October 1-15, 2004

GLOBAL SPORTS PROGRAMMING NETWORK

October 15th, 2004

Boston: Two Triangles Plus Toby

By M. Exsopito

Drafted in the first round of the season three rookie draft as the 25th overall pick by Chacarita, Toby came into the league offering a unique package. As a center and power forward throughout his career Toby has always retained the mind and skills of a shooting guard. This package of skills has been both a blessing and a detriment to his career. For while having the body of a big man Toby has never been much of a rebounder but his offensive talents have helped override this weakness as he has established himself as one of the most potent scorers in the leagues history.

This upcoming season may actually prove to be Toby's most successful season to date as he has gotten off to a great start all across the board. A native of New Mexico, Toby's familiarity with Spanish has helped established a bond between him and new Spanish owner Pablo del Pino. The two and Felipe Juarez are often heard joking around in the foreign tongue while teammates are often left wondering, “what's so funny?” On the court Toby has gotten off to an exceptional start this preseason by averaging twenty-three points and shooting a blazing sixty percent. His performance has been so great that he has been given two games off showing that Boston already knows what to expect from him.

This season Toby is expected to log in major minutes at the small forward position, offering a balance between his shooting guard skills and big man body. Toby will assuredly be a key player for Boston while shooting and dishing some nice assists from the middle. It is expected that Toby will average 38-40 minutes a game and with the numbers that Toby is capable of putting up he is on track for another All-Star selection.

Toby is an integral part of the early strategy that seems to be taking form in Boston. One which employs two triangles and Toby. At first this seems awkward but the strategy is as clear as Canary Island water. The guards and big men will be rotated on a triangular basis. Foster, Hainge and Otis will compromise the guard rotation while Short, Holt and Huryta will share the load in the post. Meanwhile promising point guard Felipe Juarez, and big time shooter Herman Burke, will practice hard waiting for the chance to break into the lineup.

The upcoming season will certainly be productive season for Magic Toby and Boston. I sat down with Magic to discuss personal and team matters and the following is the transcript from my session with the engaging young man:

M. Exsopito: Magic, it is a pleasure to meet with you on this perfect time in history, tell me how has everything been going with you?

Toby: I still have that horrible nightmare night after night...

M. Exsopito: Oh golly a nightmare? But your play has been amazing thus far in the preseason how could you be having nightmares?

Toby: I pretend to get a rebound surrounded by Mabruke and Mosley and when I try to jump, somebody is painting my snickers in bloody red, then I hear the crowd making fun of me...suddenly I wake up and everything remains the same, I can't rebound..I can't I can't I can't...

M. Exsopito: How horrible but while its true that you've only averaged 2.7 rebounds per game in your career, don't you realize that teams don't want you for your rebounding but for your incredible scoring prowess? That is what makes Magic Toby truly Magical.

Toby: I think I'm doing a great job this preseason. I've really tried to be focused on what I have to do as a small forward, not like a shooting guard before. Now I'm trying to get the best out of me, I know I have a "deadlytouch" when it comes to shooting, so everybody out there be ready, big Magic is playing big minutes this season.

M. Exsopito: Thats good to hear Magic. For a minute there I thought you had come down with a case of RSD, Rebounding Stress Disorder. Emett Yee was diagnosed with a case of this but managed to successfully recover from the horrible condition. I believe a change of position was what eventually cured him and look at him now.

Toby: Obviously, Washington with Yee and without Yee, they're two different teams. With Yee they're a championship team, without Yee they're an average team. Unlike Washington, Boston without Magic ain't worse, I have a nice core of teammates, I'm just one more.

M. Exsopito: That's a big statement to make Magic. As a two-time former All Star do you really believe you are just another player on the team?

Toby: Of course I am, look around, Short, Holt, Foster...they are all in two or three top ten categories in WBA history, it's great to have them on court. The new guys Foster and Holt are very nice people, despite their age, they're still very hungry for glory. Our GM is trying to get everybody involved, I predict a good season for this franchise.

M. Exsopito: Magic, speaking of your GM Pablo del Pino what have been your impressions of him so far? This is his first season after replacing Corey Bowen what changes do you foresee under the new management?

Toby: Well, first of all, he just had one thing in mind, depth. He's tried to get 12 starters together, however, cap room difficulties plus the John Greene affair have made his off-season performance look a bit controversial, especially the Holt - Yeager trade. However, I just feel that he's been able to put a lot of interesting pieces together on this WBA board. Time will tell, and will pretty soon, can't wait for that Washington versus Boston in day 1.

M. Exsopito: It seems like new management is on the right track and the season will assuredly be an interesting one. I for one agree with you in that I can't wait for the season to start. Magic, it was a pleasure interviewing you. Good luck versus Washington and the season to come.

Toby: Nice talking to you, whoever you are. Just one more thing, my prediction: Capetown vs Boston in the finals. Peace.

October 15th, 2004

Oregon Season Preview

After a strong campaign in the WBA's 9th season, Oregon has re-tooled with new, veteran talent, and looks to be as good as ever. High expectations are on the shoulders of the team, as there should be. This might be the best collection of talent in the whole league this season. Newcomers Kelvin Davidson and Donovan Jones are two prime time players joining an already rock solid team. This will be a team to watch in season ten.

POINT GUARD

#26 Kelvin Davidson

HT: 6'3” WT: 180

AGE: 30

YRS

TEAM(S)

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

LON

34.0

49.8

80.7

1.4

7.3

1.8

1.4

1.5

14.5

CAREER

599

38.0

53.6

83.7

12.6

1.9

9.1

2.1

1.8

19.5

-Six-time East All-Star

-65.5% Career Winning Percentage

Notes:

Kelvin joins a superb supporting cast and brings his most coveted talent of leadership to the point. Rumors are he has made friends with last year's starting PG Bill Andrews, and are working together nicely. Bill was originally irritated when he learned he would no longer be the teams starting PG, but when confronted with some members of the coaching staff, he learned that would see some time playing SG. He reportedly liked the idea, as he is a score-first player, and has the shooting guard mentality. Kelvin could enjoy career-high production this year as the Bears' play caller.

SHOOTING GUARD

#5 Bishop Stein

HT: 6'4” WT: 188

AGE: 23

YRS

TEAM(S)

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

ORE

39.0

34.9

64.6

31.6

1.9

6.5

8.0

1.9

1.1

1.8

1.2

14.5

-Season 9 Rookie Of The Year

Notes:

Stein comes back to Oregon after a season of great training. He visited with his Langepas trainer and re-adopted his old off-season workout program. His shooting touch is up to par and he has improved his court vision also. Many major sports networks say Bishop is a sure All-Star and a possible MVP candidate. When asked about these predictions Bishop responded: “Well awards are nice, but winning is more important. I am looking forward to the season and proving what I can do. Parker can't touch me this year!”

SMALL FORWARD

#30 Donovan Jones

HT: 6'11” WT: 261

AGE: 27

YRS

TEAM(S)

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

OMA

32.0

44.1

60.6

21.1

1.9

9.5

5.3

2.4

2.1

3.7

10.6

CAREER

480

28.0

44.5

62.8

27.3

1.4

7.7

5.4

2.5

1.9

2.7

8.8

-Season 7 All-Defensive Team

-45.2% Career Winning Percentage

Notes:

Donovan will be asked to play the majority of his minutes at the SF spot this year in order to get the most out of his talent. He was brought in from Omaha, trading away Tony Dimateo in the process. Jones never got a good opportunity to shine, either not getting the minutes early in his career, or being stuck on a cellar dweller like Omaha. However, Donovan has already shown flashes of what he can do with talent around him this preseason. He has recorded a triple-double and racked up 30+ points once during his first 3 games in an Oregon uniform. Just another All-Star caliber player for Oregon to play with.

POWER FORWARD

#31 Cory Mosley

HT: 6'9” WT: 260

AGE: 28

YRS

TEAM

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

ORE

33.0

43.8

79.5

4.5

2.4

11.9

2.6

2.3

1.8

12.3

CAREER

478

25.0

46.7

83.6

8.7

2.0

8.7

2.0

1.8

1.3

8.8

-Two-Time West All-Star

-Two-Time Rebound King

Notes:

Cory is one of the toughest guys in the league, which reflects in his rebounding. He's a great defender, also; logging over 2 steals a game last season. Not a whole lot to say about Mosley that isn't already obvious. He's a ROCK SOLID player who puts it all on the floor night in and night out.

CENTER

#22 Lou Gonzales

HT: 6'11” WT: 230

AGE: 29

YRS

TEAM

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

ORE

37.0

67.1

83.1

1.7

7.1

3.8

2.3

4.6

2.3

3.2

25.9

CAREER

560

38.0

62.1

81.8

33.0

2.1

8.2

4.3

2.7

4.7

1.7

2.7

24.3

-Seven-Time All-Star

-Two-Time WBA MVP

-Four-Time Defensive MVP

-69% Career Winning Percentage

Notes:

According to many, Lou is the best player in the league. He does it all. Score, pass, block, steal, you name it. He has even improved his only “weakness” this off-season by working hard on his rebounding techniques. Another MVP season is expected of Lou, as he will lead Oregon deep into the playoffs

SIXTH MAN

#32 Bill Andrews - Guard

HT: 6'2” WT: 166

AGE: 29

YRS

TEAM

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

ORE

39.0

52.5

70.3

34.2

1.9

6.1

1.5

2.3

20.6

CAREER

681

32.0

50.1

72.2

40.2

1.8

5.7

1.1

1.5

1.8

14.7

-63.4% Career Winning Percentage

Notes:

Bill Andrews might not be the starting PG for Oregon, but his role is just as, if not more important than last season. He put up career numbers last season and proved a lot of people he is truly a great player. He has always been an underrated, unappreciated player since all his years as Albacete's starter. He even helped then to a WBA Championship, but still no love. Bill will get to see some time at SG also, serving as a combo guard and getting about 30 minutes per game. Expect a Sixth Man Of The Year award to be well within his reach.

RESERVE

#39 Auston Monte - Forward

HT: 6'7” WT: 218

AGE: 22

YRS

TEAM

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

REB

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

PRESEASON

12.0

34.6

80.0

16.7

2.8

1.0

0.7

0.8

1.5

1.2

4.5

Notes:

Auston Monte was a draft day move made by the Oregon front office. They got his rights from Carolina for a future second rounder. And it was a good thing they decided to grab the rookie from Ithaca State, as first round pick Asher Ward looks less WBA-ready than expected. Monte won't get a ton of minutes, but the minutes will fluctuate throughout the season and he will be an important player. If Donovan Jones or Cory Mosley get hurt for some reason, Monte will get the nod at Small Forward.

RESERVE

#1 Leon Berthelson - Point Guard

HT: 6'3” WT: 196

AGE: 29

YRS

TEAM

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

TEX

23.0

31.1

80.3

29.9

2.0

4.5

1.8

1.2

1.3

7.2

CAREER

481

34.0

34.4

83.0

39.5

1.1

3.3

7.8

2.7

2.1

2.2

10.7

-69.2% Career Winning Percentage

Notes:

A crafty veteran who never disappoints. Although his best days are behind him, his talent and leadership are unquestioned. He has experience with winning teams while starring in Gabon's run as a top-tier team, and even last season with Cancun, although only serving as the teams scout team point guard. He probably won't get a lot of minutes, and won't play every game, but is great insurance as the third string point guard.

RESERVE

#40 Donovan McCormick - Center

HT: 7'2” WT: 255

AGE: 24

YRS

TEAM

MPG

FG%

FT%

3PT%

OFF

TRPG

APG

SPG

BPG

PPG

ROC

11.0

39.8

81.7

48.0

2.7

1.1

4.4

CAREER

139

18.0

35.6

76.9

42.7

1.2

4.7

1.6

6.4

Notes:

Donovan was picked up right before the preseason began to shore up the frontcourt. He has some great talent, but has yet to put it together and turn it into stats. He will get a chance this year in Oregon, his third team in his third season. He won't have much pressure on him at all, playing behind the leagues most dominate player in Lou Gonzales. Hopefully some of that talent rubs off.

RESERVE

#24 Joe Menendez - Small Forward

HT: 6'6” WT: 224

AGE: 29

YRS	TEAM	G	MPG	FG%	FT%	3PT%	OFF	TRPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
S9	CAR	48	7.0	34.7	91.7	.0	.6	2.0	.3	.0	.3	.3	.1	1.6
7	Seasons	323	10.0	40.7	89.1	9.1	.7	2.7	1.0	.0	.3	.5	.3	2.6

Notes:

A player with good talent that has never played much throughout his 7-year career. A long-time Boston Massacre reserve shows his loyalty, a trait that Oregon management liked about Joe. He won't hurt his team at all, he doesn't make any mistakes, and can do all the basics of the game well. He should get as much playing time this season as he ever has in his career.

October 14th, 2005

VETERAN PLAYERS COMING SLOWLY

By Dave Thompson

Don't expect much out of Albacete Burning Hell in the upcoming exhibition

games; the team have adopted a "preservation" mode with their talented,

but aging star players other than Tyler Kane and Juwan Bixby.

Whitehouse, 29, is recovering from a spartan diet which have made him to

lose 12 pounds, he is playing around 15 minutes a game, but vows he will

be ready for the season opener and expects to play around 25 minutes a game.

In the meantime, the Burning Hell are being careful not to overwork the

veteran in preseason until the moment of thruth.

Donelly, 29, has not seen a single minute this preseason, because the team

want to see how rookies adapt their game to the pros, and because they want

him to recover from all the beating he takes every single game

Cress, 29 too, has been this summer in a clinic to prevent more heart issues,

like that one which almost ended with his career and his life in season

6. He is reportedly in great form, as we can see in his last game with 29

points and 12 boards against New York.

In fact, the Burning Hell have committed to a policy they used in the last

seasons with veteran players giving them the option of when to participate

in practice and planning to monitor his playing time to between 20 and 25

minutes once the regular season starts.

"You only do that with guys who know how to play, and they do," Albacete's

coach Pedro Alcaraz said. "I just want to make sure they stay healthy for

the season, so I don't need them to practice every day or play hard in preseason.

But right now, they are practicing great. So more than anything, we are

saving them. I do like to have guys get in shape and be used to their teammates,

but I have to make sure they are able to play when it counts."

During the Burning Hell's last practices, Whitehouse has spent as much time

on the exercise bike as he has in full-court scrimmages. In the past two

days, however, he has spent more and more time running the floor, so much

so that his practice shirt was soaked with sweat yesterday.

"I'm not there as far as my stamina. I'm far from that, but I'm getting

there," Whitehouse said. "It won't take long for me to get into game shape,

not this year. I know by the time the season starts I will be able to play

five more minutes than last season. Right now, I'm doing just enough in

practice without overworking my fat body."

When the Burning Hell signed Gordon Whitehouse for a big contract, last

summer, general manager Aitor Tilla said the team would as extensive as

it could be in examining his shape and conditioning. Team doctors performed

a physical, and Albacete interviewed several sources, people who saw him

on holidays included, his neighbours who see him on a regular basis, and

they have been delighted with what they have heard. No Big Macs, no Whoopers,

no more Cola in the local supermarket, and twice a week, a visit to the

greengrocer's. The result are obvious, now you can see a more modelled body,

you can even see some muscle in his arms

The team had been given by owners one week to waive him if his conditioning

did not suffer a dratic improvement, and Albacete assistants flew to Siberia

to run Whitehouse through drills on consecutive days. Gordon's stamina showed

he could play more time after the two workouts, prompting the team to keep

him around. "Even after doing so, we understand that there is a certain

amount of risk," Tilla said. "He has actually had a problematic eating habits

since he was in the GCBA. But he came in here, signed a good contract, promised

to work this summer, our doctors examined him, we did a lot of background

checking, and after our assistants were down there in Siberia, we felt comfortable."

Whitehouse hasn't tried to dodge the condition of his body, or create any

illusions that he can withstand for a lot more of the minutes he has played

over his 8-year WBA career. Tilla said he met with Whitehouse, Pedro Alcaraz

and trainer Correque Tepillo, and the group came to the conclusion that

23 to 25 minutes a game was a reasonable goal. "We all agreed he would be

used sparingly in the preseason, probably more so in the end, and when the

season starts the goal is to get 23 to 25 minutes over the course of the

whole season," Tilla said. "We are trying to preserve him, rather than wear

him out. We want to slowly, slowly build toward the regular season."

Even during his limited practice time, Alcaraz and the Burning Hell players

say Whitehouse is making an impact. Everybody raves about Gordon?s knowledge

and describes his game as "easy," because he makes the smart pass, goes

for rebounds, plays good defense and makes his teammates better. And the

players don?t talk anymore about his reputation as a "black-hole" player

and rave about his evident leadership qualities.

"Gordon is a guy who has always leaded quietly out there," Albacete star

Harry Jarvis said. "It's not so much him stopping and saying something where

everyone hears, but you see him pulling guys aside and whispering to them,

maybe about what they could have done better, or telling them how to get

their shot. You know, he is the second player with most games in this franchise

after me. He has to lead by example"

Jarvis said he has watched Whitehouse pull aside rookies like Tyler Kane,

Juwan Bixby, Rodger Garson and others to give advice -- a tactic that Whitehouse

shrugs off as nothing special. "That's just by nature, that's what I do,"

he said. "That's what veterans are supposed to do, help out. Most of our

talent is in these younger guys, so I'm just trying to help them with the

mental and physical aspects of the game."

October 14th, 2004

WBA Player Interview

by Brandon Morfeld

Bishop Stein had a great rookie season last year for Oregon and through some great offseason work he has developed even further. His coaches have said he is one of the most impressive young men they have seen and they expect him to lead this team to the next level. Earlier I sat down with Bishop and talked about Oregon and the league.

Brandon: Bishop, we all know that you worked really hard this offseason, what areas do you feel you improved most in and what do you bring to the table for this team?

Bishop: Well last year i felt i hurt the team by not being as good of a shooter as I know i could be. I went back to my offseason program I used at Langepas, and it is paying off so far. I am showing my improvement in our intersquad scrimmages.

Brandon: I know your coaches have really been impressed with your progress--what are they telling you about how you could perform this season? What do they expect from you?

Bishop: Well, the expectations from lasy year are the same, just the pressure is not. We have brought in some great talent, and my confidence is up from last year. I have also been told I will get to play some minutes at point guard this year, which is the position I love to play, I love handling the ball.

Brandon: You mention the new talent brought in. Who have you been most impressed with in camp and what do you think the new guys add to this squad?

Bishop: I really enjoy having Kelvin Davidson in the backcourt with me. He is one of the greatest guards in WBA history, and hes worked with me in the offseason with alot of PG skills. I really hope he ends his career here in Oregon.

Donovan Jones will also be a great player or us. He has a rare combination of talents that only a few people in the league share. Hes great on the boards, one of the best and finding the open man from the post, has a great shooting touch from down low, and he is one of the best shotblockers in the whole league, which will be interesting to see combined with Lou.

Brandon: For sure--is the tsrength of this team its' offense or defense?

Bishop: Obviously we know we have a great offense. Last year we were ranked at the top of the league I think. But, to win championships you need a great defense, and we have that also.

Brandon: The team has gone out and gotten Mosley and Jones in recent times. I know Gonzales has gotten a lot of flack for being a weak rebounding Center. Is this a direct effort by the team to try and compensate for this weakness?

Bishop: Either way, rebounding is very important. You can never have too many rebounders. Lou has been working on his rebounding harder this season, he has bulked up a little and will be suprising some people this year with his work under the boards.

Brandon: What is it like having Lou Gonzales as a teammate? What kind of presence is he and what does he do that makes your job easier?

Bishop: He is a true leader and one of the hardest workers i know. Hes a quiet guy that alot of people respect. He brings so much to the table that he makes everyone better around him, which is why he is the best player in the league, no doubt.

Brandon: Of all the SG's you have to face who do you least want to play in the Western Conference?

Bishop: Well the hardest SG to guard would have to be Sheth. Hes the focal point of Colorado's offense for a reason. Hes a very aggressive player with the ball and you can get in trouble trying to guard him. Defensively, Paul Carrol is a great player. Hes going to get a chance to shine, and I think he will make the most of it. I look forward to the challenge.

Brandon: What about in the entire league? BVesides you of course, who's the best SG in the league?

Bishop: I'd feel comfortable calling either Dave Williams or Harry Jarvis the best in the whole league. They are proven veterans to say the least. Hall of Fame material.

Brandon: In the Western Conference what teams do you need to look out for and who do you think are the best teams in the conference?

Bishop: Nebraska and Cancun are the ones everyobdy predicts to be at the top. The west is tougher than ever this season though, Capetown, Texas, Salt Lake, and even Montana will compete with any team they play.

Brandon: What comments do you have about your contract situation? I know you're signed for another season at 3.75 mill, but obviously you're expecting a large raise. Do you see yourself in Oregon for a long time, or will you need to explore the situation in 2 seasons?

Bishop: Well i hope i can continue my career here in Oregon. Ive been treated well and I love the fans. Whether or not Im resigned is up to management though, so I dont like to talk about thinks I dont have any control over.

Brandon: Management hasn't made any comments to you about clearing cap or anything like that?

Bishop: Well Ive told them i want to win a championship first and foremost. They told me they were going to grab Kelvin Davidson from London with the extra cap we had. How can i complain about that?

Brandon: Good poi