February 1-28, 2005 | home
 |
GLOBAL SPORTS PROGRAMMING NETWORK
|
February 28th, 2005
Washington Finally Talks
GSPN Reporter
After all the talk going around about Washington having the biggest off-season of their franchise, manangement finally spoke up at a press conference friday. The talks going around were that Washington was looking to make some blockbuster trades, getting rid of some big name players if the team failed to make it to the WBA Finals.
"Yes it's all true. It's all true," stated Washington owner Stevie Blackwell. "We weren't too sure if this was what was gonna happen if we did not make it to the WBA Finals, but now we feel if this request does not become fufilled, then things are likely to change. We have flirted with a few offers as of late with teams such as Rochester, Roswell, Montana, and Cincinnatti."Blackwell also said,"These trades involved the talk of such players as Emmett Yee, A.J. Schulz, and Boom-Boom Casey."
Blackwell also went on to mention that the players who have been talked about in these trades have been notified that they are basically being put on the trade block so this won't come as a shock to them if they do get traded. He said that Coach Tim Richards and himself had a meeting with certain players individually to discuss this matter.
Coach Richards was also at the conference and had this to say. "You know I know this isn't the easiest thing for this franchise to go through, but I'm not even happy with the way our season has come out. I understand how some of these players could be upset with managements ideas. I hate to see this team split up, but something needs to be done."
We caught up with two of the Monument players that were told about their "could be traded" status and neither one of them really didn't sound that upset. A.J. Schulz said that this is what happens in this league. He said I try not to get too close with teams, because you never know when you could be shipped. Also Emmett Yee was there for questioning and when one reporter asked if Yee had a problem with him being traded, he quickly replied not at all. Its not like I've been with Washington my whole career, but I feel that management isn't giving me a fair chance of playing here just because of my back problem.
With all this going on, Washington is looking very confused and uncertain about what they want done this off-season. It seems that their decisions won't be clear until the off-season does come. Until then we can only watch to see what happens with this Washington franchise and their big time approaches to these certain questions.
February 25th, 2005
Pk - Sd LOTTERY RESULTS
======= ===============
1 - 2 London (Owned by Omaha)
2 - 3 Carolina (Owned by Colorado)
3 - 1 Cincinnati (Owned by Cincinnati)
4 - 4 New York (Owned by Washington)
5 - 5 Boston (Owned by Boston)
6 - 6 California (Owned by California)
7 - 7 Alaska (Owned by Omaha)
8 - 8 Montana (Owned by Miami)
9 - 9 Roswell (Owned by Rochester)
10 - 10 Salt Lake (Owned by Capetown)
11 - 11 Birmingham (Owned by Albacete)
12 - 12 Omaha (Owned by Washington)
MVP
Lou Gonzalez, Oregon
2-Parker Mason, Cancun
3-Heiko Van Brandt, Texas
Defensive player of the year
Lou Gonzalez, Oregon
2-Bobby Egan, Sacramento
3-Greg Lacy, Colorado
Rookie of the year
Walt Jackson, Roswell
2-Sheldon Gorman, Montana
3-Ahmed Dougherty, Cancun
Most improved player
Bishop Stein, Oregon
2-Jack Spiegel, Alaska
3-Oshodi Bombata, Andorra
6th man of the year
Jim Wilson, Gabon
2-Ellis Law, Cancun
3-Mathew Pitcher, Boston
Coach of the year
Dugyik Tamas, Budapest
2-BJ Stanley, Colorado
3-Corey Daubanton, Andorra
GM of the year
Kevin Harper, Oregon
2-Pat Fullum, Cancun
3-Rondall Reynoso, Brooklyn
All WBA
PG-Parker Mason, Cancun
SG-Dave Williams, Rochester
SF-Obafemi Mabruke, Capetown
PF-Heiko Van Brandt, Texas
C- Lou Gonzalez, Oregon
All WBA 2nd team
PG-Steve Peterson, Budapest
SG-Bishop Stein, Oregon
SF-Wayne Taylor, Nebraska
PF-Oman Fatafehi, Miami
C- Jay Vazquez, Texas
All WBA 3rd team
PG-Chuck Henderson, Capetown
SG-Samir Sheth, Washington
SF-Devonta Corrigan, Andorra
PF-Cory Mosley, Oregon
C- Kent Mercer, Cancun
All-Defense
PG-Parker Mason, Cancun
SG-Bobby Egan, Sacramento
SF-Cordell Parks, SLC
PF-Greg Lacy, Colorado
C- Lou Gonzalez, Oregon
All-Defense 2nd team
PG-Steve Peterson, Budapest
SG-Dave Troychak, Miami
SF-Lonnie Gerson, Cancun
PF-Oman Fatafehi, Miami
C- John Van Horne, Sacramento
All-Defense 3rd team
PG-Dexter Kodak, Nebraska
SG-Otto Hameleers, Gabon
SF-Donovan Jones, Oregon
PF-Mark Miller, Andorra
C- Jay Vazquez, texas
All-Rookie
PG-Reid Dall, Gabon
SG-Ahmed Dougherty, Cancun
SF-Walt Jackson, Roswell
PF-Sheldon Gorman, Montana
C- Al Herbert, Andorra
All Rookie 2nd team
PG-Al Rozier, London
SG-Jeremy Aarons, Cancun
SF-Ajani Valentine, Boston
PF-Raphael Park, Alaska
C- Sam Hickerson, Roswell
All Rookie 3rd team
PG-Pete Nelson, Andorra
SG-Seth Finklestein, Cincinnati
SF-Wu Dian-Fan, Birmingham
PF-Samson Erickson, Washington
C- Carlos Williams, NY
Citizenship award:
Pablo Del Pino, Boston
2-James Borbath, Roswell
3-Dave Williams, Rochester
February 25th, 2005
GSPN Interview with WBA head coach
Tim Richards of the Washington Monuments
GSPN Reporter: First off, we're glad you could make it here with us coach.
Richards: Well it's good to be here.
GSPN Reporter: Well coach as you know you're first season in the WBA is over, now are you pleased with your team's overall performance?
Richards: I don't want to say I'm not pleased or I am pleased, because overall I felt like we were an average team which is not where I would like to see this team in the long run. I felt like there were things that we did good but also things we need to work on.
GSPN Reporter: Then what are some of the things this team needs to work on?
Richards: Shooting is a big part of it for this team. Some players need to work on their field goal percentage while others need to work on free throws. We're surely not a three-point shooting team. So I would say shooting as of now.
GSPN Reporter: Well right now your team is in the playoffs as a number 2 seed. They are now about to get ready for their second round match-up. Based on just the first round that your team has been in, how have you reactted to the way they've played?
Richards: Oh man, I can't even begin to explain how great they played in that series. I mean they excelled in so many things in those three games. Even one game I was speechless in the locker room. I mean this team amazed me. For a minute I thought I was coaching the wrong team they played so great.
GSPN Reporter: Well how far do you think this team will go in the playoffs? Is this even a possible championship team?
Richards: You know there are so many great teams out there and its always hard to tell how far you can actually go. I mean I feel if this team plays decent ball, then yeah we can make it at least to the WBA Finals. Now going as far as winning the championship, I strongly feel that the accomplishment is very far away from my team. The west is just too strong right now.
GSPN Reporter: So do your or management have any big plans for this up coming off-season?
Richards: Not really as of now. We're just hoping maybe to fill in some of the cracks in this team. We got a couple of good picks in the draft so maybe we can do this with a couple of decent rookies.
GSPN Reporter: Well with all that said I guess all that's left is good luck in the playoffs and hope everything goes well in the off-season. Thanks for being here coach and we'll be looking for you and your Washington Monuments in the future.
Richards: Thanks a lot and I certainly hope everything goes well.
February 25th, 2005
WASHINGTON GETS A SIGH OF RELIEF
AFTER 1ST ROUND SWEEP
There was nothing but cheers coming from the capital city, as the Washington Monuments defeated the Brooklyn Rage in a clean sweep of three straight. This was the third time these two teams met in the playoffs since the WBA started. Washington has now won two of these three series with a record of 7-4. The Monuments never really struggled through any of the series and played great ball all the way through. Emmett Yee and Boom-Boom Casey led the team with their offensive scoring.
"You know we really weren't too confident coming into this series because we knew that Brooklyn despite their losing record was still a good team. I'm really glad that we were able to not only win both games at home," Coach Tim Richards addressed," but also finish the series by stealing a win on the road which is something we've struggled with all season long. I was proud at the effort my team put out every single game, but Brooklyn also played well and I give credit to the Rage."
Washington outscored Brooklyn in the series averaging 114 points a game to the Rage's 98 a game. Washington also was plus in the rebounding category over Brooklyn by a margin of 4. "This was really what we had to accomplish every game in order to get past Brooklyn. We knew that this team could score, so we also knew that we would have to score more to get the job done," Richards said.
Now that Washington has gotten past the first round, they can take a breather but not for too long because their second round test lies ahead as they will face the winner of the Budapest/Sacramento series. Luckily, they get to return home to start the series, a place where they feel real comfortable in playing and winning games.
Richards says hopefully his boys will be ready for this upcoming series and he hopes they can play as well as they did against Brooklyn. Boom-Boom Casey who averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds during the 1st round series said that as long as this team stays healthy and plays well, he thinks that this team has a real shot at making the WBA Finals. The 6'11" center also mentioned that doing this would be no easy task, but he knows that Coach Richards and the rest of Washington Monuments would be up for the challenge.
February 25th, 2005
Washington Maybe In A Win Or Else Mode
By Greg Ross WBA BEAT REPORTER
You would think a team like Washington would be riding high as they move into the second round of the WBA Playoffs. However the talk around this team is not about the fact it is the only team to sweep it's opening round playoff series. It's not about the next team they face from Budapest.In fact many WBA sources have stated that the word is that if Washington fails to make the WBA Finals that major changes to the franchise will take place. Many Trade talks have taken place between Washington and other teams in the league reguarding some of it's major players on Washington's current roster. Some teams rumoured to be in these talks include Rochester,Toronto(formerly Roswell)and Cincy.Those three teams have been confirmed through league contacts. There could be more that have not come to light.
Some have gone as far as saying Washington has already put deals in place based on a failure to make the WBA finals. It is unclear what the motives behind such actions would be. The league has talked seriously about re-alignment and possible expansion next season. It is not clear if Washington is making the moves or alleged moves based on that. The team does have a stock pile of draft choices and may feel it is time to rebuild as it's core players are advancing in age. Could it simply be a plan to motivate the team to make a deep playoff run? If that is the case a lot of G.Ms who have been in talks with Washington may be upset and feel they have been used. Emmit Yee has been the name that comes up most. It is unclear why Yee has fallen out of favour in Washington as most G.M's see him as a scorer with some upside.Other neames that have been talked about are Boom Boom Casey a lengend of the WBA. It's Believed that Toronto was high on picking him up in a deal that would see Christbal Dasher head to Washington. Dasher a solid player has a big contract and owner James Borbath has not been shy to say for the right deal he would move Dasher. A.J Schulz also maybe dealt to Rochester.
The 3 players mentioned lead the team in scoring in the playoffs: Yee 25.3ppg,Casey 19.7ppg and Schulz 16.3ppg. This roughly makes up 50% of Washington's offensive production thus far in the playoffs. But it seems that the time is now for Washington as ownership seems committed to big time changes should this team not make it to the Finals. The question is will this cause the team to lose focus heading into it's eastern semi final match-up with Budapest? Perhaps, or it may provide motivation and determination for the Washington's playoff drive.
The results for the team in this playoffs will tell the story and may shake up the franchise to the core if not successful. With the talk of expansion and re-alignment all teams have had a cloud put into whatever offseason plans they may have had. But the biggest cloud seems to be centered on this Washington Franchise. The Ironic thing is that from what league sources say the talks in most if not all cases were started by Washington. There is a lot of chatter going on about the upcoming offseason but no team more than Washington has been talked about.
Already thought to be a big part of the offseason given the number of draft choices they hold for the upcoming WBA Draft the trade rumours and talks have just made them the center of even more chatter. A Washington run through to the finals would put and end to a lot of the speculation but it seems a win or else message has been placed on this team. It may be believed with re-alignment being talked about although not confirmed that washington sees this as a last golden shot to make it through a somewhat weak eastern conference and get to the finals. However even if the get to that point you would have to like any of the 4 western teams left standing in a seven game series for the finals.
This will be a huge story for the rest of the playoffs and depending on the results of the playoffs it may care right into the offseason. Many feel around the league that with all the rumours of re-alignment and possible Expansion, that this my be the most important off season in WBA history. Time will tell on that but one way or the other it could be a offseason that defines Washington for years to come one way or the other.
The same maybe be said for many teams if the changes purposed come to be as far as re-alignment and expansion. If both take place we may also see 6 divisons with 5 teams per division. Each Divison Winner would be gaurnteed a top 3 spot for the playoffs and of course home court in the opening round. No word on if playoff series for the opening round wqould stay at 5 games or change to 7 games.Even though the playoffs have been exciting so far the off season could prove to be more exciting in many ways given the uncertain nature of what lies ahead. When the championship trophy and awards are handed out that may just be the begining of what may turn out to be the most interesting and exciting offseason in league history.
February 14th, 2005
Playoffs predictions
By Turk Moran
Western conference:
(1) Texas vs (8) Miami
Prediction: Texas wins in four
-Texas came out of nowhere near the end of the regular season to get the number one spot in the tough western conference. It seems no one really paid any attention to this squad but they did fight Cancun all season long for first spot in the power rankings. Miami made it to the playoffs thanks to the stellar play of shooting guard Dave Troychak, who caried the team most of the season. One of the key matchups in this series will be the defense of newest Texas member Mike Farrell on Troychak, Farrell will be asked to contain him and not let him win a game by himself. Of course leading the way for the Juggers are Heiko Van Vrandt and Jay Vazquez. Van Brandt and ex-Cancun Outlaw Shawn McKick will provide strong playoff experience for Texas, both having won a title (three for McKick). Texas should come out on top fairly easily.
(4) Cancun vs (5) Capetown
Prediction: Capetown in five
-Wasn't Cancun comfortably in first place in the west just a week before the end of the regular season? A 5-5 record in it's last ten games plus four key losses to Miami (twice) and Andorra (twice) led to the downfall of the team. But on the bright side, Parker Mason has picked up his play for the Outlaws in the past couple of games and will be asked once again to lead his team to battle with the help of his sidekicks Kent Mercer and Scott Nicholson. As for Capetwon, the best sign for them is that they have beaten Cancun on the road in the last game of the season. So Capetown has to feel confident heading into this matchup, especially now that they added Leo Rice from Washington to provide great defense off the bench. This series is tough to call, as any team that wins it could go all the way for the title. My prediction is Capetown, with more hunger for postseason wins, will end Cancun's dynasty.
(2) Oregon vs (7) Andorra
Prediction: Oregon in three
-Andorra has to be unhappy about facing Oregon in the first round. Even though they finished second, Oregon has looked like the team to beat in the WBA this season. Lou Gonzalez is having another great season but it is the emergence of young superstar Bishop Stein that has everyone seing gold in Oregon. One other key for Oregon has been the great play of Donovan Jones, who is having a career year playing out of position at small forward. And Andorra's young point guard's will have a tough time guarding veteran Kelvin Davidson. Andorra is a good team, but Corrigan and company are simply no match for Oregon. Oregon in three.
(3) Colorado vs (6) Nebraska
Prediction: Colorado in four
-This should be one of the best series in this first round. No one on the western conference wanted that third spot, as it meant a visit from the Nebraska Sun Warriors. Nebraska has struggled all season, but everyone knows that this squad has the talent to go deep into the playoffs, and that they could wake up anytime now. No one has talked much about Wayne Taylor this season, but he is playing as good as ever. And he can lit up any team any time, which means Nebraska have a shot at wining any game. But Colorado stands in their way, led by their defensive leader Greg Lacy. Lacy has joined the WBA elite this season, as some observers feel he is MVP material. Colorado had a great season and will look to advance much further than the first round. Unless Taylor catches on fire and wins games by himslef, I say Colorado advances in four.
West semis:
(1) Texas vs (5) Capetown
Prediction: Capetown in six
-The momentum of ending the WBA's greates dynasty so far in WBA history will carry over to the second round for Capetown as they will beat Texas in six games. Cinderella team of this season? Probably not as they are considered a very good team.
(2) Oregon vs (3) Colorado
Prediction: Colorado in seven
-This will be a great, great series. Two teams that seem very close talent wise but play very different styles of play. I say Colorado pulls off the upset because of depth and because Oregon relies too much on its starting five. And blame bad karma too: some teams felt disrespected by Oregon when the five would play 40 plus minutes in blowout games. But it is one of the greatest starting fives ever and they could easily win every game in the playoffs right to the championship.
West Finals:
(3) Colorado vs (5) Capetown
Prediction: Colorado in seven
-Homecourt advantage will be a great factor, and Colorado won't be denied. Capetown will fight to the end but the darn Pioneers are back...
Eastern conference:
(1) Albacete vs (8) Baltimore
Prediction: Albacete in three
-Albacete made some key acquisitions late in the season and it proved to be great moves as they enter the playoffs as the number one seed and as early favorites to reach the WBA finals. Baltimore has a good team, but they just can't match up with Albacete's depth and talent. And Harry Jarvis is still playing with that chip on his shoulders, wanting to prove he can win without Lou as his center. Albacete sends Baltimore players on vacation in three games.
(4) Rochester vs (8) Gabon
Prediction: Rochester in five
-Rochester has been playing great near the end of the regular season and are entering the playoffs with some momentum. They blew Gabon out a couples of games ago and will look to do the same in the playoffs. Top scorer and arguably the best shooting guard in the league Dave Williams will have to play against one of the best defensive shooting guards in the WBA in Otto Hameleers. Hameleers will have to hold his own against Williams to give his team a chance to win. Sophomore center John Devine and Jim Wilson will also have their hands full with a resurgent Jim McCarty, who has played well as of late. These two teams have battled much of the season and the one thing that defines both of them is their inconsistencies. This series could go either way but I will put my money on Rochester in five.
(2) Budapest vs (7) Sacramento
Prediction: Sacramento in four
-Budapest is again this season among the top teams. Amazing with what looks like an average roster on paper. But so far in their history, they haven't proven much in the playoffs. They will be led by star point guard Steve Peterson, who will be asked once more to play heavy minutes for this franchise. Sacramento was among the four teams battling for fourth place but wound up finishing seventh. It is not as bad as it looks, as they seem to match up well versus Budapest. One of the key reasons why I expect Sacramento to do well against Budapest is defense. The anchors of that defense are John Van Horne inside and Bobby Egan on the perimeter. Van Horn's shot blocking allows Egan to gamble for steals and he was the most prolific thief for the second straight season. Plus Budapest's small forwards will get to deal with veteran scoring machine Jaxon McCall, which rarely turns out well for the defense. I say upset, Sac in four.
(3) Washington vs (6) Brooklyn
Prediction: Brooklyn in five
-This has potential to be be a great series. Two long-time rivals facing each other for a shot at the second round. Washington was hit hard when Emmett Yee suffered a serious injury a couple of months ago. They have the depth to compensate for Yee's absence, but one could argue that Yee is irreplacable. The keys for Washington will be Yee's health and the play of Washington's power forwards. Rookie Samson Erickson might have to take on a bigger role for the Monuments to have success. Chuck O'Rourke is a solid veteran also and he could step up to the challenge. And do not be fooled by Brooklyn's record. They chose to head in a different directon this season, and are looking to build for the future without sacrificing the present. It is looking very good right now as Mario Bailey looks like one of the elite guards of the league but still plays within the sytem. Omar Jefferson has been given a second chance and has responded by playing well but he is still adjusting to being a full-time point guard in the WBA. And one other youngster that will be vital to Brooklyn's succes is Jarius Miles, if he manages to stay out of foul trouble and stay in control of himself, Brooklyn has a shot at winning. I believe Brooklyn's pulls off the upset and wins the series.
East semis:
(1) Albacete vs (4) Rochester
Prediction: Albacete in five
-Albacete is on a roll and will handle Dave Williams and the Rochester Blaze in five games. Williams will win the shooting guard battle but Jarvis will have the last laugh as he gets a shot to play for the eastern conference finals.
(6) Brooklyn vs (7) Sacramento
Prediction: Brooklyn in seven
-Two Sactown owners face off in this semifinal. Brooklyn should come out on top if Miles doesn't make too many passes to Bobby Egan and if Bailey can outplay Harold Gill. Vegas has two-to-one odds that Jarius Miles will defeat Harold Gill in a boxing match during a game of that series. These two will need to check their temper and be positive factor for their respective teams.
East finals:
(1) Albacete vs (6) Brooklyn
Prediction: Albacete in six
-Albacete will come out on top, and will represent the east in the WBA finals.
WBA FINALS:
(1) Albacete vs (3) Colorado
Prediction: Colorado in six
-The Pioneers will become the second team in WBA history to win two titles and will challenge (dethrone?) Cancun as the greatest dynasty.
February 7th, 2005
Toronto Welcomes It's WBA Franchise
Reporter Greg Ross
On the eve of the WBA Playoffs a whole country of fans will watch with a greater interest level. Canada today is offically part of the WBA. James Borbath, Walt Jackson and Coach Jack Armstrong were all on hand at Toronto's Air Canada Centre to announce what we have all knnown for quite some time that the Roswell Dino Franchise will be moving to Toronto. James Borbath a native son of Canada took great pride in this announcement. Borbath said" Toronto has always been considered a world class city and now it will play on a world wide stage in the WBA. The Toronto Dinos will hit the floor for our first season here at the Air Canada Centre. However construction of a new facility will begin very soon. This will serve as the perminent home for our ball club and should be constructed in time for Season 12. It will be known as the T-Rex Arena and will be located right on the shore line of Lake Ontario. This will be the most start of the art arena in North America and perhaps the world. In Addition to the Dinos we have already looked into booking events such as the WWE and some big name concerts to take place in what will be an incredible building. The T-Rex Arena will have full practice and medical facilities on site. It's our belief that when players see what this city combined with this new building and our great roster of young talent that players will want to be a part of this great franchise. For far to long I have seen pro teams leave this country and big name athletes leave this country. Well today that changes. You Toronto will get to see the soon to be announced rookie of the year Walt Jackson grow by leaps and bounds before your eyes. We will bring this city a team that will have the abilty to win championships that is the promise I make to you on this day. A team that you can take pride in. Dino Basketball is here and we plan on getting to work today and everday after to make this team something that you all will want to see and cheer and support." After Borbath was finshed he introduced Walt Jackson to the gathering.
Walt had this to say to his new home town fans" I was able to come up here a couple of times and get to know this city. Mr. Borbath always spoke with great pride about this city and this country. I hope to be a player that you can take pride in and I am pround and honoured to have the chance to be representing this city and this country. I have big personal goals and bigger team goals. So on behalf of myself and all my team mates I want to let you know we are as excited to come here as you are in having us. We hope to represent you proudly and I hope to be much to busy to be talking to you all at this time next year. I say this not cause I don't enjoy speaking with you all I just plan on being busy getting ready for the WBA Playoffs. The man who will be there to push me hard is the Coach of your Toronto Dinos Jack Armstrong."
Jack Armstrong addresses the gathering" I being orginally from Brooklyn but having lived for last number of years in Western New York know all to well what great people Canadians can be. I know what passion you have for sport. I look forward to giving you all a team that you can invest that passion in. It will not be easy but we made big gains this year and plan on even bigger ones next year. I hope you will give us the chance to entertain you all and give you some quality athletes like young Mr. Jackson. I figure with a season under his belt he deserves to be called Mister.But seriously we our already doing scouting and working hard to improve this team and with that in mind we have some news that our Owner and G.M Mr.Big Shot, The Guy who pays my check Mr.Borbath will fill you in on. I can tease him because my contract is still good."
Borbath than stated the following: Upon conclusion of our season the schedule the Toronto Dinos would like to announce that we have come to an agreement with Wesley Phillips and Jamie Moore on contract buy-outs. Both players respective contracts were set to expire at the end of season 11. I think for many in regaurds to Wesley Phillips the reasons whould seem obvious. Jamie Moore is a great individual and we wish Jamie nothing but good things in his future. We do not have any announcement as to filling those roster spots at this current time and whould like to take this chance to wish luck to all the teams playing in the WBA Playoffs and also wish luck to all involved in the WBA Lottery. We were fortunate to have the number 1 pick last yeah and I'd say judging by him being here it has been a suggess for us having drafted Walt Jackson. Once again I just want to say how thrilled and happy I am about this day. A like long dream has become a reality for me today and I thank you all for being a part of it.
So, a brand new city and perhaps the first of many rosters moves for the Dinos as Wesley Phillips and Jamie Moore have been released.