Roar Conclude Training Camp

The 4 Bears Roar, a professional basketball team in the TBL, held their 2026 Preseason Training Camp in Las Vegas over the weekend. For three days, the players, coaches, and staff had the opportunity to start building the proper team to begin the 2026 season.

All 21 players flew into the bright lights of Las Vegas and had an extra day to mingle and meet each other. Most players reminisced about playing against each other years ago and shared stories of their travels professionally or playing Division I. The STRAT Hotel & Casino was the official home for the 2026 Roar Preseason Training Camp. Players utilized the Fitness Room on the first afternoon. That evening, during some team bonding exercises, some players participated in the bungie jump from atop the STRAT hotel’s needle. The entire team met for dinner and was officially welcomed by the coaches, staff, and the CEO of 4 Bears Casino & Lodge Patrick Packineau.

“Give us the best you can,” said Packineau, addressing the players. “We’re really creating something great for the people and communities of MHA Nation.”

Training camp officially began the next morning with workouts. The Roar made their training camp home at the Pearson Community Center in North Las Vegas, right off Martin Luther King Boulevard. Roar head coach Wayne Casey kicked things off with conditioning.

“I was very pleased with the guys who showed up ready to earn a spot,” said head coach Wayne Casey. Now in his 4th season as a head coach in the TBL.

“The level of intensity and focus really set the tone for what we want the Roar to represent moving forward,” said Trey Stephens, Director of Scouting.

Friday morning, forward Jimario Rivers suffered a severe concussion during a controlled scrimmage. The Roar training staff reacted quickly to the player and evaluated him the rest of the day. The 6’8” Rivers was the 5th overall player taken in the 2026 TBL Draft, selected by the 4 Bears Roar. He played for the University of Memphis under Tubby Smith before playing one season overseas in England. Later on Friday, 6’7” forward Jamaal Clifton also suffered a leg injury, but continued to workout until being shut down by staff on Day 2 to not prolong the injury any further.

“Training camp was extremely competitive from start to finish,” stated Stephens.

On the final day of training camp, Coach Casey preached to the players about building a culture and being in shape for a long season. The camp ended with a final scrimmage where players showcased everything on the floor.

“We had four grueling practices,” said Casey prior to the scrimmage. “This will help us decide who’s coming to North Dakota, right here.”

The next day, 21 players traveled home in 21 different directions.

“I just want to say thank you to the entire Roar organization for the hospitality,” said Clifton, the 6’7” forward from Arkansas. “You all went above and beyond, the best in the league”.

“We got the team,” said the 7’0” center Kentrevious Jones from Georgia. “I just want to win a championship.”

“One of the biggest positives was the culture that started forming right away,” added Trey Stephens.

The Roar will select their final roster this week. Those players will report to North Dakota on February 19th. The Roar will begin the 2026 TBL season on the road against the Great Falls Electric, reining Western Conference champions on Sunday, March 1st.

There have been some changes to the 2026 TBL schedule. For updates go to 4BearsRoar.com.

The Roar would like to say thank you Dynamic Gaming Solutions, the official sponsor of the 4 Bears Roar Preseason Training Camp.

Roar point guard Marcus Friend (6'0", New York) and forward Brandon Watkins (6'10", Georgia) look on during drills.