December 16-31, 2004 | home
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GLOBAL SPORTS PROGRAMMING NETWORK
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December 31st, 2004
Western conference starters:
PG: Parker Mason, Cancun
SG: Bishop Stein, Oregon
SF: Wayne Taylor, Nebraska
PF: Oman Fatafehi, Miami
C: Lou Gonzalez, Oregon
Western conference reserves:
PG: Chuck Henderson, Capetown
SG: Dave Troychak, Miami
SF: Obafemi Mabruke, Capetown
PF: Corey Mosley, Oregon
C: Jay Vazquez, Texas
11: Samir Sheth, Colorado
12: Heiko Van Brandt, Texas
Eastern conference starters:
PG: Steve Peterson, Budapest
SG: Dave Williams, Rochester
SF: Shane Strom, Brooklyn
PF: Dave Short, Boston
C: Jack Spiegel, Alaska
Eastern conference reserves:
PG: Yuri Vilasny, Birmigham
SG: Mario Bailey, Brooklyn
SF: Jaxon McCall, Sacramento
PF: Gordon Whitehouse, Albacete
C: Jim McCarty, Rochester
11: Eugene Lamaitre, Carolina
12: A.J. Schulz, Washington
Western conference rookie all-star starters:
PG: Pete Nelson, Andorra
SG: Ahmed Dougherty, Cancun
SF: Walt Jackson, Roswell
PF: Sheldon Gorman, Montana
C: Al Herbert, Andorra
Reserves:
R: Jeremy Aarons, Cancun
R: George Bissett, Capetown
R: Sam Hickerson, Roswell
R: Evelio Jackson, SLC
R: Jim Koons, Cancun
Eastern conference rookie all-star starters:
PG: Reid Dall, Gabon
SG: Al Rozier, London
SF: Ajani Valentine, Boston
PF: Raphael Park, Alaska
C: Carlos Williams, NY
Reserves:
R: Rodger Garson, Albacete
R: Wu Dian-Fan, Birmigham
R: Javonte Bolk, Rochester
R: Kolby O'rourke, London
R: Samson Erickson, Washington
December 27th, 2004
Rookie Report
By: Joe Spencer
Like last year, I'm going to take a look at how the rookies of this year's draft are performing, and if there are any surprises, busts, or guys just sitting on the bench learning the game from this Season 10 rookie class.
1. Walt Jackson - SF/PF - Roswell
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Walt Jackson 42 33 36.1 61.3 31.1 7.7 3.9 2.7 1.3 1.0 1.2 15.5
Walt Jackson was taken with the #1 pick, due to the fact that he was the best player coming out of college, and right now he is performing the best of all the rookies. Obviously, he's not a star yet, but he is showing signs of what he can do, as he is averaging 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. His main weakness is obviously his poor shooting, which management has seemed to be concerned about, as they sent him to shooting camp earlier this season. If Jackson does improve over the next few year, he probably will be worth being on the cover of the WBA Live video games as he currently is.
Grade: A-
2. Sheldon Gorman - PF - Montana
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Sheldon Gorman 44 32 43.9 73.9 25.7 7.5 2.9 2.1 0.8 1.0 1.0 11.7
The great Espo took Sheldon Gorman with the #2 pick, as was expected. As most rookies these days, including Walt Jackson, he's not breaking out immediately with flashy stats. However, Gorman is contributing to his team, with 7.5 rebounds per game, and 11.7 points. Unfortunately Montana is still struggling. However Gorman is only 21, and I'd believe that Espo would think that his team would get better as Gorman matures, and after another 50 or so trades to revamp his lineup.
Grade: A-
3. Samson Erickson - PF - Washington
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Samson Erickson 44 9 33.3 73.5 21.1 2.0 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.5 2.9
Samson Erickson is getting only 9 minutes per game right now, as his team has Leo Rice and A.J. Schulz available to play in front of him at PF. This is probably good, as Erickson is still young (he skipped his senior year, and therefore is 21). In the minutes he has played, its obvious that Erickson will have to be working on his shot selection, as his FG% is only 33.3%. At least he isn't a bad rebounder, and his foul rate isn't bad either for a big man.
Grade: B
4. Al Herbert - C - Omaha / traded to Andorra
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Al Herbert 40 20 38.1 78.5 31.3 4.8 1.7 1.0 1.2 0.9 0.8 5.5
Al Herbert was drafted by Omaha, but immediately traded to Andorra, where he's been making a living averaging 20 minutes per game as a backup to Oshodi Bombata. Right now, he's not making an immediate impact. As expected, he's not a offensive force, only averaging 5.5 points per game. Besides that, he's getting some decent rebounds, not as much as expected, and he's doing okay defensively. It'll probably be a couple seasons before Herbert makes the impact that he did in his senior year at Paris U.
Grade: B
5. Chad O'Donnel - C - Omaha
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Chad O'Donnell 22 13 38.6 72.7 0.0 2.3 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.5 0.9 3.2
By trading Al Herbert, Omaha took the next best center of the draft. However, this rookie has shown that there is a talent gap in that position. When he's not been watching games from the bench, he has gotten some minutes as a backup. He really doesn't have an offensive game, but being the GCBA all-defensive player honors in his senior year, he should have some talent. He is getting almost a steal and block in the 13 minutes he averages per game, but O'Donnell needs to improve overall before he gets relied on in the future. Unfortunately, most of his rookie peers have a year on him, as he was one of the older members of the draft class at 23 years of age.
Grade: C
6. Raphael Park - PF - Alaska
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Raphael Park 30 15 43.7 63.6 20.0 2.8 2.1 1.0 0.4 0.9 1.0 6.2
There is nothing fancy about Raphael Park. In his rookie season so far, he's shown that he is an okay rebounder, scorer, and shooter, but nothing great yet. At least he's on Alaska, where he can get some playing time. With work on improving in his areas, he could become a good player, eventually.
Grade: B
7. Evelio Jackson - PG/SG - Capetown / traded to Montana, then Salt Lake
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Evelio Jackson 33 14 41.4 58.3 18.8 0.6 2.8 0.8 0.1 0.7 0.9 3.3
After being hyped by much of the media as being the top guard prospect in the draft, Evelio Jackson hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Yes, he is a good passer, and defender, but he's definitely not a scoring threat. He has been bounced around the league, getting some backup minutes on the team that drafted him in Capetown, before being traded to Montana. Now he's a bench warmer for Salt Lake. At least Jackson has a chance to be a WBA type PG with more work on his offensive game.
Grade: B-
8. Wu Dian-Fan - SF - Birmingham
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Wu Dian-fan 44 11 43.0 75.0 41.2 1.5 0.9 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 4.0
Wu Dian-fan is obviously not making an immediate offensive impact like he did in the his senior year at Gainsville. As a backup, he's FG% is a little low, but he is managing to put up 4.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in the 11 minutes per game he averages. Perhaps in a few seasons, Dian-fan will be better adjusted to life in the WBA, and be a scoring threat like he was in college.
Grade: B
9. Seth Finklestein - SG - Cincinnati
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Seth Finklestei 41 9 33.8 75.0 23.7 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.3 3.1
Seth Finklestein was the leading scoring on Harlem U. in his senior year with 18.0 ppg, but he wasn't exactly a star player, as his 46.9 FG% was only decent among his peers in the GCBA. Now, going to the WBA, Finklestein hasn't been a major factor. He's only getting 9 minute per game, and he really isn't showing much of a threat, as his FG% is at a miserable 33.8%, which obviously isn't going to help a struggling Cincinnati team. It's hard to tell if Finklestein is going to be able to improve enough to make an impact in the WBA, or if he will struggle as a bench player for his career. Right now it looks more like the latter.
Grade: C-
10. Ajani Valentine - SF - Nebraska / traded to Roswell, then Boston
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Ajani Valentine 42 22 37.4 75.7 26.8 4.4 2.1 2.9 0.8 0.7 1.3 7.9
Ajani Valentine is the centerpiece of the WBA's multimillion dollar All-Star game campaign. Is he really that big of a player? Right now he's splitting time with John Green on Boston at the SF spot. Valentine is doing quite well for a SF, with his 7.9 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game in 22 minutes. However his two biggest weaknesses so far in his rookie season have been his FG% and fouls -- two things that are important for Valentine to improve on if he wants to make it to more all-star games than just the rookie one.
Grade: B
11. Quade Nash - PF/C - Cancun / traded to Washington
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Quade Nash 18 10 44.2 75.0 33.3 3.1 0.9 0.7 0.4 0.2 0.3 3.1
Quade Nash has only seen some limited action since being traded to Washington. Off the bench, he can get good some rebounds, but he's not a major offensive threat. That's nothing against him, as he's about as good overall as Raphael Park, taken #6 overall. Nash should be good in this league in a few seasons, and Washington does have big name players at PF and C to help teach him on the way.
Grade: B
12. Jovante Bolk - PG - Rochester
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Javonte Bolk 38 18 36.7 62.2 25.0 1.3 4.6 0.8 0.3 1.0 0.7 4.5
As a backup PG for Rochester, Javonte Bolk has shown signs that he can be a solid PG in this league. He's getting 4.6 assist per game in only 18 minutes, and only averages 1.0 turnovers along with that. He's not a great shooter, but that has been the case for almost all rookies these past few seasons. He might not be making an immediate impact for his team, as Jimmy Whalen is the top PG for his team, but Bolk looks to be a solid PG in the near future.
Grade: B+
13. George Bissett - SF - Capetown
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
George Bissett 45 10 39.9 63.6 20.7 1.1 2.3 0.3 0.3 0.9 0.2 3.6
All George Bissett has to do is back up superstar Obafemi Mabruke. Bissett is obviously no Mabruke, and he'll probably never be one. He likes to pass, which is okay, if he doesn't turn the ball over too much. His FG% may be low at 39.9%, but that's higher than many of his peers. I think that George Bissett has potential to be a pretty good scorer in this league in a few seasons if his team doesn't want to use him as a "second PG".
Grade: B
14. Ahmed Dougherty - SG - Cancun
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Ahmed Dougherty 39 21 44.0 59.1 38.3 2.7 3.1 0.7 0.2 1.2 1.1 8.2
Ahmed Dougherty has actually been doing a decent job filling in for the starting SG role for Cancun since Scott Lio was traded. He obviously has a great supporting cast to help ease him in into his role, but Dougherty is still do a nice job, being 3rd in scoring among rookies with 8.2 ppg. His FG% of 44.0%, while it may not look to be too impressive, is near the top amongst rookies. Doughery also has been getting around 3 rebounds and assists per game, so he looks to be a well-rounded SG, which should be helpful in the future for this team.
Grade: B+
15. Rodger Garson - SF - Albacete
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Rodger Garson 43 11 42.0 85.7 26.1 1.4 1.6 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.4 3.5
In his senior year, Rodger Garson was a solid all-around player for Scottsdale U., averaging 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. He only gets 11 minutes per game, behind Jim Donnely, but does show that he can still get some points, and help a little with rebounding and passing. He's doing okay right now. In a couple seasons he should be the good player he was in college.
Grade: B
16. Pete Nelson - PG - Andorra
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Pete Nelson 43 23 38.7 82.0 31.3 1.8 5.7 2.1 0.1 0.6 1.2 6.7
Pete Nelson has made an easier transition to the WBA than some of his fellow PG rookies, and probably ranks along with later draft choice, Reid Dall, with having the biggest impact this year amongst them. He's not the greatest shooter but he's able to pass the ball efficiently, with his 5.7 assists and only 0.6 turnovers per game.
Grade: B+
17. Joe Herrera - SF - Baltimore
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Joe Herrera 11 1 71.4 50.0 100.0 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.1
Joe Herrera is behind Mike Ivey, Lonnie Graham, and Lance Armstrong on the Pirates' depth chart at SF, so he's not getting much playing time in his rookie season. If Herrera did play, he'd probably be similar to Rodger Garson, since he does have a decent all-around game. However, he wasn't the best shooter in his college career, and his WBA ratings seem to confirm that.
Grade: C+
18. Reid Dall - PG - Gabon
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Reid Dall 39 27 35.1 77.8 35.0 2.9 6.2 1.7 0.4 0.0 1.5 6.1
Reid Dall, as the starting PG for Gabon, has shown his ability to run an offense with his passing ability. He's averaging 6.2 assists per game in 27 minutes, and like his college coach, Brandon Morfeld, makes very few mistakes. He is following the path of only a few WBA players who have yet to get a turnover in their WBA careers. Some work on his offensive game should make him a legit PG in this league in the next couple seasons.
Grade: B+
19. Al Rozier - PG - London
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Al Rozier 39 30 33.2 70.6 47.6 1.0 7.4 1.0 0.1 1.7 1.5 5.1
Straight from High School, Al Rozier has actually been matching up to, if not beating, many of the other rookies PGs in performance this season, leading all rookies with 7.4 assists per game. However, Rozier is the only PG on his team, and that team is the miserable London franchise. Since he is only 18, at least the team can decide how to develop him, on offense or defense, since right now passing is the only thing he's able to do.
Grade: B+
20. Kolby O'Rourke - SF/PF - London
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Kolby O'Rourke 43 10 38.4 63.4 35.5 1.9 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.7 3.7
Playing as backup to Abdullah Chanda on London, O'Rourke has been playing almost every game so far this year. Statisically-wise, O'Rourke is doing as well as #4 pick Samson Erickson, but then again, he is playing on a London team that basically lacks any depth at all positions except PF and C.
Grade: B
21. Steve Miller - SF - Albacete
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Steve Miller 13 3 28.6 50.0 30.8 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.0 1.3
Interestingly enough, Steve Miller hasn't shown any signs that he can be a major offensive force like he was in college. Luckily, Albacete has plenty of talent of their team, and can keep Miller on the bench in case his game improves in the future.
Grade: C-
22. Trevor Rosin - PG/SG - Colorado / signed by Gabon
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Trever Rosin 10 8 40.0 63.6 0.0 0.5 1.2 0.6 0.1 0.3 0.0 2.3
Trever Rosin isn't really a flashy player. Even in college, his assists rate was a bit low for a PG, and his stats were modest if he would be used as a SG. Therefore, he's going to struggle to find a rhythm in the WBA if he plans on succeeding. Right now he's only played a few games as a backup for Gabon.
Grade: D+
23. Jack Berkley - PF/C - Colorado / signed by California
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Jack Berkley 10 6 38.9 50.0 0.0 1.3 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.2 1.6
Jack Berkley has been playing a few games as a backup for California. Although he's not playing much, he potentially should have about the same talent level as #11 pick Quade Nash (not a major scorer, but able to be decent rebounder and defender). He should be a solid player in the next few seasons, as he's 21 years old, and isn't being rushed to play right away.
Grade: B-
24, Tobias Harrison - PF/C - Miami
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Tobias Harrison 16 7 47.6 80.0 0.0 1.8 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.1 3.0
Not too many minutes have been played by Tobias Harrison. His stats have looked surprisingly well when he has played: 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in only 7 minutes, but his ratings have made him out to look like he should just be a decent scorer, and average rebounder for his position. But nevertheless he probably won't be bad at all.
Grade: B-
25. Joe Brennan - SF/PF - Birmingham
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Joe Brennan 13 10 43.8 50.0 33.3 1.9 1.0 0.9 0.3 0.2 0.3 2.5
Like most players late in the first round, Joe Brennan is limited to reserve play only. Joe Brennan does have talent, he was 6th in the world in rebounds in his senior year in college. However, Birmingham has plenty of depth at its forward spots, which makes playing him unnecessary until he improves further over the next couple seasons.
Grade: B-
26. Asher Ward - SF - Oregon
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Asher Ward 1 11 40.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 4.0
Asher Ward has talent to be a decent scorer and rebounder for a SF in the future. However, right now, he doesn't have to play, as the Oregon team has plenty of big-name stars that can play in front of him, even if it's out of position.
Grade: C+
27. Junior Jones - C - New York / traded to Sacramento
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Junior Jones 6 4 42.9 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.0
Another player who hasn't been needed to play as of yet, whether its New York or Sacramento. In the next few seasons, he should be able to improve on his main skills of rebounding and getting shots off, which will lead to more playing time.
Grade: B-
28. Jim Koons - SG - Cancun
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Jim Koons 22 14 44.7 64.3 27.6 2.1 1.7 0.8 0.2 0.0 1.0 5.0
Even if he did chose to skip his senior year on the international champions in Paris U., Koons may feel lucky to be on the last year's WBA champions in Cancun. He's actually having one of the better all around years for the rookies, as he's shown that he can hit shots and get some rebounds and pass.
Grade: B
Well, that's the first round of the WBA draft. For a note, my grades are based on how well the rookies are doing, and if they haven't play enough games to make an accurate judgment, then it's how well I would project them to do.
Second Round Standouts
There hasn't been any Dave Williams picked up in this season's 2nd round, but in the future, people will remember these two second round selections who are currently trying to make an impact:
32. Jeremy Aarons - SG/SF - Budapest / signed by Cancun
G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS
Jeremy Aarons 39 25 37.6 67.9 22.1 2.8 4.6 2.1 0.2 0.3 0.9 7.6
Like Jim Koons, Jeremy Aarons skipped his senior year, and is currently playing on Cancun. He's a good passer for a SG, and is doing well enough that he is currently starting for the Outlaws, where he obviously has been having a good supporting cast to help him out.
Grade: B+
38. Sam Hickerson - Roswell
Sam Hickerson 27 16 49.7 52.4 0.0 2.8 1.4 2.0 1.1 1.3 0.4 6.2
The youngest non-high school or foreign rookie is Sam Hickerson at age 20. Out of all the rookies, remarkably, Hickerson has been the most consistent in his shot selection with a 49.7 FG%. He lacks solid rebounding or defensive skills, but he's definitely capable of developing into a solid center, and will probably end up better than most of the rookie class once he's in his prime.
Grade: B
December 21st, 2004
Second Half Look Ahead
Pacfic Division
Oregon
Overview: From day one Oregon as looked like the team to beat this season and based on thier performance in the first half of the season they still do.They have the best offence in the league which is thanks in large part to Stein and Gonzales who alone account for 50 points a night on average. They also have a defence that is near the top of the league as well. It all adds up to Oregon being the team to beat in the Western Conference.
Schedule Strength: With still many games to go in the eastern conference the may even have a better record in the second half as Oregon as only one loss to an Eastern Conference Team. But the true test will be in the matchup they have with the top teams in thier divison. Playing Colorado 3 more times and Nebraska and Andorra twice. They actually our only 2-3 verus these 3 divison foes. This will be the key on if Oregon is a high seed in the playoffs or falls back to the middle of the pack.
Keys to Success:
Stein and Gonzales staying healthy
Winning key divisonal match-ups
maintaining offensive and defensive intensity
Colorado
Overview: This team will go as far as Smair Seth can take them. The arguement can be made that he is the 3rd best player in this league. However he unlike Gonzales and Wayne Taylor has the most pressure to perform night in and night out as he provides a greater chunk of offensive pie for his ball club. The numbers of Colorado mirror that of Oregon as far as a great offence and an excellent defence. Where the edge lies for Oregon is depth of scoring. Having said all this Colorado won the only match up so far between the 2 teams. As trade deadline approaches it may be wise for Colorado to find one more shooter to the mix or an excellent defender to shift the balance to thier favour.
Strength of Scehedule: Key games for Colorado ultimate destination will be 2 matchups left with Nebraska who they have yet to beat. Along with 3 big games verus Oregon. Unfortunately for Colorado the only see Roswell and Montana once more and have finshed the season series with California where they took 3 out 4 games. But on the positive side they still have many games verus the eastern confernce which should help them keep pace in the highly competive West.
Keys to Success:
Semair Seth being health and productive
Finding a way to beat Nebraska and Oregon
Win high percentage of games verus Eastern Opposition
Andorra
Overview: I think this team is the biggest suprise in the division and quite possibly the league. After a slow start the have stormed into the half way point of the season leaving Nebraska behind for the moment. Unlike the Montana Knights who never recovered from a bad start Andorra did. Andorra was balenced scoring throughout the line up and seem to be a believer in the team concept as far as offence.
Strength of Schedule: 11 games left with in the division 3 verus California and Roswell and 2 verus Oregon and Nebraska. while they will see Colorado once more. They have already swept away the Montana team from the schedule. The also will see some games in the east yet. If Andorra can win the games they should win they will be right in the dog fight for top spot in this division.
Keys to Success:
Dovanta Carrigan being bigger part of what they do
Continued Defensive Intensity
Controlled Effective Offence
Nebraska
Overview: Just Like Semair Seth in Colorado Nebraska will need a healthy porductive Wayne Taylor to succeed. Taylor is truly a dominate force and for most teams a guy that can't be stopped but only contained. Taylor is part of a dominate rebounding team that night in night ou hammers opposition on the glass. This team made a lot of moves to try to win this year but if Wayne Taylor were to miss any signifgant time not trades or free agent sigins would fill that void. This is and for a long time to come Wayne Taylor's team
Strength of Schedule: 4 games verus the Montana Knight may proof to be helpful as all the other contenders have already faced Montana a lot. Anndorra as mention peviously swept the knights. As for the other 3 teams any head to head match between the 4 battling teams will be huge. But in a year where Montana has had little impact they may have a hugh one on if Nebraska wins this division or hosts a playoff game at all.
Keys to Success:
Healthy Productive Wayne Taylor
Dominating the Glass
Establishing a good second option on Offence
California
Overview: California will be looking outside the divison more than in it as they try to chase down an 8th seed in the west. However that is not going to be easy but California has rasied the level of play lately and may find a way to ride thier best player Sean Ashman and his double double average to a playoff appearance. But even with that this team gets crushed on the boards consistantly. If making the playoffs is important to this franchise they need to make a move to get some rebounding help.
Strength of Scedule: Having faced the majority of there games verus top teams in the division is good for this team what is bad is they do not face miami again and if push comes to shove between Miami and Cali they split the season series so it could even com down to conference record so all in conference games down the stretch will be key.
Keys to Success:
Hit the glass harder
Western Conference Play
Ashman Continue Soild Play
Roswell
Overview- The Dinos our young and talented but lack consistance and the killer mentality to close out games. After looking like a team that like California was going be in the hunt for that 8th seed things changed. A brutal schedule and some nice moves for the future have left the Dinos with no chance at the playoffs and look like they will be big time sellers at trade deadline. They may hold a important part in a team getting better for a playoff run. Brighter days lie ahead as Walt Jackson looks to be starting a career that has huge potiental. If the dinos make moves they may get worse as far as this year goes which will make teams they have to play a lot still very happy.
Strength of Schedule- Not that it matters much but thr dinos will see the schedule lessen as they move closer to the final stretch. If they can win those games it will be a nice building block for what should be a better next year.
Keys to Success:
Management Moves
Devloping young talent
Creating a team concept
Montana
Overview- Dissapointing would some it up. Despite many moves the result has been the same for the knights Many people around the league would say it is a chemistry problem with all the movement of bodies in and out of Montana. In a year of disappointment a ray of sunshine is Sheldon Gorman. If he defies the odds and stays in Montana many feel he will be a great player in this league.
Strength of Schedule- It real is not an issue because at this point other than it being offical the knight season is over. Although we will see what kind of pride this team has down the stretch and they may prove to be a spoiler if the get their act together down the stretch.
Keys to Success:
Chemistry
Devloping A Soild Core Group
Assement of Talent
That is a look at the Pacfic Divison when all is said and done here is the order of finsh we see.
(*) denotes playoff team
*1-Oregon
*2-Colorado
*3-Nebraska
*4-Anndorra
5-California
6- Montana
7- Roswell
December 21st, 2004
All-Star Starters: The Right Picks
The time has come once again to select the representatives for the WBA's all-star game. The dream of every player is to become an all-star and the hope for every owner is that their players will receive the recognition they believe their players deserve. This publication will undoubtedly break some hearts and bring forth the wrath of many owners so for reasons concerning my safety I shall remain anonymous.
Now down to business. I will work my way from the weaker conference (East) and finish with the stronger conference (West) analyzing each position and ultimately making the logical selection.
Eastern Conference
Point Guard:
Although the east plays second fiddle to the west the conference stills holds a handful of quality point guards. The east's featured point guards include the league's best passer in Birmingham's Yuri Vilasny who is averaging close to fifteen assists per game. But like other top passers in the east like Alvin Simpson and Anson Valente their offense is extremely limited. On the other extreme are scoring guards who have a limited passing game as exemplified by Boston's Danny Hainge and Gabon's Otto Hameleers. Ultimately one guard stands head and shoulders above the rest and that is Budapest's Steve Peterson. Consistently leading his team to the top of the standings, Peterson is having another stellar year putting up 14 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds a game. Among the league's most balanced players Peterson also shoots a high percentage and is among the league leaders in steals. This is why Steve Peterson is the unanimous choice to represent the east from the point guard position.
Selection: Steve Peterson, Budapest
Shooting Guard:
If the east holds anything over the west it has to be the quality at the shooting guard position. The conference holds the most well rounded shooting guard in the league in Brooklyn's Mario Bailey and some of the league's most dangerous scorers in Emmett Yee and Harry Jarvis. However, Bailey has not fully developed into a superstar and aside from scoring Yee and Jarvis do not have well-rounded games. Once again one player stands mightily above the rest and that of course is Rochester's Dave Williams. Williams leads the entire eastern conference in scoring at 26 points a game but also couples this with a healthy number of rebounds and assists all while shooting a high percentage and limiting his turnovers. Williams can be credited with single-handedly putting Rochester in the middle of the playoff race. This is why Dave Williams is the unanimous pick to represent the east at the shooting guard position.
Selection: Dave Williams, Rochester
Small Forward:
The east has an assortment of solid small forwards but three in particular stand above the rest. These are A.J. Shulz out of Washington, Shane Strom out of Brooklyn and Jaxon McCall from Sacramento. These players are all having great individual seasons. Shulz leads the trio in rebounding while McCall is shooting an amazing percentage but statistically Strom is probably having the better season by averaging 26 points a game while leading the trio in assists at 6 a game. However, Strom and Shulz' teams have been underachieving. Jaxon McCall on the other hand has helped Sacramento become a legit upper seed in the east and it is for this reason that Jaxon McCall gets the nod to represent the east from the small forward position.
Selection: Jaxon McCall, Sacramento
Power Forward:
Clearly the general weakness on the east is the lack of formidable big men and when it comes to power forwards in the east only one can clearly pass as a bona fide star and that is Dave Short out of Boston. The man is clearly on another level leading all eastern power forwards in scoring and rebounding. Many questioned if he could be as effective without longtime frontcourt mate Bill Yeager but he has clearly put all those questions to rest with his play thus far this season being among the few to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Selection: Dave Short, Boston
Center:
The center situation in the east is quite interesting. Once considered the best centers in the league the revered Boom Boom Casey and Jim McCarthy are still pulling strong while the enigma that is/was? Jack Spiegel is having a breakout year leading all centers in scoring. Ramiro Watts has proven to become a formidable offensive force and George Holt is shooting one of the highest percentages of his career. But the unanimous pick at center may come as a surprise to some as he proves that being a great center is not all about scoring. The player I am talking about is the league's leader in blocked shots, John Van Horne. Surpassing Lou Gonzales in the blocked shot category he is second among all eastern centers in rebounding while being among the most proficient in getting to the line and converting free throws. His play may not be glamorous but it is effective and a primary reason to why Sacramento has achieved the success they have attained so far this season. John Van Horne's expertise is doing the dirty work is why he should be representing the east from the center position.
Selection: John Van Horne, Sacramento
Now the west is a little trickier. Not only are the players better but theirs more better players. Nevertheless, a unanimous choice is always present.
Point Guard:
Generally, the mold of a western point guard is shaped more towards scoring. While the east has three players averaging double digits in assists only Brandon Sandler of Cincinnati can hold that claim in the west. But while in the east only two point guards combo guards at that average more than fifteen points there are five in the west who achieve the same feat. Charlie Daidone and Buck Jones are doing a good job running their respective teams from a scoring perspective but there are three guards who stand above the rest. Kelvin Davidson is often overlooked in his role in Oregon's success. He is averaging 15 points a game while picking up a solid 7 assists while shooting a high percentage and limiting his turnovers, frankly what more could be asked of him. The same can be said of Chuck Henderson dishing out 9 assists, scoring 12 points and being among the leaders in steals while shooting a high percentage and doing a great job taking care of the basketball. Then of course we have mainstay Parker Mason who has been named an all-star virtually every season. This season he is performing below his career averages but still remains one of the elite players in this league. You can't go wrong with Parker Mason running the show and leading Cancun to another excellent season is the reason why Mason deserves to represent the west as the starting point guard.
Selection: Parker Mason, Cancun
Shooting Guard:
The west has a fair number of solid shooting guards. Dennis Evans and Brian Collins are rising stars but not quite of the all star caliber yet. However, Dave Troychak and Samir Sheth definitely require all-star recognition as they handle the rigorous scoring duties day in and day out for their respective teams. But one player clearly outshines them all and this is young superstar Bishop Stein out of Oregon. This young kid does everything, he scores, passes and rebounds with exceptional skill nevermind the fact that he's only 23. Expect to see Stein as a mainstay representing the shooting guard position just as Mason represented the point guard position.
Selection: Bishop Stein, Oregon
Small Forward:
Now this is the closest race in the WBA. We have four players, each deserving an all-star start. Candidate number one is the most proficient scorer in the league Wayne Taylor out of Nebraska. Candidate number two, the most versatile player in the league Heiko Van Brandt out of Texas. Number three is Africa's pride and joy Obafemi Mabruke and the fourth candidate is the revitalized Devonta Corrigan out of Andorra. Each of these players is shooting over 50% in putting up over 20 points a game while pulling down over 8 rebounds a game. In a race this close the performance of their respective teams and personal stories play a major influence in the decision making process. Taylor of course has rebounded remarkably from the devastating injury at the beginning of last season, he is leading the league in scoring but while his team started off hot it seems to have hit a bump in the road as Nebraska is now fourth in the pacific division. Van Brandt himself has rebounded remarkably from a sub-par shooting slump he faced last season. However, his name is circulating in trade rumors once again as Texas has not achieved the level it expected at the start of the season. Mabruke is on track to finish with career highs in points, assists and field goal percentage in leading his team to a heated race with division rival Cancun. But Corrigan probably represents the best story of the four as he is having a breakout year after leaving his abusive wife the past season. He is among the top rebounders in the league while putting up 23 points a game on 54% shooting. But most importantly he has led Andorra to a coveted spot among the wests elite teams surpassing Nebraska and Texas on the way. This is why Devonta Corrigan should be the rightful representative for the west at the small forward position.
Selection: Devonta Corrigan, Andorra
Power Forward:
The west has its share of great power forwards. Established names like Scott Nicholson, Cory Mosley, Cristobal Dasher come to mind. Newly arrived Tom Perkins, the revitalized Roy Base and the defensive wizard Greg Lacy are also prominent players. But when you look to see who contributes the most to his team the name of an emerging star appears and that is Oman Fatafehi. Fatafehi of course was the free agent to command the most cash during the offseason and while Miami was criticized for overpaying by some, it is now evident that this was money well spent. When you look around the league it is difficult to find a more solid player than Fatafehi. This season, a breakout year for him after leaving Capetown he is shooting 59% while putting up 18 points and 11 boards a contest. He also makes his presence felt on defense as he is good for two blocks and two steals a game. Fatafehi may not be as famous as his counterparts but rest assured he will make his presence known in the seasons to come. The future is here and Fatafehi deserves to be recognized as the starting power forward for the western conference.
Selection: Oman Fatafehi, Miami
Center:
When it comes to the center position in the west one player has it on lockdown and that of course is Lou Gonzalez out of Oregon. The man is simply a freak and he has proved it once again this season averaging 24 points on 72% shooting while dishing out 4 assists and maintaining his reputation as a defensive terror by blocking four shots a game and getting two steals a game. Still it is important to recognize the other great but human centers in the west such as the up and coming generation represented by Jay Vasquez and Sean Ashman and the ever consistent veterans Kent Mercer and Bill Yeager. Still neither of these players can hold a candle to Gonzalez and that is why he is the unanimous choice to represent the west from the center position.
Selection: Lou Gonzalez
There you have it those are the rightful picks for this seasons upcoming all-star game. If you happen to see things differently then wake up because you are living in a different reality.
December 20th, 2004
Will the WBA LIVE COVER CURSE CONTINUE?
We all know that the WBA Live curse has hit last season in a big way. With Wayne Taylor donning the cover for the Season 8 West Edition and the newly revivid Rondall Reynoso on last season's Eeast Coast version. EA Sports decided to do away with the seperate edition and went with Walt Jackson as the sole cover star for the Season 10 version. So far, he has been able to sidestep the curse, but his play has not been quite up to what was expected of him. Who will be on the cover next season? Let's hear your opinions on who should get the nod!
December 19th, 2004
WEEKS 6 AND 7 TOP PLAYERS
After some weeks off due to a virus attack (MS BANGLESTER) against my offices, here are the last 2 weeks report. It's clear that statistically, this league is owned by Oregon's players, but we have to remember that this is a team play:
WEEK 6:
|
MMF
|
|
1
|
Lou Gonzales
|
199,95
|
2
|
Bishop Stein
|
182,75
|
3
|
Obafemi Mabruke
|
172,7
|
4
|
Heiko Van Brand
|
164,9
|
5
|
Shane Strom
|
160,2
|
6
|
Jaxon McCall
|
152,8
|
7
|
Craig Bradshaw
|
142,2
|
8
|
Gordon Whitehou
|
142,05
|
9
|
Devonta Corriga
|
142
|
10
|
Bill Yeager
|
139,75
|
11
|
Steve Peterson
|
138,45
|
12
|
Wayne Taylor
|
136,8
|
13
|
Kent Mercer
|
135,35
|
14
|
Dave Williams
|
133,75
|
15
|
Chuck Henderson
|
133,5
|
16
|
Jay Vasquez
|
127,85
|
17
|
Parker Mason
|
127,8
|
18
|
Tom Perkins
|
127,65
|
19
|
A.J. Schulz
|
127,4
|
20
|
Pat Stephenson
|
124,55
|
21
|
Otto Hameleers
|
123,8
|
22
|
Jack Spiegel
|
122,15
|
23
|
Tyler Kane
|
120,3
|
24
|
Brandon Sandler
|
119,9
|
25
|
Boom-Boom Casey
|
115,8
|
26
|
John Gaiser
|
115,75
|
27
|
Harry Jarvis
|
114,25
|
28
|
Jimmy Whalen
|
112,85
|
29
|
Cordell Parks
|
112,4
|
30
|
Cory Mosley
|
111,8
|
VORP
|
|
|
1
|
Lou Gonzales
|
84,8701069
|
2
|
Bishop Stein
|
62,0149446
|
3
|
Jaxon McCall
|
52,8504757
|
4
|
Shane Strom
|
51,6701766
|
5
|
Tony Dimateo
|
48,3724695
|
6
|
Heiko Van Brand
|
47,1934974
|
7
|
Bill Yeager
|
45,8232894
|
8
|
Obafemi Mabruke
|
44,8844239
|
9
|
Devonta Corriga
|
43,3587077
|
10
|
Dave Williams
|
43,2798476
|
11
|
Kent Mercer
|
42,7650578
|
12
|
Steve Peterson
|
42,5306018
|
13
|
Gordon Whitehou
|
41,6356919
|
14
|
Chuck Henderson
|
41,5683043
|
15
|
A.J. Schulz
|
41,235267
|
16
|
Wayne Taylor
|
40,484372
|
17
|
Tyler Kane
|
40,014134
|
18
|
Branko Filipovi
|
39,4152359
|
19
|
Tom Perkins
|
38,9311445
|
20
|
Craig Bradshaw
|
38,3054399
|
21
|
Parker Mason
|
37,7066406
|
22
|
Harry Jarvis
|
37,6236081
|
23
|
Pat Stephenson
|
37,2278265
|
24
|
Webster Hewlett
|
35,5774919
|
25
|
Johnny Tatum
|
34,9023849
|
26
|
Otto Hameleers
|
34,8592294
|
27
|
Danny Hainge
|
33,9863522
|
28
|
Jimmy Whalen
|
33,0549418
|
29
|
Bill Blackstone
|
32,6925131
|
30
|
Charlie Daidone
|
32,2787978
|
|
APP VALUE
|
|
1
|
Lou Gonzales
|
2,91268479
|
2
|
Obafemi Mabruke
|
2,46574799
|
3
|
Bishop Stein
|
2,42732013
|
4
|
Heiko Van Brand
|
2,39836575
|
5
|
Shane Strom
|
2,2813538
|
6
|
Jaxon McCall
|
2,21216776
|
7
|
Devonta Corriga
|
2,21216776
|
8
|
Craig Bradshaw
|
2,16230507
|
9
|
Kent Mercer
|
2,13220299
|
10
|
Bill Yeager
|
2,11205608
|
11
|
Steve Peterson
|
2,10195858
|
12
|
Gordon Whitehou
|
2,10195858
|
13
|
Wayne Taylor
|
1,98978754
|
14
|
Jay Vasquez
|
1,98978754
|
15
|
Tom Perkins
|
1,97948664
|
16
|
Pat Stephenson
|
1,97948664
|
17
|
Dave Williams
|
1,96916784
|
18
|
Chuck Henderson
|
1,96916784
|
19
|
Parker Mason
|
1,90687019
|
20
|
A.J. Schulz
|
1,87546647
|
21
|
Jack Spiegel
|
1,85443303
|
22
|
Tyler Kane
|
1,84388647
|
23
|
Boom-Boom Casey
|
1,83331976
|
24
|
Donavan Jones
|
1,83331976
|
25
|
Brandon Sandler
|
1,8014968
|
26
|
Cory Mosley
|
1,79084754
|
27
|
Mark Miller
|
1,78017712
|
28
|
Cordell Parks
|
1,76948534
|
29
|
John Van Horne
|
1,76948534
|
30
|
Dave Short
|
1,76948534
|
Like you can see, Lou Gonzales commands the week using any criteria.. Its a good thing that Tyler Kane starts to figure is these standings :)
WEEK 7
With a lot of players playing fewer games than usual, there is a little disorder this week. For the first time, Lou Gonzales is not the top player
MMF
|
|
|
1
|
Oman Fatafehi
|
174
|
2
|
Jaxon McCall
|
149,25
|
3
|
Shane Strom
|
139,25
|
4
|
Danny Hainge
|
140,25
|
5
|
Sean Ashman
|
135,25
|
6
|
John Gaiser
|
136,25
|
7
|
Obafemi Mabruke
|
132,25
|
8
|
Eugene LaMaitre
|
125,5
|
9
|
Mike Bennett
|
138
|
10
|
George Holt
|
123,75
|
11
|
Bill Yeager
|
127
|
12
|
Omar Jefferson
|
117,75
|
13
|
Dave Williams
|
116,75
|
14
|
Luke Benner
|
117,25
|
15
|
Boom-Boom Casey
|
120,75
|
16
|
Heiko Van Brand
|
127,5
|
17
|
Devonta Corriga
|
124,5
|
18
|
Kent Mercer
|
120
|
19
|
Anthony Curtis
|
117,75
|
20
|
Jay Vasquez
|
118,5
|
21
|
Dave Short
|
107,5
|
22
|
Jimmy Whalen
|
115,25
|
23
|
A.J. Schulz
|
111,75
|
24
|
Alvin Simpson
|
121
|
25
|
Keyshawn Eosso
|
114,5
|
26
|
Bishop Stein
|
107,25
|
27
|
Cordell Parks
|
111,5
|
28
|
Joe Siebert
|
121,5
|
29
|
Abdiel Gordon
|
116,75
|
30
|
Harold Gil
|
100,75
|
VORP
|
|
|
1
|
Oman Fatafehi
|
59,8182021
|
2
|
Jaxon McCall
|
46,6059133
|
3
|
Mike Bennett
|
43,3650875
|
4
|
Bill Yeager
|
39,7095336
|
5
|
Sean Ashman
|
38,9000099
|
6
|
Dave Williams
|
38,4079225
|
7
|
Lou Gonzales
|
35,5508385
|
8
|
Danny Hainge
|
35,1432429
|
9
|
Shane Strom
|
33,4745731
|
10
|
Eugene LaMaitre
|
33,341567
|
11
|
Ramiro Watts
|
33,0200717
|
12
|
Bob Delaney
|
32,4598608
|
13
|
Johnny Tatum
|
32,3162731
|
14
|
Obafemi Mabruke
|
32,2306698
|
15
|
Devonta Corriga
|
32,1528281
|
16
|
Kent Mercer
|
32,1025476
|
17
|
John Gaiser
|
32,0402139
|
18
|
Nike Johnson
|
31,8031156
|
19
|
Luke Benner
|
31,1020124
|
20
|
Boom-Boom Casey
|
30,5698408
|
21
|
Omar Jefferson
|
30,5344418
|
22
|
Zachariah Saler
|
30,4343006
|
23
|
George Holt
|
30,244119
|
24
|
Keyshawn Eosso
|
29,9579145
|
25
|
Heiko Van Brand
|
29,6577365
|
26
|
Cordell Parks
|
29,0981637
|
27
|
Marty Williams
|
28,7275618
|
28
|
Jimmy Whalen
|
28,6639809
|
29
|
Parker Mason
|
28,4042247
|
30
|
Harold Gil
|
27,7600746
|
APP VALUE
|
|
|
1
|
Oman Fatafehi
|
2,34984727
|
2
|
Jaxon McCall
|
2,08171488
|
3
|
Sean Ashman
|
1,95883098
|
4
|
Shane Strom
|
1,93810246
|
5
|
Mike Bennett
|
1,90687019
|
6
|
Obafemi Mabruke
|
1,85443303
|
7
|
Danny Hainge
|
1,83331976
|
8
|
Bill Yeager
|
1,82273271
|
9
|
Boom-Boom Casey
|
1,82273271
|
10
|
Eugene LaMaitre
|
1,81212513
|
11
|
Joe Siebert
|
1,8014968
|
12
|
Devonta Corriga
|
1,79084754
|
13
|
John Gaiser
|
1,79084754
|
14
|
George Holt
|
1,79084754
|
15
|
Heiko Van Brand
|
1,75877198
|
16
|
Dave Williams
|
1,71569832
|
17
|
Kent Mercer
|
1,71569832
|
18
|
Jay Vasquez
|
1,69402612
|
19
|
Cordell Parks
|
1,68315533
|
20
|
Keyshawn Eosso
|
1,67226109
|
21
|
Anthony Curtis
|
1,67226109
|
22
|
John Van Horne
|
1,67226109
|
23
|
Sergei Danilov
|
1,67226109
|
24
|
A.J. Schulz
|
1,65040123
|
25
|
Bob Delaney
|
1,63943507
|
26
|
Luke Benner
|
1,63943507
|
27
|
Dave Short
|
1,63943507
|
28
|
Jarius Miles
|
1,63943507
|
29
|
Abdiel Gordon
|
1,61742898
|
30
|
Omar Jefferson
|
1,60638847
|
December 18th, 2004
“Flying Under the Radar”
The Colorado Pioneers Mid-Season Report
By Kenyon Anthony
It seems to be the case every preseason for the Colorado Pioneers ever since Mike Hameleers left as GM/head coach. The doubters are always present, saying this team is going to slip, not having what it takes to hang with the big boys. But every year these players continue to shrug off the naysayers and show why they still remain one of the best in the West.
After losing the likes of Sean Ashman through free agency and Austyn Williams via trade this past offseason, there were several questions as to who would be able to step up in their absence. The answer to those questions is still not cut and dry, but something is working as this team is off to an outstanding first half of the season. With a 29-10 record and sitting in second place in the Pacific Division, the Pioneers only trail Oregon, the consensus favorite to win the WBA Championship, by one game.
Colorado's path to success has not been a result of pure player talent. This team is built on quality depth, classic role players, and outstanding chemistry. Sure they have stars in Samir Sheth and Greg Lacy. But it goes much deeper than that.
Charlie Daidone has stepped up at the point guard position, surprising many by showing his value as a scorer as well as his ability to dish the ball when necessary. Daidone is not your prototypical point guard, but his scoring touch more than makes up for his lack of passing, as he is the second leading scorer on this team averaging 17.6 points per game. Daidone's greatest improvement over last year has been in his shot selection, increasing his field goal percentage significantly from just 38.5% last season to 49.8% this season.
With Daidone only dishing out a modest 4.2 assists per game, Colorado has relied on Edgar Kamara as their point forward and the additions of Mark Crowley and Ray Tango off of the bench to pick up the assists. So far, they have not disappointed. Kamara has been averaging 7.6 assists per game, good for 3rd highest in the WBA amongst non-point guards, and Crowley has proven to be an excellent addition to this team settling into his role as a passer and rebounder.
Throw in solid play at center by Jim Peyton (who was dearly missed last year due to injury) and flashes of brilliance from Paul Spagnoli, and this team appears as though they certainly have the potential to make a title run.
Through the second half of the season, Colorado will need to continue to play their style of basketball to remain amongst the elite. Considering the strength of the Western Conference this season, getting a home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs alone will not be easy to come by. Then again, any seed other than the #1 will likely match up against a dangerous opponent as it appears that every seed from one through seven will be capable of winning it all.