Sacramento Fighting Cocks

Sacramento(Varese) Team History

Season 1

Varese had a strong performance in the league's debut season. Finishing the year with a record of 38-24 and record of 9-1 over the last ten games. This put the team in second place in the Atlantic Division and tied for the second best record overall for the Eastern Conference.

Varese accomplished this behind their strong defense. They finished the season as the fourth best defensive team in the entire league behind Center Earl Baldwin who was honored by being named to the All Defensive Team for the league at his position. This tenacious defensive coupled with the ninth ranked offense propelled Varese to home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

This team would have been better named as the Baldwins in their first season. Starting Center, Earl Baldwin, led the team in scoring with 22.9 points per game shooting a team best of 51%. This combined with 10.9 rebounds per game placed him sixth overall in the league in scoring and 7th overall in rebounding. He was not done. He was the second leading shot blocker in the league averaging 3.5 blocks per game. The complete package, he was also the second best passer on the team averaging 3.2 assists a game.

Baldwin did have some help. The aptly named Workman pulled down 8.7 rebounds per game while scoring 10.2 points per game on 50% shooting. Cronin the team's leading passer averaged 5 assists per game and put up 13.5 points per game with a solid 48% field goal percentage while averaging 2.1 steals per contest.

Varese entered the playoffs with momentum sweeping Maine in the first round. They easily walked over a weak weak Brooklyn team in the second round. The third round found Varese outmatched against London. London coming off a 52 and 10 season earning them the best record in the Eastern Conference was at home and prepared. Varese battled Goliath to the 7th game, but exited the playoffs at the end of that game.

Season 2

In the first season this team relied heavily on the well-rounded capabilities of Earl Baldwin complimented by the work ethic of the aptly named Workman. The impact of these two core players is further exemplified by the drastic drop off Varese had in Season 2 when both players were traded. The logic behind this trade will never be known, but the outcome of the decision was obvious.

In one season, Varese dropped from second place in the Atlantic Division to second to last. This team dropped from the second best record in the Eastern Conference to fourth from the bottom. Varese finished Season 2 missing the playoffs and 34 games behind the division leading Boston.

Interestingly, the team, which acquired both Baldwin and Workman, Winifred, went from dead last in the Midwest Division in Season 1 to a third place finish in the division in Season 2. Winifred climbed from dead last in the Western Conference to fifth in one season. The reverberations of this trade will hurt Varese for seasons to come.

Varese in season 2 did not have too many bright spots as their record reflects. The top scorer Dave Booker averaged 13.5 points a contest on a weak 41% shooting. The sole bright spot was a young Frank Constantine who led the Roosters in rebound with 5.5 boards per game coming off the bench for 17 minutes on average. Charlie Brewer led the team in assists averaging 5.7 per game in only 25 minutes, but coupled with 32% shooting and 3.3 turnovers a night Varese may have been better off handing the ball to the water boy.

Varese maintained their defensive tenacity stating in the top ten in the league, but dropped to the second weakest team in offensive production in the league.

In summary, why Baldwin and Workman???!!! What was received in their place??!!??

Season 3

Varese's record in their third season pretty much sums it up. A dismal 8 win season. They finished dead last in the Atlantic Division and had the second worst record in the entire league. Obviously, Varese failed again to extend their season into the playoffs.

Varese's two-season streak for having one of the top ten defenses in the league came to an abrupt end in season 3. They finished with the sixth worst defense overall in the league and maintained their crown as the second worst producing offense over all. Incredibly, Varese failed to provide their fans with a scorer on the court that fell in the top sixty scorers in the league.

Sadly, out of thirteen categories of individual records kept by the league for the twenty best players in each category (260 players listed for you math geniuses), Varese produced six players on the list. Three of the six players made the lists for most fouls per game…….

Frank Constantine was the top scorer in season 3 averaging only 14 points per game, which was made with a pathetic 34% shooting. Young Constantine does show some promises also leading the Roosters with 8.7 boards per game, but this team needs to compliment this young man with an efficient scorer to make any progress. Felipe Smith lead the team in passing with 5.7 assists per game, but he also led the team in turnovers averaging 2.1 per contest and shot a sub par 37%. Believe it or not this was a significant improvement from Brewer's performance running the offense in the previous season. Chuck Archer shows some promise as the second leading scorer averaging 12 points per contest on 45% shooting, and above 95% from the line with 2 assists per game, but a defensive stopper he is not.

The Baldwin/Workman trade continues to haunt this management team as predicted. The good news is Varese cannot get much worse.

Season 4

Varese finished 35-45 this year, which was quite an improvement from their 8 win season last year, but nothing to be pleased about. This finish left them a spot away from their second playoff appearance in franchise history. Maybe next year…… Unfortunately for the Roosters, the Atlantic Division was the most competitive division in the league and they placed second to last this season.

The Roosters made significant improvement as a team finishing in the middle of the pack for offensive production and team defense. The offensive improvement can be contributed to a young stud named McCall who finished fifth overall in the league in scoring. This coupled with the addition of a workhorse named Gus Rizzolo provided the offense for The Roosters. Ed Kane provided the assists to these two scorers finishing eighth over all in the league. The credit for the turnaround in defense has to be contributed to the newly found presence of a BIG MAN down low. Kris Kalhoun finished third in the entire league in boards pulled down per game and with over 13 per game. The bad news is all three of these big men have the same hole in their game. They all averaged almost four fouls per contest. Varese will have to keep these young men in the game to continue forward.

An entire new team with some promise this season led by McCall and his 24.9 points per game on 47% shooting. He added over 5 rebounds on average and all this in 35 minutes a night. The new big man, Kris Calhoun, kept the ball in McCall's hands pulling down 13.4 rebounds per game and swatting two shots a game. The third of the big man trio was a well-rounded workman and was second on the team in both rebounding and scoring with 8.8 rebounds and 14.5 points respectively. Ed Kane ran the offense leading the team with almost 10 assists per game.

If this trio is kept together, this team should have a promising future. McCall will be making big things happen for many seasons to come.

Season 5

Back to the bottom is the best way to describe Season 5 for the Roosters. After showing strong promise last season with the trio working down low in Season 4, management traded 2 of the 3 big men away. Calhoun went to New York, thankfully not helping that team over the hump, and Rizzolo went to Carolina leading them in rebounds and ending the season as their second leading scorer. Jaxon McCall was left on his own and produced strong numbers especially considering his lack of experience in the league. McCall has shown the talent and potential to take this team to the next level, but he will need some solid role players to achieve a shot at the OK Corral.

The Roosters had a tough end to an already tough season losing 9 of their last 10 games and going on a five game skid to end the season. They finished last in arguably the most competitive division in the league, the Atlantic Division. They fell to the seventh worst record in the league.

The team production reflects the losing season. The Roosters fell back to the bottom of the heap for offensive production ranking 22 out of the 28 teams in the league. Their defense presence was worse ranking 23 out of the 28. McCall again finished as one of the top ten scorers in the league with McCarty the only other Rooster to make it to the top sixty. Kane was the fourth best passer in the league this season averaging 10.5 dishes per game. A noticeable whole for Varese is rebounding. Varese did not have a rebounder in the top twenty in the league and averaged 5 less boards than their opponents.

McCall was a one-man show this year. He averaged 24.5 points per game on an efficient 52% shooting and was the second leading rebounder for the Roosters pulling down 6.2 boards each night. Ed Kane was responsible for the open looks McCall got this season with 10.5 assists per contest to lead the Varese. McCarty's all around contribution is the only other individual numbers worth mentioning this season. He scored 19 points a game while averaging 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2.3 rebounds per contest.

Management for Varese needs to get some help for McCall namely a dominate big man and the Roosters will make some noise in Season 6.

Season 6

Still on the bottom is the mantra for this season. The Roosters finished this season with a 30-50 record, which placed them squarely on the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Varese did makes some moves in the off season and the Atlantic Division is once again the toughest division in the league, but everything will need to go right for this team to make a big push towards the playoffs in Season 7.

Larry Chapman started at Center this season. He is more of a scoring center than the big time rebounding presence the Roosters need, but he was the second leading scorer this season averaging 15.5 points per game. A young Charles Cushman came off the bench behind Chapman and looks like the future defensive presence the Rooster need. He is over aggressive and out of control at times, which is reflected in 2.5 turnovers per game and foul issues, but he led the team in rebounding with 8.7 boards per contest in only 28 minutes a game. This could be the wave of the future if he works hard in the off-season. McCall is still the leader on and off the court averaging 26.5 points per game on 54% shooting. He is the all around guy pulling down 6.2 rebounds per game, with 2.2 dishes, and over a steal per contest. The newly arrived point guard Keith Douglas shows a ton of potential with 9.3 assists in only 27 minutes per night.

The potential of the players above need to be coached into a cohesive unit prior to next years tip off. Finishing 8th in the league in both team defense and offense will not get it done. McCall's finishing as the 3rd best scorer in the league is an outstanding foundation to build on, especially considering the open looks Douglas was able to provide him this season. A focus on tenacious defense will be the key to success in the next season.

Season 7

It did not seem possible, but the Roosters slipped a little further this season tying for the 3rd worst record in the league at 24-56. The Roosters kept games close averaging the same field goal percentage as their opponents at 45% and equaling their opponents rebounding with 40 per game. Fundamentals killed the Roosters this season. They averaged 3.5 fewer assists per game and 5 more fouls than their opponents on average. These contributed to the losing season, but the turnovers to steals ration is what gave the opponents nine point victory on average. Varese averaged 4 more turnovers and 2 less steals per game, which will not win too many games as they proved.

Charles Cushman's injury was a set back for the Roosters, but should have helped them in the turnover department. McCall is a hero, which the Roosters need to win to keep. His points per game dropped by 3 versus last season, but he was still able to lead the team with 23,2 points a night. He complimented his scoring with almost 7 boards, 3 assists and a steal on average. Chapman's 44% shooting for the season leaves some to be desired when you consider those shots could come from McCall's hands, but Chapman's passing ability or lack there of, is not going to make that happen anytime soon. To his credit, he was the second leading scorer this season, and pulled down an additional 7 rebounds per game. Douglas worked hard in the off-season and it is reflected in his stats. He increased his minutes to 35 a game and dished out an amazing 13 assists per game. He could have a great future in front of him, but will need to work on his shot selection. Shooting 39 % is not good on any team, let alone with a teammate like McCall.

The offensive duo of McCall and Douglas put Varese's team offense up into the middle of the pack, which is not something normally celebrated, but it is quite a jump from previous seasons. A second to last finish in team defense offsets any benefit the improved offense could have provided. As discussed at the end of Season 6, a strong defensive presence is still the gaping hole for this Roosters team.

Season 8

Although, this season was completed with another losing record, Rooster fans have been re-inspired with an ownership change in the off-season. In my humble opinion, the previous owner should stick with selling ladies undergarments for plus sizes where he made his fortune. The team finished this season with 12 more wins than last with a final record of 36-44. This improvement was made while still being in the toughest division in the league, the Atlantic.

Management made multiple personnel changes before and during the season with an eye to the future. He picked up a quality point guard in John Gaiser. Gaiser can pass as well as most point guards in the league, but he must improve his shot selection to take his game to the next level. New management also found a back up for Gaiser. Bobby Egan was playing street ball in the Bronx when he was discovered. He had been cut from the league, but had really focused on his defensive game during his unemployment. He was a steal. Paul Dilmore was picked up as a workhorse to start at the 4 position. Finally, Jeff Sandbeck was a steal as a rookie this season. He was picked late in the first round and is a scoring machine. His rebounding will need to improve to become a starting power forward in the league, but his potential is solid.

McCall again led the team in scoring averaging 23 points per night and over 6 rebounds. Cushman led the team in rebounding with almost 9 a game and shows real promise as the needed defensive presence. This team needs to work on their shot selection. Without McCall's 58.8% shooting from the floor, this team would probably have a field goal percentage in the thirties.

New management may be the key…..

Season 9

Management moved the team to Sacramento in hopes of inspiring more effort from the team on the backs of Sacramento's spirited fans. The team also took a more aggressive name to reflect the new attitude expected to be a Cock. The Cocks(Cocks) finished a disappointing 33-47 for the season. This placed them in a tie for the worst record in the Atlantic Division, which continues to be the toughest Division in the league. The bright spot, surprisingly, is that this record still put them better than 11 other teams in the league, four of them in the Eastern Conference.

Management continues to make personnel changes planning for the future. The Cocks chose to gamble by picking up the “Bad Boy” of the league, Harold Gil. Gil is on of the top shooting guards in the league, but cannot keep his temper under control. He averages a technical foul each night to go along with his 15.8 points per game on 47.5% shooting. This took the pressure off of McCall and gave the Cocks the second scoring threat they needed.

Dilmore's health began to deteriorate and was traded for Cameron Sampson right before he suffered a career changing injury. Sampson's youthful energy made him a force on the boards, but his shooting has to improve to hold the starting position next season. Cushman led the Cocks in rebounding again this year, but 7.7 per game is not the level of tenacity the Cock's require from there big man.

Jaxon McCall was and will continue to be the backbone of this team. He led the team in scoring with almost 23 a night on an impressive 59% shooting. He has been focusing on rebounding to become multi-dimensional and it showed with 6.3 boards per night. John Gaiser led the team with 8.2 assists per game this season, but his lack of discipline when selecting his shots could land him a spot on the pine as well. 32% shooting will not get the Cocks to the next level.

The offense is starting to click. The Cocks finished in the upper half of the league in offense, but with the third worst defense; playoffs are out of the question. This will be the focus of the off-season.

Season 10

The first playoff appearance since season 1!! Management in its third season has brought the Roosters from the third worst record in the league to a tie for the fifth seed in the stronger eastern conference. What an amazing turn around!!

The playoffs were not easy. Van Horne, an off-season sign and trade and one of the best up and coming centers in the league, was out for 3 games against Budapest in the first round. Nevertheless, Sacramento took them to the wire and lost the series 2-3. Budapest went on to face Oregon and lost in the WBA Championship. What could have been….

Despite the tough playoff experience, the Cocks are looking to Season 11 with confidence and optimism. Van Horne was an outstanding acquisition by a young management team that continues to impress. He led the team in rebounding with almost 10 per game coupled with almost 4 blocks a night. He will need to improve his shot selection to become the center the Cocks are expecting, but is 89% free throw shooting helps to balance his poor shooting from the floor.

Sampson was a solid starter at the power forward position this season with 9.2 rebounds per night and 3.5 assists. Egan is still the defensive wizard with 4.8 steals in his 20 minutes a night.

McCall and Gil were the offense for the Cocks again this season combining for 46 points per contest. Gil shot 50% for the season combined with 3.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals. He will need to watch his turnovers and keep that temper in check for Season 11. McCall remains the backbone of the Cocks. He led the team in scoring with over 25 a night on 58% shooting. His improved aggressiveness around the board gave him 7.4 boards per night. He also managed to get about 3 assists and 1.5 blocks each night.

Sacramento has their offense clicking on all cylinders finishing the season with the 6th best offense in the league. However, ending the season for the second year in a row with the 3rd worst defense will not meet the standards of management. Surely that will be the focus of the off-season.

Season 11

Sacramento earned a playoff berth for the second season in a row, but exited in the first round. Capetown felt a little fear as Sacramento fought to take them to the deciding game 5, but it was not enough in the end. The word in Sac is still Defense Defense Defense.

Management has taken the defensive need to heart. This year the Cocks were able to move up to the fifth worst defense in the league strongly due to the fact they added Edgar Kamara to the roster late in the season. He was acquired from Colorado for Harold Gil. Gil's antics made him expendable and the Cocks had plenty of offense.

The most crippling fact this season was the loss of veteran PF/C, John Davis. Davis had what turned out to be a career ending injury in the fifth game of the regular season and Sampson was never able to fill his shoes.

Van Horne has become the heart of this team. He led the team in rebounding with over ten per night and through in four blocks per contest. His effort in the off-season showed in his newfound scoring ability. He was the second leading scorer this season averaging 18.7 points on 45% shooting.

The soul for Sacramento was once again Jaxon McCall. He shot an astounding 58% averaging almost 27 points per game. He was still able to get 6 plus boards per night an almost 3 assists.

Foster was once again the floor admiral with over 9 assists per game and an efficient 50% field goal percentage. The new addition, Kamara, is a tough-minded ball player comfortable at the SG or SF spots. His offense needs work, but he does the small things the Cocks needed. He averaged 5.4 rebounds as a shooting guard and 8.2 assists. The Cocks have needed a second passer on the team and have found it in Kamara.

Sacramento has a strong core, but I believe they will need to shake it up in the off-season in order to climb to the next level. They are now a playoff caliber squad, but are missing one more piece to join the elite. Lets see what management has up their sleeve….

Season 12

Sacramento reached the playoffs again this season and again had major injuries during the regular season. This is the third season in a row the team has earned a playoff berth, but the second early exit. Sacramento raced Gabon for the 7th seed and won, but luck would have it Oregon placed 2nd in the conference. Sacramento still needs a solid addition to the starting line up to move up and challenge the elite teams.

As expected, Sacramento management made some big changes during the off-season. The heart and soul, Jaxon McCall, was traded to Colorado for Samir Sheth. Sheth is 3 years younger and a prolific scorer. Sheth earns close to half his points from the line versus the deadeye shooting of McCall. He came in and took the reins of the team in stride. Unfortunately, his was the biggest injury of the season putting him out for the first 27 games of the season. He led the team and would have been 2nd in the league with a scoring average of 25.3 per night. He threw in almost 6 rebounds per contest but needs to improve his shot selection as he matures.

The second big trade was during the season and saw Jimmy Foster go to Las Vegas and newly signed Horace Colbert put a Snow Bears jersey on. Management was able to unload almost $15 million in CAP space to acquire a proven PF in Mark Miller. Foster was in the last year of his contract and was on the downside of his career. He was cut mid season. Colbert still had a couple years left but is past the time where he might play PF as intended by Sacramento. Miller scored 15.7 points per game on 45% shooting while pulling down 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.

Bobby Egan started at point guard this season and put up 14.5 points per game on 45% shooting. His amazing defense chalked up an inhuman 5.6 steals per game and 3 rebounds. Egan's only fault was the injury he received almost the same day Sheth returned which put him out for 7 games. Jesse Szcygiel the young back up Guard was acquired in free agency and seemed to be the glue that held the team together. He was injured the day Egan returned and missed 8 games, the worst 8 game stretch of the season.

Kamara started at SF and played incredible defense, but took more shots this season, which was not advisable shooting 25%.

Van Horne is still the backbone of the team. He averaged 15.7 points per game and pulled down 9.5 rebounds. Another solid season by him and the Cocks, but nobody is satisfied in this organization.