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June 30th, 2004
What Is Wrong In Fury Land?
PART 2
The Management side of this organization is indecisive about the team's future in Birmingham. Ethan James Kight has talked with the city of Birmingham's city council and the new plans about building a new arena. The two sides have sat down and discussed the topic about building the arena, but to no result. The building pan has been placed on hold until after the season.
In the mean time EJK has began talks with the country of Finland. The community and the country as a whole are really excited about the possibility of the Fury coming to Finland. They even took the time to design some logos for the new team.
With these logos already in place I think that the move will happen before the season is even over. With the problems on the court and even more problems off the court the Fury franchise is in a lot of turmoil. What all of this going on and the only bright spot the Fury have playing for them on the court is Yuri Vilasny and he was hurt in the game on Day 39 between Boston & Birmingham. After dishing out 19 assists Vilansy is hurt and will miss 8 games. This franchise is doomed maybe a fresh start might help the team. They changed the mascot last season and made it to the playoffs. Who knows what will happen when the franchise moves toFinland.
June 30th, 2004
Budapest Report
By: Corey Daubanton
The Budapest Tigers are currently pests to many teams in the East, as their 23-15 record puts them at a tie with Albacete at the top of the Atlantic Division. Who is on this team, for non-fans? Here is my look at their roster as of Day 40:
PG:
Steve Peterson, a veteran PG of the WBA is the starting PG of the Tigers, averaging 41 minutes per game for them. He's a solid passer, averaging 9.6 apg, and is also contributing 11.9 ppg as well as 5.8 rpg and 2.8 spg. Likely to be considers as one of the better guards is the league, Peterson has the experience to help run the team's offense.
Bud Johnson is actually a pretty good player for a bencher. He rates well in passing, scoring and FG%. Currently he is only averaging 8 minutes per game, primarily behind Steve Peterson, even though he's naturally a SG. Currently he's averaging 4.0 ppg and 1.6 apg in the minutes he is playing.
SG:
Jalen Bell is currently the starting SG and leading scorer of Budapest with 23.0 ppg. He's relied mainly on his scoring, of course, and with his 53.8 FG%, he is always counted on to make the big shot.
Tyson Cooper is a backup, who gets a few minutes behind Jalen Bell each game. Although he has been injured for a few games so far, he is productive when he is on the court, averaging 5.2 points, 49.3 FG%, and 1.6 assists in 9 minutes per game.
SF:
Johhny Brose is the starting SF on the Tigers. He's a sold SF, putting up 14.4 ppg so far, with 48.6 FG%. I'm sure he also valued for his rebounding skills, averaging 10.2 per game, which is good for any small forward. He also might get a couple steals now and then, but that's really all he's known for.
Bob Kinsey is an odd player. He has been legendary for losing games of HORSE to nursing home residents, and his 9.3 FG% shows it. Luckily, he only averages 2 or 3 shots per game, and is pretty good at getting to the free throw line. Put that one weakness aside, Kinsey really is a good play, shown by his rebounding and defensive skills, and even passing ability. In the 13 minutes per game he is averaging as a backup, he's getting 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, as well as 1.6 steals.
Chance McCormick, a SG/SF hasn't played much at all this year as he's as reserve behind the other guys I have already mentioned. My scouting report says he's a pretty good rebound and shooter, but doesn't do too much else besides that. In the 8 games he has played he has averaged 1.5 rebounds and 0.9 points.
Andres Fernandez is a reserve SF who has spent most of the season so far on the bench. My scouting report says he's an okay shooter, and pretty good at rebounds and steals, but not much else. An okay player overall. In the 7 games he has played he averaged 4.0 points and 1.0 rebounds in 9 minutes
PF:
Roy Cader is naturally a center, but he's playing just fine as a PF. He's not exactly a great rebounder for his position, averaging only 4.7 boards per game in 29 minutes, but he has other strengths, such as blocks (2.4 bpg), and scoring (15.9 ppg). His FG% is a little low right now at 35.5%, but it's likely due to the fact that he gets fouled a lot, and luckily he's a pretty good free throw shooter as well.
Jon Morgenland, a SF/PF, is splitting time with Roy Cader at PF. He's just an average rebounder/passer, but he likes to shoot the ball, and he's pretty good at that, as well as drawing fouls. Of course, Morgenland is also injury-prone, and the 8 games he's missed so far this year are probably from injuries, if I'm correct.
K.D. Mobley is one of those guys who shoots whenever he gets the ball whenever he gets the ball, even though he has a bad FG%. At least he's good at drawing fouls, so he can get points at the line. Besides that, he's just an okay rebounder. So far, he's only played 4 games, averaging 19.0 ppg with 36.5 FG% and 3.3 rpg in 21 minutes. I suppose it's not worth risking to play him when your PFs are already good, until he learns to improve his shooting.
C:
T.J. McFarland, starting center for the Tigers is not a shooter by any stance, as he's averaging 5.6 ppg in 20 minutes, as well as 34.4 FG%, but he does have talent at grabbing boards (6.4 rpg), and blocks (1.9 bpg).
Larry Chapman is the backup center for Budapest, who also gets a few minutes at PF as well. He's a pretty good rebounder and shot blocker, and is getting his share of points per game, even though his FG% could be a little higher. In 29 minutes per game he is averaging 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, but his 3.4 fouls per game may be a problem.
Ossie Gordon is only getting a few minutes now and then as a reserve center. He's not a bad player, as he has the ability to score, even though his rebounding rate is somewhat poor for a center. In the 23 games he has played, he's averaged 5.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in 10 minutes.
Overall, Budapest isn't looking too bad right now. They seem to be more of an offensive-based team, as their 106.3 ppg is 7th best in the league. Even though I'm not really familiar with the Eastern conference teams, it does seem that Budapest has a nice group of veteran players who know what it takes to win. Now if only Budapest would improve their 7-12 road record (they're 16-3 at home), they might be able to win their division.
June 29th, 2004
Coach Brad Bangerter of the SLC Fanatics
Antawn Perkins, a new writer for the Montana Daily News, recently had a chance to sit down with Coach/GM Brad Bangerter of the Salt Lake City Fanatics. The Fanatics are off to a great start and the fans in Montana are starting to take notice of their rival, especially after the horrible start by their hometown Montana Knights.
Antawn:
Coach Bangerter, last year your team won 34 games and missed the playoffs by one game. This year, you already have 20 wins and we're not even halfway through the season. What do you contribute to this great turnaround?
Coach Bangerter:
Primarily, the coaching has been solid, and our players have been able to avoid the injury bug. Let us not forget, that last season we had the best record of any team after the All-Star break. We came just 1 game short of overcoming a 10 game deficit to miss the playoffs by 1 room. The key player would have to be the acquisition of Arnold Eaton. He is the anchor.
Antawn:
Wouldn't you also have to say that your defense also has to contribute to your team's record?
Coach Bangerter:
Our team is built around defense, and that is always been something that we have strived for. When we drafted Cordell Parks with the 8th pick a couple seasons back, we knew he would be key to try to slow down some of the top scoring SF's in the league. Grabbing Wally Birkhead a year later with the 4th pick has also strengthened us. I think Eugene LaMaitre was also an important pickup to continue having a strong defense across the board.
Antawn:
Where do you see this team finishing up the season? Do you think they will be able to keep up the great start?
Coach Bangerter:
Barring any significant injuries, this team will be a playoff team. As it looks right now, with as strong as the West is, were looking at about a 6th seed. But we are already in works of increasing the talent level of this team, so much, that you may see something of a blockbuster trade in the nearby future.
Antawn:
There have been rumors flying around that you might be trying to upgrade at the PG position and maybe even at PF by trading for major stars in this league. Any truth to these rumors?
Coach Bangerter:
Well usually when it comes to rumors there is always some form of truth to it. We are always looking for ways to improve our team. Our fans expect the best, and for the first time in years, their long wait they can finally see some gold at the end of this long rainbow.
Antawn:
Can you tell us who these players are?
Coach Bangerter:
It is our policy no to reveal players names in trade talks until the trade is official. However, I will say this, there are 3 guards that are among the best in the league, and one of the top Power Forwards, that if all goes well, this team will be drastically different and improved before the trade deadline.
Antawn:
Is there any chance that you could trade for Cancun's Brad Bangerter? Everyone in the league knows of your love for this player's game.
Coach Bangerter:
Well there is no doubt that Bangerter is a highly sought after player. He is already starting to take the league by storm, and could very easily be the poster boy for excellence in the WBA.
I have known Pat for a few years now, in fact, I got to know his girlfriend quite well on a couple of occasions. Pat traded a lot to Albacete to bring Bangerter to his team. However, unless he is going to dismantle one of the best dynasties this league has ever seen, you will see Bangerter in a Fanatics uniform before the end of next season.
Antawn:
What are the reasons behind your current trade talks?
Coach Bangerter:
We always think about the future. When I first bought this team back at the end of season 3, and moved the team from Indiana to Salt Lake, this team had nothing. We then started planning 4 -6 years in advance when we felt we would be able to become a playoff team and an eventual title contender. Few teams have been able to manipulate the salary cap as we have. With that said, every trade we do has a myriad of purposes, which always considers the salary cap. Right now we're just a playoff team. We still need to get better to become a legitimate contender.
Antawn:
Your team is looking to have the toughest off-season out of any team. You could potentially lose two starters in Cordell Parks and Eric Manning. Have you come to any decisions about what is going to happen this off-season?
Coach Bangerter:
Rest assured that Cordell Parks is not going anywhere. And while I realize that Eric [Manning] might be difficult to maintain as well, we will do everything in our power to keep both of them.
I expect that this off-season will actually be rather uneventful. We have two 1st round picks for next season and while it is likely that we will move one or both of those. I don't expect a lot of activity in the free agent market, other then trying to resign our own players in Parks and Manning. It is entirely feasible that with Manning, if we can't come to terms with him, a Sign and Trade is very likely. Some teams have already approached me about that possibility.
Antawn:
Can you say which teams are interested in this sign and trade scenario?
Coach Bangerter: Again, it is our policy not to name teams until an official deal is done. However, both conferences are represented with their interest in Manning.
Antawn:
Your team is being dismissed this season by all other teams in the league. No one is talking about you as a true contender. Why do you think this is?
Coach Bangerter:
That is tough to speculate. Though I think over the years that people have taken a liking to beating us handily, as this league is for the most part an elitist league. People don't like to see a lower tier team become good. You almost get the feeling that the top teams in the league are like their own little club, and they don't want to allow anybody else in it.
We have seen this elitist attitude during the off-season talks concerning rule implementation. The owners of top teams typically vote in favor of rules that only benefit them and actually hurt lower teams.
Frankly, there are those who love to hate us, and that is ok. They don't want to see us do well and are often only looking to boast the accolades of their own players. All I care about is that we play the game with strong defense and play this as a team game. You don't win championships with just one great player. You win and lose as a team
Antawn:
What do you think it will take for the Fanatics to become one of those elite teams?
Coach Bangerter:
Right now we are right on the cusp. We are starting beat teams that we have never competed with in past years. For example, going up against Albacete both times saying, "Who's your daddy" and leaving the arena both times with a, "Yes, I AM!", stealing a game from Capetown. If some of our deals that we are working on go through, then you could very well see us move up to a 4th or even a 3rd seed. If that happens, you can bet teams will fear us when we meet them in the playoffs.
Antawn: It's been a pleasure, coach Bangerter. Thank you and good luck to your team for the rest of the season.
Coach Bangerter:
Thanks.
June 26th, 2004
Birmingham Post-Herald
What Is Wrong In Fury Land?
PART 1
The Birmingham Fury, losers of 5 basketball games in a roll. A once playoff conference final team, now just another team in the bottom of the Eastern Conference. After trading Frank Rose for Michael Kutak, the team has not found their games yet. The one bright spot on the Fury in Yuri Vilasny, he is averaging 14 assists since coming to the Fury. When asked Yuri reported, “Things are just easier for me here. I am surrounded by great players if we could just keep them on the court.”
There has been rumor of a league conspiracy that the referees where calling intentional fouls on the Fury every game. Face it the team is averaging 3.5 players a game fouling out. Not even in the NBA is there a team that comes close to that. When talking to Coach Kight he said, “This is B******T every night trying to find a lineup to work with. It doesn't matter even the players who are not foul prone are fouling out also. It is just freakin' contiguous around here. Yes the referees are out to get my team and make sure we don't repeat last year's performance. I don't care if they fine me they all can kiss where the sun don't shine. All 250lbs of it.” Nike Johnson is the main reason why this team is not performing. In the last five games he is averaging about 20 minutes per game before fouling out. He can play 40 minutes per game. When we asked Nike he replied, “Coach Kight covered everything I want to say. Both teams play hard my man, I just want dem' refs to let me play a lil' bit.”
Bob Delaney replied, “We just need to play better defense by moving our feet. Then maybe the refs can see that we are playing legitimate defense. Man what do we have to do?” It sounds like there is turmoil going on in Fury Land and it does seems like is it going to get better. There are a lot of anger people in this organization and the future doesn't look bright.
June 26th, 2004
Around the WBA
Austyn Williams will miss one game due to twisting his ankle while joking around on the Jay Leno show.
Cancun's Shawn McKick has a stomach virus that will cause him to miss the next game.
June 26th, 2004
Press Release
by The Brooklyn Rage PR department
Point Guard- Justin Krueger has gotten a lot of slack in his career but that is mostly because of the PG draft picks that I made before him. He has actually turned into a very solid point guard. He has amoung the best fg% is a decent rebounder on a very good rebounding team, He is averaging a career high 8.1 assists for one of the best passing teams in the league, he seldom fouls is tied for the most blicks of eastern point guards, and is averaging 2.2 steals. But, most importantly he is the floor general for the #2 team in the East. Also keep in mind that three of the pg's who are averaging more points than he is are also shooting from 19-33 percent from the floor.
Shooting Guard- Mario Bailey is still a long way from his prime but he is starting to make noise. With a 49.6 fg% he is one of the most effficient two guards in the east. With 5.1 rebounds a game he is averaging a full rebound more than any other two guard on the ballot. He is also second is assists amoung shooting guards on the ballot. He also averages two blocks a game which is far above the rest of the two guards. His 15.2 points does not stand out but he is sharing the ball with Strom and Perkins.
Small Forward- Some say Wayne Taylor is the best SF in the league. I don't agree. When a player is going to miss 30-50% of the games that is a huge knock against them. Shane Strom is now the best Small Forward. At 24.3 points a game only McCall with 21.5 can pretend to be in the same level offensively. His 7.3 assists is amoung the best at his possition and his 5.9 assists leads all other Small Forwards on the ballot. His 1.0 turnovers is also amazing for a player who so often has the ball in his hands. Strom is the clear choice for the Starting spot at Small Forward.
Power Forward- Tom Perkins has the best FG% on the Rage and the best percentage amoung power forwards. He is a solid rebounder at 7.4 on a team that is full of rebounders. he passes well with 3.1 and blocks shots, 1.6 a game. With 17.5 points he is alsot amoung the top scorers at this possition.
Center- Joe Siebert is one of the most under rated centers in the league. Whil ehe only scores 13 points a game he does that with such great scorers as Shane Strom, Tom Perkins and Mario Bailey on his team. But he does it very efficiently with a 51.o fg% and a 91.9 ft%. His 9.4 rebounds a game also leads Eastern centers, in fact he is one of the top rebounders of all time. He also gets 2.4 blocks a game which is second amoung Eastern Centers on the Ballot but anyone who follows the WBA know that he got off to a slow start in blocks and has really taken off the last week with an 8 block game and several 6 block games, including todays win over Gabon.
June 24th, 2004
New Magic in the Air?
Boston, MA (AP)- The Boston Massacre and Gabon Giants
are close to finalizing a big trade. Boston will send
Jim Wilson, Marty Feldman, their 1st round pick (S10),
plus 1 million in cash for Magic Toby.
"We know we gave up quite a bit to get Magic," said
Boston Coach, Cory Bowen. "But, we made this trade
because we're confident we'll improve with him. Magic
gives us another great scorer who can distribute the
ball. Losing Jim is a huge loss to our franchise. He
is probably the most efficient player on our team;
unfortunately, we cannot offer him quality minutes."
The Gabon Giants are also pleased with the result of
the trade. Jim Wilson will give Gabon an elite
center, who can take over a game. Wilson averaged
13.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in
just 19 minutes of action. Marty Feldman, an
undeveloped rookie, could prove to be an important
asset for Gabon's future. "I think Marty could be a
starter in the future," exclaimed Boston point man,
Danny Hainge.
Magic Toby is a reigning all-star, who will give
Boston a more complete team. He has been putting up
close to 21 points, 4 assists and 2 blocks per
contest. The Boston staff mentioned that he will not
be backing up Dave Short or Bill Yeager. In result,
Boston will have to rely on Charlie Brown to steal
some minutes off the bench. Can Boston win with a
foul prone team, "Brooklyn did, why can't we?" said
Coach Bowen. Well, it may be an improvement for this
franchise, but I think they need a little more than
some magic to win.
June 24th, 2004
Around the WBA
Joe Jones was hoping for a second chance in Montana but he has only been receiving limited minutes as a reserve but now he will loose those as well. He was clipped today by a california taxi and has a broken leg. the driver said the fuzzy dice got in the way and he didn't see Jones.
Youngster Jarius Miles has violated Montana team rules and the press has been informed that he will miss the next two games. Montana did not say what the violation was.
Bruce Johnson is suspended for one game for spitting on a fan. the fan was a NY native who decided to go to a basketball game while he was on vacation in St Thomas. Apparently, the fan became very roudy and vulgar and finally Johnson couldn't take it any more.
Violence amoung professional athletes is an increasing problem. Today, Jim Peyton of Colorado was convicted of sexual assault. He continues to claim his innocence but the sentence has come down and he will spend the next nine months in jail...assuming he gets out at the earliest possible time.
There was a mojor car accident today. After Carolina's loss to Birmingham a drunken fan crossed over the line and plowed into the car driven by Simeon Hill. Simeon has had surgery and while he will miss the remainder of the season Doctor's expect him to make a full recovery. What is far more tragic is that Kevon Duke lives very near to Simeon and was driving behind him. He apparently was not paying close attention and went full speed into the accident. His Ferrari was hardly distinguishable from the back of Simeon's Escalade. Duke is currently in a comma. Whiiel he has survived the accident it is already clear that his career is over. The questions that matter now are if he will ever wake up and if he does will he walk. Team mate Stone Connel was the first person on the scene and is being heralded as a hero. He surely saved both both players lives.
Johnny Brose of Budapest has a torn muscle in his left arm. Doctors say he will miss most of the rest of the season. Though they do expect he will be back for teh play-offs.
June 24th, 2004
Too Much of a Burden
Kelvin Davidson has always been one of the best point guards in the league. Several years ago London was one of the premier teams in the league. Unfortunately, London is not the team tehy once were. These days they try to cover up the weaknesses in their roster by relying on their stars a great deal. But, this is really taking a toll on Davidson. He will miss the next week of games and the fatige is really getting to him.
June 21st, 2004
Xtra Life in Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico
The XT have been playing well this season, or above expectations at least. But, that is not what's bringing the crowds in, after new management bought the team in off-season and aborted the move to Sacramento -- the fans have flocked by too watch the XT play their hearts out.
But, this year the team has a new look -- Franchise Stalwart was traded to New York for Tyler Durden, in a move that shocked Roswell.
The reins were handed to Christobal Dasher this year, and he seems to have flourished for it, up in almost all statistical categories, Dasher has alos brought a new lease of life to the team, with morale higher that ever under the Hasho Management, barring the WBA Finals runs a few seasons back.
Greg Blaxland hasn't made any major moves barring the Greene trade, but is slowly assembling a team capable of causing trouble, just like the Californian team he built in Season 5.
He has acquired roleplayers to fit around this his stars, and seems to be working with the team in the midst of a four game win-streak.
Player Review
Starting Five
C - Keyon Brown - a pleasant suprise this season averaging 13.3 pts and 6.5 boards in 29 minutes
PF - Christobal Dasher the star of the team. 14.7 pts on 57.8% and 10.3 boards in 32 minutes.
SF - Tyler Durden - John Greene's replacement, yet to really settle into the Roswell system, but his attitude is great.13.0 pts in 26 minutes
SG - Maury Coleman - the 3pt magician, has been given the starting spot with an eye to the future. 11.5 pts, 42.4% 3P% in 26 minutes
PG - Wesley Phillips - The Ironman. 13.3 pts and 7.3 asts in 41 minutes.
Key Reserves
Jamie Moore - Has accepted the bench spot well, and realises that Maury Coleman has bigger future and is teaching him well.
Sage Walker - A key backup to rest Keyon, and is loving in Roswell
The New Comers
Tre Freeman, Bud Bock & Lou Boone have joined Roswell into the season and are showing why they were pick up as free agents.
The Rest
Paul Hoskins, Andy Davis, Andruw Williams & Glen Chandler all serve their purpose in the Roswell franchise
June 16th, 2004
Budapest excerpt
Article taken from a local magazine in Budapest. The writer is a respective sport commentator:
Well I have to say that the start of the season has a few suprises for me. Teams that should do well are strugling.
Teams like London, Rochester, Montana, Texas should have a better record. I'm also suprised how good Washington is. In my mind they are the early favorites to win it all this year.
Our team, Budapest, is still leading their division, but not for long I'm affraid. Albacete should be number 1 in the Atlantic division and they will be, they just had a hard schedule, playing 11 games on the road and only 7 at home.
In the east it looks like the division winners are already set:
Albacete will win the Atlantic and Washington will win the Mid-Atlantic. But its very hard to guess who will win the western ones. Some very good and even teams will battle it out until the end. Some years ago we were discussing that the east is much better overall, but now this I think has changed and now west is also very competitive.
All in all I think we will have a very good and interesting season ahead of us.We will see for how long can our favorite team, Budapest hold off the rest. Would be nice to see them win their division for the first time in WBA history but the chances we know are very slim.
June 14th, 2004
Van Brandt Laying Bricks?
Heiko Van Brandt one of the leagues premier players and consistent shooters is the subject of the biggest mystery in the WBA. Stemming from pre-season and continuing onto the regular season Heiko finds himself in the worst shooting slump of his career. Through thirteen games Heiko has gone 55 for 219 that's 25% shooting the same number of percentage points his shooting has dropped from last season as a 50% shooter. No one is immune to slumps but how does a player who has been so consistent throughout his career go from a 50% shooter to a 25% shooter?
The term slump traces itself to the Norwegian word slumpa which means "to fall." However, Heiko is certainly not a fallen player were it not for his horrendous shooting Heiko may have well been the talk of the league as an early MVP candidate. It is known fact that a person who loses one of his senses becomes more keen in the others. This is also true of Heiko as a basketball player. Although his shooting has escaped him, Heiko has elevated the other facets of his game to new levels. He currently holds a comfortable among the leagues leading rebounders with a 14.23 average and leads all non point guards in assists with 7.8. Even so, as Montana's elite player Heiko's shooting has been detrimental to the team and while all fingers should not point to Heiko, Montana's 5-8 record is not what the hopeful franchise had in mind when acquiring Heiko in efforts to bring the team to the next level.
Shooting is often thought of as an art with karmic overtones. Cold streaks are charged by the static of many disjointed thoughts. Hot streaks are marked by the absence of thought. What could be going through Heiko's mind? Perhaps Heiko is still recovering from Colorado's playoff loss to Cancun after amassing the best record in the league. Perhaps he still hasn't adjusted to the change in venue. Montana and Colorado share vivid scenery but are very different places nonetheless. Perhaps Heiko feels the weight on his shoulders in carrying Montana to the playoffs and appeasing Coach/GM Michael Esposito. Trying to do too much and feeling you have to carry the team would certainly have a detrimental effect on the player. Or perhaps it is the insecurity of being on a team led by Esposito that is the reason for the slump? With a GM that isn't afraid to make changes the knowledge that every moment could be his last in Montana certainly would have an ill effect on the psyche of the players. No one really knows the reason for Heiko's slump, perhaps not even Heiko himself. One thing is for certain Heiko knows how to play the game and while it is hard to imagine a player of his caliber to go through this kind of slump it only helps us realize that no player is immune to the infamous slump.
My advice to Heiko: Look, your wife will still be with you when you get home, your dog will still love you and you'll still drive the same car. Just relax and shoot the ball.
June 12th, 2004
Report: Wes Ford to Coach in the WBA?
Andorra (AP) - Nobody expected Andorra to be good this year, but after a 1-11 start, some fans are getting tired of the losing streak, which at this rate, will help propel them to the worst WBA team in history since they were the 7-73 Sydney Machine Techs in Season 4. Some people think the losing is because of the team's lack of a solid veteran guard after the off-season move of Alvin Simpson, but most fans are blaming Coach Corey Daubanton for this losing streak. He's credentials include starting PG Roger Mayer at Center and C Marques Feldman at Point Guard on Day 9 vs. Oregon, as well as telling PG Nikos Atirides to shoot the ball, even when he's tripled teamed with Devonta Corrigan and Mark Miller under the basket and nobody near them. Therefore, the fans are calling for Daubanton's immediate resignation. Since the team will be out of money if Salt Lake allows the team to buy out their lease at Bangerter Arena to avoid lawsuits, the fans have determined that GSPN reject and former All-WBA guard Wes Ford would make the best replacement coach.
"Wes Ford is a real class guy. He never played for the money." said a fan, not realizing that Wes Ford never played even if he was paid, only if his six or seven supermodel girlfriends had seats next to the team's bench. And of course, they all dumped him by the end of Season 2, and his career was never the same since.
Coach Daubanton is trying to defend himself, by saying that he's trying to figure out how to make a lineup that works. To temporarily appease the fans, as well as Ron Chambers, he has persuaded Wes Ford to resign from his controversial job at GSPN to become the assistant coach of the Andorra Highlanders.
Even though Wes Ford doesn't know how to coach (he had stopped listening to them when his Phy Ed teacher in 4th grade told him he was a show-off), it is hoped that he can improve morale on the team. He also feels secure knowing that he's one assassin's bullet away from being head coach.
So if you hear on the evening news on Day 13 about riots in Montana, either Wes Ford told Knights Coach Michael Esposito how ugly his girlfriend is, or the Andorra Highlanders lost another game. And if neither happens, Highlander fans will be thankful.
June 12th, 2004
VI finally Over the Hump!
St. Thomas, Jamaica:
In recent events, Virgin Islands has made the move that Management, Community, and actually players themselves, think that will put VI over the hump and finally guarantee them a winning season. It’s not going to be this season, but next Season. You can bet cha golly while. With the recent trade between Washington, Virgin Islands was able to snatch Veteran Point Guard, Ed Kane and their own Season 10-1st Round Pick. This trade is good for VI in several ways: 1. They have what could be ideally a lottery pick. 2. They have a nice PG rotation with young Umberto DiTullio and Veteran Ed Kane. 3. VI could possibly be the owner of two possible lottery picks, depending on the success of California this season.
Ramon Phelan will play for Washington, where he may get a lil more attention. Phelan isn’t a bad player, he just wasn’t given the minutes. Umberto DiTullio is very happy about this trade and he is looking forward to working with Kane. This is the first trade that the community has stood behind 100%! Coach Williams can now do a lil more focusing on his SF and SG rotation. Harry Applegate has been a surprised for VI this season. Many didn’t think he had what it took to play on this level.
Now Virgin Islands feels as if they are set, only TIME will tell… Project starters are the same, but look for VI to switch lineups all season long!
June 8th, 2004
Colorado Team Preview
The Colorado Pioneers had an outstanding regular season last year finishing with a league-best record of 64-16 and the #1 seed in the West. However, the celebration was short-lived as they were unable to claim there dream of winning the WBA title, falling in the Western Conference Finals to eventual champion Cancun. With this leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of the Pioneers, they have refocussed in hopes of building a dynasty for the future. The team did not make a lot of changes this off-season, however, they did make a couple of major moves, the biggest of which trading their superstar Heiko Van Brandt to Montana for draft picks including the #5 overall in this past draft. They will certainly miss his presence and are probably looking at taking one step backwards this season. But by making this trade, they were able free up some cash to ink their two young stars, Samir Sheth and Greg Lacy, to long-term deals.
Position Outlook:
PG
Austyn Williams - He will once again start for the Pioneers at the point, playing some minutes at SG as well. Austyn is one if the best passers and stealers in the game. As long as he limits his shooting and stays within his designated role with the team, he should be able to make a significant impact this season.
Charlie Daidone - Colorado feels they got a steal with this guy in free agency, as he certainly adds a scoring punch that this team desperately needs. More of a shooter than a passer, he's not a true point guard. But neither was Joe Watts last season, who did an excellent job of scoring off the bench for this team.
Ray Estrada - They love this pick late in the 1st round of this past draft. Apparently Colorado management weren't the only people excited about this guy as they were immediately appoached by a couple of teams with offers on this kid. He's not likely to see the court much this season, but he is envisioned to have a more significant role with this club in the future. He's not the greatest passer in the world, but he has an uncanny ability to rebound as a point guard and shows great possibilities for development into a very solid player.
SG:
Samir Sheth - Sheth was signed to a long-term deal this past off-season as the team expects him to be a Top 5 scorer in this league for many seasons to come. This guy provides a great scoring touch to the Pioneers, the majority of it coming from the foul line. He definitely has other areas of his game that could use some work, but he is as big a reason for last year's success as Van Brandt was for this sqaud.
SF:
Edgar Kamara - Despite the criticism over his inability to score, this guy does so many other things on the court to make up for it. As the 3rd overall pick in this past draft, he will not become an instant superstar. But he will become a very good player in this league as he knows how to play the role he was brought into Colorado to play. His future looks very bright despite the growing pains on the way. Filling Heiko's shoes this season will be a very tall task for this young man.
Mike Farrell - Despite the Pioneers success last season, they feel that losing Farrell for most of last season (including the playoffs) definitely hurt this team's depth. He's an excellent 6th man with great all-around skills. He will play SF primarily with some minutes at SG as well. Colorado is happy to have him back and need him step it up to the next level this season in order to compete with the best in the West.
Dickie Cotter - Brought in as a free agent, Cotter is unlikely to see many minutes. He has the ability to play PF as well and could be called upon for his strong team defense and ability to rebound.
PF:
Greg Lacy - Lacy was also signed to a long-term extension in the offseason. This guy can do it all and WILL become a Superstar in this league some day. He can score, rebound, pass, steal, and block shots with the best of them, making him one of the most well-rounded players in this league. His future is definitely bright!
Isaac Rice - Rice was a 2nd rd pick in the last draft. Colorado really likes this kid, however, he is pretty raw and will remain a project for the future. He may see some minutes, but nothing signifcant.
Quentin Christensen - Probably the best rebounder in the draft, Christiansen doesn't bring a whole lot else to the table. However, he could take a more active role with this team as the season goes on if they are struggling to rebound. Serviceable in a rebounding capacity, but nothing more.
C:
Sean Ashman - Colorado needs Ashman to break out this season in order to compete with the top teams. He should have plenty of incentive to do so being in the final season of his contract. He rebounds very well and shows the ability to block shots and steal as well. Now he must continue to expand his role as a scorer for this team.
Jim Peyton - The old man on the team at 29 (3 years older than anyone else), Peyton still posesses the skills necessary to earn some minutes at this position. He rebounds extremely well and has shown great offensive instinct that he has developed over the years.
Paul Spagnoli - Spagnoli was the 5th overall pick in the draft as he was arguably the best player in the GCBA last season. He will play limited minutes this season due to Colorado's depth at this position. But you can rest assured his role will expand rapidly in future seasons.
Harvey Dwyer - Somewhat of a lost man on this roster, he certainly has the skills necessary to play some minutes at C. His playing time will be determined greatly by Spagnoli's performance, injuries (knock on wood!), or thinning at this position through trade. Only time will tell. As for now though, the bench looks to be his nesting spot.
Outlook:
Colorado has a bright future, however, championship aspirations are probably at least a season away. Without the leadership of Heiko Van Brandt, they will need someone else to step up and assume that role. The team should make the playoffs (and would be extremely disappointed if they didn't), but their main goal is to build a dynasty for the future. As a young squad, Colorado will cetainly face some growing pains. However, they do feel that they have the talent base to build for great success for years to come.
June 7th, 2004
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Pacific Division:
Montana Knights:
The Knights went 5-6 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Oliver Doherty: 20.1
Rebounds: Heiko Van Brandt: 13.6
Assists: Heiko Van Brandt: 6.4
The Good:
Montana has had a lot of sucess in the preseason on the defensive end, allowing only 94.3 ppg (fourth in the league). Also, the team has shown the ability to clean the glass, with Heiko Van Brandt's 13.6 rpg, which led the league, and Pat Stephenson adding another 8.5 rpg.
Potential Problems:
Even with Montana's defensive presense, they, at the same time, had the fifth worst offense in the league at 95.7 ppg. To win more games, Montana needs to find a way to drive to the basket, especially Heiko Van Brandt, who's unimpressive 22.6% FG isn't what the team needed.
Andorra Highlanders:
The Highlanders went 5-6 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Nikos Atirides: 20.9
Rebounds: Devonta Corrigan: 12.5
Assists: Roger Mayer: 4.5
The Good:
The Highlanders, have also had a strong defensive presense, allowing only 92.6 ppg (second in the league). John Van Horne's 3.5 blocks per game have been a big factor in showing his opponents that their not getting to the basketball that easily. The addition of Tristen Collins and Mike Sewell during the regular season might help the team with its depth problems at SG and SF.
Potential Problems:
Without a solid passer on the team, it is unclear how successful the team will be at running its offense. As of now, the team has shot 37.2% as a team, including only 40.5% by Devonta Corrigan and 37.6% by Mark Miller. New starting PG Nikos Atirides has the ability to get 20 ppg, but his poor shot selection and sub-par assist rate in the preseason probably aren't helping the team's cause.
Nebraska Sun Warriors
The Sun Warriors went 7-4 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Dave Williams: 34.9
Rebounds: Paul Wilson: 9.0
Assists: Drake Bacheman: 7.3
The Good:
The Sun Warriors are a dangerous team offensively, scoring 112.0 ppg (first overall) as Dave Williams and Wayne can just about score at will on any night. While not stellar, Nebraska's has had some defense pressure during the preseason, especially at steals, where Dexter Kodak's 3.5 per game was fourth in the league, and Dave Williams and Drake Bacheman added another 2.0 per game.
Potential Problems:
With Wayne Taylor's injury problems, it will have to be seen if Dave Williams, Dexter Kodak, and co. can pick up the slack every day like they have been doing for most of the preseason.
California Hellcats
The Hellcats went 3-6 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Pete Merritt: 17.1
Reboudns: Brody Liang: 7.4
Assists: Pete Merritt: 4.9
The Good:
The Hellcats have solid shot blocking abilities, averaging 9.8 per game during the preseason, which was best in the league.
Potential Problems:
Even with their block shots, the Hellcats still allowed 106.2 ppg in the preseason, and besides Angel Rojas, Pierre Warren, and Brody Liang, nobody else has contributed much for boards. With 36.7 rpg, the Hellcats had the fewest boards during the preseason.
Colorado Pioneers
The Pioneers went 6-5 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Samir Sheth: 28.6
Rebounds: Sean Ashman: 9.2
Assists: Austyn Williams: 7.6
The Good:
The Pioneers posses one of the league's top scorers in Samir Sheth, whose 28.6 ppg was second best in the league. He also possesses the ability to draw fouls, as shown by his 16 free throw attempts per game.
Potential Problems:
While rookie Edgar Kamara has had decent stats at passing and reboudning, he only shot 21.7% from the floor. Also, it will be interesting to see if Colorado keeps their surplus of centers in addition to starter Sean Ashman, as they also have Jim Peyton, Paul Spangoli and Harvey Dwyer, and Sean Ashman, who are all good, and capable players.
Roswell XT
The XT went 5-6 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Tyler Durden: 16.0
Rebounds: Cristobal Dasher: 10.8
Assists: Wesley Phillips: 5.8
The Good:
The XT have had some solid defensive outings, holding their opponents to 37.6 FG%. Also, Wesley Phillips has done well on the defensive end by averaging 3.8 steals per game (second best in the league).
Potential Problems:
The XT only have one decent passer, in Wesley Phillips, but he only averages 5.8 assists per game in 41 minutes. Having the league worst 18.5 assists during the preseason probably was a contributer to having the second worst offense with 91.8 ppg.
Oregon Golden Bears
The Godlen Bears went 8-0 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Lou Gonzalez: 21.0
Rebounds: Cory Mosley: 10.9
Assosts: Bishop Stein: 9.0
The Good:
The Golden Bears looked like on the league's elite teams during the preseason, by winning all of their games, including the preseason tournament. Perennial All-Star Lou Gonzalez has been sharp, shooting 71.4% from the floor, and averaging 3.8 blocks per game. Even with their sharp defense, their 12.9 fouls per game was fewest in the league. Also, the Bears have had much success passing the ball, with veteran Bill Andrews' 6.4 per game, and rookie Bishop Stein's 9.0 per game leading the team.
Potential Problems:
The Golden Bears don't have a player who plays SF as their natural position, but as long as Tony Dimateo and Anthoy Curis don't get affected too much from playing out of position, there shouldn't be too much to be worried about.
Midwest Division:
Texas Juggers
The Juggers went 6-4 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Jay Vasquez: 19.0
Rebounds: Jay Vasquez: 8.1
Assosts: Aaron Gray: 5.2
The Good:
Jay Vasquz looks ready for another breakout season, as he led the team in scoring in rebounds during the preseason. Also, young stud Jarius Miles seems to have shown some improvements from the past season, but he still needs work on his foul troubles.
Potential Problems:
The Juggers need to improve their defense. Allowing 105.0 ppg, as they did in the preseason, isn't going to help, especially if this team is going to the playoffs.
Cincinnati Cyclones
The Cyclones went 2-9 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Abeguanda Abasi: 18.8
Rebounds: Craig Bradshaw: 9.3
Assosts: Brandon Sandler: 10.3
The Good:
The Cyclones have a solid passer in Brandon Sandler, who's 10.3 assists per game was third best in the league during the preseason.
Potential Problems:
The Cyclones had the fewest PPG during the preseason with 91.5. Even though the team has a pretty good defense (holding opponents to 38.8 FG%), they probably will need to improve their own shooting percentage to get more points.
Cancun
The Outlaws went 7-4 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Brad Bangerter: 17.4
Rebounds: Brad Bangerter: 6.7
Assists: Leon Berthelson: 4.2
The Good:
By allowing only 92.2 ppg, the Outlaws had the best defense in the preseason.
Potential Problems:
It's hard to tell what problems last year's WBA champions will encounter, as it appears the coach had stars Parker Mason and Scott Nicholoson sit out almost all of the games. Perhaps this is to see how the bench players will perform, but seeing how well the team has done without them, the Outlaws will probably have another solid team this year.
Omaha Wild
The Wild went 3-8 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Ellis Law: 16.6
Rebounds: Donavan Jones: 6.5
Assists: Donavan Jones: 5.2
The Good:
Omaha has done well on the offensive end, scoring 105.2 ppg (eighth best in the league). Even though the team's PGs haven't shown much in passing ability, over guys, especially SF Donavan Jones have helped contributed so the team's isn't that bad.
Potential Problems:
While scoring 105.2 ppg, the Wild have given up 105.9 ppg during the preseason. The Wild will probably have to improve their defense, or at least limit their fouls, if they're going to win more games this season.
Salt Lake City Fanatics
The Fanatics went 8-3 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Eugene LaMaitre: 20.6
Rebounds: Arnold Eaton: 9.1
Assists: Eric Manning: 8.0
The Good:
Eugene LaMitre has been doing well shooting the ball, scoring over 20 ppg. Eric Manning also looks like he will have a breakout year, as his assist rate has been well.
Potential Problems:
Even though the Fanatics went 8-3, they lost a couple blowouts including a 121-89 lost at Rochester, and 144-97 vs. Nebraska. The Fanatics need to prevent games like these from getting carried away, as they have already shown the ability this preseason to win many games by close margins.
Miami Xtreme
The Xtreme went 5-6 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Dave Troychak: 19.7
Rebounds: John Davis: 9.8
Assists: Alvin Simpson: 7.7
The Good:
Dave Troychak and Marty Williams look to continue their scoring threat for the Xtreme. Also, with the offseason addition Alvin Simpson, they now a solid passer on their team, and well as a guy who can get 2 to 3 steals a game.
Potential Problems:
Opponents have been shooting above average against the Xtreme with a 44.4 FG%. Also, the Xtreme lack a premeire shot blocker to help intimidate the shooters on the other team.
Capetown Bandits
The Bandits went 8-3 during the preseason.
Leaders:
Points: Obafemi Mabruke: 24.3
Rebounds: Obafemi Mabruke: 10.6
Assists: Chuck Henderson: 9.6
The Good:
Star SF Obafemi Mabruke looks sharp, scoring 20+ ppg, along with 10+ rpg. The Bandits also have a solid passing team, with Chuck Henderson leading the point.
Potential Problems:
The Bandit don't seem to have any major problems, as long as the keep from getting blown up in big games, like they did 132-80 to Oregon in the preseason toruney finals.
June 6th, 2004
Season Preview
By Gustavo Fallana
West :
Montana : This is always a hard team to handle. If he does not trade at all, this team has a good potential. Especially because of Dutch wonder Van Brandt. He is, arguably, the best SF/PF on the league. I know that Brandon won't agree with this, but after the injury that's what I think.
Pro: Van Brandt
Against: The coach ;-), the trades, does anyone knows how to defend?
Andorra: I really didn't know what to say about them. I am going to say only this, one of the best frontcourts of the league meets one of the worse backcourts of the league. This team, if they could find a couple of nice cheap guys would improve in my ratings, but as they are I don't expect them to win more than 40 games.
Pro: Corrigan, Miller, Van Horne
Against: Atirides, Cuevas
Nebraska: I am not going to speak a lot about them. For me they have one of the best teams in the league. They have very nice depth and if well used they should run for the championship. Maybe they should thought about trading a little bit of their depth to have some cap for the future...
Pro: the whole team
Against: too many nice players, with big contracts that may not play. (Spiegel??)
California: Sorry, this is a rebuilding year for them. Expect them to be at the bottom of the barrel. They have some nice players, but nothing to compete. They will not get to the playoffs, not even close. Next year they will have quite a bit of money to expend nicely.
Pro: Brody Liang, Cole Bayo
Against: The rest of the team?
Colorado: Slowly and surely he is turning this team into his team. So far I can see it drop about 15 wins at least, if not more. Van Brandt is going to be sorely missed. Now they will drop to the lower middle of the playoff places.
Pro: Greg Lacy
Against: Edgar Kamara, Heiko Van Brandt
Roswell: This is one of the oldest team in the league. They have to start thinking how are they going to do to turn things around, because they are going to have cap space, but no as much as they would like!!! Sorry to say, but they are going to suffer…
Pro: Christobal Dasher
Against: 10 players aged 27 or more… where is the future?
Oregon: I do not think this team is going to be that dominant. They have a good team, they will be a top 4 team in the West, but I think that they are not going to win it all. And not having a SF at all in the team does not seem the best move ever. Expect Stein to run for rookie of the year.
Pro: Stein, Gonzales, Mosley
Against: lowly on the assists and rebounds department.
Texas: They have a nice young team. Expect them to improve a lot in 1 or 2 seasons, but right now they are going to have trouble shooting. The objectives are 40 wins for this season.
Pro: Vasquez, Meyers
Against: Miles, FG%
Cincinnati: They have some nice players at the C and PG position, but the rest of the team is going to suffer. They need more players able to do something in the future. Bottom of the barrel for them.
Pro: Sandler, Bradshaw
Against: McCarthy, where are you?
Cancun: I hate him
Pro: the best team around
Against: everybody else?
Omaha Wild: I had to spend a little bit of time to figure out this team. They have a nice combo with Kutak and Vilasny at the guard positions. And they have Donovan Jones. A great player. But with all and all, they are a team that has a bright future, but a hard present. In the west they may be close to the playoff, but nothing else.
Pro: Youth, the cap
Against: Rebounds, any team with a good SF or PF or C
Salt Lake City Fanatics: Here we have one of the best teams in the west, if Mister Bangerter is able to coach a team. They can easily get into the playoffs, but I don't expect them to go further than first or second round of the playoffs.
Pro: LaMaitre, Eaton (maybe the second most under rated center in the league)
Against: Schultz, a top notch Point Guard.
Miami Xtreme: They have some nice players, but I don't expect them to go too far. I don't see good bench players. Another team that is going to fall because of his bech play..
Pro: Troychack, Williams
Against: Bech
Capetown Bandits: Nice team but with some holes. Specially I don't like his SG or C positions, even if Holt is going to be really good at the C he is not the same he was before.
Pro: Mabruke, Holt
Against: SG and C play…
Prediction for the West:
The top of the hoops:
1 Cancun
2 Nebraska
3 Oregon
The middle-men:
4 Salt Lake
5 Colorado
6 Capetown
7 Andorra
Fighting for the Honor:
8 Texas
9 Omaha Wild
10 Montana
Bottom of the Barrel
11 Miami
12 California
13 Cincinnati
14 Rosswell
East:
Rochester Blaze: I like this team more than I liked the older (the one with Henderson and Williams). Only trouble is 7.10 m$ for Rondall Reynoso? What was he thinking of? ;-) If well coached expect a great season from Whalen and McCarthy.
Pro: Whalen, McCarthy
Against: Censured by the management
Boston Masacre: If they could get a nice Point Guard and put Hainge as a Shooting Guard, this team would go up like the bubbles on a Champagne bottle. I am not going to talk about his frontcourt, one of the best of the league, we all know. Maybe he has too much firepower in there.
Pro: Short & Yeaguer
Against: A real PG? Anyone?
Gabon Giants: As always we see the All-Stars' rookies again. They have the same problem they have had. Not a true Center in sight. And they will fall on the first round again. They should think about shaking things up a bit. This maybe their last chance…
Pro: All-Stars'oldies
Against: Better a bad thing from the house, than a good one from the neighbour.
London Disco: I heard the owner say his team stinks, I took a look and I saw quite a bit of nice players… they have good playes all around. Maybe the worse position now is the PG with Davidson not being as good as before, but better than many PG's out there. I expect them to play good.
Pro: Collins, Chanda, Colbert
Against: Maybe his assists and his cap
Sacramento Fighting Cocks: I like McCall. That's all. Sorry, but I don't like the rest of the team at all. Gil is going to help this team, but I expect them to have trouble from the beginning till the end. And they have won many matches, so they may prove me wrong. But I think this is one of those teams that plays well on the preseason and then they meet with the real teams out there…
Pro: McCall, Gil, Gallagher
Against: The rest of the team.
Budapest Tigers: I like their team. One of the best teams around. They could again be the surprise of the East and fight for the finals…
Pro: Peterson
Against: Age, Assists (if it wasn't for Peterson..)
Albacete Burning Hell: A great team. They are missing Gonzo, but great nevertheless. He could be `the team that came out of the east'. I like both of the rookies, Kane is as good as expected. He is the PG they needed.
Pro: Jarvis
Against: PF play, the cap
Baltimore Pirates: This team will use Anson Valente, Clarence Collins and Zane Rivers to try to take a place in the playoffs. But I don't think their play will be enough to hold their place in the mighty east. At least they will try.
Pro: Valesnte, Collins, Rivers
Against: SF play
Brooklyn Rage: This team will again be a powerhouse. They have the secret of eternal life. And they will try again to win the title. I don't think they have a chance against Cancun, but they will fight for the East crown. They have (for me) the best frountcourt of the league.
Pro: Perkins and Siebert
Against: PG play, fouls.
New York Firestorm: John Greene is a nice player. He could be much better. But anyway this New York team is going to need all the help they can get. They have some nice play here and there but on the balance they are not going to make it.
Pro: Greene
Against: Assists, fouls
Washington Monuments: This team should be a good one. He should battle with Brooklyn for the division, but in general terms they should be a good team. Boom-Boom is starting to loose power, but he is still a nice Center to have on your side. They have expent the Focus training moving players around to fit better with the team…
Pro: frontcourt play
Against: Age, cap
Carolina Storm: They have Kevon Duke and that's all. If they want to go to the playoffs they need to turn this team around. They should have a few millions to expend next season so better they start to get what they need to improve.
Pro: Kevon Duke
Against: Kevon Duke and the cap they are using
Birminghan Fury: I like this team. They have many good players around and they could surprise many people. At the end the biggest problem is the cap. They have a couple of players taking way more cap than they should. With just a little bit of help they could turn this around into a real playoffs team.
Pro: McCarty, Blackstone, Coles
Against: the cap
Virgin Islands JammiMons: They have a young nice team with 2 troubles. It may not be easy to coach. And after next season they will have to try to decide who they want to keep and for how much. This season I don't expect them to do much, even if I think they could.
Pro: Youth
Against: The same youth, and the management
Prediction for the East:
The top of the hoops:
1 Albacete
2 Brooklyn
3 Washington
The middle-men:
4 Budapest
5 Boston
6 London
7 Rochester
Fighting for the Honor:
8 Gabon
9 Baltimore
10 Birminghan
Bottom of the Barrel
11 Sacramento
12 Virgin Islands
13 New York
14 Carolina
June 6th, 2004
Road Trip WBA
By
Nick Mann
Montana Knights
Helena Memorial Arena
Salt Lake 98-Montana 88
Helena, Queen City of the Rockies!!! What an interesting start to our World Wind tour of all WBA Arenas!!
From our past playing days in the WBA Curtis Bridges and myself never really got the chance to see the
WBA Arenas, other than possibly looking at the score board!! So off we go!
Upon entering the box office area, the ticket man mentioned that since we were past WBA stars(haha),
if we waited 15 or so more minutes, he would "give us the best seats in the house" for 15 dollars.
Examining our options, and given that 15 dollars was what we were going to pay for nosebleed seats, we decided to wait. After the wait we got our tickets. While not the BEST seats in the house, they were pretty
close. They were 8 rows back from courtside. Given that we only paid 15 dollars for them, I have no complaints.
I would have hugged the ticket guy had he not been behind a bulletproof window.
We soon entered the arena, and not shockingly there were not many people there (this is a preseason
tourney, so as you can imagine there wasn't much of an audience for this one). We watched the shoot
around and soon after the game began.
As the game played on, we began to see some entertaining and hear some good fan taunts of the Salt
Lake players. For Example…
Arnold needs some Eatons!!
To Glenallen Castro…Fidel Castro plays better!!
Birkhead is a BRICKHEAD!!
The Montana home folk aren't too bright! The game was well played with Salt Lake winning to advance in
the Tourney. After the game we walked to down town Helena to grab a bite to eat and then get back on the
plane to our next destination (Portland Oregon)
Later!!!
June 5th, 2004
BROOKLYN - Today in a packed room of about 100 reporters, a contract was signed that will boost the media coverage of the WBA and GCBA. Rondall Reynoso, commisioner of the World Basketball Association, signed a multi-million dollar deal with Kevin Harper of Nivek Publishing and Prime-Time-Sports executive Will Davisdon. This deal will put a brand new, highly anticipated magazine on the shelves. "GSPN : The Magazine" is planning on releasing their first issue on June 11. The coverman is rumored to be Cancun Outlaw point guard Parker Mason.
June 5th, 2004
Nebraska Season Preview
By Herbie Herald
First off, GM/Coach Morfeld should get heavy consideration for GM of the Year honors. He drafted Clopp, signed Pitt, Wilson, Calhoun, and Bachemann, plus he set things up for this year by acquiring Williams and Kodak last year. I realize these players were acquired last season, but the true magnitude of that trade only shows now after seeing what happens to Taylor. Now that trade looks like sheer brilliance!! Now to the preview!!
So much doubt and wonder surround this team heading into the season. What I can't figure out is why? Last season there were SO many doubters who asked "Why? Why trade away Jim McCarthy for Dave Williams?
Why add another pure scorer to this squad and lose such a great Center?" Well folks, it was just another
brilliant strategic move by the leagues most dynamic deal maker. GM/Coach Brandon Morfeld saw the
opportunity to get the best SG in the game and also bring back a fan favorite and one of the leagues most
underrated players in Dexter Kodak all in one fell swoop. This team has to be the most dangerous offensive threat and rebounding threat ever assembled in the WBA's history and they can play a little defense also.
Starters:
PG--Dexter Kodak---Kodak is probably the most underrated starter in the league. He plays excellent defense as shown by making past All-WBA Defensive teams and he plays smart basketball. Not to mention the fact that he knows how to move the ball around an offense. Perhaps the best feature about Kodak is that when other scorers are in the lineup he has no problem stepping back and playing a secondary role, but when he has to step up he steps up huge. This preseason has been a shock even to Nebraska management. He is a true weapon.
SG--Dave Williams---What can we say? He is the best scoring SG in the WBA. He showed this preseason that
when Taylor is hurt he can easily step up and become the main scorer for this squad. It was a stroke of brilliance to acquire him last year and he got even better this year. He's a real weapon and he will be an All-WBA selection.
SF--Wayne Taylor---Now who's the IDIOT that says this guy isn't still the best player in the league? Taylor is hands down the best player in the WBA. He scores from every range, plays great defense, and rebounds
the ball well. His injury problem will undoubtedly slow him down, but when he is out there he is still the #1 attraction this league will EVER see. He has no peer in this league and he is still the best SF in either conference bar none. It is sick what he can do to anyone he plays. I'll be the first to admit that the injury is a setback, but at leas he hurt himself PRACTICING and didn't do something stupid. A warrior for the team to the very end. That's what makes him a special player.
PF--Roy Base---What a great two offseasons Base has had. This was another solid move by Coach Morfeld.
Morfeld convinced New York management that it was in their best interest to release Base a few years back
and quickly snatched him up. Nebraska had drafted Base and was forced to ship him for cap reasons only
to reacquire him. He has come into his own lately with a superb offensive game coupled with strong defense and rebounding. He'll be a real force to contend with this year.
C--Vance Clopp---Clopp was a guy that many people laughed at Nebraska for drafting at the #8 pick, but he's a guy that Coach Morfeld saw really mature in the GCBA. Clopp WAS the Jersey team last year and Coach
Morfeld knew he would adjust well to the pro game. He's such a strong rebounder and such a great shooter that he had to adjust well. Clopp will get some major consideration for rookie of the year thanks to his all around game and his solid amount of playing time. And just think, his stats will be even lower than they could be beacuse of who he has to share the ball with.
Bench:
PG--Drake Bachemann---I heard a lot of people ask why a team like Nebraska would spend 3 mill to signa
back-up PG like Drake Bachemann. Well, it was jsut another great move by the best GM around. Nebraska
knows that it has to compete with the likes of Parker Mason to get past the Western Conference so you have
to be 2 deep at the PG spot. And who better than Drake. Nebraska has 2 PG's that create major turnovers and get the ball around the court without making mistakes. This was the BEST signing Nebraska made this offseason. Also remember it is EASY to put Bachemann to starting PG in case of a Taylor injury.
SG--Quintin Pitt---Last years season opening starter is signed up to be this years sub. And a great one he
will be!! Pitt is a defensive machine wreaking havoc on ballhandlers with his stealing ability. He is a great changeup kind of guy to bring in after Dave Williams, forcing opponents to play two separate styles of guards in the game.
SF--Ron Avery---This kid is capable of giving his 8 solid minutes per game. And for those of you who think he can't handle being Taylor's sub, you're right. But luckily if Taylor gets hurt Williams will play the 3 (where he scored 55 points today) and Kodak will play the 2 (where he scored 38 I believe), and Bachemann will play the 1. Avery is a great project kind of player who has major potential and will give a great 8 minutes a night.
PF and C--Paul Wilson---Wilson will get the nod to back-up both positions. This is the greatest rebounder the league has ever seen and he'll be getting 30+ minutes a night for Nebraska off the bench. Like at SG he makes opponents play a totally different kind of player when he comes in as he is entirely different than Base or Clopp. Wilson will provide an essential rebounding boost for the Nebraska squad when he enters the game. No one in the business does it better and he may be the best bargain signing in all of free agency last year.
This leaves some leftovers that no one has heard of (cough, cough) such as Johnny Burns, Kris Calhoun, Brandon Morfeld, and Marc White. Burns is a solid backup in this league with some nice passing skills and smart decision making. Calhoun might be second only to Wilson in his pure rebounding ability. If he ever gets his FG% up a bit he will become a very dangerous weapon. Brandon Morfeld is a talent that is coming along slowly. He may never become what he was destined to be due to some poor coaching in college that slowed his development. Marc White is a stud 18 year old that will become a great player in the WBA once he physically matures. He is already a primetime rebounder and defensive presence even at his young age.
There is much reason for optimism this year in the Nebraska camp. They should be able to contend heavily
for the Western Conference Title. With or without Taylor this is an elite team that can put points up on anyone. Taylor's injury definitely will make things more challenging, but thanks to several brilliant moves this offseason Nebraska should be built to withstand it.
June 5th, 2004
Birmingham Star
Sport Report by: Elgin Fabbo
The Fury kept the same starting five that they ended season 8 with. A key
loss to the team is backup point guard Charlie Meyers, he was key in giving
McCarty relieve when needed. With the addition of Leonel Coles and Craig
King it should give the fury what was not there last season when they needed
the lift off the bench.
Projected Starting Five:
PG -- Oliver McCarty, he has worked really hard in the off season improving
his all-arounnd game he is now the leader of this team and they go as far as
he can take them.
SG -- Nike Johnson, His main hold up was his health, but with the great
trainer and training program the fury has that should not be a problem
anymore. This will be the first season that Nike is 100% healthy, so watch
out he just has a way of making everyone else better around him.
SF -- Bill Blackstone, This crafty old veteren is still here and trying to
get back to his high power offense and put up big numbers. In the off
season he work on his movement away from the ball and trying to create an
open shot.
PF -- Bob Delaney, This player does it all for this team, and every year he
gets left off of the all-star team. He should be a two time all-star maybe
this will be his year. He can score, rebound, and as a power forward get
you atleast 5 assist per game.
C -- Ramiro Watts, He work on his conditioning in the off season and now
hope to produce. He can just flat out shot the rock, and on this team that
is saying a lot. The Fury need a big year him Ram to try and duplicate what
they did last post season.
Key Bench Players:
SG/SF-- Frank Rose, he can score and can put up big number at any given
time. He also plays defense very well.
PF/C -- Leonel Coles, The Fury Coach, Ethan Kight was very excited about
this pick in the off season. During the post season last year their inside
players got in foul trouble a lot and didn't have a quality sub to replace
them. Coles brings Scoring , rebounds, and Toughness to a team that has
been known for being soft.
SF/PF -- Craig King, This player in free agency was problem the best pick up
that the Fury made. (They only made two) For Minumum salary he was a steal.
His stats are not going to be like David Williams or Wayne Taylors, but
who's are. The things he will do for this team is unmeasureable. Keyword
Toughness.
With all the fouls this team commits the pick-ups in the off season was key
will this be enough to get them over the hump? I do believe that B-ham (No
Name) Fury can make some new believers
June 4th, 2004
Season Preview
By Ron Chambers
I learned a couple of things doing this years season preview. First, I learned that no matter how many computer simulations Wes Ford runs he will never have have a real feel for the league unless he spend the time watching tape and talking with people in the know. Second I learned that the East is no longer dominate. Cancun is the best team in the league. It could be argued that Oregon is the second best team in the league. The Mid-Atlantic has more horible teams than I care to mention and the secodn tier teams in the East are falling off while the second tier in the West is improving. The power is shifting and it is fun to see.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
PACIFIC DIVISION
Oregon Golden Bears- Pacific Champion (2)
They have had a great preseason. Gonzales is great as always. Mosley has really stepped it up the last two years. Stein has game and once he learns to make better shot choices he will be an elite guard. Andrews is about as efficient as they get and Curtis is looking solid. Dimateo is also shooting the ball light out and is getting a lot of playing time partly because he