WS Chronicle

This October, Winston-Salem will be home to another semi-pro basketball team. The Winston-Salem Cardinals will lace up this fall in the ABA (American Basketball Association).   

Team owner and head coach, Jedadiah Bridges, is excited to bring an opportunity for young hoopers to showcase their talent. Bridges is a native of Reidsville and a graduate of Reidsville High School, so he is very familiar with Winston-Salem and the Triad area as a whole. 

Bridges is a lifelong fan of the sport of basketball. He chose the name Cardinals for his team because the Cardinal represents “new life” from a Christian perspective. He lost his brother 10 years ago and the Cardinal name somewhat symbolizes a loved one coming back to visit. 

“My brother was a diehard basketball fan, just like my family was,” said Bridges. “He played basketball at Reidsville, so me naming the team the Cardinals was kind of like in honor my brother Johsua and to pay homage to all of my family and the guys’ families on the team that are no longer with us.” 

Last season, Bridges was the coach for the Carolina Kings of the ABA. The idea to form his own franchise came to him in a dream. He said he always wanted to build his own organization with his vision in mind. 

“I envision something coming to the city of Winston-Salem in regards to giving guys an opportunity or second chance basically,” he continued. “Granted, it’s not a paid league right now, but we do have connections with the overseas leagues, as well as agents overseas, so there is a possibility of the exposure for guys to be seen. 

“Sometimes there are really good players in an area and all they need is the exposure. What the ABA does is provide that platform for guys to get a look and I want to be a part of that.” 

Tryouts for the Cardinals will take place on June 14-15 from 2-6 p.m. at 1718 Mill Ave. in Eden, North Carolina.  Bridges says he is looking for players with a good attitude and morale. 

“More than anything, I want players that have respect for the game,” he said. “Of course I want superstars, but I am also looking for guys that are built with integrity and are going to win with dignity and lose with class because you are not only representing the ABA and the Cardinals, but you are also representing yourself. That is what these scouts look at overseas. How you are on and off the court, as far as how you represent yourself.” 

Bridges plans on being the head coach for the team because he says he wants to be “in the mix” and not put the responsibility on someone else. He feels he is more of a mentor, rather than just being a coach. 

“There are a lot of things these guys come to their basketball coach for,” Bridges said. “They speak to their coach about their personal life or relationships. The biggest thrill for me is getting that untapped talent seen because it’s a lot of guys who have the talent, they just need to be pointed in the right direction.” 

There are a lot of bumps in the road when you are running an organization in the ABA and many teams don’t finish the season. When it comes to success, Bridges says he just wants to finish the season. 

For more information about the Cardinals, you can contact Bridges at Winstonsalemcardinals3@gmail.com or by phone at 336-459-5016. More details about where the team will play their home games and their schedule will be released later this year. Bridges will also be present at the “Rep Your City” drumline competition on May 10 at Quality Education Academy if you are interested in obtaining more information.