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GLOBAL SPORTS PROGRAMMING NETWORK
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Februay 28th, 2001
Year End Awards Announced
MVP: Boom-Boom Casey
Co-Defensive Players of the Year: Boom-Boom Casey & Joe Siebert
Rookie of the Year: A.J. Schulz
Most Improved: Jerry Simms
6th Man of the Year: J.J. McCauley
All WBA Team: Steve Peterson, Garth Donohugh, John Greene, Jerry Simms, Boom-Boom Casey
All Defensive Team: Steve Peterson, Rich Johnson, John Greene, Jerry Sims, Boom-Boom Casey
All Rookie Team: Kelvin Davidson, Harry Jarvis, A.J. Schulz, Wayne Taylor, Bill Yeager
Co-Coaches of the Year: Marc Hameleers (Colorado) & Bryan Hasho (Roswell)
Executive of the Year: Pedro Alcaraz (Albacete)
February 10th, 2001
Draft Lottery Held Today
Today the WBA draft lottery was held here are the results:
LOTTERY RESULTS (expected)
==========================
12 Varese (12)
11 Baltimore (11)
10 Chacarita (10)
9 Bermuda (9)
8 Adelaide (8)
7 Washington (7)
6 Fernie (6)
5 Myrtle Beach (3)
4 Gabon (1)
3 Indiana (4)
2 Los Angeles (5)
1 Tokyo (2)
February 7th, 2001
THUNDER RUMBLINGS: ALL SOUND AND NO FURY
By: Hobart Whipple
Early this season, there was a lot of noise made around the WBA about Midland's chances of taking the league title. The noise has since faded, and so have the Thunder.
Named by many as the league's top team, the Thunder started their second season somewhat slowly before picking up momentum that saw them reach the top of the Western Conference's Mid-West Division, and the number one spot in the WBA Power Rankings. The playoffs within sight, Midland lost that momentum and fell apart down the stretch.
Despite winning eight of its final ten games, the club failed to beat any of the other top teams in their conference. Three losses to The Roswell XT, and one to the division rival Cincinnati Cyclones, saw the Thunder slip to second in the Mid-West. Their regular season winning percentage of .800 was only good enough for the fourth seeding in the incredibly tough West.
Midland has since lost the first two games of its opening round series, at home, to the fifth seeded Winifred Rebels who finished the regular season on a fourteen game winning streak. It is not considered likely that the Thunder will survive the encounter as the series now shifts to Winifred.
Recent reports circulating out of Midland suggest that Thunder GM Jay Vincent is so disgusted with his team's recent performance that he is considering a major overhaul of its roster. Said to be the club's only untouchable member is All-Star power forward George Holt. If Vincent is to deal such valued commodities as star point guard Jose Hayes, All-Star shooting guard Garth Donohue, and center Larry Chapman, one of the league's top players; he will surely seek high return, likely in the form of other young stars or early draft picks in the upcoming college draft.
January 18th, 2001
Another 1st Round Pick
by Al W. Bush
It was made official last night when Washington traded Judge Kiefer and a 2nd Round pick in Season 4 to Maine for Roswell's 1st Round pick in Season 4. The 1st Round pick acquired by Washington is now the 10th first round pick the Monuments will have over the next 2 seasons and 12th over the next 3. "It seems every week we keep adding to the total," said gm Sam
Plummer. "We've had a lot of attractive players come through this organization. I think we've proved that every time we've gotten a first round pick. In order to get these picks we've had to give up young, highly skilled players." This whole draft pick frenzy all started just before last season's trading deadline when Washington, who was in the middle of a playoff race, traded 2 of its best players to Maine for a 1st and 2nd round pick. Plummer, you may remember, was criticized by New York for this move.
Ironically, Washington and New York just struck a deal in which Washington traded SG Ken Newell for New York's 2nd Round pick in Season 7. "We're no longer at each other's throats. That doesn't mean I don't want to beat him really bad though," said Plummer. Finally, Plummer said at his press conference that Walt Rogers is still on the market. He did say, however,
that his value has gone up since he finished second in the 3-point contest to Garth Donahue. Plummer said laughing but truthfully, "We'll give up Rogers for a first round pick in any season between 3 and 5."
January 18th, 2001
Another fight in the WBA
By Ron Chambers
The WBA has been plagued by fights lately. The latest is that George Lawreence of Indiana threw an elbo at Earl the Pearl Baldwin during yesterdays game. The league has handed down a one game suspension of Lawrence.
January 14th, 2001
All-Star Weekend
3 POINT SHOOT OUT
The 3 point shoot out has 5 racks with 5 ball on each rack. The last ball is the money ball and worth 2 points, for a total possible of 30 points.
ROUND 1
Walt Rogers 23
JJ McCauley 22
Garth Donohue 25
Harry Jarvis 13
Greg Lynn 15
Charlie Swanson 13
Fred Hartman 25
Herman Burke 19
Bill Andrews 21
Ray Valdes 19
Chuck Henderson 14
Fred Bell 19
Steve Peterson12
Wayne Taylor 12
Joe Jones 19
Ty Locke 19
Tony Clark 22
Junior White 13
John Lary 22
Don Beard 18
Wesely Phillips 12
Dave Starr 13
Len Curtis 22
Rick Schulz 17
Frank Constantini
Bucky McCarty 22
Frank Rose 12
Rod Lawrence 13
ROUND 2
Walt Rogers 24
JJ McCauley 14
Garth Donohue 21
Fred Hartman 22
Tony Clark 13
John Lary 20
Len Curtis 22
Bucky McCarty 16
ROUND 3
Walt Rogers 24
Garth Donohue 23
Fred Hartman 23
Len Curtis 19
ROUND 3 SHOOT-OFF
Garth Donohue 28
Fred Hartman 25
FINAL ROUND
Walt Rogers 24
Garth Donohue 26
Congratulations to Garth Donohue from Midland who has won the 3 point shoot out 2 years in a row.
MVP for the Rookie Game Jimmy Waters
MVP for the All-Star Game Dave Short
(16-38) Western Rookies 31 22 30 22 - 105 (Jimmy Waters 20)
(18-36) Eastern Rookies 21 32 28 34 - 115 (Joe Jones 15)
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Western Rookies FG FT 3P REB
MIN M-A M-A M-A O-T A PF BLK TO STL PTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andruw Williams 23 6-11 0- 0 0- 0 0- 2 8 2 0 1 1 12
Herman Burke 23 8-12 0- 0 2- 3 0- 2 3 1 0 1 0 18
Horace Colbert 21 7-13 2- 2 0- 0 3- 8 2 2 0 0 0 16
Jerry Dickenson 21 2- 2 0- 0 0- 0 2- 2 5 0 0 1 0 4
Rod Lawrence 21 3- 8 0- 0 0- 0 2- 5 1 4 0 1 1 6
Scott Nicholson 21 3- 5 0- 0 0- 0 0- 4 2 1 0 0 2 6
Wesley Phillips 23 1- 6 0- 2 0- 0 0- 0 1 0 0 1 3 2
Jimmy Waters 21 9-12 2- 2 0- 0 2- 5 2 2 0 0 0 20
Tony Clark 22 3- 9 2- 2 2- 6 0- 0 0 1 0 0 0 10
Lew Carney 21 1- 6 1- 2 0- 0 3- 8 2 1 0 2 0 3
Ernie Barnes 23 2- 9 3- 4 1- 2 1- 1 4 2 0 3 0 8
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals 240 45- 93 10-14 5-11 13-37 30 16 0 10 7 105
48.4% 71.4% 45.5%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Rookies FG FT 3P REB
MIN M-A M-A M-A O-T A PF BLK TO STL PTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Lopez 23 4- 9 2- 2 0- 0 4- 5 4 0 0 1 1 10
Bucky McCarty 12 3-10 2- 2 2- 5 0- 1 1 0 0 1 0 10
Joe Jones 20 5-13 4- 4 1- 3 0- 0 3 1 0 1 0 15
John Stewart 20 3- 5 0- 0 1- 3 1- 2 7 0 0 0 1 7
Paul Wilson 24 0- 0 0- 0 0- 0 2-14 4 3 0 1 1 0
Woody Reynolds 20 4- 9 0- 0 1- 3 1- 1 4 1 0 0 1 9
Frank Rose 23 7- 8 0- 0 0- 1 1- 1 3 0 0 0 0 14
George Lush 23 5- 9 1- 2 0- 0 3- 6 0 4 0 1 0 11
Damon Trout 9 0- 1 0- 0 0- 1 0- 1 2 1 0 2 0 0
Bill Blackstone 23 7-12 0- 0 0- 2 1- 3 1 2 4 0 1 14
Bill Yeager 23 7-13 0- 0 0- 0 2- 7 2 1 0 2 2 14
Jeff Bailey 20 5- 8 0- 0 1- 1 0- 0 4 2 0 1 1 11
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Totals 240 50- 97 9-10 6-19 15-41 35 15 4 10 8 115
51.5% 90.0% 31.6%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lead Changes: 7 Ties: 2
Largest Leads: Western Rookies -- 12
Eastern Rookies -- 12
Injuries: Western Rookies Easten Rookies
Lew Carney 2
==============================================================================
(18-36) Western All-Sta 20 24 21 29 - 94 (George Holt 12)
(29-26) Eastern All-Sta 30 28 20 23 - 101 (Jerry Sims 13)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western All-Stars FG FT 3P REB
MIN M-A M-A M-A O-T A PF BLK TO STL PTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Peterson* 21 0- 4 1- 2 0- 1 0- 4 7 0 0 3 2 1
Ed Kane 21 0- 6 3- 4 0- 0 0- 1 3 0 0 0 1 3
Garth Donohue* 21 1- 3 2- 2 0- 0 0- 4 0 1 0 0 2 4
Don Beard 21 2- 4 0- 0 0- 0 0- 0 1 2 0 1 0 4
Roy Robinson 21 4- 9 3- 4 0- 1 2- 3 3 0 0 3 2 11
John Greene* 22 4- 9 2- 2 1- 2 3- 5 1 1 2 1 0 11
Wayne Taylor 22 3- 8 2- 4 0- 1 1- 3 0 0 0 0 1 8
George Holt* 21 6- 9 0- 0 0- 0 2- 3 3 3 0 3 1 12
Tom Perkins 21 5- 9 0- 0 0- 1 1- 3 2 3 0 1 1 10
Jim McCarthy 20 5-13 2- 4 0- 0 1- 5 0 2 1 1 1 12
Boom-Boom Casey* 20 3-10 3- 4 0- 1 0- 3 2 6 1 1 2 9
John Riddle 7 4- 5 1- 1 0- 0 0- 2 5 0 0 0 1 9
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Totals 240 37- 89 19-27 1- 7 10-36 27 18 4 14 14 94
41.6% 70.4% 14.3%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern All-Stars FG FT 3P REB
MIN M-A M-A M-A O-T A PF BLK TO STL PTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chuck Henderson* 20 2- 5 0- 0 1- 2 1- 2 2 0 1 0 3 5
Kelvin Davidson 16 4- 8 3- 3 0- 0 0- 2 4 1 0 2 0 11
Stub Madison 13 2- 2 0- 0 0- 0 0- 2 1 3 0 0 2 4
Harry Jarvis* 22 2- 5 0- 0 0- 0 1- 2 5 2 0 3 1 4
Greg Lynn 21 1- 6 3- 4 0- 1 0- 0 0 4 0 6 0 5
A.J. Schulz* 21 3- 6 0- 0 1- 1 0- 5 2 0 0 1 0 7
Scooter Jacobs 21 3-11 5- 6 1- 3 0- 2 4 1 0 1 0 12
Jerry Sims* 21 5-12 2- 2 1- 3 2- 4 3 0 1 1 0 13
Dave Short 22 5-13 0- 0 0- 0 6-11 1 2 0 0 2 10
Joe Siebert* 20 4- 5 1- 2 0- 0 1- 7 3 6 2 0 0 9
Pete Benton 21 4- 7 0- 0 0- 0 2- 4 2 3 1 1 1 8
Bill Yeager 21 6-12 1- 2 0- 0 1- 4 4 2 1 1 0 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals 240 41- 92 15-19 4-10 14-45 31 24 6 16 9 101
44.6% 78.9% 40.0%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lead Changes: 1 Ties: 2
Largest Leads: Western All-Stars -- 2
Eastern All-Stars -- 19
==============================================================================
January 12th, 2001
Flying Cans in Roswell
It may not be as exciting to many Roswell residents as flying saucers but to XT fans it was a big deal. Crazy Bill is a dedicated Bermuda fan who has been going to almost all of their away games. But, today he got a little out of hand. After a great deal of drinking he managed to thow a beer can at the XT bench after the game and hit Tom Perkins in the head. Perkins will miss tomorrows game against Indiana. As for Crazy Bill, he is being held in a Roswell Jail and is reportedly out raged that he can't see Bermuda play tomorrow in Cincinnati.
January 10th, 2001
The Joys of fatherhood.
By Ron Chambers
Myron White missed today's game as he was present for the birth of his son Bill Meyer White. Who was named after his best friend Point Guard Bill Meyer who was killed in a car Accident during the off-season.
January 10th, 2001
Death in the Tillman Family
By Ron Chambers
Broderick Tillman missed today's game against Roswell to attend the funeral of his Grandfather. Farmer Tillman as he was know in Idaho will be sorely missed and his funeral was attended by all 412 people in his home town.
January 10th, 2001
Schulz Suspended
By Ron Chambers
After reviewing the tape of a scuffle that broke out yesterday in the Brooklyn Gabon game league officials found that AJ Schulz had indeed punched Mike Mays as Gabon team officials had claimed. Schulz was immediately suspended by the league for 1 game. Rondall Reynoso of the Brooklyn Rage said, "We are extremely disappointed that AJ was not able to control his temper yesterday. But he's young and in his mind some of Gabon's players have given up on the season and resorted to dangerous play on the court."
January 10th, 2001
Strange Plague
By Ron Chambers
After receiving a bizarre anonymous letter at the league head quarters referring to a plague on over paid spoiled basketball player there was a rash of unexplained illness. Midland's Jesse Harrington, Bermuda's Dennis Norton and Baltimore's Joe Jones all missed a game due to extreme Diarrhea. League officials cal this an errie coincidence.
January 10th, 2001
Spit Flew in Bermuda
By Ron Chambers
Yesterday was a WBA first. Cancun reserve Eddie Rasmussen was caught on tape spitting on a fan from Bermuda. "He just wouldn't shut up!" Complained Rassussen. The league ws swift in handing down a one game suspension. The WBA league office released the statement: "We are only in business because our fans. We can not tolerate players treating the people who pay their salaries so badly."
January 9th, 2001
Rookie Watch
As we get close to the first evr Rookie GAme in the All- star break it is important to take a look at the rookies who aer having an impact on the league.
Western Conference Guards:
1.) Andruw Williams, NO-- Point Guard
42 33 41.2 76.1 31.0 2.7 6.6 2.3 0.1 2.5 2.0 13.6
2.) Don Beard, TOK-- Shooting Guard
42 40 47.0 76.2 33.4 2.7 1.5 2.3 0.1 1.1 0.7 22.7
3.) Ernie Barnes, WIN-- Shooting Guard
43 31 36.1 79.8 31.3 2.6 5.3 2.2 0.1 1.4 1.3 11.7
4.) George Sewell, COL-- Shooting Guard
44 23 41.7 84.2 33.8 3.3 2.4 1.7 0.2 1.5 1.9 8.9
5.) Herman Burke, CAN-- Shooting Guard
39 35 46.8 77.7 42.9 1.9 3.0 1.5 0.1 1.8 0.8 19.4
6.) Johnny Tatum, SYD-- Shooting Guard
44 37 39.2 71.3 28.1 3.8 3.7 2.5 0.4 1.8 1.7 12.1
7.) Wesley Phillips, IND-- Point Guard
43 37 47.6 53.8 33.3 4.0 6.0 3.0 0.2 2.5 2.3 16.3
Western Conference Forwards:
1.) Chris Erickson, NO-- Small Forward
42 25 45.4 76.3 20.6 5.3 1.7 2.2 0.4 1.4 0.7 12.0
2.) Jimmy Watters, NO-- Power Forward
42 27 51.2 76.5 0.0 7.2 1.0 2.7 0.6 1.4 0.6 14.5
3.) Johnny Brose, FER-- Small Forward
36 30 50.1 61.7 0.0 8.3 1.3 3.4 0.3 1.0 1.1 12.6
4.) Lew Carney, WIN-- Small Forward
41 23 48.9 63.8 0.0 4.8 1.3 2.7 0.4 1.0 1.6 10.0
5.) Rod Lawrence, BRM-- Power Forward
43 35 48.3 72.9 45.5 8.1 2.3 3.9 0.9 2.5 0.6 16.1
6.) Tom Taylor, NO-- Power Forward
39 27 38.0 73.3 0.0 5.8 2.4 2.9 0.2 1.4 0.8 9.5
7.) Tony Clark, SYD-- Power Forward
44 32 37.9 78.1 37.5 5.0 1.9 3.4 0.6 1.4 1.2 14.4
8.) Wayne Taylor, COL-- Small Forward
43 39 43.1 88.9 41.4 7.6 2.2 2.4 0.5 2.1 1.6 23.8
Western Conference Centers:
1.) Glenallen Castro, NO-- Center
42 20 54.4 65.5 0.0 6.0 0.5 2.7 0.4 0.8 0.2 7.5
2.) Horace Colbert, WIN-- Center
44 37 45.2 83.7 25.0 10.8 2.1 3.6 2.5 3.0 1.0 21.1
3.) Jerry Dickenson, TOK-- Center
44 44 48.8 64.2 0.0 11.9 4.0 3.3 0.5 3.0 0.7 18.5
4.) Scott Nicholson, CAN-- Center
43 40 45.1 63.7 23.3 9.2 4.7 2.6 0.7 3.9 2.5 17.2
Eastern Conference Guards:
1.) Bucky McCarty, MNE-- Shooting Guard
43 41 46.2 85.8 46.7 2.6 5.1 2.2 0.0 3.0 1.3 23.4
2.) Charlie Elkington, BER-- Shooting Guard
44 32 40.9 95.9 26.6 4.5 2.6 1.9 0.2 1.8 2.0 13.8
3.) Chris Dobson, SC-- Shooting Guard
32 21 52.8 68.2 14.3 1.8 2.3 1.3 0.3 1.3 0.7 11.8
4.) Damon Trout, MB-- Point Guard
42 36 38.5 89.7 25.3 2.8 8.2 2.3 0.1 3.1 1.6 13.4
5.) Jeff Bailey, BOS-- Shooting Guard
43 42 41.2 76.8 33.9 4.3 5.1 2.0 0.7 2.3 2.9 17.7
6.) Joe Jones, BAL-- Shooting Guard
43 39 44.3 83.7 37.1 3.0 4.2 3.2 0.2 3.0 1.5 24.7
7.) John Stewart, MNE-- Point Guard
43 32 46.9 69.4 39.4 2.4 7.5 1.7 0.1 2.8 1.4 14.3
8.) Kelvin Davidson, NY-- Point Guard
33 33 52.2 87.1 60.0 2.5 7.8 1.5 0.2 2.8 1.5 17.8
9.) Rick Schulz, LON-- Shooting Guard
44 31 47.2 92.7 45.8 2.8 3.5 2.0 0.4 1.5 1.6 17.0
10.) Woody Reynolds, BRK-- Point Guard
44 30 46.0 78.8 31.0 1.7 6.2 2.8 0.0 2.6 1.5 14.7
Eastern Conferece Forwards:
1.) AJ Schulz, BRK-- Small Forward
42 38 46.0 64.9 23.1 11.1 5.6 2.2 0.4 2.8 1.5 23.5
2.) Bill Blackstone, ALB-- Power Forward
44 29 50.4 53.7 33.9 6.1 2.7 3.1 1.2 0.8 0.9 17.9
3.) Bill Lopez, BAL-- Power Forward
35 38 56.2 56.4 0.0 10.9 3.5 4.4 0.9 2.5 1.1 15.9
4.) Bob Berry, BAL-- Small Forward
42 32 43.9 83.1 25.0 2.6 5.4 2.3 0.6 2.1 1.1 12.3
5.) Ed Bryant, SC-- Small Forward
20 31 51.7 86.5 0.0 3.0 2.7 1.6 0.1 1.5 1.4 15.6
6.) Frank Constantini, VAR-- Small Forward
39 14 43.8 78.8 39.0 4.4 1.1 0.4 0.7 0.6 0.5 7.8
7.) Frank Rose, CHA-- Small Forward
43 39 52.2 80.5 35.8 4.4 4.0 2.8 0.6 1.8 1.7 17.8
8.) Harry Jarvis, ALB-- Small Forward
44 39 51.9 93.5 42.8 2.5 4.3 3.0 0.3 2.0 1.8 23.2
9.) Joe Hernandez, MNE-- Small Forward
40 30 46.1 91.8 33.3 4.2 3.6 1.5 0.4 1.5 0.8 11.1
10.) Paul Wilson, SC-- Power Forward
41 39 50.7 34.6 29.4 15.4 4.1 3.4 0.5 2.1 0.5 5.5
Eastern Conference Centers:
1.) Bill Yeager, BOS-- Center
42 37 51.1 75.2 33.3 10.4 1.9 3.4 2.6 2.6 1.2 21.9
2.) Dave O'Dea, WAS-- Center
39 19 51.1 80.0 0.0 6.4 1.9 4.0 0.8 1.5 0.6 6.7
3.) Fred Cane, WAS-- Center
44 22 44.1 64.0 21.6 6.4 2.4 2.5 1.0 1.9 1.0 7.5
4.) George Lush, BAL-- Center
43 39 48.9 69.0 24.0 10.7 1.7 2.4 0.5 1.4 1.1 15.7
January 6th, 2001
All- Star Watch
By Ron Chambers
Western Point Guards
1) CIN- Steve Peterson
42 42 46.2 58.2 39.2 6.0 12.8 1.9 0.8 3.5 3.6 16.3
2) ROS- Ed Kane
42 34 50.6 77.1 0.0 2.6 11.3 1.9 0.0 2.4 1.6 10.6
3) CAN- Jimmy Foster
40 40 40.1 86.3 22.0 4.5 11.6 1.7 0.0 4.4 1.6 10.5
4) WIN- Curtis Bridges
42 30 51.2 81.7 30.8 2.0 8.1 2.2 0.2 2.1 2.2 10.8
5) IND- Wesley Phillips
41 37 48.0 56.1 30.4 4.0 6.1 3.0 0.2 2.5 2.2 16.4
6) ADE- Roger Starr
41 34 43.4 67.2 11.1 2.0 8.0 1.9 0.2 4.3 1.8 14.1
7) MID- Jose Hayes
42 34 39.3 69.7 21.7 2.1 9.0 2.1 0.1 3.0 1.3 9.8
8) SYD- George Grabowski
37 37 36.9 87.0 30.9 3.3 7.8 2.6 0.1 2.6 1.5 12.2
Eastern Point Guards
1) BAL- Stub Madison
39 38 57.2 98.1 0.0 3.7 12.1 2.0 0.1 2.8 2.6 13.1
2) BOS- Chuck Henderson
42 38 41.7 70.5 38.8 4.8 13.9 2.2 0.8 2.7 3.8 14.7
3) NY - Kelvin Davidson
31 33 52.4 87.0 75.0 2.4 8.1 1.5 0.1 2.8 1.5 17.6
4) BER- Henry Jordan
40 37 47.7 87.8 27.5 4.2 8.1 1.9 0.1 3.8 1.7 11.6
5) LON- Buck Jones
41 30 46.2 81.2 26.1 1.9 9.2 2.4 0.3 2.6 1.3 13.2
6) MB- Damon Trout
41 36 38.3 89.7 25.2 2.8 8.2 2.3 0.1 3.1 1.6 13.4
West Shooting Guards
1) ROS- Roy Robinson
37 31 46.3 86.7 32.7 4.8 4.1 2.6 0.5 2.4 1.2 17.4
2) MID- Garth Donohue
42 32 47.8 87.1 57.3 2.5 3.0 2.6 0.1 2.0 1.7 20.0
3) TOK- Don Beard
40 40 46.9 76.2 32.8 2.7 1.6 2.3 0.1 1.1 0.7 22.5
4) CAN- Herman Burke
37 35 46.7 76.3 43.3 1.8 2.8 1.5 0.1 1.9 0.7 19.2
5) ADE- Maury Foreman
39 32 48.3 93.2 40.8 2.3 2.6 2.1 0.4 2.2 1.3 17.1
6) IND- Doc Salmon
40 35 50.5 75.0 27.1 3.8 3.9 3.2 0.3 3.9 0.6 18.0
Eastern Shooting Guards
1) ALB- Harry Jarvis
42 39 51.9 93.6 43.4 2.4 4.2 3.0 0.3 2.1 1.7 23.2
2) BAL- Joe Jones
41 39 44.1 83.0 36.8 3.0 4.1 3.2 0.2 3.0 1.6 24.8
3) NY- Greg Lynn
42 39 45.7 77.2 46.3 4.1 4.1 2.7 0.3 2.9 1.6 23.2
4) BOS- Jeff Bailey
42 42 41.3 77.2 33.9 4.2 5.1 2.0 0.7 2.4 2.9 17.7
5) MAI- Bucky McCarty
41 41 46.0 85.7 45.8 2.5 5.1 2.2 0.0 3.0 1.3 23.2
6) BRK- J.J. McCauley
42 27 47.4 80.0 47.3 3.5 6.9 2.7 0.5 2.0 4.0 8.3
7) SC- Gene Allen
32 36 42.6 85.1 26.7 3.8 3.3 2.4 0.3 2.1 0.8 16.3
Western Small Forwards
1) ROS- John Greene
41 38 54.6 64.1 30.5 7.5 5.4 3.3 0.8 3.0 3.3 22.8
2) COL- Wayne Taylor
41 39 43.1 88.6 42.2 7.6 2.2 2.3 0.5 2.2 1.7 23.9
3) CIN- Ray Walters
42 41 47.2 65.5 33.3 11.0 2.5 2.2 1.3 2.4 1.5 16.8
4) IND- Frank Sommer
38 45 47.7 78.0 35.4 5.6 4.7 2.4 0.6 2.2 1.4 17.1
5) LA- Mike Taylor
39 32 53.5 62.8 40.0 6.0 3.6 3.5 0.6 2.1 1.0 16.5
6) BRM- Rod Lawrence
41 35 47.7 73.3 45.5 8.2 2.4 3.8 0.9 2.5 0.6 15.9
7) MID- Joe Busby
39 28 58.7 90.4 52.0 6.5 1.7 3.2 0.6 1.6 1.1 10.9
Eastern Small Forwards
1) BRK- A.J. Schulz
40 38 45.1 65.3 23.4 11.0 5.8 2.2 0.4 2.8 1.5 22.8
2) NY- Scooter Jacobs
42 41 45.2 67.9 32.7 6.1 6.0 2.5 0.9 3.3 2.7 19.6
3) CHA- Frank Rose
41 39 52.9 80.5 36.5 4.4 4.0 2.9 0.6 1.8 1.6 17.8
4) LON- Rick Schulz
42 31 47.2 92.2 45.6 2.8 3.3 2.0 0.4 1.6 1.5 17.1
5) ALB- Bill Blackstone
42 29 50.1 51.6 33.6 6.2 2.8 3.2 1.2 0.8 0.9 17.7
6) BAL- Bob Berry
40 32 44.8 84.1 26.7 2.7 5.4 2.3 0.6 2.2 1.1 12.5
Western Power Forwards
1) MID- George Holt
42 36 44.4 68.2 40.0 10.5 3.1 3.5 1.1 2.3 1.3 23.6
2) ROS- Tom Perkins
42 33 60.7 55.5 0.0 8.6 3.2 3.2 2.5 2.0 1.3 19.2
3) CAN- Scott Nicholson
41 40 44.7 66.0 23.2 9.2 4.7 2.5 0.7 3.9 2.6 17.0
4) WIN- Jose Bergman
42 34 54.5 60.3 23.3 6.7 4.4 3.3 0.7 2.9 2.4 15.5
5) CIN- Bert Latham
39 34 42.2 66.4 30.5 6.4 4.2 3.1 0.5 2.8 3.1 15.9
6) ROS- John Erickson
42 36 49.1 77.1 17.6 8.8 1.6 2.4 0.4 1.1 1.1 14.0
7) CIN- Jim Fox
22 25 60.2 33.3 0.0 6.5 3.0 3.2 1.8 1.9 1.4 7.5
8) COL- Ernie Coustier
41 31 38.6 77.6 0.0 7.4 3.5 4.8 0.3 1.7 1.2 8.7
Eastern Power Forwards
1) BER- Jerry Sims
42 38 48.4 86.7 32.9 10.9 3.3 3.2 2.1 2.7 0.9 26.1
2) BOS- Dave Short
39 35 48.6 64.3 36.4 12.1 1.7 3.3 0.4 2.4 1.0 18.7
3) BAL- Bill Lopez
34 38 56.4 56.4 0.0 10.8 3.6 4.4 0.9 2.4 1.1 16.0
4) BRK- John Davis
42 37 44.9 76.2 0.0 10.6 4.0 4.4 0.1 3.0 1.5 13.4
5) SC- Paul Wilson
39 39 50.0 34.8 26.7 15.3 4.1 3.4 0.5 2.1 0.5 5.4
6) VAR- Fred Workman
42 36 52.9 60.6 0.0 10.0 2.5 3.6 0.3 2.3 0.8 12.0
Western Centers
1) COL- Boom-Boom Casey
40 43 44.8 88.6 25.0 11.8 3.9 3.8 3.6 3.3 2.2 31.0
2) CIN- Jim McCarthy
40 43 51.7 69.8 40.0 12.9 2.8 3.5 3.6 2.5 1.5 27.1
3) SYD- John Riddle
41 41 46.8 72.7 38.5 11.9 4.2 3.4 4.2 5.0 1.5 28.0
4) MID- Larry Chapman
41 33 52.6 70.4 0.0 9.4 2.4 4.1 2.6 2.3 1.2 19.3
5) WIN- Horace Colbert
42 37 45.5 85.4 25.0 10.9 2.1 3.5 2.6 3.0 1.0 21.3
7) TOK- Jerry Dickenson
42 44 49.1 64.5 0.0 11.8 4.1 3.4 0.5 3.0 0.7 18.5
8) BEM- John Ferguson
42 34 50.1 60.2 0.0 10.1 2.5 3.5 2.1 2.5 0.4 19.1
9) CAN- Roger Bradshaw
42 38 46.1 68.6 19.5 9.0 4.2 2.9 0.8 3.5 2.4 17.7
Eastern Centers
1) BRK- Joe Siebert
42 38 62.6 62.9 0.0 12.1 1.7 4.0 3.3 2.0 1.1 16.9
2) BOS- Bill Yeager
41 37 51.0 75.6 33.3 10.5 1.9 3.4 2.6 2.6 1.2 21.9
3) BER- Pete Benton
41 36 50.4 89.5 40.0 9.1 3.0 3.5 2.2 2.5 1.0 20.0
4) VAR- Earl Baldwin
42 38 48.9 78.1 0.0 10.0 3.2 4.1 2.6 2.9 1.3 18.5
5) BAL- George Lush
41 39 48.9 67.9 24.0 10.9 1.7 2.4 0.6 1.4 1.1 15.4
6) NY- Marty Williams
41 36 45.7 75.0 0.0 11.4 2.5 4.0 1.7 2.4 0.8 15.8
January 5th, 2001
The Single Digit Club
By Ron Chambers of GSPN News
In season 1 only one team finished the season with a single digit loss total. This season tis 18 games longer than season o1 so I doubt any team will finish with single digit losses but it will be fun to keep an eye on the loss column to see who will last the longest. Currently only 6 team remain. Cincinnati has 6 losses and the best record in the league. Midland and Colorado both have 7 losses and Brooklyn has 8. Berlin and Boston seem to be the most likely to fall out of the Single Digit Club with 9 losses a piece. Who will be the first to fall?
December 14th, 2000
GSPN's MOST VALUABLE PLAYER RATING SYSTEM
=========================================
KEY:
===========================================================
GMRS = GSPN MVP RATING SYSTEM
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UPDATE: The GMRS RATING is now the equivalent of the UBA's
computer rating system, except GMRS measures the player's
actual performance instead of his expected performance.
===========================================================
====================================================
RNK GMRS NAME POS TEAM
====================================================
1. 3094 Boom-Boom Casey ----5 Colorado
2. 2864 Jerry Sims --345 Berlin
3. 2815 Jim McCarthy ----5 Cincinnati
4. 2665 Steve Peterson 1---- Cincinnati
5. 2294 George Holt ---45 Midland
6. 2289 Chuck Henderson 1---- Boston
7. 2276 Pete Benton --345 Berlin
8. 2217 John Riddle ----5 Sydney
9. 2147 A.J. Schulz --34- Brooklyn
10. 2142 Bill Yeager ----5 Boston
11. 2124 Tom Perkins ---45 Roswell
12. 2107 Wayne Taylor --34- Colorado
13. 2107 Horace Colbert ----5 Winifred
14. 2080 Joe Siebert ----5 Brooklyn
15. 2046 Larry Chapman ----5 Midland
16. 2034 Ray Walters --34- Cincinnati
17. 2032 John Erickson ---45 Roswell
18. 2002 John Greene --34- Roswell
19. 1874 Ed Kane 1---- Roswell
20. 1826 Marty Williams ----5 New York
21. 1759 Stub Madison 1---- Baltimore
22. 1724 George Lush ---45 Baltimore
23. 1722 Dave Short ---45 Boston
24. 1642 John Ferguson ----5 Fernie
25. 1573 Scooter Jacobs -23-- New York
26. 1532 Joe Jones -2--- Baltimore
27. 1517 Tom Holman 12--- Midland
28. 1517 Garth Donohue -23-- Midland
29. 1472 Roy Robinson -23-- Roswell
30. 1457 Paul Wilson ---4- South Carolina
31. 1451 Eddie Jacobson ---45 London
32. 1435 Jeff Bailey -2--- Boston
33. 1433 Kelvin Davidson 1---- New York
34. 1427 Bill Lopez ---4- Baltimore
35. 1413 Jose Bergman --34- Winifred
36. 1377 Joe Busby --34- Midland
37. 1360 Greg Lynn -2--- New York
38. 1337 Bert Latham --34- Cincinnati
39. 1319 Earl Baldwin ----5 Varese
40. 1306 Henry Jordan 1---- Berlin
41. 1271 Nick Barton 1---- London
42. 1259 John Davis ---45 Brooklyn
43. 1237 Buck Jones 1---- London
44. 1231 Rick Schulz -23-- London
45. 1229 Frank Rose -23-- Myrtle Beach
46. 1227 Curtis Bridges 1---- Winifred
47. 1215 Mike Begley ----5 London
48. 1202 Charlie Elkington -2--- Berlin
49. 1177 Scott Nicholson ---45 Cancun
50. 1164 Jose Hayes 1---- Midland
December 12th, 2000
All-Star Watch
By Ron Chambers
Western Point Guards
1) CIN- Steve Peterson
25 41 52.3 52.5 44.8 5.8 13.0 1.9 0.9 3.3 3.8 18.7
2) ROS- Ed Kane
25 29 48.4 61.1 0.0 2.6 11.2 1.4 0.0 2.3 1.1 10.0
3) MID- Jose Hayes
25 35 41.0 72.6 27.3 2.3 9.1 2.5 0.1 3.1 1.6 10.2
4) CAN- Jimmy Foster
25 40 37.3 89.5 24.6 4.5 11.5 1.9 0.0 4.3 1.8 9.9
5) SYD- George Grabowski
20 39 35.6 88.4 30.4 3.3 7.8 2.7 0.1 2.6 1.5 12.9
6) WIN- Curtis Bridges
25 29 48.7 80.3 32.0 2.1 8.4 2.0 0.2 2.0 1.6 10.4
7) IND- Wesley Phillips
25 37 46.9 53.7 25.0 4.3 6.4 3.0 0.2 2.2 2.3 16.6
8) ADE- Roger Starr
25 33 40.7 65.9 33.3 2.2 8.4 1.9 0.1 4.2 1.4 13.1
Steve Peterson is having the best season so far of any point guard in the league. He is second among point guards in points and assists and first in steals. He is also the best rebounding point guard in hte league by 1.5 rebounds per game. Ed Kane has found new life in Roswell. Amazingly he was coming off the bench in South Carolina. Kane is a pure passer and he has plenty of targets on his talented XT squad. Hayes is putting up solid numbers but is struggling from the field at 41%. Jimmy Foster and George Grabowski are great assist men but hurt their teams when ever they decide to shoot the ball. Last year Curtis Bridges was a stand out and this year still puts up solid numbers but is lost in a pack of excellent point guards. Wesley Phillips will be excellent one day but as of now is solid but not All-Star calliber. Starr looks fine until you see his Turn overs.
Eastern Point Guards
1) BOS- Chuck Henderson
25 38 42.3 74.1 36.8 4.3 14.3 2.0 0.8 2.6 3.7 14.4
2) BAL- Stub Madison
24 39 54.7 97.0 0.0 3.8 13.0 1.7 0.1 2.8 2.8 12.4
3) NY - Kelvin Davidson
18 35 52.1 85.2 100.0 2.4 8.7 1.7 0.2 2.6 1.9 18.8
4) LON- Buck Jones
24 28 47.5 89.7 28.2 1.7 8.7 2.2 0.3 2.6 1.1 12.8
5) BER- Henry Jordan
24 36 47.8 86.0 17.2 4.2 8.2 2.2 0.1 3.5 1.9 11.3
6) MB- Damon Trout
25 35 35.9 90.7 27.5 2.8 8.0 2.4 0.1 3.2 1.4 12.2
Chuck Henderson is leading the League in assists, is also an excellent rebounder and is second among point guards in steals. Madison is also having a great year distributing the ball he's an excellent player with no clear weakness. Kelvin Davidson may be the best scoring point guard in the league. Jones, Jordan and Trout are all having very good years. Jordan is the best rebounder of the three and Trout is stuggling with his shot selection.
West Shooting Guards
1) ROS- Roy Robinson
25 31 47.0 86.4 33.3 4.9 4.3 2.6 0.5 2.2 1.4 17.9
2) MID- Garth Donohue
25 33 48.5 86.5 60.3 2.3 3.1 2.7 0.2 1.9 1.6 21.5
3) TOK- Don Beard
24 40 46.1 72.4 32.4 2.7 1.3 2.3 0.0 1.1 0.8 22.1
4) CAN- Herman Burke
23 37 47.9 76.1 41.0 1.7 2.7 1.4 0.0 2.0 0.9 20.4
5) ADE- Maury Foreman
25 32 48.2 94.0 41.0 2.2 2.7 2.1 0.3 2.1 1.3 17.2
6) IND- Doc Salmon
24 32 50.5 76.9 29.0 3.4 3.1 2.6 0.3 3.3 0.5 18.0
Roswell's Roy Robinson is an excellent all around player. He scores well and leads the West's shooting guards is Rebounds and assists. Donohue is an excellent scorer whith good decision making skills which leads to low turn overs and a good amount of steals. Don Beard is no doubt one dimesional, but he is an excellent scorer whomakes very few mistakes with the ball. Herman Burke is also one dimensional but does not take as good care of the ball and is not scoring quite as well. Maury Foreman and Doc Solmon are both very solid and if they get in a grove could merit all-star consideration.
Eastern Shooting Guards
1) BAL- Joe Jones
25 40 46.0 85.5 38.3 3.0 4.1 2.7 0.2 2.8 1.6 27.3
2) ALB- Harry Jarvis
25 41 54.0 93.5 44.8 2.5 4.0 3.3 0.3 2.3 2.0 24.8
3) BOS- Jeff Bailey
25 42 42.2 80.4 31.1 4.4 5.1 2.2 0.8 2.7 2.8 16.7
4) MAI- Bucky McCarty
25 40 45.3 82.8 44.4 2.7 5.4 2.1 0.0 2.7 0.9 22.1
5) NY- Greg Lynn
25 36 46.1 76.7 51.6 3.7 3.5 2.5 0.3 2.4 1.4 20.6
6) BRK- J.J. McCauley
25 27 44.7 91.7 39.0 3.7 6.6 3.2 0.6 2.0 4.1 6.8
7) SC- Gene Allen
19 35 44.6 90.3 27.6 3.4 2.8 2.1 0.3 1.8 0.8 15.1
The best shooting guards are in the East. Joe Jones the top scoring two guard and the third highest scorer over all. Harry Jarvis does not score at the same rate as Jones but he has better percentages. Jeff Bailey is surrounded by a ton of tallent and scores much less than the other top shooting guards but he is an excellent rebounder and passer and has good anticipation to make steals. Bucky McCarty is a surprise this season. He is a great scorer (tied for third among guards) and passes very well. Greg Lynn is solid all around but he is on a very talented team and his numbers are a bit less than the other young guns. JJ is not what youd expect to find when talking about possible all-stars but he leads the league in steals and leads his team in assists. Gene Allen is on the bubble. His numbers are not good enough to merit all-star consideration but he has just recently gone to S.C. where he could get a chance to shine.
Western Small Forwards
1) ROS- John Greene
24 36 57.9 61.0 33.9 7.5 5.0 3.0 0.8 2.9 2.9 21.8
2) CIN- Ray Walters
25 40 47.5 67.3 33.3 10.7 2.5 2.0 1.4 2.7 1.7 17.2
3) COL- Wayne Taylor
24 39 42.7 87.3 38.2 7.8 2.3 2.0 0.5 2.2 1.7 23.9
4) MID- Joe Busby
24 31 62.1 96.7 52.9 6.9 1.8 3.1 0.5 1.8 1.0 12.9
5) IND- Frank Sommer
24 46 49.4 78.8 37.0 5.1 5.0 2.6 0.6 2.2 1.6 18.2
6) BRM- Rod Lawrence
24 34 49.2 75.5 42.9 7.3 2.4 4.2 0.5 2.6 0.6 15.0
7) LA- Mike Taylor
25 31 50.3 63.3 33.3 6.2 2.9 3.7 0.6 2.2 1.0 15.0
John Greene has the best all around skill in the West only AJ Schulz challenges his claim of being the WBA's best all-around player. He scores at will, rebounds well for a small forward, is a good passer and has great defensive skills. He's a sure in for all-star weekend. Ray Walters was the man in LA and when he went to Cincy all their competitors were scared. He is the best rebounding small forward in the West and an excellent scorer. Taylor at 17 leads all small forwards in scoring. He is also an excellent rebounder. Joe Busby is nothing if not efficient (he's fourth in the league in shooting percentage). Frank Sommer, Rod Lawrence and Mike Taylor will probably not be all-stars unless one of them gets really hot or there are serious injuries for other players.
Eastern Small Forwards
1) BRK- A.J. Schulz
23 37 43.6 65.1 17.6 11.7 5.6 2.1 0.3 3.0 1.4 21.0
2) NY- Scooter Jacobs
25 38 44.3 68.1 34.5 5.2 5.6 2.5 1.0 3.0 2.4 19.0
3) CHA- Frank Rose
25 37 54.8 76.7 35.5 4.6 4.0 2.8 0.5 1.9 1.5 18.1
4) LON- Rick Schulz
25 30 48.1 100.0 45.1 3.2 3.1 1.9 0.3 1.4 1.9 16.9
5) BAL- Bob Berry
24 31 45.7 80.0 26.7 2.5 5.6 2.2 0.4 1.9 1.1 12.7
A.J. Schulz is not only the best rebounding small forward in the game he is 6th over all. And all of this while on a team that has two other players averaging double didget rebounds. He is also one of the best passing and scoring small forwards in the league. Scooter Jacobs is having an excellent year in all areas. Frank Rose has been a bit of a surprise but does every thing well. Rick Schulz is a good player who could make the all-star team only if there are major injuries. Bob Berry was a bench player but is getting a chance now that Mike Sewell has been suspended for violations of the WBA's drug pollicy. We'll have to see how this tallented player respons to the challenge.
Western Power Forwards
1) MID- George Holt
25 37 42.5 69.2 25.0 10.8 3.2 4.1 1.0 2.6 1.5 24.0
2) CAN- Scott Nicholson
24 40 47.2 66.1 20.0 9.2 4.9 2.4 0.6 4.0 2.5 18.2
3) WIN- Jose Bergman
25 35 54.0 56.3 27.3 7.0 4.4 3.3 0.7 3.3 2.6 16.4
4) ROS- John Erickson
25 36 49.7 76.1 18.2 9.7 1.6 2.1 0.4 1.1 1.3 14.8
5) CIN- Jim Fox
11 23 59.4 11.1 0.0 5.2 3.3 3.3 2.0 1.3 1.7 7.0
6) COL- Ernie Coustier
24 31 41.8 75.8 0.0 7.3 3.4 4.8 0.5 1.8 1.1 9.1
Holt is one of 7 players to average 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. He is easily the most talented power forward in the league. Scott Nicholson is a great rookie who has not gotten the attention due him. Jose is a good all around player with excellent defensive skills. John Erickson is in a situation where we will have to watch and see how he does now that he is with Roswell. Jim Fox is a tallented defender but it's hard to believe his 11.1% free throw percentage. Ernie is solid but I just don't see it.
Eastern Power Forwards
1) BER- Jerry Sims
25 37 48.9 88.3 29.4 10.8 3.4 2.7 2.2 2.8 0.6 27.0
2) BOS- Dave Short
23 34 49.7 62.7 40.0 11.3 1.6 3.4 0.2 2.4 0.9 19.0
3) SC- Paul Wilson
24 38 48.4 28.6 26.7 14.9 4.4 3.3 0.4 2.3 0.5 5.3
4) BAL- Bill Lopez
22 38 56.8 56.3 0.0 10.5 3.5 4.4 1.0 2.6 1.1 16.4
5) VAR- Fred Workman
25 37 52.8 68.2 0.0 10.1 2.3 3.2 0.2 2.3 1.0 13.0
6) BRK- John Davis
25 34 42.0 75.0 0.0 10.0 3.8 4.4 0.2 2.7 1.3 11.6
The top power forwards in the East are all great rebounders. Simms is having a great year and his numbers are even better than George Holts. Simms is also the best shot blocker among power forwards. Dave Shot improved a lot in the off season it's hard to believe he is only 20. Paul Wilson is a grteat rebounder and passer but has no offensive ambitions. Bill Lopex is shooting very well at 57% and is a good defender. Workamn and Davis are both very good players but need to step it up a notch if they want to be all stars.
Western Centers
1) SYD- John Riddle
24 44 47.6 74.4 30.0 13.4 4.6 3.4 4.5 5.5 1.8 30.0
2) CIN- Jim McCarthy
23 41 51.9 72.0 20.0 12.0 3.0 3.4 4.1 2.2 1.7 25.7
3) COL- Boom-Boom Casey
24 41 43.9 88.7 20.0 11.3 3.9 3.5 4.0 3.3 2.0 28.7
4) MID- Larry Chapman
25 34 50.0 71.3 0.0 9.7 2.6 4.6 2.6 2.6 1.5 19.0
5) WIN- Horace Colbert
25 36 46.7 86.7 33.3 10.2 2.0 3.4 2.7 3.0 1.2 22.4
6) ROS- Tom Perkins
25 33 58.4 58.0 0.0 8.3 3.4 2.7 2.6 1.8 1.4 18.5
7) TOK- Jerry Dickenson
25 44 48.9 65.9 0.0 11.5 4.2 3.0 0.6 2.9 0.8 18.2
8) FER- John Ferguson
25 34 51.9 64.3 0.0 10.6 2.6 3.5 2.1 2.4 0.4 19.8
9) CAN- Roger Bradshaw
25 40 45.6 73.3 21.8 8.6 4.2 2.8 0.8 4.0 2.3 17.8
If you want to be an all-star you don't want to be a center in the West. John Riddle leads the pack in scoring rebounding and blocked shots and seems like a sure in. Jom McCarthy is a player with out a flaw and his stats would be even more impressive if he didn't anchor one of the two most talented teams in the league. Boom-Boom is often attacked but he is the only player in the league to average more than 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals. Larry Chapman and Horace Colbert are both fantastic player but so far this season are not standing out as well as the top three. Perkins was a power forward until Roswell acquired John Erickson. That may cause him a spot on the all-star team but it is a great move for his team. Ferguson and Bradshaw are long shots.
Eastern Centers
1) BER- Pete Benton
25 37 51.3 90.1 29.3 9.6 3.2 3.1 2.4 2.8 0.9 19.6
2) BOS- Bill Yeager
24 36 54.2 75.2 33.3 9.9 1.6 3.5 2.7 2.7 1.3 21.4
3) BRK- Joe Siebert
25 35 62.2 67.0 0.0 11.9 1.6 3.8 3.2 1.9 1.0 15.6
4) VAR- Earl Baldwin
25 37 49.9 74.7 0.0 10.6 3.2 4.2 2.5 2.2 1.2 17.6
5) BAL- George Lush
25 40 50.0 67.0 11.8 11.4 2.1 2.4 0.5 1.6 1.2 16.1
6) NY- Marty Williams
24 36 44.5 76.9 0.0 11.7 2.6 3.8 1.6 2.4 0.7 15.9
Benton and Yeager are neck and neck it just depends what stats are more important to the people voting. Siebert could also be up there with Them if voters want a hard nosed player. Foul trouble has limited his playing time some. If he was playing 40 minutes a game he would be second in the league in rebounding and blocked shots. He is also third in the league in shooting percentage. Earl "The Pearl" is showing his age. He is still fantastic but is now just a step behind the younger players. George Lush and Marty Williams are very good but clearly second tier.
December 11th, 2000
Big Changes for Maine
It finally happened ! John Erickson was traded by Maine GM Dugyik Tamas. The deal is that Erickson is moving to Roswell with his teammates Bill Alston and Jim Lopez. In exchange Maine is getting Joe Devlin, Lou McNamara and a youngster Bill Mangano. Here is what Tamas said about the deal : ' It was hard to trade our most experienced player, but Maine has to look into the future. The team is fairly young and has great potential, but we all know that you can't build a great team in 1 year. I'm afraid that Erickson, who is 34, will not waist his last years in a rebuilding team. He's too good for that. I think this was a deal that Maine couldn't refuse.'
December 11th, 2000
New Management in Fernie
The Fernie Fire-Starters hired a new coach Friday night. The defending
champions have hit some rough times this season due to the retirement of
some key players and a lack of adequate coaching. They reached into the
GCBA and hired Kangaroo U. head coach Brandon Morfeld. Morfeld has acquired a 7-1 record as the head coach of #5 Kangaroo. He is also 1-0 in the WBA following a victory last night over Baltimore. He was upset with all the
veterans on the team and their lack of effort. Plus he wanted to start the
rebuilding process. In his first night as coach he made two large scale
deals involving proven veterans. This includes one of the best players in
the league in John Ferguson.
Deal 1:
Fernie acquired Bermuda's first round pick this season, SG Pete Small, and
PF/C Steve Foreman FOR Fernie's first round pick in 2 years, Fernie's second
round pick this year, John Ferguson, and Bill Owens. This deal should
greatly improve the Bermuda club, but it will give Coach Morfeld some key
youth to build on.
Deal 2:
Fernie acquired PG/SG Junior White and SF Arnold Moeller FOR SF Dave
Booker and PG/SG Mike James. Once again this deal has the more immediate
talent leaving Fernie, but gets them some younger skilled players.
Fernie coach is still open to more deals and will take offers on anyone. He
is looking for youth and draft picks.
His job got tougher yesterday when starting PF Johnny Brose got injured for
4 games. That leaves a large hole in the team.
December 9th, 2000
SPORT OR WAR?
By Johnny Melavo
A pair of days ago, i was called to cover the high-rivalry game between Chacarita and Albacete at 22nd day at WBA. I was adviced about the hard feelings that the Argentin team's staff keep against the Spanish one, but when i arrived to San Martin Stadium, i saw a very agressive behaviour from the crowd, before the game started, i could see about 100-150 Spanish flags being burnt, and police had to protect the bench during all the game(although i saw a pair of them without any entusiasm). Its well known, that in some countries like Argentina and Greece, the referees feel unprotected, and the tend to help the local team. This way, and with the love of Chacarita's players for theater, every little contact in the game was called as a foul.
But the worst was the end of the game, I saw chairs, lighters, even celular phones flying against spanish team when they were going to the dressing-room, and(oh surprise) they found the door closed. Three players and two assistants had to be regognised by the doctor. Finally, the bus' glasses were broken by about 100 people throwing stones. Some members of Albacete swear that between them, trere was at least 2 members of Argentinan team. When the glasses were broken, a little piece of one of them, penetrated in the eye of Dave Thompson(maybe this is the reason
because he had 9 TOs at tonight's game)
I could say that it was an isolate fact, but it was in Argentina, where a pair of times the Soccer League has been suspended because of the high level of violence( about 5 deaths a season), and now we know the reason, the teams help this 'ultras' frequently with nazis symbols.
Maybe we could finish all this stupid violence sending the league out of Argentina, because one of this days, it could happen something terrible. In fact, Albacete is planning not to send his best players to Chacarita for security reasons
December 9th, 2000
Davidson Sparkles in Win
By Super Mario Lemieux- Newsday
Coming off an injury Kelvin Davidson scores 24 points and dishes out 10
assists as the red hot Firestorm beat a tough Albecete Burning Hell team
101-91 today. Davidson was out for the past 3 games with a tender ankle and
just came back with a sparkling performance. Shooting 8-15 from the field
and 8-8 from the line he has proven to coach Steven Goodstadt that he is
capable to play a point guard as a shooting guard type player and still dish
the ball around.
" This guy is the best pg in the league. He may not pass the ball as
much as most of the guys, but this guy puts a spark into this offense. I
dont see many point guards doing that. He will be on this squad for a while.
I don't think he'll be traded anytime soon," says Julius "Dr. J." Erving
executive VP of the Firestorm team. "Steven Goodstadt is one of the better
coaches of the league. He had a great core 4 in Kelvin, Greg (Lynn), Scooter
(Jacobs), and Marty (Williams) and he turned it into a great 7 man rotation
by adding Steve Combs, Ryan Hatfield, and Matty Quinn.
The Firestorm get to battle Bermuda tommorrow. Look for Marty Williams
and Kelvin Davidson having good games.
Other Stats:
Marty Williams grabbed 17 boards and 21 points but shot a dismal 6-18.
Greg Lynn shot 10-19 scoring 22 points also getting 6 boaeds and 5
assists Scooter Jacobs had 4 steals but had 5 turnovers.
December 9th, 2000
Firestorm Acquire Hatfields, Quinn
By Super Mario Lemieux - Newsday
On Saturday night we had confirmations to two trades the first one had a
total of 6 players changed addressees in a 3 team deal involving former
Firestorm player Ed Kane. The Firestorm acquired the Hatfield brothers Ryan
and Alonzo from Roswell XT. Roswell also gave up fan favorite J.J Mccaughley
to the South Carolina Hurricanes. South Carolina also received Carl Mercer
and Frank Cox from the Firestorm. In an unrelated deal the Firestorm dealt
Joe Delvin back to Roswell for Matty Quinn a Firestorm killer in season 1.
" I believe that our bench was really killing us. Although we were winning our bench almost gave the games away. I believe Ryan and Matty will help us keep up on our winning ways and put less pressure on our team leaders Kelvin Daivdson and Marty Williams," said a jubilant Steven Goodstadt as he
was leaving a team meeting on Sunday. All of these teams are playoffs caliber teams which doesn't have many of the players upset. Matty Quinn was excited because he knew he would be playing since being exiled to Roswell's bench a few days ago. Mercer and Cox were bench warmers on the Firestorm squad and will be playing in the Hurricanes literally.
December 6th, 2000
Trouble Down South: The Latin Game
By Sr. Dali of GSPN
"This was the match that we were waiting for!" was what Luis Barrionuevo,
Chacarita Buriers' owner, yelled 67 times during the party organized after
today's match between Chacarita and Albacete (one time for every single
champagne bottle he unscrewed).
As everybody might remember, there have been several controversies at the
beginning of the season between Pedro Alcaraz Sanchez and Luis Barrionuevo
for the arrest of Pee-Wee Stoddard, when the owner of the Argentinean team
accused the Spanish one for setting a trap to his star. Today was their
first matchup ever, and the result was a victory for Chacarita by only 3
points after a comeback of 11 points on the 4th quarter.
Although Chacarita players repeated several times that they hadn't felt this
as a special game, people related to the team's top management assure that
Bob Carter and Mike White had been compensated with two brand new cars, for their perfomances.
The combined stats for both point guards show that they did a good job
replacing Pee-Wee:
They dished out 14 assists and committed only 3 turnovers, making 11 of the
16 2-point attempts and totaling 25 points. And one of the most important
things for Luis Barrionuevo was that they committed only 1 personal foul.
Among other things that the Argentinean owner said during the party, he
remarked several times that "it was evident the lack of sport values that
that guy (Pedro Alcaraz Sanchez) has: they committed more than one foul
every two minutes. Their players were instructed to hit us hard anytime they
could. And that's why our fans got so mad that they broke the Spanish bus'
windows and tried to set fire to it. That "so-called" manager was the one
who came to the stadium carrying violence. And you see the results, they
have to head back to Spain without a victory. and without windows.".
Once the night came over Buenos Aires, and the bottles kept getting full of
oxygen, Barrionuevo criticized Robert Williams, Myrtle Beach's owner, too,
saying that "Maybe he's right, I don't speak a good English, but I think
that I can teach him the Basketball Language that he seems to have
forgotten! Just take a look at his team record! I'm just telling you this,
Robert: A thought without a voice is worthless, but a voice without a
thought is the best thing you can do to let me kick your Butt! So next time
think it twice (or at least once) before talking to me.". It looks like
Roswell's owner is not the only controversial guy that we have on the WBA.
Anyway Chacarita's vice-president apologized to the press and to the WBA
authorities for Barrionuevo's declarations while trying to stop him from
calling to the airport to report an imaginary bomb on the next flight to
Spain.
Well, this is it from San Martín Stadium, as long as we couldn't talk to
Sergio Bernardou, Chacarita's manager, because he didn't show up to the
press conference. The official information states that he has dislocated his
wrist when opening his locker after the match, but some people say that they
saw him throwing stones at the Spanish delegation.
For more information, stay tuned to GSPN.
December 4th, 2000
Roswell Deals Again
In a minisquel trade made by rivals Roswell XT and the New York
firestorm Roswells sent 30 year old PG Matty Quinn over to New York in
exchange for forward/center Joe Delvin. The trade was just 1 day after the
big 3 way deal saturday night.
December 1st, 2000
Albacete Review
By Cruz Reyes
November has gone, and it's time to make a first balance of Albacete's
Performance for the first 16 games. We could say that the team was expected
to make better results, that some players are in worst shape than Larry
Johnson, but the thing is that Albacete's record through November has been
5-11 (it was 2-10 at start of the week)
To be frank, we have to see that the Devils have had one of toughtest
schedules possible(the record of opponents is 143-113), but the guys seem
to have started to play more as a team, helping a little more to Harry
Jarvis who is showing like the real deal for this team. First week was
simply horrible with losses against lottery picks teams as Washington and
Bermuda. People in Albacete found responsible of bad performance to veteran
PG Dave "where is the ball" Thompson because of his turnovers and low FG%.
GM Pedro Alcaraz and Coach Josema Laleche started to look at the market to
get a solid PG capable of moving the team, and they found him in Gomer
Cummings, giving up two players who at the moment were out of the rotarion.
TOP PLAYERS
Hary Jarvis: We know this guy can score, but he doesnt need to make mad
shots. Over 50% FG and 93%FT. Before the draft, he was compared to Reggie
Miller but Miller never has shot this way.
Billy Blackstone: A second round pick never is expected to make 17 ppg,
then we have to be happy with him. More even when hes shooting at 48%
CANCER PLAYERS
Dave Thompson: Expected to be the soul of the team, he started at PG, where
he averaged over 5 TO per game. hes being offered to every team at the league
Billy Christenson: He was adquired as a hot prospect for the future, but he
hasnt developed at the expected level and some people in the team is
starting to question his future in Albacete. the fans accuse him of lack of
heart, but hes only 21 and still could be a good player
TOP STATS:
Points: Harry Jarvis. 23.5
Rebounds: Dave Brennan. 7.5
Assists: Dave Thompson. 6.9
Blocks: Dave Brennan 1.2
Steals: Harry Jarvis 1.9
FG%: Bill Cash 54%
FT%: Harry Jarvis 93%
3P%; HArry Jarvis 42%
Player of November:
Harry JArvis: 23.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.9 spg
PHRASES OF THE MONTH
"Joe what?"
Harry Jarvis talking about his rivalry with Joe Jones
" I dont know a team who can beat Roswell"
Roswell's GM Bryan Hasho before lose 4 games in a week
December 1st, 2000
Rookie Leaders
Western Conference Rookie Point Leaders:
1.) Wayne Taylor, COL 23.5
2.) Horace Colbert, WIN 23.3
3.) Don Beard, TOK 21.8
4.) Herman Burke, CAN 21.6
5.) Jerry Dickenson, TOK 18.3
6.) Wesley Phillips, IND 17.9
7.) Scott Nicholson, CAN 17.3
8.) Rod Lawrence, BER 15.6
9.) Jimmy Watters, NO 14.4
Andruw Williams, NO 14.4
11.)Tony Clark, SYD 14.1
12.)Chris Erickson, NO 12.5
13.)Johnny Tatum, SYD 11.8
14.)Lew Carney, WIN 11.5
15.)Johnny Brose, FER 11.3
16.)Tom Taylor, NO 11.1
17.)Ernie Barnes, WIN 10.2
18.)George Sewell, COL 9.6
19.)Glenallen Castro, NO 7.9
20.)Jim Cantwell, IND 7.5
Western Conference Rookie Rebound Leaders:
1.) Jerry Dickenson, TOK 11.3
2.) Scott Nicholson, CAN 9.5
3.) Horace Colbert, WIN 8.9
4.) Johnny Brose, FER 7.6
5.) Rod Lawrence, BER 7.5
6.) Jimmy Watters, NO 7.4
7.) Tom Taylor, NO 7.1
8.) Wayne Taylor, COL 6.7
9.) Glenallen Castro, NO 5.5
Chris Erickson, NO 5.5
Western Conference Rookie Assist Leaders:
1.) Andruw Williams, NO 6.9
2.) Wesley Phillips, IND 5.9
3.) Scott Nicholson, CAN 5.0
4.) Ernie Barnes, WIN 4.6
5.) Johnny Tatum, SYD 4.1
Eastern Conference Rookie Point Leaders:
1.) Joe Jones, BAL 26.0
2.) Bucky McCarty, MNE 24.0
3.) Harry Jarvis, ALB 23.5
4.) AJ Schulz, BRK 22.3
5.) Bill Yeager, BOS 21.5
6.) Kelvin Davidson, NY 20.8
7.) Frank Rose, CHA 17.9
8.) Ed Bryant, SC 17.4
9.) Bill Blackstone, ALB 16.9
10.)Jeff Bailey, BOS 16.4
11.)Bill Lopez, BAL 15.6
George Lush, BAL 15.6
13.)Rick Schulz, LON 14.2
14.)Woody Reynolds, BRK 13.9
15.)Chris Dobson, SC 13.4
Charlie Elkington, BER 13.4
John Stewart, MNE 13.4
18.)Bob Berry, BAL 12.3
19.)Damon Trout, MB 11.4
20.)Joe Hernandez, MNE 10.9
Eastern Conference Rookie Rebound Leaders:
1.) Paul Wilson, SC 14.7
2.) AJ Schulz, BRK 11.4
3.) George Lush, BAL 11.2
4.) Bill Lopez, BAL 9.9
5.) Bill Yeager, BOS 9.1
6.) Dave O'Dea, WAS 6.7
7.) Fred Cane, WAS 6.3
8.) Bill Blackstone, ALB 6.1
9.) Jeff Bailey, BOS 4.8
10.)Frank Constantini, VAR 4.6
WBA Rookie Point Leaders:
1.) Joe Jones, BAL 26.0
2.) Bucky McCarty, MNE 24.0
3.) Harry Jarvis, ALB 23.5
Wayne Taylor, COL 23.5
5.) Horace Colbert, WIN 23.3
6.) Don Beard, TOK 21.8
7.) Herman Burke, CAN 21.6
8.) Bill Yeager, BOS 21.5
9.) Kelvin Davidson, NY 20.8
10.)Jerry Dickenson, TOK 18.3
11.)Wesley Phillips, IND 17.9
Frank Rose, CHA 17.9
13.)Ed Bryant, SC 17.4
14.)Scott Nicholson, CAN 17.3
15.)Bill Blackstone, ALB 16.9
16.)Jeff Bailey, BOS 16.4
17.)Rod Lawrence, BER 15.6
Bill Lopez, BAL 15.6
George Lush, BAL 15.6
20.)Jimmy Watters, NO 14.4
Andruw Williams, NO 14.4
22.)Rick Schulz, LON 14.2
23.)Tony Clark, SYD 14.1
24.)Woody Reynolds, BRK 13.9
25.)Chris Dobson, SC 13.4
Charlie Elkington, BER 13.4
John Steward, MNE 13.4
28.)Chris Erickson, NO 12.5
29.)Bob Berry, BAL 12.3
30.)Johnny Tatum, SYD 11.8
WBA Rookie Rebound Leaders:
1.) Paul Wilson, SC 14.7
2.) AJ Schulz, BRK 11.4
3.) Jerry Dickenson, TOK 11.3
4.) George Lush, BAL 11.2
5.) Bill Lopez, BAL 9.9
6.) Scott Nicholson, CAN 9.5
7.) Bill Yeager, BOS 9.1
8.) Horace Colbert, WIN 8.9
9.) Johnny Brose, FER 7.6
10.)Rod Lawrence, BER 7.5
11.)Jimmy Watters, NO 7.4
12.)Tom Taylor, NO 7.1
13.)Dave O'Dea, WAS 6.7
Wayne Taylor, COL 6.7
15.)Fred Cane, WAS 6.3
WBA Rookie Assist Leaders:
1.) Kelvin Davidson, NY 9.0
2.) Damon Trout, MB 7.8
3.) John Stewart, MNE 7.1
4.) Andruw Williams, NO 6.9
5.) Bucky McCarty, MNE 6.1
6.) Woody Reynolds, BRK 6.0
7.) Wesley Phillips, IND 5.8
8.) Bob Berry, BAL 5.1
AJ Schulz, BRK 5.1
10.)Scott Nicholson, CAN 5.0
November 29th, 2000
GSPN expert analysis
By Brandon Morfeld
This is an analysis of GCBA College seniors.
Point Guards:
1) Arnold Pine-good defender and an awesome shooter at 57.6%; average
passer as a PG
2) Otto Hameleers- an amazing defender as both a theft artist and a shot
blocker; a good shooter with great all-around talent; passing ability is in
question as he shoots more than he passes
3) Parker Mason- he is a good shooter but is plagued by turnovers; he does
however lead the nation in assists
4) Leon Berthelson- probably the best floor general of all the PG; he is a
poor shooter but he keeps turnovers to a minimum and passes better than
anyone in the league; also a very solid defender
5) Ricky Dobson- best rebounder as a PG; below average shooter with decent
assists; succeptible to turnovers
Shooting Guards:
1) George Foster- he is on fire shooting 57.8%!!; best assist man in the SG
crop and is also a solid defender
2) Tyler Durden- great shooter at 47.1% and is also a good rebounder;
needs to work on his passing but is a great defender
3) Dave Williams- above average shooter and a good rebounder; decent
passer, but he lacks defensive skills
4) Eugene LaMaitre- above average FG% and a decent passer; he is good at
swiping the ball
5) Sheldon Maloney- a good shooter and a solid rebounder; decent passing
ability and a talented defender
Small Forward:
1) Camron Diaz- he is a decent shooter and rebounder; he is good at
taking the ball away and keeps his own mistakes to a minimum
2) Derek Vinyard- he is a decent shooter and a good guy on the boards; he
needs to work on his passing but is an excellent shot blocker
3) Blaine Brooks- he is a mad man on defense; he is also a decent assists
guy and an awesome rebounder; he is prone to turnovers though and is a
horrible shooter
4) Casey Curtis- great shooter at 50.3%; he is also a very good rebounder
and a decent passer; he is great at getting steals;
5) Bob Delaney- great shooter at 54.6%; decent on the boards and an
awesome defensive presence
Power Forwards:
1) Jerry Bramson- good shooting ability and an awesome rebounder; he could
work on his turnovers; probably the best defensive player in the draft and
may win the Player of the Year Award
2) Kent Mercer- good shooter and rebounder; an amazing presence on the
defensive end and takes care of the ball
3) Elgin Fabbo- decent shooter and solid rebounder; shot block specialist;
has turnover problems
4) Cristobal Dasher- good shooter and good on the glass; nice passes and
plays solid defensively
5) Shawn Newman- a decent shot and a solid rebounder; good at defense and
almost never turns the ball over
Centers:
1) Lou Gonzales- an amazing shooter at 59.1%!!; he is a decent rebounder
and has great passing skills; he is an absolute force on defense and stuffs
about everyone with over 4 bpg!!
2) Jim Peyton- good shooter and great rebounder; good passing skills and
plays solid defensively
3) Del Coustier- an amazing shooter but a poor rebounder and plays average
defense
4) Burt Rodriguez- a good shooter but a poor rebounder; he plays awesome
defense
5) Bernie Cobb- a good shooter and a great rebounder; solid passes and
plays tight defense
So here is my all senior team:
PG- Arnold Pine
SG- George Foster
SF- Camron Diaz
PF- Jerry Bramson
C- Lou Gonzales
November 26th, 2000
I Beg to Differ!
By Ron Chambers of GSPN
I did the "real" research that my coleague Will Davidson did not. I looked at, in my opinion, the top 12 teams from last season and this season and found out some interesting stuff. Free throws are important. Look at teams who were very poor in getting to the line last season such as Brooklyn and Cincinnati and they did make early exits from the post season. On that basis I believe that Baltimore and Cincinnati are not true contenders.
The most interesting bit of info was that Fernie, who was last years champion, ranked 10th of the 12 teams I analyzed. But I looked at another statistic...rebounds. Fernie ranked second in the West behind LA. I still think that LA was the best team but choked when it counted. And in the finals they faced London who was the best rebounding team in the East. On that basis I believe that Colorado, Winifred, London (who was the worst rebounding of the bunch), Boston, New York and Baltimore are not true contenders.
Who does that leave us with? Roswell and Midland in the West and Berlin and Brooklyn in the East. So who takes the cake? With out going through all the reasoning I'd have to say Midland in the West and Berlin in the East. A major part of that is that both these team commit fewer fouls than their opponents. But remember this is a long season with 72 days to go. There are bound to be some major trades and who knows if more players will meet the fate of Pee-Wee Stoddard and Mike Sewell and not be able to finish the season.
November 26th, 2000
Hmm.. Checking Out a Stat...
By Will Davidson
Berlin Blaze have made more free throws than any other Eastern Conference team (308), while Colorado leads the league in this category with a whopping 365 free throws made. I noticed this, so I decided to examine it a little further. Mainly to see the difference between the Western Conference and Eastern Conference. The West definitely attempts more free throws with a total of 3304 or 236 per team. The East attempted far less with 3124 total, which is 223.1 free throw attempts per team. Another large difference is the free throw percentages. Although the West attempted far more free throws than the East, the difference in free throws made is not nearly as Spanish, with 2470 for the west and 2385 for the east (or 176.4 to 170.4 per team) . This brings us to free throw percentages as the East better their rival conference, 76.3% to 74.8%. Not a great difference but a slight edge goes to the Eastern Conference here.
My only real point here is that I feel, to win a championship, you have to be able to get to the line. If your team doesn't get a lot of free throw attempts, it is more difficult, although not entirely impossible. I probably should have looked at last season's stats to see how it worked last season, but that would involve actual research.. egads! I will go out on a limb and say who the top contenders for this season's championship are.
Western Conference
Sorry, Cincy and Roswell. You're not invited! Though these teams show impressive results so far this season, and are definitely among the top teams in the conference (and league), they just do not get to the line consistently enough to win the big games all season long. Now, Sydney.. we are ashamed of you! With your ability to get to the line you should be much better than your 4-8 record shows. We'll chalk this up to multiple ownership changes, so, we will forgive you this time. This brings us to the top 2 teams in the Western Conference, Colorado and Midland. Colorado gets to the line way too often. It's nearly unbelievable, as they have made nearly 80 more free throw attempts then the West's second highest team. This leaves Midland, who even though suffering from an unbalanced schedule, playing nearly all of their games away from their home court, has an impressive record of 8 wins and 4 losses. Midland is our pick for Western Conference champion!
Eastern Conference
Although Brooklyn and Boston have impressive talents and are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, they will not be mentioned again in this article. Berlin, by far, has made more free throws than any Eastern Conference team and second most in the entire league. This team also has the best free throw percentage in the WBA, currently at 86.5%, over 10 percentage points above the league average. They, also have had a somewhat weak schedule and only recently have shown an ability to defeat the better teams. New York is another team that has been able to make free throws. 245 to be exact, 2nd most among the eastern teams. This team has shown some inconsistencies, though, and although a top competitor, we don't feel that this team has what is needed to reach the finals. This brings us to our choice for the Eastern Conference's champion, the London Disco. They don't get the free throw shots like Berlin does, and they weren't supposed to be this good this season, but, they are. They also made the 3rd most free throws in the conference, and add to that a lot more. They have proven that they can beat tough teams and have a great record of 10-2, tied with Berlin for the top mark in the conference. They will do the East proud when the play against Midland in the Finals at the end of the season.
Who will win between London and Midland? That'll be left to you, as this article ends here. This is not definite, either, but more of a warning to those teams not mentioned. The ability to get to the line should not be overlooked, as it often is in this league.
November 24th, 2000
XT: "Xtremely Ticked"
By Mike Rotch
After the embaressing loss to the machine techs, the XT were outraged on what they have done. "When you don't have your center, and you loose your best player, thats what happens" expressed reserve Gus Simon. Coach Hasho said later that day "We got beat, and it was embaressing, the team is taking this very well." Center Bill Mangano and guard Alonzo Hatfield will not play tommorow, they are serving 5 game suspensions issued by XT mamagement for evidently taking there rage out on some local hill-billys at a bar. Word has it two citizen's heads were crushed in between billiad sticks for making fun of the two Roswell players after there loss. Mangano later said "Id do it again, nobody disrespects the XT" Roswell comes back full strength against a tough Berlin squad (also 8-2) and is hoping to take out agressions against Dave Williams team headed by center Jerry Sims.
November 22nd, 2000
Press Release
By Hurricane Management
Turkey Day in South Carolina! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! And to celebrate, South Carolina is showing thanks to their precious fans tomorrow in a special way! The first 1000 fans get a limited edition Wes Ford-headed turkey doll! (Makes sense since Wes Ford acts like a turkey!) Also, 10 lucky fans will be chosen to have a thanksgiving meal with the entire Hurricane team! Good thing Wes Ford is sick from food poisioning (thanks to Curtis Walsh's famous home cooking!) or else we wouldn't be able to let females win!
November 22nd, 2000
When it Rains it Pours
By Ron Chambers of GSPN News
Mike Sewell of Baltimore who has had a terrible time with injuries thus far in the season was suspended today for violatioons of the WBA drug abuse policy. He will miss the rest of the season but will be elligable for next season. This is a maor blow to Baltimore who has proven that they are capable of playing with the best of them when they have all 5 starters but have been unable to contend when either Sewell or Bill Lopez were injuried. Sewell had been averaging 22.8 points, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals. Those type of numbers are hard to make up.
November 22nd, 2000
Angry Fan to do Jail Time
By Ron Chambers of GSPN News
Fans in Tokyo love their team but a fan took it too fan tonight. Tokyo played a great first half tonight taking the much better London Disco into half time tied. But the 3rd quarter was a different story. London cam out and doubled Tokyo's 11 point out put and that was basically the end of Tokyo's hopes. Mike Begley of London who had been struggling offensively had a break out game scoring 41. A drunk angry fan tried to throw a beer can at him as he headed of the court at the end of the game but instead hit Al McCauley who will miss tomorrows game do to the minor concussion that the can caused. Tokyo officials said they are taking the incident very seriously and have no doubt that the fan who is still unnamed will do jail time.
November 22nd, 2000
Albacete gets PG
By Cruz Reyes of GSPN
The long search of Albacete for a PG has finished today with the
adquisition of Gomer Cummings, one of rookies from Boston. Since now,
Albacete had had problems at this spot with Dave Thompson turning the ball
over a lot of times and Mike Reardon still too young to start in Albacete.
This seems a nice trade for both teams, Albacete gets a starter PG, giving
up two players who didnt fit in coach's schemes, at the point they didnt
join the rotation. As for Boston, they add a lille depth to this 4-players
team, and Steve Felix could start at SF, being Woody Summers a good backup
at PF spot
November 20th, 2000
Ownerless team finalizes trade
By Ron Chambers of GSPN News
Despite the recent dissappearance of Fernie owner Greg Houghs his last trade was confirmed today. This trade sent Myrtle Beaches second round pick ifor season 3 and Tim Smith to Cancun in exchange for Bill Ownes.
November 19th, 2000
Contender or Pretender? I'd say Contender:
By Dagwood Bumstead
During the week Washington's owner Sam Plummer said of controversial
comments about the Firestorm such as "You're going to finally have
competition within our division. I know he'll kill me for this, but New York
is not a contender, he's just a pretender." But this team is not a pretender folks. Why in the world would a last place team make these type of comments to a 5-1 team. Also I have spoken to Coach Steven Goodstadt and he says " The team
leaders (Kelvin Davidson and Marty Williams) took a logo of Washington and he
(Kelvin) and the team have had target practice with that photo." Steven says
"that Joe Delvin has had the best shot." Pretender I can't see that. Listen to what team leader Kelvin Davidson has to say, " Anyone who says that our team isn't good is crazy. We have won 5 of 6 yet Washington only won 1 of 6. Oh well I just hope that Joe Delvin doesn't bring his gun to the stadium when we play them." New York plays Washington at home day 37.
Weekly Roundup: Firestorm goes 5-1
This week was a good one for the Firestorm as they won their first 4
including one over a tough Colorado team. Day 1 they beat Chacarita 111-102. Day 2 they won 103-102 against a tough Colorado team. Then they beat Albecete 98-97 day 3. Day 4 they beat Chacarita again 115-103, but they lost their center Marty Williams for a game. Day 5 they lost to a very impressive London team 117-98. Day 6 they got their center back and beat Chacarita for the 3rd time this week 106-85. Marty Williams is leading the league in rebounds and Kelvin Davidson and Scooter Jacobs have shaped up the offence.
Firestorm Player of the Week: Scooter Jacobs
He may not have the best stats out of the team but he has really performed to
help this team win
November 19th, 2000
Myrtle Beach Weekly with Coach Williams
Power Rankings...
The new power rankings are out and it is very surprising to first see that
New York and Brooklyn are 4 and 5 respectively, or should I say
unRESPECTIVEFULLY, I believe these two teams deserve more than what have
been given... They have played very well and have beaten now number 1
Colorado... Maybe it has something to do with schedule strength, I don't
know... I am new with this and don't want to get anything started...
WEll according to the new ranks, Myrtle Beach isn't the worst team just
yet, but we here in SC like to say that we are the 22nd best team in the
league.
Last Weeks ups and downs...
Myrtle Beach had a well had a MightyGolfer week, but a lackluster
basketball week, the team one one out of six games, with that one win
against Tokoyo, and loses to: MidLand 125-77,LA 111-105,Indiana
111-105, Baltimore 127-97 and Berlin 127-97. There win to Tokoyo was by
the count of 106-96. Eventhough this is just the first week of play, we
hope that this pattern doesn't continue... We are predicted to win
something like 30 games I think, well I want to win 31...
LeadingStats...Per Game
Scoring: Frank Moore 15ppg
Steals : Fred Bell 2.2 spg
Turnover: Chris Connell 5.2topg
Blocks : Dennis Thomas 1.2bpg
PersonalFouls: Joe Gillspie 3.7
Assits: Damon Trout 7.7
Rebounds: Dennis Thomas 7.2
3pt%: Peason,Browne,Miller 50%
FT%: Peason,Trout,Connell 100%
FG%: Jake Cooke 80%
Mins: Moore,Bell 27
TeamStats....
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
MB 6 48 47.5 78.9 35.6 33.8 29.5 27.0 3.8 20.2 10.2 97.8
OP 6 48 51.7 74.6 46.4 40.8 29.0 16.3 5.0 19.5 10.0 116.2
According to these stats, either we need to score more, or defend our goal
better... What do you think...
Trade Talk:
Chris Connell may go bye bye and say hello to NY...
November 17, Talks between Myrtle Beach and New York Firestrom were on
the way... Mrytle Beach and desperate need of more scoring and passing
and better experienced players or better players period, and NY just in
need of a solid performer.
This trade is still pending but it is a 6player deal... More to come...
Next Weeks Schedule and Predictions:
Day7 Berlin at Myrtle Beach: Double Take MB will not avenge... -15
Day8 Fernie at Myrtle Beach: Champs in town, not to be embarassed. -7
Day9 Baltimore at Myrtle Beach:?closegame hum... trade confirmed. +5
Day10 LA at Myrtle Beach:Rematch MB cam close, this time will win. +7
Day11 Myrtle at SC(DaBattle for SC):1st Battle,CivilWar had many. -13
Day12 Chacarita at Myrtle Beach: Should be close but I think... +10
3-3 next week... Could even surprise SC but it will be difficult...
Player Awards:
Player of the week: Fred Bell
Defensive Player of the Week: Dennis Thomas
Player to watch: Trout, can he put the clubs down and put the ball in the
hoop...
Final Word:
Eventhough we have been labeled as the worst team in the league, I do
think that we had a aight first week... We were blown out twice, but our
overall stats say that we have some skillz and can be competitors in our
games... Eventhough next week will be tough one with the Defending Champs
Fernie coming in, last year Runner up Berlin and Cross State rival SC. I
think that we will either win 3 or 4 games next week...
November 19th, 2000
POWER RANKINGS: Controversy or Complaining?
An Editorial by Will Davidson
I've been hearing a lot of talk about how unfair this Power Rating system is to the New York teams. So, I did a little (alright..very little) research to find out if any of these teams (New York, Brooklyn, and even the undefeated Cincinnati team) had any real reason to complain about not being the top ranked team.
Of these 4 teams, Colorado did have the toughest schedule, facing 3 teams who currently have lost just 1 game each. Meanwhile, the undefeated Cincinnati team, has every reason to be expected to be undefeated at this time. They have yet to play against an team with a winning record and they had by far the lightest schedule of these 4 teams.
Now, let's examine these so-called disrespected New York teams, the Rage and Firestorm. Neither team really has much to complain about as being ranked in the top 5 is quite respectable. Brooklyn was able to beat 2 teams with winning records (Colorado and South Carolina), but in the only other matchup with a winning team resulted in a loss. New York, on the other hand, faced just one other opponent with a winning record, and lost.
Here is a quick look at these 4 teams with their combined opponents' records and where they are ranked:
Opponent's
RNK TEAM Record Combined
========================================
#1 Colorado 4-2 21-15
#4 New York 5-1 17-19
#5 Brooklyn 5-1 19-17
#10 Cincinnati 6-0 11-25
Now, you would think that Brooklyn should be ranked higher than New York, but the whole power ranking system also takes into account how badly one team beats another, and so on.
In summary, we really can't hold to much on these power rankings at this point in the season. Give it a couple more weeks and then we will see who the contenders and the pretenders are.
I'm outta here.
November 19th, 2000
A COMPLETELY SPECIAL EDITION OF WBA NEWZ - PICK IT UP AT YOUR NEWSTANDS NOW
After the first week of the WBA season and much talk about the newcomers
into the league, the Newz has decided to review and critique the players'
performance so far, so here as follows are the first 20 picks of the
inaugural WBA draft, and how they've fared so far in our eyes.
1. Wayne Taylor, Colorado
Wayne Taylor 6 39 41.5 89.8 40.0 6.0 2.7 1.5 0.3 1.5 1.5 23.0
He was taken first because of his upside, not for immediate impact, but
at 23 points per game and a solid 6 rebounds from that forward spot, he's
done solid work much earlier than expected...just how good will he be
when he's "an old" 20?
2. Bill Yeager, Boston
Bill Yeager 6 33 55.6 58.6 66.7 10.2 2.3 4.8 3.0 1.3 1.7 19.8
Along with Colbert, the best player at the time of the draft. Averages a
solid double double with great field goal percentage...though I must say
I expected him to score more than he is, but i'd be crazy to criticize a
20 point effort every night. Note to coach of Boston - he should play
way more than 33 minutes a game
3. Horace Colbert, Winifred
Horace Colbert 6 35 50.0 85.4 50.0 8.5 1.7 3.2 3.0 3.7 1.0 26.3
Maybe Boston should have taken Colbert. Not quite a double double man,
and turns the ball over a bit much, but he shoots at 50 percent at puts
in 26 a night. Both Yeager and Colbert fill different roles on their
team, but are doing well individually even if Colbert is putting in a few
more a night.
4. Scott Nicholson, Cancun
Scott Nicholson 5 41 51.3 57.1 16.7 8.2 5.0 2.4 1.4 3.8 2.4 18.6
Another guy taken for his upside. Impressive numbers, 19 points, 8
boards, 5 assists and over 50 percent shooting, he establishes himself as
a good all around player and justifies being taken this early, even if
you throw away the key fact that he was taken for his potential.
5. Paul Wilson, South Carolina
Paul Wilson 6 40 45.9 14.3 25.0 14.0 5.7 3.5 0.3 2.2 0.7 6.0
On draft night, everyone wanted him, everyone was in love with his
rebounding ability. And though he is grabbing 14 a night and dishing out
6, I have to wonder if he was really the 5th best player available.
6. A.J. Schulz, Brooklyn
A.J. Schulz 6 38 55.0 52.0 14.3 12.0 5.7 2.3 0.3 2.3 1.3 22.8
There's been talk that Schulz is the best player in the league, and while
I wouldn't even mention his name among the best in the game, he has
perhaps had the most impressive first week of the rookies. 23 points, 12
boards, 6 assists while shooting 55 percent from the field are numbers to
fall in love with, but let's not get carried away here, he has only
played 6 games after all, he cannot possibly play this well the whole
year...can he? If he does, give him rookie of the year honors and ask
yourself again...Was Paul Wilson the 5th best player available?
7. Jeff Bailey, Boston
Jeff Bailey 6 42 43.3 76.2 28.0 4.5 4.0 3.3 0.8 3.3 3.2 17.8
The second of the two rookie studs up in Boston, although highly regarded
as the best guard in this draft, he may not even be among the top two off
guards so far. He has decent statistics, pretty solid, but nothing too
eye catching. The 18 points are nice, and he does a solid job in the
assist and rebound department, but once again, there is nothing to be
commended just yet...28% from the 3 point arc is horrendous.
8. Kelvin Davidson, New York
Kelvin Davidson 6 37 54.3 75.0 100.0 2.3 7.5 1.8 0.3 2.8 1.8 22.3
I had always considered this a great pick at number 8 and BY
GOD!!!!!...it was a good one. Like Schulz he has been mentioned among
the best in the league already, and like Schulz, I consider this to be
insanity, as I don't think Davidson is even among the top 3 to 5 point
guards in the league, though that may be arguable. One thing that is not
arguable however is the fact that any poing guard who shoots over 50
percent from the field, is a God, and Davidson is nothing short of a God.
Assist to turnover ratio is the only thing that needs to improve for him
to be considered one of the best point guards in the game.
9. Joe Jones, Baltimore
Joe Jones 6 40 40.7 86.7 30.3 3.5 3.7 2.5 0.3 2.3 0.8 25.7
First of 3 first round picks for Baltimore, and it started off a bit
controversial as second guesses over the pick of Jones over Harry Jarvis
were made. However, so far, Baltimore won't complain. They needed
scoring and as you see, they've received. His first 3 games were much
better than his last 3 as both the scoring and the percentages have been
down, but the assists and rebounds have been up, and most importantly
Baltimore won all three. Shall we compare him to Iverson? Like Iverson,
he excells at scoring, but his team is best when he scores over 20 but
under 30 and keeps the scoring in the team balanced. Either shots have
to go down, or percentages have to rise slightly.
10. Bill Lopez, Baltimore
Bill Lopez 4 42 53.0 57.1 0.0 11.3 3.5 4.8 0.3 2.3 1.0 18.5
Another Baltimore pick, this one a no brainer at the time, they had to
get rebounding, rebounding they got and it's worked out very well for
them. He is already the best offensive rebounder in the game and gives
the Beavers a double double every night while shooting very well,
putting in 19 and dishing out 4 assists. Numbers are arguably better
than those of Bill Yeager, so you know how well Baltimore made out with
this pick.
11. Harry Jarvis, Albacete
Harry Jarvis 6 43 51.5 91.9 44.4 2.8 4.3 3.3 0.3 2.8 2.3 24.7
Jarvis seems to have backed up his teams' argument that he should have
been taken ahead of Jones. And hell, maybe even Bailey. Of the 3 great
off guards, Jarvis has gotten the best of the other 2 so far. His
percentages are exceptional for a guard, and they amount to a very very
very nice 25 points per game. Even with his 3 TO's a game, those stats
are absolutely flawless, and if he starts dishing the ball more...he'll
be better than flawless, he'll be flawlessly perfect.
12. Jerry Dickenson, Tokyo
Jerry Dickenson 6 37 57.7 81.3 0.0 9.3 2.8 2.3 0.3 1.8 0.8 17.2
Phenomenal percentage...58 percent is heavenly. And if he picks up the
rebounding just a bit, he'll have the double double a night, which would
impress me even more.
13. Rick Shulz, London
Rick Schulz 6 29 50.7 100.0 50.0 2.5 3.3 2.2 0.3 1.2 2.0 15.0
When London made this pick, I wasn't a big fan of it. Turns out...I'm
still not. There were much better players available. London for sure
could have found a bigger contributor to their team than the mere 15
points in less than 30 minutes a game that Shulz is giving them. And that
is all they get from him.
14. George Lush, Baltimore
George Lush 6 40 51.4 65.0 50.0 10.7 2.0 2.0 0.3 2.0 1.0 15.2
With this pick, Baltimore ends their first round shopping spree, as they
tried to continue to improve on the inside and rebounding. Again, they
did well with this pick. Nothing spectacular, but just all that they
wanted from Lush. A consistent double double effort and just compliment
the other scorers on this team. Baltimore ends up picking up 2 guys who
average double doubles, and for a team with horrendous rebounding and a
lack of scoring last year, that's a nice job of knowing your needs, and
drafting accordingly.
15. Rod Lawrence, Bermuda
Rod Lawrence 6 34 47.6 83.3 50.0 7.8 2.8 4.2 0.3 2.2 0.5 14.0
So-so...that's about all I say on Lawrence. I must say I expected
more...14 points and under 8 boards are well under his abilities.
16. Wesley Phillips, Indiana
Wesley Phillips 6 35 54.7 75.0 33.3 3.2 6.3 3.2 0.3 1.8 2.2 19.5
Joins Davidson as an outstanding scoring point guard as he also is
shooting over 50 percent from the field. I felt that Phillips would be
the best PG out of this draft, and though Davidson is outplaying him
right now, I still like Phillips a lot, especially because he keeps his
turnovers down, and as you all know, I love that in point guards. 20
points a game would look even nicer if they were 15 and the assists were
at 10+
17. Bucky McCarty, Maine
Bucky McCarty 6 40 47.6 90.9 39.3 1.8 5.0 2.8 0.0 3.0 1.2 21.8
I must say I'm impressed, Maine found themselves a consistent 20+ point
per game scorer who also dishes out for 5 buckets a night. A great great
great great pick, I'm in love with Bucky. Only bad stat is the 3
turnovers a game, but he does not have too much of a supporting cast and
when everything falls on you and you have to handle the ball and score
and do everything, turnovers are a part of the package.
18. Charlie Elkington, Berlin
Charlie Elkington 6 33 45.9 92.3 20.0 4.0 2.2 2.0 0.3 1.3 1.8 15.7
I liked this pick a lot when it was made, but with his 4 boards a game,
I'm second guessing it a bit. However, Berlin also has Sims and Benton,
and with them there, there are no boards left to go around. Elkington is
surrounded by great players, so not too much is asked of him, though i
remain under the impression that he could do more if he had to. 16
points compliment the players around him nicely.
19. Lloyd Snyder, Chacarita
Lloyd Snyder 6 16 41.0 100.0 33.3 1.5 2.5 0.7 0.2 0.8 1.3 6.3
When this pick was made, I first laughed cuz I thought someone made a
really bad joke. Then I wondered if I overlooked someone...then...I
scratched my head in confusion, and then finally shook it and smiled in
mild amusion. Now I can merely wonder at why the hell this man went at
19. Why was he even drafted at all...he is the 10th highest scorer on an
expansion team...i refuse to waste anymore words on this pick. Well one
more comment...this pick was actually worse than Frank Constantini going
to Varese.
20. George Sewell, Colorado
George Sewell 6 24 42.1 77.4 28.6 3.3 2.0 3.0 0.3 1.5 1.3 12.3
Numbers are not impressive at all, but he only plays 25 minutes a game
and just because he's surrounded by Taylor and Casey, i won't punish his
stats...he should work out to be a decent player.
November 19th,2000
6-0 is ranked a lowly 10th
Scott Palmer Reporting for The WBA Tonight
The new Power Rankings have been released by the WBA associated Press and an injustice has been done. Cincinnati, the only undefeated team in the WBA with a record of 6-0 is ranked a lowly 10th out of 28 teams. Though their
schedule has been somewhat weak to this point this reporter can't fathom why
a 3-3 Fernie Team is ranked ahead of Cincy. In response to the ranking
Cyclone Coach Matt Mitchell had this to say:
We don't care where the press thinks we should be ranked. It's the Wins and
loses that count, and so far we've done nothing but win. This is just
another catalyst we can use to get the guys to play harder. It is a bit
outrageous that Fernie is ranked ahead of us, but we're just here to play
basketball.
Cincy has their first real tough game against Boston this Tuesday.
November 18th, 2000
Controversy in the Power Rankings
By Ron Chambers of GSPN News
Fans in New York are out raged. Two of the top teams in the WBA this season are from New York City. Both the New York Firestorm and the Brooklyn Rage are expected to have excellent seasons and both are off to excellent starts of
5-1. So why are fans mad? It's all about the power rankings. In New York you have to have respect and the fans aren't feeling it. The Firestorm are ranked #4 and the Rage are ranked #5 while Colorado is ranked #1. Now even the most casual of WBA fans will say that Colorado is an excellent team with the leagues best player in Boom-Boom Casey and one of the leagues most exciting stories in 17 year old rookie Wayne Taylor. But, Colorado is 4-2. That's not bad but it's the leagues 8th best record. And who did those losses come too? You guessed it...New York and Brooklyn! Everybody who isn't from the Big Apple loves to hate the Big Apple and having two of the leagues best teams makes the city that much easier to hate.
November 18th, 2000
Triad or Mafia?
By Ron Chambers of GSPN News
Earlier this week I reported that their were rumors that the disappearance of Fernie Fire-Starters owner Pete Aiello was tied to either the Chinese Triad or The Italian Mafia. These rumors of corruption in the Fernie front office have just been further fueled by the sudden resignation of new Fernie Owner and General Manager Greg Hough. Hough's actual Resignation was oddly short "I'm leaving the league. Good luck." Sources close to the team say that Hough has gone into hiding in secluded mountains but are unable to tell use even what continent those mountains are on. Fernie is left shattered with no sense of direction as they seem unable to keep any consistency in management. The Fernie Fire-Starters have gone from giant killing world champions to a tabloids dream in less than one season.
November 16th, 2000
No Recount Needed
by Al W. Bush
Washington, D.C.-- The rebuilding process in the nation's capital continues.
General manager and coach, Sam Plummer, has announced that the Monuments have just received yet another first round draft pick by trading C/PF George Lawrence to Indiana for Baltimore's Season 4-1st Rounder. The first round pick acquired by Washington will now be the 11th first round pick Washington will have over the nest 3 seasons. Plummer gave this statement at the news conference earlier tonight, "We hate to see a player like George Lawrence leave the organization. His hard work over the last 2 seasons has made a him a great ballplayer and the fans of Indiana should be excited about his arrival. Though we hate to lose a player like George, we have to look to
our future. Since George was in the final year of his contract, we felt that it was best if we got something in return considering the fact that Lawrence would be attracting a lot of offers during the offseason and it was highly unlikely that we would be able to re-sign him." One general manager said after the trade, "Washington is in the best position of any organization right now. In 2 seasons, their entire 14-man roster could be made up of all college All-Americans and future all-stars. I wouldn't be surprised if one year they go 80-0. Sam Plummer is an absolute genius. He should be excecutive of the year." A couple of team sources that asked not to be identified said that Plummer isn't done yet. One rumor has it that Washington is having trade discussions with Tokyo and Maine about acquiring some more draft picks.
November 16th, 2000
PEANUTS NO MORE
By Mike Rotch
In a 4 player trade between Los Angeles and the Roswell XT Monday
night, The XT sent fan favorite Charlie "Peanuts" Brown packing along with
point guard Bob Kennedy to Hollywood for veterans Maury Starr and Ryan
Hatfield. The trade adds depth to an already very deep Roswell team and
contributes to L.A's rebuilding process. "Im shocked, I loved it hear in Roswell, but hey, its a business" expressed Brown. Brown had played one game all season and had 2 points in 8 minutes. Starr will take over the starting job at the point, replacing Matty Quinn who will still receive significant minutes. Reports say there has been rumors that L.A is looking to make many more deals, including the shipment of John Whitehouse for a young center somewhere in the Northeast.
November 15th, 2000
Baltimore Press
By P.J. Zeks
YOUTH of the BEAVERS
The Baltimore Golden Beavers had 3 picks in the top 15 this past draft
and many believed that this was to be a start of a playoff year for the
Beavers. So far it has not played out the way they would like. An 0-3
start to the year looks a lot more like last year's Baltimore team which
struggled to find a way to win once in a blue moon. However, this team
filled with youth, inexperience, and hope for the future believes that
this slow start is very misleading. Baltimore comes into the year
starting 3 rookies, and a rookie as the 6th man off the bench. The
average age of their starter is 22 and so this team is expected to
struggle early in these players careers and as the Baltimore management
hopes, mature into a great team over the next few years.
DARN THOSE BROKEN ANKLES
To explain its suprisingly slow start, the Beavers need not look any
further than their injury problems. As a team heavily relying on their
starting five with practically no bench, Baltimore will be in trouble
whenever one of their starters is off the court and due to the injuries
this has been the case in all but the first 3 preseason games of this
year. Bill Lopez was injured in the first minute of that one so to this
date, the projected starting 5 has only played 2 games together as Lopez
and the All Star SF Mike Sewell have took turns with injuries, with Lopez
being projected to miss tomorrow's game as well. Health is a big
question mark for this team, but if they can remain injury free, expect
the Beavers to make the playoffs out of the weak Atlantic. With All
Stars Stub Madison, one of the more underrated point guards in the league
averaging 11 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds heading this team and Mike
Sewell, the versatile small forward that at 21 is very well respected
around the league leading this slew of rookies, as long as Joe Jones puts
up the scoring numbers and Lopez is around to pick up 10 boards a game,
Baltimore becomes a pretty dangerous team.
THE FORGOTTEN ROOKIE SUPERSTAR
On draft day, there was much talk over Baltimore taking Joe Jones as a
two guard over the well respected and younger Harry Jarvis. Baltimore
justified its choice by saying that they were in desperate need of
offense and they felt that Jones was the best scoring guard in the draft.
Weeks later, Jones is the forgotten man as Jarvis was projected as a
preseason rookie of the year in that slot and has gotten much press while
Jones has quietly stood in the background putting up numbers. After 3
games in the year, Jones is averaging 29 points per game and is 3rd
overall in scoring to counter Jarvis' 21 a game. Jones has been asked to
do one thing and that is put the ball in the hoop, and so far, he has
done a magnificent job, being the most consistent player on this
Baltimore team, and even though the recognition hasn't come yet, it can't
be too far behind. Anyone who overlooks him in the rookie of the year
balloting with these types of numbers is not noting the significance of
Jones to his team as well as his ability when, as a rookie, he is able to
put up 3rd highest scoring average in the league. Jarvis may have won the
battle in amount of ink in the preseason, but Joe Jones has shown that he
not only deserved to be picked ahead of the younger Jarvis, but that he
should receive consideration as one of the top rookies of the year.
November 15th, 2000
The Cyclones get Walters.
Scott Palmer reporting for WBA Tonight
The inevidable finally happened in Cincinnati. Mike Taylor, who had been
involved in many trade rumors since the creation of the WBA was finally dealt
by the Cyclones. Cincinnati GM and coach Matt Mitchell has been quoted as
saying
"I really liked the kid, he is only 20 and will be a star in this league some
day...but we felt we really didn't have a chance of resigning him at the end
of his contract following next season...He has great potential, but we're
playing for now and the future, and he was committing too many turnovers and
fouls...i wish nothing but the best for Mike in Los Angeles, I think he can
be the cornerstone, or at least a intriquite piece of their franchise for
years to come."
Walters brings playoff experience and team leadership to a contending Cyclone
squad.
November 13th, 2000
New Owner Makes a move.
Elton John, NEWS-9
Details are sketchy, but sources have reported that NY has sent
F/C Dave Booker and a 2nd rounder, to Fernie for F/C Steve Combs. Fernie GM, Greg Hough seems pleased to be rid of Combs. Apparently, Combs has hinted that he may seek a sex change operation during the All-Star Break. Hough apparently feels that Combs is having a mid-life crisis. More as this story
unfolds. We here at NEWS-9 feel that Hough knows he may have to rebuild. The Fernie GM has denied any rebuilding process, however.
November 13th, 2000
New York and Fernie Strike a deal.
Keith Olbermand- Lox Sports Network
New York-
Just a few minutes ago Gm/Coach Steven Goodstadt struck a deal with Fernie's
Coach Greg Hough. Fernie acquired Dave Booker and Mrytle Beachs second rounder in season 3 for Steve Combs. Combs and Booker are each 37 but the key to the trade is by what we hear that Goodstadt wanted a rebounder and he didn't need the pick. So he got what he needed and he didnt give up all that much. On the other hand the deal was still a good deal for Fernie as he gets a verstille front court man plus a high 2nd. Goodstadt says," Well I needed a rebounder to go along with Joe Delvin. With this trade we improve in defence and rebounding. I wish Dave Booker the best of luck in Fernie." Combs and Booker are already on planes to there respected places. If the trade is accepted by the commish soon they will be in uniform tommorrow.
November 13th, 2000
Major Trade Confirmed
by Ron Chambers of GSPN
For weeks now there have been rumors about a block buster trade between Winifred and Sydney. Today league officials finally confirmed that the trade has been appoved. Winifred sent John Riddle and George Grabowski to Sydney for Jose Bergman, Curtis Bridges and Ike Frazier.
John Riddle had been playing as well as any player in the league averaging 27.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots. George Grabowski had been seeing limited minutes as the back up point guard.
Jose Bergman and Curtis Bridges are both premier players who had been playing very well. Both play error free ball and are very effective on both ends of the court.
Winifred is the clear winner in theis trade. They Have rrokie Horace Clobert waiting to replace Riddle and they deffinately improve their point guard and power forward possitions.
November 13th, 2000
Season Predictions
By Ron Chambers of GSPN
The second season of the WBA looks to be drastically different than the first. Teams like Boston who were laughed out of gyms last season may be the pride of the WBA this season. And teams like Fernie and LA who were top notch last season will likely be mid tier teams this season. Once promising owners like Rahiem Jones of Indiana couldn't handle the high pressure of owning and running a WBA team. There are also rumors of corruption surrounding the mysterious disappearance of The Fernie Fire-Starters majority owner, Pete Aiello. Some have suggested that the Chinese Triad is responsible because he failed to throw the Championship series against London. Others have suggested that he double crossed the Italian Mafia by winning even after they had paid him to loose an early round of the play-offs. There have even been people who say that he joined a secretive UFO worshipping cult. What ever the truth is we may never know but the point is still that there is a ton of pressure in professional basketball and some can't handle it!
We will have to watch all 80 games of the season to see how it will play out but here are my guesses.
THE WEST
The Pacific
Colorado (8-3) They had a great preseason. The official Power Rankings have them at #3 and I think that is about right. Colorado's offense is one of the Best in the league lead by Boom- Boom Casey and rookie Wayne Taylor. As a team they take good care of the ball but a considerable weakness is that as a team they do not shoot well from the floor. So far their defense has been average which may prove to be a problem if their offense ever falters. An impressive attribute of this team is the ability to get to the line. In the preseason they averaged 36 free throws per game. Obviously this is the best in the league. If they could manage to pass a little better their offense would be near unstoppable. Prediction: They should win the Pacific. 58-22
Roswell (7-5) They had a solid preseason with a very tough schedule. They were ridiculed for trading away Boom-Boom to rival Colorado but it looks like it may have paid off. In the preseason both their offense and Defense were just a little better than average but they had a hard schedule so I suspect both will be a little better during the season. 20 Year old John Greene continues to be outstanding and Roswell management continues to promote him well to their young fan base. Offensively this team is very efficient shooting over 50% in the preseason. They also rebound well and play an aggressive defensive style that causes turnovers. Roswell doesn't have any real weaknesses the only question is how strong are their strengths. Prediction: Second in the Pacific and make the play-offs. 50-30
Sydney (7-5) Honestly a 7-5 preseason was surprising for this former power house but you have to consider that they had a very weak schedule. It's hard to find a team that is much more average. But they do have a major weakness when it comes to rebounding. It's hard to imagine that a team that rebounds this poorly being a factor in the play-offs. Jose Bergman is still one of the best players in the league, rookie Johnny Tatum has been solid, and of course Curtis Bridges is a great point guard. Now all this said their is a rumor about a huge trade between Sydney and Winifred which would change every thing. Prediction: Fourth in the Pacific and make the play-offs. 41-39
Fernie (7-5) This is another team that had a better preseason than expected but it is in large part due to a soft schedule. One thing that they have going for them is that they still have a fairly good defense and they rebound very well. Those are two things that can be a god send in a long season. John Ferguson continues to be one of the premiere power forwards in the league but the rest of the team is made up of role players. If they stay with in themselves they can continue to win. Prediction: Third in the pacific and Make the play-offs. 45-35
Los Angeles (6-6) Another average team in just about every area. The bright spot for this team is Ray Walter's who is playing as well as any player in the league. Prediction: Fifth in the Pacific and miss the play-offs. 36-44
Adelaide (6-6) A porous defense and poor rebounding are not a good combination. A season ago they were predicted to be a power house for years to come but trades can change a lot. Prediction: Sixth in the Pacific and miss the play-offs. 29-51
Tokyo (2-10) If defense wins championships Tokyo has a long way to go. In the preseason they allowed almost 120 points per game. But we have to remember that this is an expansion team. And to be honest I like the approach they've taken. They haven't chosen to mortgage their future so that they can win now hoping that they will be able to attract free agents. They are doing it through the draft and they have a great start with rookie power forward Jerry Dickenson who will be a solid man for years. And they did a great job drafting Don Beard in the second round. 23 points from a second rounder is amazing. Sure he's one dimensional but a team needs to be able to score and he can do it well! Prediction: Last in the Pacific with a good future if they continue to draft well. 21-59
The Midwest
Midland (8-4) This is a team that was considered the best team in the league going into the preseason. Then as they lost several games there was talk that they were going to be a disappointment. Then they decided to use their actual line ups and they blew out their last two opponents. The fact that they were coasting through the preseason makes it a little harder to comment on them. When you look they were pretty average on offense and defense. Don't believe it! This squad will be one of the top defensive teams in the league. This is a team without a weakness as long as they stay healthy. True their bench isn't as strong as some others but it is plenty good to provide back up minutes. Let's put it this way. When you have Larry Chapman on your team and he's not the best player you're in good shape! As for George Holt he is the best power forward in the league, end of discussion. Prediction: Win the Atlantic and possibly a lot more. 60-20
Winifred (7-4) How do you comment on a team that is in the middle of a trade that will totally change their team? I'll just say this. In the preseason they were very good and the trade will make them better. Prediction: Third in the Midwest and make the play-offs. 49-31
Cincinnati (8-2) Their stock rose a lot in the preseason. They had a tough schedule and played very well. They are not a great offensive team but have a tremendous defense. They play a hard nosed slow the game down style so even though they don't score a lot they are very efficient. In the preseason Jim McCarthy looked like he may be the best player in the league. The addition of Bert Latham in the preseason really solidified an already strong team. Prediction: Second in the Midwest and make the play-offs. 55-25
Cancun (5-7) My gut feeling is that Cancun is better than they looked in the preseason but they didn't actually have that hard of a schedule so I question my instinct. They are a fairly efficient squad but some how allowed their opponents to shoot over 50% from the field. I don't see it staying that way. Prediction: Fourth in the Midwest and make the play-offs. 48-32
New Orleans (6-6) Talk about a team effort. This team was 8th in the preseason offensively but what's interesting is that their top scorer, Andruw Williams, only scored 13.0 per game. They had 6 players averaging double digits and 10 averaging over 7. This is a hard working bunch that just doesn't have enough talent to compete with teams like Midland and Cincinnati. Prediction: Fifth in the Midwest and miss the play-offs. 28-52
Indiana (2-10) Let's just say that selling the team was a good decision. Poor offense and a terrible defense. The good side is that They have Wesley Phillips who will be a great point guard. Prediction: Sixth in the Midwest. 22-58
Bermuda (2-10) Not much to say here. This is an expansion team that will play like an expansion team. Rod Lawrence was a good pick who is playing very well he just doesn't have the support. Prediction: Last in the Midwest. 18-62
THE EAST
The Atlantic
Boston (6-3) This team is four deep! Chuck Henderson, Jeff Bailey, Dave Short and Bill Yeager are the best group of 4 players on any team in the league. The problem is that a team plays 5 at a time. Tony Wills is their fifth starter and while he won't win games for this team his job is to not suck. If there is ever an injury on this team there may be some big problems because in the preseason only two players averaged more than 10 minutes per game, and most of that was backing up Tony Wills. Prediction: Win the Atlantic. 58-22
Berlin (8-4) The Blaze or solid through and through but not dominating. If they had a true center then watch out, but they don't. That said Dave Williams really turned this team around when he took over last season and don't count them out of winning the Atlantic, especially if Boston has any serious injuries. Prediction: Second in the Atlantic and make the play-offs. 52-28
London (9-2) Just when you think they are down... they come in second again. Rick Schulz has been impressive and is playing like an all star. Last year they won with defense this year it is all offense. I think to reach the next level the need to find some defensive force. Prediction: Third in the Atlantic. 50-30
Varese (6-6) Earl "The Pearl" is showing his age and he doesn't have as much support as he did last season. They don't have the offensive power that you would expect but they are still strong defensively. In the West they would be a play-off team but the power in the East now. Prediction: Fifth in the Atlantic and miss the play-offs. 38-42
Albacete (8-4) This team is all about Harry Jarvis. He has been amazing and his support staff hasn't sucked yet. They were very surprising in the preseason even with a weak schedule. As long as Jarvis is healthy they'll be fine. Prediction: Fourth in the Atlantic and make the play-offs. 45-35
Maine (4-8) Average in all areas except poor rebounding. Bucky McCarty has been playing very well averaging almost 22 points per game. Prediction: Sixth in the Atlantic. 31-49
Gabon (0-12) Hey, they have 5 first round picks next year. The only real question this year is if they will win a game. Prediction: Last in the league. 6-74
The Mid-Atlantic
Brooklyn (8-4) This team is very disappointed in their preseason. Not so much the record but the way they played on defense. Sure they were ranked 4th but this team expects to be the best in the league. Part of the problem is that Joe Siebert hasn't found his stride in shot blocking, he lead the league last season but in the preseason is ranked 10th. Management isn't too worried because last year he started off slow also. If there is a better rebounding team in the league I'd like to know who. Davis and Siebert were 1 and 2 in the league in rebounding last year and they added rookie sensation AJ Schulz who may be the best rebounding small forward in the league. The real surprise this season has been the teams offensive production which was poor last year. Prediction: Win the Mid-Atlantic. 56-24
New York (8-4) They were attacked often last season for performing trades that many observers though didn't make any since. Well guess what? This season they will be pretty good. Don't get me wrong they don't have any defense but their offense is incredible. Hey owners do you remember when you laughed at the idea of trading for Scooter Jacobs? Now he looks like an all-star! And rookie Kelvin Davidson looks like he will make a strong case for rookie of the year. Prediction: Second in the Mid-Atlantic and make the play-offs. 51-29
Baltimore (5-7) Don't be too hard on them for the poor preseason they had lots of injuries. They have lots of talented rookies and Joe Jones has not disappointed them. When you look at them in the preseason you see a couple of weaknesses but 9 of those games were without tough power forward Bill Lopez. And as strange as it sounds I think he will fix all those problems. Prediction: Third in the Mid-Atlantic and make the play-offs. 50-30
S.Carolina (7-4) What happened here? This a team without any name recognition who lead the league in scoring during the preseason. The only names that the causal WBA fan will recognize are Ed Kane and rookie Paul Wilson. Who only combined for 15 points per game. That leaves 99 points from no names. It's all about efficiency they shot 53%. All the credit for this has to go to coaching and management. Prediction: Fourth in the Midwest and Make the play-offs. 48-32
Chacarita (5-7) If only Pee-Wee weren't in jail. It's tough on an expansion team when their second best player is spending a year in jail. Frank Rose has been great and Aaron Backman has been very solid but this team just doesn't have enough talent this season. Prediction: Fifth in the Mid-Atlantic and miss the play-offs. 42-38
Washington (4-7) Any claims of talent on this team have been greatly exaggerated. Actually for as little talent as this team has they play very well as a team. Prediction: Sixth in the Mid-Atlantic. 18-62
Myrtle Beach (4-8) This is the Damon Trout show. This huge surprise will be fun to watch this season but his team won't. Prediction: Last in the Mid-Atlantic. 15-65
November 12th, 2000
Here we go...
by Bo Boston
1st-Team All-WBA
PG: Kelvin Davidson, New York
SG: Harry Jarvis, Albacete
SF: A.J. Schulz, Brooklyn
(is between Schulz and Green)
PF: George Holt, Midland
C : Boom-Boom Casey, Colorado
1st-Team All-Defense
G: Chuck Henderson, Boston
G: Steve Peterson, Cincinnati
F: J.J McCauley, Roswell
F: Roger Bradshaw, Cancun
C: Jim McCarthy, Cincinnati
All-Rookie Team
PG: Kelvin Davidson, New York
SG: Harry Jarvis, Albacete
SF: A.J. Schulz, Brooklyn
PF: Wayne Taylor, Colorado
C : Bill Yeager, Boston
MVP: George Holt, Midland
ROY: Kelvin Davidson, New York
(Schulz and Yeager could win)
Def POY: Jim McCarthy, Cincinnati
6th Man: Jim Fox, Cincinnati (2nd Time)
Most Improved: Doug Beliaeff, S.Carolina
Sportsmanship: Wes Ford, S.Carolina....hmmm
WESTERN CONFERENCE
PACIFIC DIVISION
1. Colorado- Casey and Wayne Taylor should be enough to win the division title. Thus, the question for this young squad, is how far can they make it in the playoffs?
2. Roswell- This team looks like they can challenge Colorado. John Greene and Tom Perkins are excellent forwards, while Roy Robinson is almost as versatile as Greene. I don't expect them to make it too far in post season, but if their bench plays well, they will be tough to beat.
3. Sydney- Even after losing two players from retirement, Sydney still has a chance for another playoff run. Jose Bergman and Curtis Bridges are still there, and Johnny Tatum is looking at a solid rookie year. Also, keep in mind that the new Sydney GM made the first ever trade in their franchise history...so, either they'll be looking for the future, or looking towards the playoffs.
4. Fernie- Can the champs re-peat? Probably not, but there's always the playoffs, and even though they were in the playoffs last year, nobody expected them to get past the 1st round...and of course, they won....maybe it CAN happen again. Ferguson, Combs, Archer, Lacy and Bennet are still there...throw in Johnny Brose and you have yourself a good team.
5. Adelaide- they're probably most comparable to the Charlotte Hornets, of the NBA; they're never really the greatest team, but they are always a threat. The same is true this year...but, after losing Chapman, Adelaide will need Foreman and Fitzgerald to step it up a notch in order to make the post season.
6. Los Angeles- Wow, how much a team can change in a Year (Williams and Dempsey retired)! The LA owner, publicly announced that he's looking towards the future, thus we can assume a mediocre year. Ray Walters and Maury Starr will try their best to prevent this team from losing.
7. Tokyo- I can assure you this team won't make the playoffs. But, Tokyo does have two great rookies, in Beard and Dickerson...they should be decent next season.
MIDWEST DIVISION
1. Midland- With their new defaults, Midland won their last 3 games by an average of 35 points! I would say they're still the team to beat. George Holt, Larry Chapman and Joe Busby, team up for the best front court in the league, totaling 55.2 ppg and 26.2 rebounds in the pre season.
2. Cincinnati- They have a very solid rotation, including All-World player in Jim McCarthy, Steve Peterson (a super PG), and Bert Latham, the newly acquired star from Winifred. Remember, Cincy had the #2 Power Rating, so don't be surprised if they challenge for the division title, as well as the WBA title.
3. Winifred- This team has the potential to be very dangerous. But, first they need to trade John Riddle or Horace Colbert; or they could play one at power forward. With Colbert on the bench, Winifred has just one big body, so expect a change.
4. Cancun- On paper, this team looks like they should be a great team. But, a 5-7 pre season has many doubting. I believe Cancun will have a decent year, led by a young front court: Gaston, Bradshaw, and Nicholoson (21 years of age). Cancun will need a superb year from their floor leader, Jimmy Foster, if they hope for any post season.
5. New Orleans- This team will do well, considering that they're an expansion team. They have a plethora of role players, including: Andruw Williams, Chris Erickson, Jimmy Waters, Dave Starr and Tom Taylor, among others. If the Felony want to challenge Albacete as the best expansion team, they will need to ditch the role players, and go for some stars.
6. Indiana- This young team has gone through a lot. First, they lose their stars, in John Riddle, Dave Thompson and Ray Valdes. Now, they have to deal with the loss of their coach resigning. Perhaps Frank Sommer and rookie star, Wesley Phillips, can lead this team to a respectable season.
7. Bermuda- This is how I picture an expansion team, very few skilled players, and their star being a rookie. Rod Lawrence, the rookie, has good numbers....but, he will need lots of help before Bermuda is out of the re-building stage.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. Boston- Besides being preseason champs, they also had the hardest schedule (70-33 record). Boston has two exceptional rookies, in Yeager and Bailey; those two team up with All-Stars, Dave Short and Chuck Henderson, to give Boston the best quartet in the league. But, Boston has a very weak bench, which may play a factor in the playoffs.
2. Berlin- The Blaze have a good shot at spoiling Boston's division hopes. Jerry Sims and Pete Benton lead this squad, while Henry Jordan is there as well. Berlin will have an advantage over most playoff teams, with their depth. Elkington, Simmons and Johnson, spell out one of the best benches in the league.
3. London- As long as London is tired of second place, they can try third place for a change. London is certainly at a disadvantage, being in one of the toughest divisions. They just doesn't have as many stars as Berlin and Boston. Rick Schulz, Mike Begley, Buck Jones and Eddie Jacobsen will try their best to make me think otherwise.
4. Albacete- This is no ordinary expansion team, they have talent. Though, Harry Jarvis seems to be their only star, they have great depth, playing 9 guys at least 20 minutes. Players like Steve Felix, Mike Reardon, Billy Christenson, and John Phillips find themselves coming from the bench. With this great bench, I expect Albacte making the playoffs.
5. Varese- They were only one game from the finals last year. But, after losing Tom See and Snipe Magee to retirement, Varese finds themselves in a major hole. With little youth, this maybe be the last playoff chance for Earl Baldwin, Fred Workman and Anthony Cronin.
6. Maine- This team has lots of good players, like Buck McCarty, Ted Schulz, John Erickson and Charlie Young. But, like Chacarita, they need a star. This team is pretty young, so perhaps a few of their players will blossom into stars in the future. If Maine goes after a star this season, I will expect to see them in the playoffs.
7. Gabon- "We'll see who gets the last laugh," is simply all Gabon can say. I'd be saying that too, if I had 5 first round picks for the next season, not to mention 2 seconds. Also, Gabon has two decent players, in Mike Mays and Dave Brower. The future is looking bright for Gabon....no comment on the present.
MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. Brooklyn- They may have the best front court (Midland is up there) in the league. John Davis, Joe Siebert and A.J. Schulz would be good enough for any coach. Gene Allen and Woody Reynolds are fitting in nicely thus far. But, like Boston, their bench could be a huge disadvantage in the playoffs.
2. New York- Kelvin Davidson may be the best point guard...as a rookie! 21.8 ppg and 11.2 assists looks like money to me. Scooter Jacobs looks like he's improving a bit, and Greg Lynn is still scoring. But, New York still needs a little help up front; they did add Dave Booker, but they need more than that for a title.
3. South Carolina- Considering that they're the youngest team (22.8 years) in the league, their future looks great. It's amazing how SC led the league in preseason in scoring....a team full of no-name players....Doug Beliaeff, Pat McDaniel, Ed Bryant, Joe Miller, and Chuck O'Rourke were all double digit scorers. But, they do have a couple of known players...Paul Wilson and Ed Kane.
4. Baltimore- They had a dissapointing preseason. But, with little depth and lots of injuries, losing seemed possible. Stub Madison, Joe Jones, Mike Sewell, George Lush, and BillLopez spell a very nice starting lineup. But, if they are going to be in playoff contention, they need to stay away from injuries and have more depth.
5. Chacarita- Frank Rose is a very talented rookie, averaging over 17 ppg. Snyder, Backman, Smith, and Carter are all "role players." But, it may take some time for this franchise to get to the playoffs....it's too bad Pee-Wee Stoddardd is in jail.
6. Washington- Walt Rogers, Judge Kiefer and Joe Clark will try to keep this team from losing...it will be tough though. But, at least the future is looking up....four first round picks for season three is what washington gets in return for all of these losses.
7. Myrtle Beach- This team is so focused on basketball. In fact, how couldn't they be?....with a nickname like the "Mighty Golfers." ....too bad that this is basketball. Oh well, there's always the future....but, with no picks in season 3, the future may take awhile. Maybe Damon Trout will ease the pain of losing, with the Rookie of the Year? nah
....here's the Top 25 list of the most valuable players:
Rank Player Rating Current Team
1. Boom-Boom Casey 166.64 Colorado
2. Jim McCarthy 147.00 Cincinnati
3. George Holt 136.82 Midland
4. Bill Yeager 121.78 Boston
5. Horace Colbert 120.18 Winifred
6. Wayne Taylor 119.06 Colorado
7. Larry Chapman 111.04 Midland
8. John Greene 109.95 Roswell
9. Chuck Henderson 108.82 Boston
10. Dave Short 107.15 Boston
11. Joe Siebert 102.33 Brooklyn
12. A.J. Schulz 102.32 Brooklyn
13. Kelvin Davidson 99.23 New York
14. Paul Wilson 98.55 South Carolina
15. Steve Peterson 98.32 Cincinnati
16. Scott Nicholson 96.78 Cancun
17. Tom Perkins 93.86 Roswell
18. John Riddle 91.52 Winifred
19. John Davis 90.91 Brooklyn
20. Marty Williams 88.43 New York
21. Jerry Sims 86.08 Berlin
22. Harry Jarvis 82.50 Baltimore
23. Jeff Bailey 81.64 Boston
24. Ed Kane 81.55 South Carolina
25. Jimmy Foster 80.65 Cancun
November 11th, 2000
Announcement from Fernie...
New owner Greg Hough releases the following announcement:
"We WILL keep all personnel and we WILL continue Fernie's
winning ways. We will practice hard, play hard, and win big."
November 11th, 2000
GSPN's MOST VALUABLE PLAYER RATING SYSTEM
By Will Davidson of GSPN News
GSPN has developed a rating system, very simniliar to the UBA Computer Ranking System. This new player rating system, GSPN MVP RATING SYSTEM (GMRS) was developed to be a way to measure a players usefullness during the season.
We often like to use the Computer Rankings as a way of comparing how well the players should be. This new system, GMRS, is a way to compare how well the players actually perform.
We start by following the same formula as the COMPUTER RANKINGS SYSTEM, which accounts for all stats as well as the intangible areas, then we modify that to express how well this player assists his team in winning. This gives us the player's MVP rating. Now, since some teams play more games than others do at various times during the season, we multiply the player's MVP rating to make it so that each player is rated for 82 games. This would basically be the players Computer Ranking if he played in each game of an 82 game system.
One flaw with this system is that a player may play in very few games due to major injury (or any other reason), but play extremely well. This would give him an unrealistically high GMRS rating, when we all know that he should be rated much lower. This system will correct itself as the season progresses, though, and then at the end of the season, no modifier would be used to make it so that each player is rated for the same number of games, since each team would have played in the same number of regular season games.
This is still a pretty accurate way of measuring player talent as long as you realize when a specific player it rated incorrectly. For example, looking at the top 50 GMRS rated players in the WBA shows that Pee-Wee Stoddard is the 10th best rated player for this preseason. Sure, he did a superb job in the few games that he played, we won't be seeing him in the ratings at all during the regular season do to his illegal extra curricular activity prior to this preseason.
Looking quickly at the GMRS ratings, here is the ALL-GMRS PRESEASON TEAM:
At point guard, from the New York Firestorm... rookie Kelvin Davidson! Playing shooting guard from the London Disco.... Rick Schulz! Next up, we have the swingman from the Berlin Blaze, Pete (E.R)Benton at small forward. Midland Thunder's George Holt will be playing power forward and the man in the middle, patrolling the lane at the center spot, from the Cincinnati Cyclones, Jim McCarthy!
Anyways, we here at GSPN, hope you enjoy what you see as you examine GSPN's MOST VALUABLE PLAYER RATING SYSTEM's TOP 25 PLAYERS IN THE WBA!!
==============================================================
RNK GMRS MVP MVP/MIN NAME POS TEAM
==============================================================
1. 2853 248 0.6197 Jim McCarthy ----5 Cincinnati
2. 2831 279 0.6287 Boom-Boom Casey ----5 Colorado
3. 2783 283 0.6959 John Riddle ----5 Winifred
4. 2763 272 0.6729 Kelvin Davidson 1---- New York
5. 2489 273 0.6280 George Holt ---45 Midland
6. 2478 272 0.5862 Pete Benton --345 Berlin
7. 2421 283 0.5601 Ray Walters --34- Los Angeles
8. 2309 220 0.5990 Mike Begley ----5 London
9. 2273 249 0.5285 Jerry Sims --345 Berlin
10. 2247 62 0.7428 Pee-Wee Stoddard 1---- Chacarita
11. 2247 62 0.7428 John Mack --34- Chacarita
12. 2222 244 0.5712 A.J. Schulz --34- Brooklyn
13. 2146 177 0.5436 Bill Yeager ----5 Boston
14. 2104 173 0.5155 Chuck Henderson 1---- Boston
15. 1989 189 0.5738 Rick Schulz -23-- London
16. 1944 220 0.5257 Jose Bergman --34- Sydney
17. 1940 213 0.4986 John Davis ---45 Brooklyn
18. 1873 219 0.5246 Fred Workman ---45 Varese
19. 1871 212 0.5464 Tom Perkins ---45 Roswell
20. 1868 212 0.4822 John Greene --34- Roswell
21. 1845 152 0.4717 Dave Short ---45 Boston
22. 1836 187 0.4376 Scooter Jacobs -23-- New York
23. 1810 199 0.4810 Joe Siebert ----5 Brooklyn
24. 1801 204 0.5369 John Ferguson ----5 Fernie
25. 1799 155 0.4316 Paul Wilson ---4- South Carolina
==============================================================
November 10th, 2000
Raheim Jones owner of the Indiana Shakers quietly bows out of ownership.
by Arther McGovern of the Indiana Times
In an unprecedented and unpredictable move, Raheim Jones leaves the Indiana
Shakers in turmoil...Coaches are "shaken but not stirred" as Tom Roberts
reported. "We really need to regroup and focus, I never liked his management
anyway."
As of November 10th, 2000, Raheim Jones signed over the team back to Commish Rondall Reynoso.
Word is out on whether this will affect the players or not.
As far as the state of Indiana is concerned "good riddance" was the cry from
the rafters as Jones announced that he would be leaving for New York City.
November 9th, 2000
What does the Preseason tell us?
by Ron Chambers of GSPN News
Are Boston and London really the best teams in the league? Will LA really be able to compete? Is expansion team Albacete really one of the best teams in the league? Is S. Carolina for real?
Do we really know the answers to these questions from what we've seen in the preseason? Yes and no. We have to remember that this is the preseason and some teams are fiddling with their lineups also some teams will open the preseason with drastically different teams than they opened the preseason with. Players such as Thurman Holt, Dave Booker, Woody Summers, Steve Felix and Bert Latham have already switched teams. And it is rumored that Jose Bergman, Curtis Bridges, Ike Frazier, John Riddle and George Grabowski are soon to be involved in a trade between Winifred and Sydney. Also, the format of the preseason is a tournament so some teams will have drastically tougher schedules than others.
There are several teams that have been surprises. Lets take a look and see if they are for real.
Starting in the Pacific- Colorado was expected to be tough and they are. They have stood up to every thing thrown at them what has been quite a lot considering that they've had the second toughest schedule in the Tournament. LA is a surprise. Most people expected them to be down this season and having to rebuild. But we find them tied for second in the Pacific with a 6-4 record. Sounds good. Think again. They have had one of the easiest schedules in the preseason. Their opponents have only won 41% of their games(31-45). Expect them to struggle more during the season when competition gets tougher. The same goes for last seasons champions the Fernie Fire-Starters who's opponents have won only 39%. Roswell talks a big game and from the preseason it seems they have something to back it up. Do they? Absolutely! This team has had one of the tougher schedules their opponents have a combined record of 45-31. Expect them to continue their winning ways in the season.
Now to the Midwest- Cincinnati is the leader here and it is well deserved. Their opponents have won 75% of their games which is by far the most difficult schedule. Winifred has also had a very tough schedule and are truly as good as they seem. Midland was considered the best team in the league going into the preseason. So have they had a really tough schedule. Not at all. Their opponents have won 51% which makes their schedule squarely average. So to this reporters mind they have been the most disappointing team in the preseason. They have all the talent in the world but as LA learned last season sometimes it takes more than talent to go all the way.
The Mighty Atlantic- Mighty? That's what it looks like when you look at the standings. They do have the best record as a division after all. London winning 89% of their games is a surprise to most observers. They must have a really easy schedule right. Nope. They actually have had a tough schedule. They are the real thing yet again this season. Boston in the championship game? This really is a new season. And guess what they too have had a very hard schedule. Expect good things from this very talented group. Berlin has also been doing well and they are good, but their schedule has been slightly on the soft side (not much) so I wouldn't expect them to continue winning 70% during the season. And the Miracle team Albacete? The team that despite being an expansion team is 7-3. Well not to take anything away from their great preseason but they have had one of the softer schedules. They will probably be the best expansion team and will probably be fighting for a play-off spot but they are not as good as they are looking right now. As for Gabon? Yes they are that bad.
Finally the Mid-Atlantic- S. Carolina has been a surprise not only that they are winning but how they are winning with the explosive offense. And boys and girls they are the real thing. Brooklyn has been a surprise because they have been winning with offense rather than defense. But they are still winning as expected and their schedule has been a little on the hard side so expect them to continue winning. New York is good but to be honest they have had a fairly easy schedule so 6-4 is actually disappointing. That said they are about where they should be.
So what does the preseason tell us? It tells us that we still have an 80 game season in front of us and 10 games into the preseason is really to early to tell anything.
November 5th, 2000
Massacre keeps on winning...
by Bob Evers (former Boston player)
Winifred- Throughout most of last season, Boston and Winifred were often the laughing stocks of the league (excluding Gabon & a few others). Now Winifred and Boston are doing the laughing -- but, there were no laughs in this crucial preseason game...
A most exciting game, which featured Boston coming out on top. There was a mere 8 seconds left in the
game, as the scoreboard read "97-97." Tony Wills inbouded the ball to Chuck Henderson at
half court, he then made his move. "I was kind of open with a great pic by Dave (Short), I then
took the ball, used a head fake on Felipe, (Smith) I then drove a bit, and I let it (the basketball)
fly; I had a good feeling about the shot, I knew I could make it," said an overjoyed Chuck Henderson. Chuck had a disappointing game, shooting 3-11 from the floor ( good defense, though), but the game-winner certainly made up for that.
This game certainly didn't come easy, in fact it's a little bit of surprise. "We weren't sure how we'd match up against this Winifred squad," stated Coach Bowen, "Their depth certainly favors them, but that didn't matter tonight. Our team simply wanted this game more, but this game really means nothing. Anything can happen during the season."
While nearing the 4th quarter, Winifred held a tight 3 point lead. "I knew, and the team knew, that this game would come down to the end," said John Riddle, who scored 28 points, before fouling out. "It's just unfortunate that I wasn't able to play when the team needed me most." Winifred wasn't hurt too much from Riddle fouling out-- his backup is Horace Colbert, a rookie superstar; it's such a shame Winifred can't play both of them.
Boston has showed lots of life, with 4 consecutive road victories. On Monday, Boston will host Cincinnati (6-0), in which should be another stellar game. Now, if Boston losses, you can bet that the team will blame me, for jinxing them -- we shall see...
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Preseason Predictions
WESTERN
PACIFIC
1. Colorado
2. Roswell
3. Sydney
4. Los Angeles
5. Fernie
6. Adelaide
7. Tokyo
MIDWEST
1. Midland
2. Winifred
3. Cincinnati
4. Cancun
5. New Orleans
6. Indiana
7. Bermuda
EASTERN
ATLANTIC
1. Boston
2. Berlin
3. London
4. Varese
5. Albacete
6. Maine
7. Gabon
MID-ATLANTIC
1. Brooklyn
2. New York
3. Baltimore
4. S. Carolina
5. Chacarita
6. Washington
7. Myrtle Beach
News Bulletin:
The Brooklyn Rage's Bill Meyer has died in a car accident leaving the Rage with no point guards under contract. Also, Meyer's best friend Myron White (reserve pf/c) for the Rage is battling depression due to the loss of his friend.
Dave Short from Boston has been working hard on his offensive game and those close to him say they can notice the difference.
Expansion team Chacarita is hit hard as their star point guard Pee-Wee Stoddard was convicted on a drug related offense and will spend season two working on his game behind bars!
Free agent Phil Miller, formerly of Baltimore, has retired from the WBA to become a Baptist missionary in China.
Players Retire
Here is a list of players who have announced that they are retiring during the off season. The 6 team expansion has given hope to younger players who may have otherwise given up on their WBA dreams. As a result no players under 35 retired.
Dennis Pfeffer- Free Agent
Alvin Jacobs- Free Agent
Art Parker- Los Angeles
Bob Evers- Boston
Charlie Sheehan- Fernie
Ed Cotter- Sydney
Ed Williams- Los Angeles
Frank Doyle- Sydney
Fred Wyatt- Indiana
Gilly Valentine- Sydney
Gus Starr- Free Agent
Howard Briggs- Marysville
Jake Beecher- Los Angeles
Jerry Gordon- Varese
Jimmy Treadway- Berlin
Joe Dempsey- Los Angeles
John Whitehouse- New York
Jose Miller- Washington
Mike James- London
Mike Sherman- Free Agent
Monty Patton- New York
Roy Johnson- Cincinnati
Roy Williams- Boston
Skeeter Maloney- Free Agent
Snipe Magee- Varese
Steve Allison- Free Agent
Tom See- Varese