Team publicist Malcolm Kelly briefly took over the GM role in December 1984 but quit within weeks in frustration with Stepien.

[3] First season players for the Tornados included Carl Nicks, Peter Thibeaux, Bobby Cattage, Dudley Bradley, Larry McNeill, Robert Smith, Tracy Jackson, Ron Crevier, Walter Jordan, Wayne Abrams, Greg Hines, and Calvin Roberts.

[2] The Tornados improved to 26-22 in their second season—including a 15-2 run at the end of the season—good enough for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Division.

Stepien fired coach Oliver just before the first playoff game and replaced him with Fowler after Walter Jordan declined a player-coach role.

[4] In the first round of the playoffs (Eastern Division semi-final), the team was eliminated three games to two by defending champions Albany Patroons, coached by Phil Jackson.