The Square Life

Square sat down with Utah County’s new NBA D-League Utah Flash (comprised of Celtics and Jazz players) team owner Brandt Andersen to discuss the team. Even though he turned down our Cougarine (half-cougar, half-wolverine) mascot idea, the 29 year-old business genius and BYU alum showed us why the Utah Flash is in good hands.

SQ: Is this what you wanted to do when you grew up?

BA: Yeah, who doesn’t want to own a pro-basketball team? I grew up loving sports. Since I realized I wasn’t good enough to play professional sports, this was the best way for me to be involved with sports. I mean, I just spent the past three days in Boston, hanging out with the Celtics.

SQ: Why Utah County?

BA: This is where my family lives now. This is an area where people love sports. We haven’t played a game yet, but we’re leading the league in ticket sales.

SQ: How is your relationship with the players compared to NBA player-owner relationships?
BA: I think I have a more intimate relationship with the players. I’m not setting their salaries. My only goal is to get them into the NBA.

BA: So, will Kirilenko make it to the Flash if he keeps up his shenanigans?
( laughs) No, Kirlenko doesn’t need to play in the D-League. Only first and second year players can play in the D-League.

SQ: What would you say to a poor student considering coming to a game?

BA: It’s cheap. You can get a pretty good seat for a very low amount. It’s a great experience, and it’s different than taking a girl to a movie and dinner. And, we’ll be giving things away at the games all the time.

SQ: So do your open tryouts allow the average Joe a chance to make the team?

BA: It’s always possible that could happen. We had some guys who didn’t make their high school team who tried out. We didn’t make any discoveries this year, but you never know.

SQ: Do you think the D-League will ever get to the point that Minor League Baseball has?

BA: I think it will eventually. There needs to be a history. Basketball is a much better spectator sport, but sport is about stories. Why do we relate to this team? Why do we root for this person? Or why do we want this person to succeed? Because it inspires us. Give it 5-10 years.

SQ: Which action hero are you most like?

BA: The Flash.