March 1- April 24, 2005

GLOBAL SPORTS PROGRAMMING NETWORK

Retirements Announced

The big shock this year is the retirement of Steve Peterson. For the last decade Peterson has consistently been one of the top point guards in the league and this last year he lead Budapest to the finals. But, those close to him say he has been fighting through a lot of pain over the last couple of years. When asked why he was retiring Peterson simply answered, "I'm tired." He went on to say, "My body is giving out on me. I can feel it coming. I want to go out while I can still play the way I want."

1. 30 year-old, Steve Peterson of Budapest, has decided to retire.

2. 32 year-old, Stub Madison of Baltimore, has decided to retire.

3. 24 year-old, Aaron Gray, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

4. 23 year-old, Ken Young, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

5. 22 year-old, Al Sentipal, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

6. 22 year-old, Greg Sember, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

7. 21 year-old, Aleksandr Kovalenko, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

8. 24 year-old, Alex Yura, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

9. 23 year-old, Andres Baar, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

10. 23 year-old, Bruce York, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

11. 25 year-old, Bud Bock, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

12. 23 year-old, Caden Whelan, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

13. 24 year-old, Carl Hughes, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

14. 25 year-old, Charlie Brown, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

15. 22 year-old, Cole Jeffcoat, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

16. 23 year-old, Colin Maguire, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

17. 23 year-old, Marcus Johnson, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

18. 23 year-old, Darius Burns, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

19. 24 year-old, Deondre Bolling, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

20. 21 year-old, Devan Mueller, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

21. 18 year-old, Douglas Smith, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

22. 22 year-old, Dudka Catelinas, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

23. 23 year-old, Ean Smith, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

24. 24 year-old, Ed Liang, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

25. 24 year-old, Eduardo Follana, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

26. 21 year-old, Elmar Gruen, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

27. 22 year-old, Austin Novak, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

28. 24 year-old, Skyler Sorenson, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

29. 22 year-old, Ezequiel Grunspan, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

30. 24 year-old, Frank Mayer, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

31. 22 year-old, Frank Richmond, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

32. 21 year-old, Franz Berlitz, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

33. 23 year-old, Fred Freemont, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

34. 30 year-old, George Sewell, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

35. 22 year-old, Haywood Olten, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

36. 25 year-old, Jake Johnston, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

37. 23 year-old, Jake Theivakumaran, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

38. 24 year-old, Jason Bryant, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

39. 29 year-old, Jeff Jackson, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

40. 23 year-old, Jim Adkins, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

41. 30 year-old, Jim Glenn, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

42. 22 year-old, Jimmie Harper, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

43. 22 year-old, John Brock, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

44. 26 year-old, John Kelly, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

45. 25 year-old, John Turner, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

46. 23 year-old, Joshua Carlisle, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

47. 29 year-old, Keith Chambers, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

48. 22 year-old, Kory Wilson, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

49. 24 year-old, Kunta Xia, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

50. 22 year-old, Liam McKee, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

51. 23 year-old, Matt Walker, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

52. 22 year-old, McEverett Daniels, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

53. 22 year-old, Mike Cash, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

54. 23 year-old, Mikhail Osipenko, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

55. 22 year-old, Myles Herring, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

56. 24 year-old, Myron Reese, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

57. 26 year-old, George Burke, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

58. 23 year-old, Derrontay Simms, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

59. 22 year-old, Patrick Kendall, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

60. 29 year-old, Paul Hoskins, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

61. 23 year-old, Pierre Warren, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

62. 21 year-old, Rahul Johnson, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

63. 22 year-old, Reilly Russo, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

64. 22 year-old, Rubio Garica, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

65. 22 year-old, Saleh Maina, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

66. 22 year-old, Seh Learton, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

67. 28 year-old, Shane Dunn, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

68. 23 year-old, Damone Randle-El, Free Agent, has decided to retire.

April 16th, 2005

WBA Scouting Report

After scouting over in Europe for more than one month this is my final assessment. I have been studying the Foreign Player Rookie Class that is coming into the WBA and out of the only one has the chance to be an all-star type of player and one more player could be a good role player. Jervan Timmons Point Guard has been playing in the Australian Professional Basketball league since he was 15. He has the WBA body to take the punishment that will be dished out over an 80 game season. He has very good court awareness and will pick your pocket without you even knowing the ball is gone. Some experts have this young prospect being pick first overall, but I think he will be picked in the top seven.

The other foreign rookie that might have a chance to blossom in the WBA is Garvin Wright Power Forward. He can already shoot the ball and somehow gets to the free throw line regularly. He must improve his free throw shooting percentage. He can also rebound and block shots fairly decent. He must work on his handling of the basketball. He just creates too many turnovers. I project Wright to be drafted in the late 2nd round.

The two Free Agent Foreign Players trying to make a come back into the WBA. I study them for a month and I must say they have a very good chance of helping some teams get over the hump. The statistics I am about to give you are based from their performance in the European League, but I put my evaluation in WBA rankings.

The first player is Remi Jeay from France. He graduated from Sahara in season 6 and was drafted by Birmingham number 44 of that draft. Played in only exhibition games and was cut, after being cut he returned back home and played for France team in the European league. Over the time he was there he led his team to two French Pro Basketball championships and also a semi-final appearance in the European League playoffs. He averaged about 18 points per game, while dishing out 12 assists per game. He also, got 2 steals per game. Here is Remi Jeay projected Player Rankings.

NAME POS H S FG FT 3P R P B S F V A O T AGE INT/HAR OFF AB

===============================================================================================

Remi Jeay 12--- A- A+ B-/ B+ B+/ B A+/ C+ C- A- E- B B+ A- D A B+ 26 -0.0081 -0.0141

The second player is Angelo Bacchi from Italy. He graduated from Great Plains in Season 8, but was never drafted. He returned back home and played in the Italy Professional Basketball League he was the MVP, also leading the league in scoring averaging over 27 points per game, while grabbing 8 rebounds per game. The surprising thing is that he averaged about 2 blocks per game. He also led his team to the European championship game where they lost 4 games to 2 games to Lithonia. Here is Angelo Bacchi projected Player Rankings.

NAME POS H S FG FT 3P R P B S F V A O T AGE INT/HAR OFF AB

=======================================================================================

Angelo Bacchi --34- A+ B+ B+/ B B-/ B- C+/ C- A D B+ E B B+ A A A- 24 -0.0030 -0.0200

After watching these future stars play I am really exited to see what they can do in the WBA. If you want to dig up a story; Scoop Baxter has your shovel.

Scoop Baxter.

WBA Talent Scout

April 12th, 2005

Draft Preview

by Brandon Morfeld

The draft date has been set as Saturday April 30th and every WBA team is in a flurry of offseason activity wheeling and dealing to get themselves in a prime position to get their man. This will be a curious draft without a lot of big name stars, but still a lot of talent to be had nonetheless. I work very closely with all these young men as the Association President of the GCBA and get to see them all in action on the court as a coach at Midwest State. Not to mention that I also have a keen eye for spotting WBA talent with a proven system for projecting a GCBA player into the WBA that I have been using since entering the league several years ago. So without further ado, here is my prediction of how the first 12 picks in this seasons WBA Draft will go.

1) Omaha. I did see one prediction of them taking a PG with this selection, but they made a large commitment last season to youngster Oliver McCarty when they gave him a 9.35 million dollar contract over 5 years to play the point. Not to mention that he has a No-Trade Clause. I find that it wouldn't be in their best interest to use a Number 1 pick on another PG. Watts at the 5, Vinyard at the 4, move Collins to the 3 and it makes sense to draft the best player in the entire draft in SG Mark Carr. Carr is an amazing scorer with some nice range, plus he is greaqt at drawing fouls and opening up his teammates. He is such a smart player and takes care of the ball. He'll provide solid defense and do his share of the dirty work. He's a great leader and a model kid. Omaha can't go wrong with this pick.

2) Colorado. Colorado is a hard team to predict for because they already have everything. Sure they have two great Centers as free agents, but they will be able to keep at least one of them. I could see them selecting a 3 player here if they don't like Crowley or Kamara, but those two seemt o be doing fine to me. I think they need to shore up their one platoon position which is Center. The best Center on the board is George Faup. The name may not strike fear, but the highlight film will. Faup is a monster on the boards and is a force to be reckoned with whenever you drive the lane. He's a pretty smart player for a big man and doesn't get into much foul trouble which is huge for the WBA. By using this money on this pick Colorado will only be able to re-sign one more current player probably for a decent amount so my money is on drafting Faup as a Center of the Future and re-signing Eaton or Peyton to give him time to grow.

3) Nebraska. Yes, that's right. Nebraska has made a trade to acquire the #3 pick in the draft. In doing so they gave up young stud Dennis Evans as well as bench warmer Nick Adams. The main reason for the move was likely the want to extend the contract of Vance Clopp to play Center. Nebraska will likely move Dexter Kodak to the SG position where he is more naturally suited to play and draft a PG to groom. The obvious choice is young Davion Stahl. Stahl is a great scoring PG who is a hound on defense and is great at seeing the floor. His one weakness is a small turnover issue, but patience and some training will straighten that out.

4) Washington. This is another team that doesn't have any big holes to fill. All their starters are signed up and they have a decent bench behind them. It has been pointed out that they are shallow at PF, but Schulz can always split minutes over there if needed and they can sign a low dollar FA to fill the rest. To me their biggest concern is back-up PG. Marvin Lee, Cenninni, and Treacey are all free agents, and they weren't the kind of PG's that Washington needs behind Justin Krueger anyway. It makes much more sense to draft a guy such as Luca McMillan. McMillan will bring a floor general mentality to the court for this team every time he steps out. He is good with the ball and is also going to be a nice offensive addition in the near future. He's a physical PG which fits right in with the Washington style of basketball. He will bring much needed depth to the PG position here.

5) Boston. This team will likely re-sign John Greene at a much reduced price and will also almost surely extend Dave Short's contract. Knowing these 2 things I think they will either draft a SF to add some depth in case Greene is injured or else draft a true PG so they can move Hainge to SG where he should be. I think they will look at their options and draft Chad Nolan. Nolan is a very versatile SF/PF wo can add depth to both positions for them. He's a great offensive player with nice range for a big man. He's also very active defensively both at getting to the ball and at making the big blocks. The best part is that he does this without drawing fouls. Nolan is also one of the premier rebounders in the draft and was a top vote getter for Player of the Year.

6) California. California is a team with no true identity right now. They need a player that IS California basketball. To me the best player left out there that does this for them is Sam White. PF is a position where they could use some help. Plus it will take some pressure off of Sean Ashman. White is one of the best shooters in the entire draft which is key for big man to make an immediate impact. He's also a top notch defender who seems to always be in the right position. He studies film hard and knows how to beat his opponents. He seems to always get to the ball first to make the big rebounds. In California he will make an immediate impact.

7) Omaha. Well, they already drafted a SG in Mark Carr, so their next main need is depth at the 3 and 4 positions. If Nolan is left he'd be a great selection, but since he's already off my board I think they'll select Scott Berger. Berger is a bomber with deadly 3 point range. He's also very consistent inside the arc and is one of the top scorers in the draft. He's a solid passer and is average defensively. He's a little light on the boards and prefers to play an outside game, but that suits a young Omaha team just fine.

8) Miami. This team desparately needs a true SF and I agree with an earlier prediction I saw which had them selecting Chance Crowley. He's the best SF on the board at this pick which isn't at all bad for Miami. Crowley is a great scorer and is especially good at drawing contact. He's a positioning player which means he gets in the right spots on the court at the right times. This makes him a solid rebounder for a SF. He's only average defensively, but he manages to shut his man down without getting fouls called on himself. Just a smart overall player who knows the fundamentals of the game.

9) Rochester. I think that Rochester is in need of a back-up to the big man Jim McCarthy. They will probably try to re-sign 1 or more of his current back-ups, but they can't go wrong in drafting a guy like Justice Grant. Grant is a surprising name for some, but anyone who played against him knows who he is. He's a ferocious inside scorer with tremendous strength on the boards. He is a smart big man who controls his body and doesn't let it lead him into foul trouble. Some even say he has too much control which hinders his ability to block some shots. But under coach Williams this guy could mature fast and become a real force.

10) Capetown. Capetown will likely resign Scott Lio and may have to go another direction than Chuck Henderson for a PG. Based on that I would say they may look to pick up a PG in the draft as insurance. There is one more talented young PG out there and that is Brice Bell. Bell is a great passer and never turns the ball over which is just what a team asks out of its' PG. He is also a tenacious defender who can really shut opponents down. He will need to shore up his shooting to be a starter in the WBA, but that should only take a season or 2.

11) Albacete. Albacete can use this pick as insurance to cover the 4 spot in the lineup with Blackstone and Toby as free agents. Cete has always liked the big scoring rookies so expect them to go with Raheem Qualls. Qualls is a huge scorer and a big time show in the lane. He rebounds with the best of them and is a good defender. The one thing you can't ask him to do is dribble the ball though as he has a tendency to turn it over. Cete can train this out of him though and he'll be a bigtime back-up for them at the 4 spot.

12) Washington. With the frontcourt they have I would expect them to shore up the SG spot this time around with the selection of Brenden Dawson. Dawson is a premier scoring talent who can knock it down from anywhere. He passes the ball well and plays excellent defense. He'll fit in well with McMillan as he doesn't turn the ball over very much. These two players will give Washington a very solid backcourt of the future.

April 11th, 2005

Walking the Plank

Baltimore's Season 10

By Jack Sparrows

The Pirates season was one of high and lows were they started strong and

ended up sliding into the playoffs.

But once there they made a splash going further than

anyone predicted and sending notice throughout the league that the Pirates

are going to make waves next season!!

So we decided to sit down have an interview with the Pirates superstar PG

Anson Valente.

JS: Hello Anson how are you doing?

AV: Good, good Jack thanks for having me.

JS: No prob.

JS: So lets get down to the nitty gritty.

What did you think of your team performance last season?

AV: I thought we performed well we kind of stalled at the end of the season.

Its like we hit a wall and couldn't get our bearings.

JS: Do you think it had anything to do with the injury to Bailey Wood ?

AV: A little Bailey was a nice change up to our lineup.

JS: How?

AV: Well B was more of a scoring pg than I am so where I looked more to

assist my team he looked more for his shot. Coach was at looking at he idea

of him getting some SG. while I ran the point so we could really add

pressure to the opposing team D.

JS: that would have been something to see. Have you talked to him since the

injury?

AV Yeah he is disappointed that he got hurt especially going into free

agency. I know he has been working hard in rehab and I wish him the best.

JS: Lets get to the question everyone wants to ask . Two years in a row you

have been snubbed from the All-Star rookie team and any post season awards.

How do you handle this?

AV: Well ( long exhale) it was great when I made the All-star rookie team

and placed second for Rookie of the year

But the WBA is loaded with great pg. So all I have to do is keep at it and

work hard to get my game more rounded.

JS: Are you trying to be polite and not ruffle any feathers?

AV: (laughs) Naw man it is not like that I have mad props for all the other

pg in the league and the fans who vote for them.

JS: How was it playing with Baltimore's all-time assist leader Stub Madison

again?

AV: Man is always good when you get learn form a legend. I am still amazed

of how he can still handle the rock.

JS: Do you think he will be back?

AV: I don't know I hope so.

JS: Lets talk about the playoffs.

AV: OK

JS: How would you rate your teams play.

AV: I thought we did great I know a lot people expected to us to get swept

but we had some tricks up our sleeves and made it the second round being by

bounced .

JS: So what do you think you guys need to improve?

AV: Play better team D guys got to realize a great D makes a good offense.

JS: Are you calling anyone out in particular?

AV: No they know who they are.

JS: Well Anson thanks for your time.

AV: Thanks for having me Jack.

Well every Pirate fan is waiting for the draft and off season to see what

management is going to do. Are they going makes some off season trades our

they going to bring in some super stud free agent? Hopefully Ill get a

chance to sit down with GM\Coach Rob Arnold and we will find out.

March 13th, 2005

WBA Scouting Report

DRAFT PREVIEW TOP TWEVLE PICKS.

1. Omaha-- Key free agents are Branko Filipovic, SG/SF. and Scott Currie, SG. Just missing the playoffs the Wild are looking to get over the hump with the number one pick. The Wild are projected to take a Point guard with this pick. Davion Stahl

2. Colorado-- Key free agents are Arnold Eaton, C. and Jim Peyton, C. The rich get richer. With the record of 60 - 20 the Pioneers made good trades to position themselves with the number two pick. The Pioneers are projected to take a Center. George Faup

3. Cincinnati-- Key free agent is Tom Kinsey, PF/C. The Cyclones was the worst team in the league last season. All the pieces are there including the six man position, Trevant Bordeaux who came on strong at the end of the season, but this team is missing one piece. The Cyclones are projected to take a Shooting Guard. Brenden Dawson

4. Washington-- Key free agent is Chuck O'Rourke, PF/C. With the Monuments having Samson Erickson at the Power Forward position, but not able to play many minutes they might be looking to sure up that position. The Monuments are projected to take a Power Forward. Norm Kohn

5. Boston-- Key free agents are John Greene, SF/PF. Dave Short, PF/C. Matthew Pitcher, PF/C. Herman Burke, PG/SG. The Massacre losing heir number 2, 4, 5, scorers on their team. The Massacre will be looking to sure up the Forward position on their roster. The Massacre are projected to take a Small Forward/Power Forward. Chad Nolan

6. California-- Key free agent is Brody Liang, SF. The Hellcats will miss the 6.6 Rebounds and 6.1 Assists per game. The Hellcats can either take a Shooting Guard or a Small Forward. The Hellcats are projected to take a Small Forward. Scott Berger

7. Omaha-- Key free agents are Branko Filipovic, SG/SF. and Scott Currie, SG. The Wild already has taken a Point Guard with the first pick. The Wild are projected to take a Small Forward. Darryl Whittaker

8. Miami-- Key free agents are John Davis, PF/C. Bill Rainwater, SF/PF. Paul Wright, SG. Al Zarra, C. Brent Bangerter, SG. The Xtreme have a lot of spots to fill, but the first position to secure is Small Forward. The Extreme are projected to take a Small Forward. Chance Crowley

9. Rochester-- Key free agent is Brad Martin, C. With

Jim McCarthy slowing down and no backup in place the Blaze is in need of big man. The Blaze are projected to take a Center. Jarrod Roe

10. Capetown-- Key free agents are Chuck Henderson, PG. Scott Lio, SG. With Henderson entering in the 30+ age the Zulu will probably resign Lio. The Zulu are projected to take a Point Guard. Luca McMillan

11. Albacete-- Key free agents are Bill Blackstone, SF/PF. Magic Toby, PF/C. The Burning Hell will be losing almost 31 points per game. They will need to secure the front line of their roster. The Burning Hell are projected to take a Power Forward. Sid Howard

12. Washington-- Key free agent is Chuck O'Rourke, PF/C. The Monuments have already picked a Power Forward. Now they will be looking for scoring. The Monuments are projected to take a Shooting Guard. Mark Carr

March 9th, 2005

SEASON 10 FREE AGENCY

There is some quality this season when we take a look at free agents. Like every season, there will be some teams with massive amounts of money to spend, most of them teams with bad records, but some top teams in the weak East like Budapest or Albacete will have over 20 M to spend and cause some havoc in the West. Here are the top five players by position

POINT GUARDS

Yuri Vilasny. With 22 years, Yuri is the best passer in the league. He has averaged 14.0 assists this season and he has lots of room to improve. While he is not very gifted shooting the ball (he only averages 5 points per game), he can play some defense. He is still under his rookie contract that pays him only 2 M a season, and it is expected a big pay raise. The big question is if Birmingham will extend him or not, given that 3 of hteir best players end their contract and its very likely one of them will be left as a free agent.

RESIGNS - 7 SEASONS @ 9.5 Millions

Parker Mason. When a point guard averages 7 rebounds and 8 assists, he is a constant triple double threat. If we add that he averages 18 points per contest, we are talking about an elite player. Parker Mason has been the franchise player on the best organization in the WBA and it would be odd to se him in any other team, but it could happen. Cancun want him to stay, be im not very sure he will be extended. He is 29 years old and would be elegible to a 3 years extension starting at least at 11.60 M. If Pat's heart gives a chance to his head, he could save some money in the free agency.

RESIGNS - 4 SEASONS @ 8.0 MILLIONS

Austyn Williams. Williams was once considered the next big thing when he left school. Someway, he hasnt become the player a lot of people expected. With all that, Im not saying he is a mediocre player, he is really good. Williams averages 11 points and 9 assists, and he is a very good defender with 2.3 steals per game. He is stacked in a team which goes nowhere with some tought decissions to take and little money to spend. It's very probable that Salt Lake will have to choose between offering an extension to Williams or Wally Birckheah

6 SEASONS @ 7.5 MILLIONS

Steve Peterson. Peterson has been one of the top PGs in the league for years, and he still is, but his age will make some suitors to hesitate about offering a contract. Peterson is still capable of averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists with his 30 years, and he can play at a great level for another 3 years at least. Budapest would be happy if his salary expectations arent very high. The competence will come from good teams looking for a boost in their championship options.

3 SEASONS @ 5.25 MILLIONS

Chuck Henderson: This player is in the same mold of Peterson. 30 years old, a great talent for passing and setting the pace of the game, a great off the ball defender. He has helped to change the losing culture in Capetown, and it will be very hard to see him with any other team, but he will have to take a paycut, but it doesnt represent a big issue for him with all the money he has earned in these years

RESIGNS - 3 SEASONS @ 4.5 MILLIONS

SHOOTING GUARDS

Scott Lio: A teamate of Chuck Henderson in Capetown, Scott Lio jumps to the top of the list of shooting guards because his age makes him a building block for years to come for any team. I dont think he will become an allstar, but his rebounding is avobe average for a guard. He is a reliable scorer and has the ability to visit the charity stripe frequently. His main option will be to stay in Capetown, but Henderson will have to reduce his salary for this to happen

RESIGNS - 5 SEASONS @ 6.0 MILLIONS

Branko Filipovic: Omaha has a tough one here. Filipovic has the youth and the tools to be one of the top scorers in the league, but somehow, he still hasnt flourished. His bad conditioning is well known around the league, and thats the reason that he plays only 30minutes a game. But when he is on the court, be prepared for the bombing, he can score from everywhere, and he is not shy to shoot from deep long range. His defense could use somework, but very few free agents guarantee 15 points in 30 minutes of play. The problem for Omaha will be that some low teams, will be ready to overpay for Filipovic to make him the focal point of their offense

5 SEASONS @ 7.5 MILLIONS

Otto Hameleers: With his quality, he should be at the top of the list, but his 29 years make him interesant just for a contender. While he has scored over 20 point per game the most of the seasons, the part of the game he will be remembered for is his defense. This season his production has been awesome, 18 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. With all that said, dont expect Gabon to let him go, though an extension will be hard to see, because Gabon will need every penny to improve his team

RESIGNS - 4 SEASONS @ 5.5 MILLIONS

Eugene Lamaitre: Lamaitre is one of the best players in free agency, and if i were him, i would pack my stuff and look for a good team while i am a good player. His 19 pints and 6 rebounds paired with over 2 steals will make him one of the most targeted players for contenders and pretenders. Carolina could use his money on him, but building from zero around a 29 years player seems like a risk to me

3 SEASONS @ 7 MILLIONS

Joe Watts: Buried at the end of the bench, Joe Watts has been a non factor in Colorado. Being a ball hog doenst help his case in such a talented team. He is a scoring first, scoring second, whatever then player who could really help a team lacking a scoring punch. I do doubt he will stay, because some large offers will come to him from lousy teams to dinamyze their offense. Out of some good defensive abilities, dont look for him to try anymore than scoring

5 SEASONS @ 4.5 MILLIONS

SMALL FORWARDS

John Greene: Greene is one of the top players in the league, and he will be one of the most pursued players when bidding starts. His scoring production has gone down in Boston, but he has improved hos problem with fool fouls which prevented him to finish the games. He has averaged 14 points, gir 6 board and delivered 5 assists, qhile he has stolen 2.4 balls per game, with just 3 fouls per contest. At 28 years, he still has 4 productive years in the tank, and probably not in Boston

4 SEASONS @ 8 MILLIONS

Bob Delaney: Delaney ends a very lucrative contrac which has reported him over 40 millions. He is 28 years old and has the last chance to get a big contract. Delaney hasnt become a star, and he never will, but he is a solid team player who gets his 15 points and 8 boards and be the third player on a team. His team, Birmingham, would like to keep him, but we have to remember that they will have some free agents to resign and Delaney could be the odd man out

5 SEASONS @ 5.5 MILLIONS

Abdullah Chanda: Chanda has been the perfect team player in London, and he is a player for a winning team, because you cant do all the little thing if anyone doesnt get the bgger ones done. If you look at his stats, you see a player who can contribute all around the court. He doesnt deligth us with an offensive game, but he collects 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists 2 blocks and almost 2 steals. He doesnt seem to be a player in the long term for London, a team in rebuilding mode. His age and way of undestanding the game make him the perfect player for a winning team with some money to spend

4 SEASONS @ 4.75 MILLIONS

Brody Liang: There was a time when Liang was one of the `feel good' stories in the league. HE was traded to California, one of the worst teams in the history of the league and put them on the radar. At his 29 years, it is time for him to try to win something and it wont happen if he stays. His producton is good enough to help any team with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists

3 SEASONS @4.0 MILLIONS

Bill Blackstone: BB is a free agent again after a contact that has reported him over 65 Millions. So that he has no need of a very lucrative contract. He is one of those players who will be remembered for just a series of games in season 2 when he alone dismantled Brooklyn in playoffs. Now he is again in Albacete, and while he wont be earning the same money, word around the league is that he will have offers to stay.

4 SEASONS @ 4.25 MILLIONS

POWER FORWARDS

Dave Short: Short is one of the few stars availables in free agency, but it will be very hard to see him out of Boston. He still has 17 points and 10 boards to offer, and Boston cant afford to lose him for nothing. While his 28 years wont let him get a maximum size contract, expect him to stay around with a short extension

RESIGNS 3 SEASONS @10.25 MILLIONS

Tony Dimateo: Here is the third important player Birmingham will have to resign at a higher rate that his existing 4 millions a year. Dimateo is a curious power forward who is more confortable playing out of the zone, the farther the better. His 3 point stroke is the best on the league. No player in the league make more threes than him, and his 46% of shooting only makes thing better. But he can make more than shooting, he is a good rebounder and not a bad defender. His 25 years will help his cause a lot. Birmingham will suffer if they dont extend him for the maximum, because any team in the league will want him, from the worst to make him the top scorer, to the best ones to make him a threat from downtown

6 SEASONS @ 9,75 MILLIONS

Wally Birkhead: Here comes a problem for Satl Lake. Birkhead and Austyn Williams are free agents, they dont have too much money, and their team is not improving very much, so the question is if they spend all their money in keeping the team together or not. As for Wally, he has the tools to be a great defensive player for years, but his offesnsive game is not great, he is unable to create his own shot, but he rebounds and blocks like the best

6 SEASONS @ 7.0 MILLIONS

Ellis Law: Law could be a victim of the renovation process in Cancun. In just 20 minutes, he has scored 11 points per game, with 1.4 blocks too. He still has room to improve, and he could be a good second option for a team trying to start from zero. Being a primary weapon could easily reach 18 points per game

4 SEASONS @ 3.75 MILLIONS

John Davis: Davis finally ends his lucrative contract in Miami, and I bet he wont find any suitor for half that money again. With that said, Davis still is an interesting player, being his best attribute the rebounding. He has averaged 9.6 per game, while shooting over 50% for 14 points average. At his 29, he'd better find a contender to play for a title

3 SEASONS @3.5 MILLIONS

CENTERS

Arnold Eaton: Eaton has somehow bottomed in Colorado this season, but he is still a very capable player. He has averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds in a subpar performance, but he still has a great shooting touch, is a good rebounder and shotblocker, and the best of all is that he controls his fouls very well, which prevents him to be on the bench at the end of the game. His 28 years dont make him a kid, but he has some years left.

5 SEASONS @6.5 MILLIONS

Don Laine: Here we have a player who could be a great defensive center in a pair of seasons. At his 25, he is a great rebounder, and he is very promising with his shotblocking, stealing and playing without fouling, and his only flaw is that he shoots too much, when he isnt the best player attacking the rim. Laine has averaged 11 ponts and 9 boards this season and he is still growing as a player. Baltimore will make all the possible things to keep him, since he is one of his best players

6 SEASONS @ 7.5 MILLIONS

Jim Peyton: One other center playing limited time in Colorado. He has almost the same points and rebounds in limited time than Eaton. He is a slightly better rebounder and passer, but a worst defender. Colorado will have to opt for one of them. While Eaton is the younger player, Peyton could be a more economic option

RESIGNS 3 SEASONS @ 3.5 MILLIONS

Keishawn Eosso: He will be ither good player if he is able to land in a team that needs him and doesnt ask him to do more than he can. Eosso is a good rebounding center who plays slightly over average defense. This season he has averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds in 30 minutes for Carolina. He is still 27 years old, and one has to think he will want to escape to a good team accepting an important role from the bench

3 SEASONS @ 2.5 MILLIONS

Horace Colbert: Colbert is one of the historic draft class on season 2, and while he is slowing down a little, he never deserved to be waived. Montana picked him and he contributed with 14 points and 7 rebounds in 31 minutes. One could think that he still is an important player in this league, and offer a short term lucrative deal.

2 SEASONS @ 4 MILLIONS

March 9th, 2005

Stien Will Miss Games

There has been a trend in the WBA thins year for teams to rely very heavily on their star players. Many observers feel that this may hurt the careers of some players. Some note that Both Dave Williams and Jim McCarthy of Rochester seem to be showing some slight ill effects of their extended minutes. The biggest example today came when youngster Bishop Stein missed the game due to a sore back.

March 7th, 2005

So It Begins....Washington and Toronto have made some waves

By Greg Ross

Washington and Toronto both have been in the news a lot lately. In fact some might say overshadowing what has been a great WBA Playoffs thus far. Washington had been talking about big changes even before Budapest blew them out in 5 games in the second round. While Toronto was able to celebrate having the Rookie of the Year in Walt Jackson. Well now both teams fans can cheer or boo depending on what the think of the blockbuster trade that will be come offical at the end of the post season. Here is how it shakes down:

Toronto Gets:

Emmitt Yee SG

Justin Kruger PG

Washington Gets:

Quintal Pitt SG/SF

Christbal Dasher PF/C

Toronto's RD 1 Pick in Season 12

Rumours of big changes in Washington should they not get it done in the Playoffs have become reality. The starting Backcourt of Yee and Kruger will now likely start along side Walt Jackson in Toronto next year. Washington in return will have a great force in the back court in Christbal Dasher who despite his huge contract of 11.75 million per season is a proven performer. He along with Boom Boom Casey make an unreal PF and Center combo. This move is probably the first of what should be an active offseason for Washington. There is rumours that the team may be moved to Arkansas so to say things are up in the air in Washington would be an understatement. Quintal Pitt has the potiental to be a good player for Washington as well and the also will get a first round pick in next years draft. If thinks stay as is that will give Washington 5 first round picks in the next 2 seasons. There first pick this season is the #3 overall and with the move of Kruger and Yee it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that Washington will be looking to add a guard.

Toronto meanwhile in the first season under new management had a respectable year and was able to stock pile a core of young talent. What cost the team was a lack of passing and scoring. This trade provides them both with out giving up much of the young core of talent the have. The other thing it does it gets the big contract of Dasher off the books although Kruger is set to make 8 million next season he is signed long term and by all accounts is a solid passing point guard. This trade seems to suggest that Buck Jones may be one and done with the Dinos which would make him an attractive free agent at a key postion for all teams. If by some Chance they were able to keep Jones they would have hugh depth at the postion. But sources say that plans to have Felipe Juarez play the 2 gaurd are taking place over the summer possible being a combo gaurd behing Yee and Kruger. The one thing that the Dinos need is a Veteran quality Center if by the time the ball goes up on season 11 they have one than Toronto Re alignment or not will be on heck of a challenge for any team in this league and a playoff contender.

This marks the first move of what is shaping up to be the most exciting off season in WBA history. Rumours of Exspansion, Realigment and old ownership groups trying to get back in the WBA it is sure to be an eventful offseason. 4 teams could care less about that at the moment as Both Oregon and Budapest took commanding 2-0 leads in their respective conference finals. It shaping up to be some exciting times for fans of the WBA.

March 1st, 2005

Walt Jackson has some new intials R O Y

Article By Greg Ross.

It is what is suppose to happen to a number one draft choice but it does not always happen. But the best man on draft day is still the best after his first season so says WBA voters. Walt Jackson is the Rookie of the Year in the 10th season of the WBA. Despite an up and down ride from when his name was announced at the WBA Draft. He than became EA coverboy for WBA LIVE season 10. Than he started the preseason at the power forward and had little success. But playing the swing man on the young Dino squad seemed to be a better fit. He struggled with minor injuries and poor shooting percentage. However a strong showing in the first ever WBA Slam Dunk Contest reaching the finals. His main competiton for the award Sheldon Gorman was named MVP despite a solid effort by Jackon who had been injured just prior to the all star break. But in the end Jackson numbers were slightly better than Gorman and he was a much bigger contributer to his team as he was the third leading point scorer on his team. Amazingly he was also the second best rebounder on his team from the small forward postion 90% of the time. Alone with being happy and proud you could sense that there is a feeling of relief as well as I sat down and talked with Walt as he watched the Washington verus Budapest game on television.

Greg: Let me start by saying congratulations you must be happy with finding out you were named rookie of the year in WBA.

Walt: Yeah awards are nice I was the MVP of the GCBA and now I'm the best new player in the WBA. It gives me some satitisfaction for all the hard work I put into my game day in and day out. I am already starting into my workouts for next season and plan on getting moved and settled up in Toronto some time next month.

Greg: Even with getting this award some feel that Sheldon Gorman should have been named Rookie of the Year. What do you think makes you the better choice?

Walt: I got more votes. Nah but seriously I just feel people have been comparing us ever since the draft and likely will continue with it. But I am a complete player that made his team better than it was the year before. I always see awards to be based on poltics and stuff so I don't get caught up in them. I mean sure I'm glad to get them but to me the real awards are the W's that go in the standings page in the paper. If my success leads to more wins than great because thats what the game is about.

Greg: What kind of a Walt Jackson will we see next season?

Walt: A smarter one that has learned what it takes to be a better player in this league. I think you will see a hungry one too. I mean if the rumours are true and we move to the eastern conference than there is no reason we won't be playing in the playoffs next season. I plan on working on being stronger next year cause the couple times I was out this year with injuries killed me not to be able to play. I love playing ball it's that simple.

Greg: What do you think your team will do or should do in the offseason?

Walt: That's not my call but obviously you could see at the end of the year we reallly had started to play some good basketball so I hope we can keep the core group of guys together and continue from where we left off this season.

Greg: Yon mentioned your already training so I guess you have recovered from the injury that caused you to miss the last couple games this year?

Walt: I wanted to play but coach Jack and Mr. Borbath wanted me to rest and get ready for my offseason workouts. So I went along with the advice they gave to sit out. But if it had been my call I would have played.

Greg: Next season will see many changes for this league with possible expansion and re-alignment as well this franchise is moving to a new market what about all of that excites you or concerns you?

Walt:It's all good for us. I mean the city of Toronto is Jacked up to have a team in the WBA in fact all of Canada seems to be. I have done a lot of interviews with press from up there and they get me excited by the passion they have. That's going give us a big lift. Moving to the East like I said should also help as I was saying before. That's why I've been watching a lot of the eastern playoffs especially to check out the teams we will play more now.

Greg: Was this season a success for you and was it for your team?

Walt: Success in both cases is on that T.V screen. So although I'm happy we improved and I improved I can't use success to define this season for the team or for me. If you think it's success getting a few more wins and not making the playoffs than you shouldn't be in this league and I don't want a guy like that on my team.

Greg: Well once again congrats on being named rookie of the year any final thoughts.

Walt: Just like to send some love up to Canada. I will be heading up there soon to get established in the city and hope to get out in the community and get fans to love the game the way I do. I'm also gonna try and help some kids out and who knows maybe Canada can get nome of thier own people in the WBA. Hopefully Walt Jackson can be a part of that. I know I'm going put in the effort too.

The Toronto organization has been doing well in it's marketing in Canada and have just started to sell a whole line of items for the Toronto Dinos Franchise. Walt showed me the newest item to hit stores be weeks end. The ROY Walt Jackson T-shirt which should be a hot seller. Jackson hopes his career will continue to be hot as well.

Walt Jackson ROY T-Shirt 20 Dollars US 23.75 Can

Dino Tear Away Pants 30.55 US 34.65 Can

Air WJ flight Version 1.0 199.95 US 229.05 Can

High Tops

These are just a few of the items that have hit the stores. Owner James Borbath says that his team plans on a high intensity marketing campain this off-season and that includes coming up with some of the coolest gear in the WBA