male dominated world.
Joyce Patterson is the CEO of the Richmond Elite. The co-owner of AriZen Counseling Center, Patterson purchased the American Basketball Association (ABA) franchise in 2011. “Richmond Elite was formed around my dining room table with my two sons Jason and CaRes Patterson,” she explains. “We are a very close family, with a passion for basketball. We all played basketball in school, for recreation and CaRes played in college. It’s always been my desire to help and bring out the very best in everything and everyone. Having this team allows me to be a mother, a mentor, a friend, a confidant and a strong professional business woman.”
The history of the Richmond Elite dates back to the 1970s when National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Dr. J played for the franchise, which was named the Virginia Squires at the time. After six seasons of play, the team was disbanded as the NBA emerged as the nation’s sole professional basketball league. In 1999, a new ABA was established for semi-professional basketball. The league now boasts divisions nationwide, with more than 100 established teams.
The Mid-Atlantic division is home to the Richmond Elite, which has experienced significant success in recent seasons. “We have won two Division Championships and made it to the semi-finals in the playoffs in 2013 and 2014,” states Patterson. Six Richmond Elite players have gone on to play in overseas basketball leagues, including Holland, Japan and Australia. In the team’s first season, player Jack Browne was selected to play on the First Team ABA National All Star Team.
Richmond Elite
Patterson says the team’s dedicated coaches are a key element of this success. “Richmond Elite started off with Legendary Coach George Lancaster for our first 2 seasons,” she explains. “Coach Lancaster created the foundation of wining for the Richmond Elite Team. He led us to a 12-5 record and 11th place ranking in the nation. In our second season, he led us to a 14-3 record and 9th place ranking in the nation.”
Reggie Tennyson is the current coach for the Richmond Elite, taking over the reigns in 2013. Patterson is happy with his dedication to the winning tradition started by Coach Lancaster. “Richmond Elite improved to a 15-1 season and ranked it’s highest in 3 years, ranking 3rd out of 91 ABA teams in the nation. These two coaches believed in my dreams and assisted with helping me achieve my goals. My coaches will always have a place in my heart for all they have done for Richmond Elite.”
Another vital part of the Richmond Elite franchise is the “Crème de la Creme” dance team. Talita Jackson is the director and choreographer for the team. Patterson applauds her commitment to the organization, stating “ She comes with expertise and energy.” There are currently 16 dancers who entertain the fans and show their never-ending support for the players.
Dancers from bottom to top: 1st Row: Director/Choreographer - Talita Jackson 2nd Row left to right: Carhee Watts, Erica Barfield, Tiara Coles, Jessica Washington 3rd Row left to right: Alacia Brooks, Jazmine Yates, Larnecia Jackson, Kiara Lewis, Camille Waddey
Though the Richmond Elite puts in work on the court, Patterson says the team’s most important work is in the community. Players serve as mentors within area high schools. “We work hard with the schools in our mentoring program showing young men how education and staying in school is more important than any choice they can make,” Patterson explains. The team has also assisted the Richmond Police Department with back to school events at Creighton Court and Mosby Court. Players gave out backpacks and assisted with serving meals.
The organization hosted a weekly summer camp in June 2012, collaborating with Bellmeade Community Center for underprivileged youth. Along with serving breakfast and lunch to each child, the organization provided keynote speakers, including NBA player Reggie Williams, as well as VUU Coach Louqman, and legendary Coach George Lancaster. This dedication to community service starts at the top. “It has always been a desire for me to help others and to bring out the best in the worst situation,” Patterson said. “This organization has opened doors for youth, adults and families. It starts in the home and in the community.” The team’s outreach also includes breast cancer awareness, food bank contributions and participation in the IRA (International Reading Association), which takes players into area schools to work with students.
Patterson’s role as CEO is a demanding one, but she declares that she is up for the challenge. Her typical day consists of “preparing for the season, recruiting players, planning basketball and community events.” Patterson explains that all of these tasks are vital to a successful season. “I have been very fortunate to have a great General Manager (my son), and board members that are dedicated, committed and work countless hours in getting the job done.”
Right now, the team is preparing for the upcoming season with open tryouts. “Richmond is polluted with great basketball talents,” states Patterson. “I had a dream to have an all Richmond Team and have been blessed to find Richmond Elite’s core group of young men in the Richmond and surrounding areas.” The first tryout for the 2014-2015 season takes place at the end of July. More information is posted on the team’s website at www.richmondelitebasketball.com.
In summing up her experience with the Richmond Elite, Patterson has this to say. “It is my desire to offer a unique and professional basketball team that prides itself on providing family entertainment to the Richmond area and surrounding counties. To demonstrate our commitment to the Richmond area, we have pledged to maintain consistent support in the community and with our fans” She finishes with a personal statement, “As a women, but as a mother first, I have always nurtured the children in my church and community. I’ve always put God first in all that I do. I believe that with Him I can do anything and without Him I can do nothing. It’s my continued belief in God that gives me strength to do what I am doing.”
If you want to see great family entertainment, the team’s 2014-2015 game schedule and venue will be posted on the website by mid July, but fans can follow the team right now on twitter at #richmondelite and on Facebook.
