Mission:
The Bakersfield Majestics Basketball Team’s mission is to provide young men an opportunity to continue playing professional basketball while providing a world-class professional basketball experience and quality entertainment to our fans, community and business partners.
Why Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is located in California’s Central Valley, which has a deep sports history in all types of sports from tennis, track, equestrian, aquatic, kayaking, road racing, archery, skeet-shooting, skydiving, hockey, baseball, football, volleyball and many more.
Yes, Men’s Professional basketball has a place in Kern County thanks to the Bakersfield Jam who in 2014 became part of the Arizona Suns; next the Bakersfield Magic Basketball Team formed in 2021 was able to play and complete the season despite the pandemic. Some of the players were selected to play in other leagues.
The Bakersfield Majestics Basketball Team is gearing up for the 2023 season with local players, coaches, and the support of many community groups and businesses which will enable us to showcase our talented athletes. Who knows, maybe some of our players may join the list of locals of past athletes such as, Myree Bowden who played for the Harlem Globe Trotters, Milton J. Henderson (J.R. Sakuragi) plays for Seahorses in Japan, retired power forward Winston Crite, point guard Milan Acquaah and 6’3 point guard Kyle Shiloh who is with Bakersfield Dignity Health Sports/ Gameday Sports Academy. One can agree, Bakersfield has produced many great athletes and The Majestics plan to give the fans a first rate professional sports experience, and give support to community projects and programs that strengthen our workforce and our families.
TBL FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM
Bakersfield Majestics will participate in the 2022-23 national campaign launch of “The Basketball League’s” Financial Literacy Program through its partnership with the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC).
The Basketball League is rolling out this campaign to work toward their goal of helping players develop leadership skills, self-worth, respect for themselves and their communities, and to provide education that can make a lasting difference in their lives. The financial literacy program adds to their current education initiatives which include life skills for proper nutrition, pre- and post-game recovery, mental health and wellness, and much more.
“It’s great to see a professional sports team committed to helping their players and the communities they serve across the country. Through this partnership with The Basketball League we can take a step to addressing the financial literacy crisis by having professional athletes take an active role in the financial literacy movement.” —Vince Shorb of the National Financial Educators Council.
As a member of The Basketball League (TBL), the Bakersfield Majestics support the league’s programs in bringing positive change to the lives of our youth and especially the young adults.
Vaughn Hicks
Team Market Owner
Vaughn Hicks is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader passionate about fostering growth and opportunity through professional sports. As the Team Market Owner of the Bakersfield Majestics, Vaughn combines his business acumen with a commitment to inspiring the local community, leveraging basketball as a platform for positive impact both on and off the court.
Vaughn brings a wealth of experience in business development, strategic planning, and community engagement. His leadership emphasizes creating an inclusive environment where athletes, fans, and community partners thrive. Under his stewardship, the Bakersfield Majestics have become a beacon of excellence, innovation, and community involvement within the league.
Dedicated to making a difference, Vaughn actively supports youth initiatives, educational programs, and outreach efforts that align with the team’s mission to empower the next generation. He envisions the Majestics as not just a basketball team, but a catalyst for meaningful change and unity in Bakersfield and beyond.
When not championing the success of the Bakersfield Majestics, Vaughn enjoys mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, participating in community events, and spending quality time with his family. His unwavering dedication to excellence and service continues to elevate the team’s reputation and influence in professional basketball.
Aaron Carter
Vice President of Business Strategy and Development
Aaron serves as the Vice President of Business Strategy and Development for the Bakersfield Majestics, a standout team in The Basketball League (TBL). A seasoned expert in marketing, branding, and business development, Aaron has been instrumental in shaping the Majestics’ growth and prominence. With years of experience consulting with small to medium-sized businesses and leading strategic initiatives, he excels in creating innovative sponsorship strategies, securing vital partnerships, and fostering community engagement. His strategic approach includes leveraging generative AI and data analytics, positioning the Majestics as a forward-thinking team both on and off the court.
Aaron’s academic foundation stems from Full Sail University and Vanderbilt University, where he specialized in Business Communications and Digital Marketing. Coupled with certifications in Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, and Data Analytics, his education equips him to merge traditional business strategies with emerging technologies seamlessly. Passionate about community development and organizational excellence, Aaron’s leadership extends beyond basketball, driving meaningful connections between the Majestics and the Bakersfield community. His dedication to innovation and collaboration is at the core of the team’s mission to inspire fans and partners alike.
Deon Bush
Vice President of Operations and Player Development
Deon Bush brings a lifetime of passion, experience, and dedication to the Bakersfield Majestics. Known affectionately as “The Black Howard Cosell” since his junior high days, Deon’s deep understanding of sports and basketball stems from a rich history of involvement in Park Leagues, School Programs, Travel Ball, and even the renowned BBB (Big Baller Brand).
Deon’s impact extends beyond the court. His multifaceted background includes roles as a coach, league president, marketing strategist, mentor, and business developer. He’s also been deeply involved in non-profit organizations, leveraging his talents to inspire and uplift others.
An entrepreneur at heart, Deon’s business journey began early. At just nine years old, he launched a window-washing business, followed by a lawn care service at age 11 and a merchandising venture at 12. These early endeavors laid the foundation for his unyielding work ethic and commitment to excellence.
His extensive hands-on experience and “empirical knowledge” have proven invaluable, often surpassing traditional education. His practical wisdom, combined with his dedication to player development and organizational growth, make him a vital asset to the Majestics.
Deon Bush exemplifies what it means to work hard, follow your passions, and lead by example—qualities he continues to bring to the Bakersfield Majestics every day.
Desmon Farmer
Head Coach
Peter Pang
Assistant Coach/Trainer
Peter Pang enters his 2nd season coaching in the TBL.
Pang made his first professional coaching debut as the Head Coach for the Bakersfield Magic Season in TBL 2021-2022 Season. Pang made history, as he became the first Chinese-American to coach professionally in the The Basketball League.
Before joining the Bakersfield Majestics coaching staff, Pang was coaching his 4th season as a head varsity boys basketball coach at Arvin High School.
When Pang is not coaching basketball, he is a certified fitness trainer and fitness entrepreneur running his own gym business. His goal is to have the opportunity to share his style of training to coach people who may struggle to reach his or her own personal fitness goals. He specializes in strength training, plyometric training, sports specific training, weight loss and high interval circuit training.
Pang is a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Political Science & Asian American Studies, with a minor in Collegiate Sports Coaching.
When he is not helping clients reach new levels of fitness, he loves cooking, playing basketball, working out, helping out at the family restaurant, and spending time with family and friends.
Peter’s motto is “TNT Togetherness, No Excuses, Toughness.”