FRESNO, CA — Fuego Basketball Club is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Crawley as the Club’s first ever President marking a major milestone in the organization’s commitment to building a premier, vertically integrated basketball platform in California’s Central Valley.\n\n

With more than a decade of high-level playing, coaching, and basketball operations experience, Crawley brings championship credibility, operational discipline, and deep regional ties to the role.\n\n

As a player, Crawley captured a Junior College State Championship in 2012 and earned NCAA Division II All-Conference honors. His competitive foundation shaped a leadership philosophy centered on accountability, preparation, and long-term player growth.\n\n

Transitioning into coaching and basketball operations, Crawley has served as Head Coach at Clovis High School, Buchanan High School, and San Joaquin Memorial. At the grassroots and elite levels, he has led as AAU Head Coach for Jalen Green Elite CV (16U and 17U), building programs that emphasize structure, development, and competitive excellence.\n\n

Crawley is also the Founder & CEO of Crawley Elite Training, a basketball development academy he has led for eight (8) years. Through his academy, he has trained more than 200 athletes across youth, high school, collegiate, and professional levels. His network includes 25 current professional players and 50 current collegiate athletes, demonstrating a proven track record of preparing players for advancement both on and off the court.\n\n

At the semi-professional level, Crawley has served as a two-time Fresno Pro-Am Championship Head Coach, further reinforcing his ability to construct competitive rosters and sustain winning cultures.\n\n

Under Crawley’s leadership, Fuego Basketball Club is not simply launching a roster. The organization is building a long-term basketball ecosystem.\n\n

The strategic vision includes:\n\n
 
• Structured player development pathways from youth through elite competition\n\n 
• Professional-grade training standards and performance systems\n\n
• Investment in infrastructure & facilities\n\n
• Data-driven talent identification and athlete management\n\n
• A scalable model capable of supporting the highest levels of competitive & professional basketball\n\n

Fuego Basketball Club is committed to establishing sustainable infrastructure that positions the Central Valley as a serious national basketball market, one capable of developing and sustaining high-level professional competition over time.\n\n

“Mike is not just a coach. He is a builder,” said Brian Easler. “He understands how to develop talent, but more importantly, he understands how to build the systems, standards, and culture that allow talent to thrive over the long term. We are not interested in short-term wins. We are building a vertically integrated basketball institution for this region, and Mike is the right leader to architect that foundation.”\n\n

Known for his player-first philosophy and operational clarity, Crawley will oversee roster construction, coaching standards, performance systems, and overall basketball strategy.\n\n

“Basketball in the Central Valley has always had the talent,” said Michael Crawley. “What excites me about Fuego is the commitment to building the infrastructure & facilities around that talent. This is about creating standards, accountability, and a development pathway that prepares athletes for the highest levels of competition. We are going to build something that lasts, something that players, families, and this community can believe in.”\n\n

With this appointment, Fuego Basketball Club signals a clear intention to elevate the standard of basketball in the Central Valley and create a professional structure designed to compete and sustain success at the highest levels.

Fuego Appoints Michael Crawley as President of Fuego Basketball Club

FRESNO, CA - Fuego FC today announces the transfer of 18-year-old Kevin Garcia to Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) for a club-record, undisclosed fee.\n\n

A Reedley, California native, Garcia made his debut with Fuego FC on Friday, August 16, 2024, at just 16 years old.\n\n

Following that appearance, he continued his development as an amateur within Fuego FC’s U23 program, competing in The League for Clubs. This environment is designed to support the transition from elite youth development to the professional game through extended training, competition, and targeted progression.\n\n


Garcia’s pathway reflects Fuego FC’s evolution into a development-first organization focused on long-term player growth and global placement. The club’s structure emphasizes thoughtful development timelines and strategic advancement, ensuring players are prepared for professional opportunities at the appropriate stage of their careers.
From his professional debut to targeted incubation and ultimately an international transfer, Garcia’s journey illustrates the effectiveness of this approach.\n\n

“This transfer represents a defining moment not only for Fuego FC, but for the entire Central Valley,” Brian Easler, President, said. “It is the first transfer of its kind from our region and establishes a new benchmark for what is possible for players developed locally.”\n\n

Fuego FC remains committed to building real, credible pathways for elite players, both men and women, from the Central Valley to the global game. Garcia’s success underscores the impact of combining talent with structure, belief, and opportunity.\n\n

About Fuego FC:
Fuego FC was founded in 2002. The Club participates in multiple regional and national platforms. Today it is dedicated to elite player development and global placement. The club focuses on creating sustainable pathways for players from the Central Valley to professional opportunities domestically and internationally. To learn more, visit www.fuegofc.com.

2026 News

Fuego Appoints Michael Crawley as President of Fuego Basketball Club

Fuego FC Announces Transfer of Kevin Garcia to Club Deportivo Guadalajara