January 1 - January 31

January 30th, 2006

HARRY JARVIS' BLOG: WEEK 1

Hi, my name is Harry Jarvis, and if you don't know me, i have played SG for the last ten seasons in ALbacete. GSPN asked me to write a weekly blog talking about my team and the news and gossips around the league. Being one of the top veterans in the league, i couldn't refuse to show all those youngsters who think they own the WBA what is this league about.

I have seen this offseason with mixed feelings. I want to win the championship again before my retirement and it was clear that our team was not ready for it after season 11. The team chose to part ways with two of our most important players basically for picks, and i saw we were taking a step back, not what i needed at that point in my career. They kept saying that hte team shouldn't resign a player like Leo Rice for that amount of money and Whitehouse was 31 and we couldnt rely on him any more. I will really miss Gordon, we have lived a lot together in our years in Siberia and Albacete, but in the end i had to agree with the team. Besides, scouts were raving about unknown adquisition Raphael Park, so i decided to hold on all my criticism. We have some of the best scouts all around the league, and they took an option in free agent Matt Archer a younger and cheaper version of Leo Rice with whom i see we have improved while going younger. Besides the training campshowed us that scouts were not wrong about Raphael Park, this guy is for real, and he works very hard, in fact he told me that being waived by Alaska was a wakeup call and he had to show he had the talent to excel in the WBA. Im very proud of the effort that our big men Walter Walter and Juwan Bixby have put on this summer, and i only pray to extend my career some more seasons to live the blossoming of Walter. In the other hand, i dont like at all how our PGs have worked. I have to talk to Tyler Kane because we expect him to lead us on the court, and his latest outings are not what we need.

DAY 1: ALBACETE vs MEXICO CITY (W 103-85). The schedule has been nice with us to start the season against a bad team at home. We talked about a strong start to take command in the scoreboard early in the game. Bixby took the command of the operations with a monster game which included 20 points and 16 rebounds, but there was a team support. Archer, PArk and me scored 13, 16 and 18 points, while the unexpected scoring punch from the bench was provided by Walter Walter who made 7 of his 8 shots for 15 points. While Mexico interior duo combined for 48 points, thir frontcourt combined for just 14 boards while ours got 37, you can talk about a difference.

DAY 2: ALBACETE vs FRANKFURT (W 106-98). One other easy game, where the fans could boo Tony DiMateo back in Albacete. That guy never received any love here but i think it was his fault. JAcking 3 pointers doesnt involve you in a team. You can have very good nigths, but at the end you have to make more on the court. We invested a lot of money on him and he never paid off. Tony was booed from the start but that had a negative impact for us. He had a great night from long range with 9 three pointers made of his 13 attempts. But this is a team game, and we showed him what that means. Park and me combined for 49 points and Caldwell showed us his quality from the bench scoring 16 points with 7 assists. The hilarious note was the 4 blocked shots of Misha Krisnetsov some of them to Dimateo

DAY 3: ALBACETE vs CAPETOWN (W 91-89). First game against a good rival. And it was at home. And it was really hard. A game where we never trailed from the 2nd quarter, but we never were able to build a confortable lead. WE knew that we had to play a hard nosed defense to have a shot, and distribute our offesne against them. We tok advise from our coach and moved the ball very well. 5 of us scored in double figures, and we dominated the boards 50 to 38. That was the key of the game. I had a good shooting night converting over 50% of my shots for the first time this season

DAY 4: ALBACETE at MIAMI (L 97-116). First game away and first loss. I will take all the beating for this one. We played a very god first half. We were leading at the halftime by 4. After that, things started to work poorly. I was fouled out with 6 minutes remaining in the 3rd, and Caldwell took my place, but 5 minutes after that he felt injured, so, coach had to use some players out of their position to play SG, and Miami destroyed us in the 4th. I still feel that some of the fouls called were wrong, and Troychack loves flopping, but i should have been less active with my hands. I have to show the way to our young players and thats not the way.

DAY 5: ALBACETE vs LONG ISLAND (W 115-97). This was a great win for us. Long Island has a lot of quality in his team and they will find a way to win games. We know we cant stop every player LI have, so we decided to press their backcourt to difficult their ball distribution. We held their backcourt rotation to 10 of 30 shots, and here we started to win the game. Park (or Rafa as we call him) led ud with 24 points and 9 boards, and Juwan Bixby collected another double double, his 5th in five games. Tyler Kane is starting to play as we expect and dissed 12 assists and got 5 steals

DAY 6: ALBACETE at BUDAPEST (L 82-97). Playing this team is going to be hard for any team. They defend like ninjas. We really shot like crap, but all our shots were contested and with a hand in our faces. Its hard to extract any positive comments about this game, unless losing by 15 is not too much if you shot 34% and are outrebounded 55-31. My game was awful, with just 3 of 20 shots made

BTW, i love MAths. Im a fan of stats, and my blog will show some of my calculations. THis week you will see this week's valoration of our players attending to MMF, Aproximated value and VORP Index

	MMF
Juwan_Bixby	117.40
Raphael_Park	108.40
Tyler_Kane	80.30
Harry_Jarvis	79.40
Matt_Archer	69.05
Geoffrey_Caldwe	56.55
Walter_Walter	38.55
Nick_Adams	21.85
Misha_Kryznetso	21.50
Tyris_Mayes	12.55
Vincent_Robinso	12.05
Reuben_Sax	3.05
Kolby_O'Rourke	2.45
Scott_Jacoby	1.00

	VORP
Juwan_Bixby	28.645
Raphael_Park	28.135
Geoffrey_Caldwe	17.545
Harry_Jarvis	15.981
Tyler_Kane	11.971
Walter_Walter	10.970
Matt_Archer	9.332
Tyris_Mayes	4.924
Vincent_Robinso	4.361
Nick_Adams	3.242
Misha_Kryznetso	1.241
Kolby_O'Rourke	-0.105
Scott_Jacoby	-0.850
Reuben_Sax	-1.328

	AV
Juwan_Bixby	1.92771
Raphael_Park	1.70487
Tyler_Kane	1.34479
Matt_Archer	1.33305
Harry_Jarvis	1.18925
Geoffrey_Caldwe	1.02658
Walter_Walter	0.77156
Misha_Kryznetso	0.54829
Nick_Adams	0.51634
Tyris_Mayes	0.34465
Vincent_Robinso	0.32602
Kolby_O'Rourke	0.10855
Reuben_Sax	0.10855
Scott_Jacoby	0.00000

As you can see, They all say that Bixby is our top player, closely followed by Rafa. I dont show too much in these index, but my issue is winning

January 28th, 2006

Nebraska, where art thou?

By Clark Lane

The beginning of the season has been hard for Nebraska. They are 0-5 and still waiting for their first win. They share the bottom of the league with Mexico City when everybody was talking about them being at the top with Colorado. But what has happened?

The first thing is to look at their team position by position:

Point Guard:

Jervan Timmons / Daren Benson: Timmons is a pass first, pass after type of guy. He will nearly never try to score or go to the line. He knows how to play the cross lines and get several steals a contest, one of the best there, but don't ask him anything more. Benson can score at will, and be the general on the floor, but he does not rebound or defend.

I can point two problems for this position. First they lack control. And I don't mean ball control, but body control. They are not going to harass the opponent and they play soft, allowing the adversary to go to the line more often than them. On the other hand they don't know what a rebound is, not even if it came after them to bite them on the back. The good point is they are really young and they will improve.

Shooting Guard:

Brandon Morfeld / Johnny Blaylock: Morfeld is a really good defender for the position, and can score at will. He rebounds well, but can not give an assist to an open partner, not even if he is on a bad position. Usually I would say that Morfeld is a good enough player, but he is too much of a problem for Nebraska. Nebraska needs any assist he can get to improve the overall play and Morfeld is not helping there. What is surprising is to see the poor selection he is doing with his shoots. We could expect at least 45% of accuracy, but he is shooting a lousy 36.9 and that is really hurting. If he can improve his shooting everything will be fine. Blaylock is a whacky choice for a backup. He can rebound and pass, but he will let the opponent's offense run wild because he can not defend. Not even a little. I haven't seen such a bad defender for a long time.

Small Forward:

Tony Henderson, Ron Avery: Henderson is a player with a future. The problem for Nebraska is that he is playing 36 minutes a game, and he can not put the ball in, not if his life was at the stake. Overall he looks like a nice player, but if you can not put the ball in and you can not defend, the only thing he knows how to do is to go to the line, and Nebraska really needs that. But I don't think it is worth a starting spot. Okay, usually he will improve his shooting touch and he will be shooting around 38% but that is not enough. If he was a really good player and he could defend and the like I could understand, but he is not much more than an average player. On the other hand Avery is a below average player. No defense and no assists. What is he doing there? I imagine that a few rebounds and I few points that is what Nebraska is looking for, but it is really worth the bad defense? I don't think any of them can come even close to what Taylor could bring to the table.

Power Forward:

Roy Base: This is the real deal. It is for me the best player on this team. It is rock solid. The only comment is he can not pass the ball. And it is a shame because this team really needs that. Other than that this player can score, rebound, defend, go to the line, nearly everything. I am sure he is feeling alone at Nebraska. But as we can see he is not enough to bring the team to the next level. I know only of a player that has been able to do that and that is Lou when he was younger. He could single-handed change a team from mediocre to elite. Base is good, but he is no Lou.

Center:

Tom Perkins, Vance Clopp: Perkins is still a nice player. He can help handle the middle on any team, but he is not the dominant player once he was. It was a strange trade from Nebraska because of the 31 years of Perkins. Vance is a good Center, not dominating but good and solid as few. It looks like Nebraska does not trust him anymore… The question is why trade for Perkins and leave a huge hole at SF when he didn't really need a PF/C where he had 2 of his best 3 players?

If we mix all of the above and we look at it the result is.

Nebraska does not know how to defend. Add to this some bad rebounding, a lack of vision of most of the player to find the open man and you have a wounded team. Knowing Brandon he will not go down without a fight, but does this team has the talent to compete for their division? I am not really sure. I can not find all of the talent I would expect on a reputed team as Nebraska. I see he may be trying to rebuild but then trading for Perkins was strange. And if he is not rebuilding, too many young and will be good players…

Looking at the team last year I have found the difference. Maybe Taylor is part of the difference, but I lean another way. Dexter `Handyman' Kodak. If you look at his stats last year you see a player that did all the things that a team needs.

Kodak was a 13.8 ppg,, 4.8 rpg, 7.8 apg (huge!!!), 1 block and 2 steals!! Nebraska has nothing close to what he lost. I have always liked this guy. He is maybe the best utility SG our there. Don't expect him to lead your team, but to bring in all of those things you need to make everyone better. He is in the top 5 of SG on this league.

My final advise is coaching can improve the team, but I don't think they have what it takes to go back up there to the top of the league. Maybe a few trades are what he needs?

January 28th, 2006

A LOOK TO THE NEW DIVISIONS: MIDWEST DIVISION

The Midwest will face this season 2 very different competitions, two of them will fight for winning the division (colorado and Nebraska) and the rest will try to run away from the last spots for an umprobable playoff position (Salt Lake City, Omaha and Arkansas). When you look at these teams you can see the difference among last season and the whole last five. Looking just at the last season the five teams combined for a .450 winning record, while the 5 last seasons gave a result of .544. THey are very different records, and if i had to choose one, next season the winning record will be closer to .45 than 0.54. I can only see two teams improving in Colorado and Omaha. Nebraska and Arkansas will pray to stay the same and Salt Lake has not done his homework this offseason at all.

THE TEAMS

COLORADO: Colorado is one of the teams with a fortified winning tradition. In fact, we are talking about the team with the most wins in WBA history. THeir worst winning percentaje in the last 5 seasons is .625 and that tell it all by itself. Stability is one of the keys for this franchise, they dont like to make a lot of moves, and it pays, but this season there has been a little revolution. Colorado's leading scorer, shooting guard Samir Sheth was traded for scoring machine Jaxon McCall. Scouts all around the league were reporting that HArold Gill was undersized to play small forward, and rivals were taking advantadge. This movement allows Gill to move to the SG, and while McCall is 30, it looks like its a correct movement. With the payroll out of hand, they couldnt find the money to resign PAul Spagnoli, who was eventually traded for a draft pick. Colorado was a non factor in draft, and the only significant signing in free agency was shooting guard BRent Bangerter, but they did not need much more. A lineup od MArk Carr, Harold Gill, Jaxon McCall, Greg LAcy and Arnold Eaton is an insurance to have a good record. With a bench of Charlie Diadone, Brent Bangerter, Mark Crowley and Harvey Dwayer, this team is very deep

PREDICTION 58-22

NEBRASKA: NEbraska is maybe the best team that has never won a championship. And they try hard. The team is really talented and the have been a very frequent playoff team. Nebraska is a team that should have gone deeper in some seasons, but they always fail in the clutch. They were playing some of the most fantastic players in the league. Wayne TAylor was scoring at will. ROy Base was being the star everybody had predicted in college. THey had young stud Jervan Timmons, threatening to break all records in assists for years to come. BUt they were short. BRandon is known for trying to improve in any moment. And Nebraska decided to part ways with Taylor, when his value was still high. Some reports say that no team will win a championship with Taylor in his roster. Time will say. Nebraska received Tom PErkins and rookie Tony Henderson, a player that could be a gem once he receive some training. The team will play the youngest PG combo of the league. Timmons will start at PG, and while he has to wonder an offensive game, he really loves distributing the ball. Brandon Morfeld is the only shooting guard in the team, so an injury would be a disaster. Tony Henderson will start inmediatelly at small forward Roy BAse and Tom PErkins will be the frontcourt. It will be interesting to see this team playing without the ballhog Taylor is, and how chemistry will be affected. The notion here is that Brandon made what he needed.THe team is not championship caliber, but it will be very competitive while HEnderson adn Timmons are still developing

PREDICTION: 43-37

OMAHA: This team is really the X-Factor in this division. Omaha has never averaged more wins than losses in the last five seasons, but they have been very active this offseason to improve, and they should really do it. First of all, they traded the untreadeable contract of OLiver McCarthy for Chuck Henderson a better player with a better contract. Then in draft day, they got the expected to be rookie of the year, ceter Alexej Peska. PEska is ready to contribute right now, and will probably be the 6th man in this team, and in a pair of seasons he will be ready to take ove Ramiro Watts spot in the starting lineup. Yoshikazy Takarawa was a reach in the lottery, and he will never live up to the hype there was at draft day. Andy Michelson was a steal that late at the first round and could find minutes this season at power forward. Omaha was a non factor in free agency period, and their only signings (roy Houle and Jim Woods) are at the very best bench warmers. Drafting 3 players in the first round, its safe to say that OMaha is in a proccess of going young, and they showed it trading for the very young Vincent MIles, a player still very raw but in two seasons could be a great forward. The PG will be managed by Chuck Henderson, and Luca McMillan will learn all the tricks from him, Brian Colling will try to be the scoring punch of this team, although this is the weaker sopt in the lineup, Bacchi and Verholm will be the forwards, and they'd better pray not to be injured, because theres no a lot of depth after them. Finally Ramiro Watts and Alexej Peska will share the minutes at the center. Here we see a young team with some good talent that could keep on improving for some years.

PREDICTION39-41

SALT LAKE CITY: SLC is a team which has been unusually quiet in the last offseason. It would be a good thing if they were improving, but a team with such a talent not winning has a problem of chemistry. Their only significant move was a trade for center Sean Ashman, a movement that costed them 3 fisrts round picks. Looking at SLC's starting five you see a playoff caliber team. Austyn Williams, Cordell PArks, Brad Bangerter and Sean Ashman would be starters in almost any team in the league. The problem here is that 4 players dont make up for a team, not even adding scoring guard Jalen Bell. The bench is one of the worst in the league, and that together with chemistry issues makes the team to struggle. They could wait this season how the team develops with Ashman in it, but after that, Williams and Bangerter will have peaked and that could be the moment to trade them

PREDICTION: 35-45

ARKANSAS: This team is lost. They got one of the best managed franchises in the league, and tried not to live of their fame. That was a fatal decision. They have made 9 trades so far and what could have been seen as a good start developed in an Isiah Thomas esque. Tim used his cap room to trade for Emmett Yee and Justin Krueger just for some picks, but then they started to trade their picks in some doubtful trades at the best. The noise started when they traded away Davion Sthal, Jack Spiegel and his 1st round pick, for Pat Stephenson and his BIG contract. A bad move for a team which wont win more than 30 games. As a result, Arkansas drafted 3 players in the first round, and none of them seem to deserve to be selected as high. Dan Kincaide is a good all around forward, but Tony Henderson was selected later. Tony Patrickwill be a good backup at the best, and their best adquisition was 2nd round pick Adam Virgil, a PF/C ready to have some minutes. The team will rely in the trio John Greene, Dave Short, PAt Stephenson, they average 30 years and thats not good for a rebuilding team.

PREDICTION: 22-58

January 28th, 2006

Dino CEO To Create A New End Of The Year Award For The Media

By The Swirsk

Toronto Dino CEO and owner James Borbath held a press conference today to announce the creation of a new post season award. It will be for excellence in media coverage of the WBA. Here is what Mr. Borbath had to say.

Borbath: Thank you all for coming now I will not be addressing an issues with the Dinos today just about the announcement I am here to make. That announcement is the creation of the BORBY Award. It will go to the top media member of the WBA each season. It will be voted on by the fans and people throughout the league. I will choose the candidates as it is my award after all. I am not certain if the WBA will acknowledge the award but it will still be given regardless. It is my hope that this award will help expand the coverage of the league and create a new level of excitement that the league has never seen. We as franchises may be angered by you all in the media but as a former member of it I have always seen it as a great partnership we have with you all to promote are teams are league and are game. There will be a cash award that will go along with it as well as a scholarship for the winner to give to any school he will decide on. With that I will take a few questions.

Reporter: Is this not a conflict of interest and the fact the league has not been consulted do you not feel it could cause some anger at the league office?

Borbath: There is no conflict. I was working myself on WBA TV and what not but I have learned that ownership takes a lot of time so have since left it to others to do. The league never asked me if I wanted teams in Las Vegas and Seoul but that's another issue. I came up with the plan for realignment that was approved by the league. I have no ill will towards them I just feel that we need to have a stronger media presence and this is my way of doing it. If the league does not chose to endorse the BORBY as an official award it is there right to do so. But they can not stop me from presenting my own award.

Reporter: Couldn't some people see this as a way to gain positive coverage for your team?

Borbath: What's your name son. You will never win a Borby. I'm just kidding, yes I can see how some might take that line of thinking but this is not about the Toronto Dinos it is about the WBA and getting more coverage for all the fans. In addition not just more coverage but more quality coverage. I assure you I have no secondary motives. I got in this league cause I am passionate about 2 things, Sports Broadcasting and basketball. That is why and the only reason why.

Reporter: So despite conflicts you may have with reporters you think you can remain objective?

Borbath: You all have a job to do and so do I. I get that and if I read things about my team I don't like do I get angry sure. But not at the person who is doing their job. I'd like to thank you all and wish everyone luck in becoming the first annual Borby Award Winner.

So there you have it the Swirsk is getting an award YIPPIE. IT's ABOUT TIME. I am ending this article right away to start working on my acceptance speech. I have a lot of people to thank.

January 28th, 2006

Dino Ceo sits down with Chuck Swirsky

Chuck: The media loved this team last year and now this year trashed it. What's up with that?

James Borbath: Having worked in the media I can understand it. We didn't live up to the media hype last year so now they have pulled a 180 on us as an organization. I'm ok with it. I'd rather be the underdog that people have no expectations of. But teams that don't respect this team will pay for it.

Chuck: Walt Jackson however is the one thing about this team everyone seems to love though. In fact many feel this team will go as far as he takes them true or faulse and why?

James Borbath: I think you could say that about many franchises. He is the best talent in are organization. I have made no secret that this is the player this team has been built around. He is a great reason to why we win basketball games. But to say he is the only reason would be a mistake and I think he would be the first one to agree with me. Hill as are big man was brought in here to help Walt as were guys like Remi Jeay. Now we have added a pass first point guard in Saks. Harry Krramer is back to help us defend. Abdullah Chanada will help with Walt on the floor and sometimes without him. Issiac Rice when health gives us an incredible 1 2 scoring punch that can rivial any in this league. Every year I have ran this franchise it has improved. That is not some sort off accident.

Chuck: Many people say Rice is a flat out bust that he's hurt more than he's healthy and when he's in the line up he's greedy and not a team player. Your comments?

James Borbath: I'd be a greedy player in Alaska too. I mean this isn't Alaska we plan on making the playoffs. It's true that Rice is not a guy you can expect to play the entire schedule and we know and expect that. We have many guys that can play his spot should he not be able. If he helps us win 10 to 15 games than he's worth having. Walt Jackson is able to win games without help on some nights as well so those to players individually can steal you like 20 or 30 wins. Than it's a matter of getting 20 more with team play and you have a 40 to 50 win team.

Chuck: you missed the playoffs because of a tie breaker with Boston last year is it safe to say it's playoffs or bust this season?

James Borbath: Yes, I'm not going run and hide from it we expect to be a playoff team. I'll go one step further I demand to be a playoff team. Everyone in this organization must live up to that even you and I Chuck. I expect everyone from top to bottom to demand the best they have in themselves to make us a winner. Every night. No exceptions.

Chuck: Wow wow wow now that's bold. Do you think that's to much pressure I mean this team is still young.

James Borbath: To quote John Cena "The Time is now'. 2 years of hard work and effort has went into turning this organization around. Making them into winners. Getting them to a place that deserves a winner like Toronto. I mean the hockey team is this town has been pretending to try and win since 1967. We are different were not putting up an effort just to look like we are trying to win. No we are flat out doing it going all out to get what the fans deserve. This is a step in that process and once we get to the playoffs we have no intention on leaving for years to come.

Chuck: Yes I can see your passion but this new divison you find your self in is tough top to bottom.

James Borbath: We demanded to be where we are. Sure we could have gone in a cream puff divison and maybe even win it like Charlotte will. But will they or should they be respected for winning it? In the Northeast every win you get you earn and we like it like that. I love the challenge of the divison we call home. Truth be told we match up well against all these teams and have had night where we have beaten everyone of them. We open with Rochester an New York and we see that as a way to send a message that we can and will compete in this divison.

Chuck: Any Final thoughts

James Borbath: I just want all the fans to know that the reason we all bust are tails everyday is for them. We hope to reward them with a playoff team this season. Thanks Chuck. I like you better than Ross. I should call him and ask him how he likes covering that loser hockey team.

Chuck: No thank you for taking the time and with that get out the salami and cheese mama this interview is OVER. Til next time this is the Swirsk saying I love My DINO BASKETBALL.

January 28th, 2006

What's Wrong With Long Island?

It was though that when this organization moved to Long Island and won a Division Title it had lost the tag of lovable loser. But year two has seen major changes and little success. Have the ghosts of Montana come back to haunt this Franchise?

Esposito was last year was a popular choice and won the coveted GM of the Year Award. This was the high point in a career of controversy. In article a couple of seasons ago it was though that he may have a split personality disorder. For a refresher it was Titled a Letter to the League. Here is the link to the WBA Article on GSPN

:http://wba.rondall-reynoso.com/id412.htm

There is proof that Espo (as he is called by most around the league) is well let's just say strange. There is a picture of him dressed like a girl floating around the Internet but that image was to disturbing and distracting for this article. But has success gone to his head and turned him back into a trading maniac? Well the WBA has a strict 10 trade policy(most GM's Refer to it as The Espo Rule) and Long Island at only Day 5 of the season has no trades left? the new rule of free agent signings not being able to be trade tail day 26 or the trading deadline seem to have had no effect on Long Island. Other GM's have held back waiting for these dates but the next Long Island trade will be next off season. Starting off 1-4 and no way to change the path even if they want too.

We spoke with several league sources and some were happy to put their name to the words. One such individual was Kevin Harper the man that has lead Oregon to 2 straight titles. He thinks that this is too early to worry. Here is his take on it, "People are blowing it out of proportion, in my opinion. Look at Nebraska, they are still winless, yet we all know they are a playoff team. In Long Island's situation, they're just in that period of knowing each others playing styles. Don't worry..they're still a title contender."

If anyone should be worried it is Long Island who have went from first to currently worst in the new northeast division. New York has been the good surprise story not unlike Long Island was last year. Even Toronto that struggle out of the gate as turned around getting a big win over previously unbeaten Charlotte. Brooklyn is off to an expected strong start and Rochester sits a game above .500. Yes things are very early but in what many experts upon seeing the new realignment called this the toughest division, you have to wonder if this bad start will cost them down the line. One of the many teams that cashed in on the Long Island tradefest was former division rival Boston.

The Bostonians could not be happier as they acquired 3 former Long Island assets through trades. In a rather selfish and self serving comment here is what Boston Management had to say on the issue at hand,''Nothing's wrong, his guys are doing great...at Boston...Dawson, Lang and Faup.''

It has long been said that Long Island as a franchise has lacked patience and as result makes trades which makes team chemistry near impossible. A Western Conference GM that preferred to not be named hat this to say on that issue, ''There seems to be too much inconsistency in Long Island. But they will turn things around, count on that. Just don't count on it lasting.''

Budapest Management went a step further having this to say,"he(espo) had a nice team last year but he could not keep himself out of the trades.he basically ruined the team chemistry with trading.''

Wayne Taylor was one of the big names that were brought in to the fold. He already has missed time with injury. He was a longtime star in Nebraska. One of his former teammates made a shocking suggestion as to why Taylor may be struggling. ''When I played with Wayne it always seemed like he was hiding something. We confronted him about it and he came clean. I think some of the Long Island guys probably have the same suspicions. It is time Wayne comes out of the closet and just tells the whole league.''

Well for now that closet is in the basement and that all I will say on that. But Let's Take a look at some hard facts. They say numbers don't lie so let's take a look:

Points For AVG:

109.9 -Last Season

Currently-97.4

Difference:-12.5

Points Agst Avg:

99.3-Last Season

Currently-97.2

Difference +2.1

Margin

+10.6-Last Season

Currently-+0.2

Difference -10.4

FG%

46.7%-Last Season

Currently-43.2%

Difference -3.5%

Def FG%

46.2%-Last Season

Currently-45.9%

Difference +0.3

3 PT%

26.9%-Last Season

Currently-25.8%

Difference -1.1%

ASSTS PER GAME

31.0-Last Season

Currently-25.8

Difference-5.2

REBS PER GAME

45.1-Last Season

Currently-44.4

Difference--0.7

BLKS PER GAME

8.2-Last Season

Currently-6.4

Difference- -1.8

STLS PER GAME

9.0-Last Season

Currently-6.2

Difference- -2.8

Turnovers

9.0-Last Season

Currently 14.0

Difference -5.0

Individual Leaders- Last Season

Pts: Oilver Doherty 21.4

Rebs Sheldon Gorman 9.1

Asts Paul Carroll 9.7

FG% Tom Perkins 54.1%

3Pt% Brenden Dawson 30.6%

BLKS Pat Stepehson 2.6

STLS Oliver Doherty 2.2

Individual Leaders- This Season

Pts: Wayne Taylor 18.7

Rebs Jim McCarthy 10.8

Asts Oliver Doherty 5.4

FG% Oilver McCarthy 62.5%

3Pt% 2 players 50%

BLKS Sheldon Gorman 2.2

STLS Oliver Doherty 1.4

When you break down the numbers this team has not improved overall by any means, If your a glass half full type person, than you can say that rebounding and defense having improved in a minor way but the glaring rise in turnovers and lack of scoring will make even the biggest Long Island fan sit up and take notice. Is this article just a lot of panic over nothing?

Maybe but in any case most seem to agree that Long Island lacks chemistry and needs to fine it's way. In just 5 games already 4 loses while last year this team only had 18 loses over the entire schedule But good bad or indifferent the car is stuck in the fast lane with no route to escape. Is the car on the path to the playoffs?

Or the highway to hell!!! Time will hold the answer. But one thing is certain the patient man that guided his team to regular season success is now back to the wheeling dealing wild man. This may lead to the pain that was felt in Montana. I was told that Montana had put a curse on the team but being as it was Montana it took them a little while to excute.Next Week will talk about the age old debate East West who's the baddest conference of them all???

January 28th, 2006

WBA Game of the Week

Day 7

Toronto @ Boston

Hello everyone this is a fictional reporter with no relation to actual reporters reporting. This week we could have chosen Cancun versus Oregon--a rematch of last season's Western Conference Finals as the game of the week. However, these two owners are so gentlemanly that us reporters are left with nothing to write about except the player matchups (snoooze...). So to cater to you--the masses of fans who favor a rich story line over boring analysis--we have chosen the sizzling rivalry between James Borbath and his Toronto Dinos and Pablo del Pino and his Boston Massacre as the game of the week!

I managed to find Pablo at DJ Adrian Arceo's recent album release party and I had the chance to ask him about the history between these two teams.

Reporter: There seems to be a lot of history between your two clubs. Can you tell me about it?

Pablo: Yes I won 4-0 last season. Last year Boston and Toronto tied in the standings for the 8th seed and both teams lost on day 84. Boston dramatically went on to the playoffs due to their 4-0 sweep in the season.

Reporter: Do you feel your use of the broom resulted in any bad blood between your teams?

Pablo: Yes because he spent days talking trash about my team in preseason because of my old guys, and according to him they were young and fresh, he also made fun of me because of our Ajani for Juarez trade. Nowadays Ajani is a solid promising player for Boston and Juarez is on Budapest days after Borby gave him a reward.

So there is the history. Apparently Boston held the edge over Toronto and managed to sneak into the playoffs over the Dinos due to this domination. But with all the changes that these two teams have gone through I wanted to check with Mr. Borbath about what he thought of the whole situation. I traveled to a recent owners meeting to get this information but I was beat to the punch when I witnessed Mr. Borbath go up to Pablo and make some sly remarks. Luckily I had my tape recorder at hand and managed to record this exchange.

Borbath: You think Walt will beat Kobe's 81 at Boston?

[I could not affirm who Kobe is; apparently a Japanese dish]

Pablo: I'm still wondering how Brooklyn did today.

[Boston had whooped Brooklyn 120-109 earlier in the day]

Borbath: They blew it to inferior talent they were spent after playing Toronto.

[Brooklyn had scored 119 points in a win against Toronto the day before]

Borbath: No wonder you're winning we are wearing down your opposition.

Pablo: Toronto will kneel to the hottest college-like team in WBA history, destination: Season 15 championship.

Borbath: Walt will average 40 a game by then.

Pablo: Walt will randomly fall apart tomorrow, probably his knee...

Borbath: You hope.

Pablo: Walt Jackson shaves his legs.

Pablo: Walt Jackson walks Borby's dog.

Pablo: Walt Jackson is dating Borby's son.

Pablo: Walt Jackson's idol is Umberto Ditullio.

Borbath: Walt 'ROY' Jackson will be M.V.P.

[It is interesting to note that Borbath did not deny the comments on Jackson]

Pablo: He is the son of the typo, he will be banned from GSPN news.

[A stab at Borbath's spelling; ouch!]

Pablo: You made a mistake by signing Hill for that amount, you beat my minimum bid.

[Referring to Simeon Hill 8.4 Million for 7 years]

Borbath: Nah once he can shoot he'll be fine.

Borbath: For now I'll take the 14 rebounds 5 blocks.

Pablo: On a team with no rebounders he is the king plus your shooting sucks so much that 14 rebounds is not remarkable.

Borbath: Walt shot 70% from the field.

[Recent victory over Charlotte]

Pablo: Not bad for player carrying 4 rewards.

Borbath: Walt doesn't have 4 rewards.

Borbath: Not even possible its his 3rd yr.

Pablo: Rondy's return key got stuck while running the program on his commodore.

Borbath: File a protest when he gets 40 at Boston.

Borbath: He's going for 90 vs. Arkansas.

Borbath: 100 at Alaska.

Pablo: No, your other players can't score in negative.

Borbath: My bench is fine we have 4 guys in double figures.

Borbath: Durden and chanada complement Walt nicely.

Pablo: Chanada? [A Freudian slip?]

Borbath: Just admit Walt 'ROY' Jackson is your hero.

[Walt Jackson enters room out of nowhere]

Walt says this: "Boston is good despite its management not having a clue. I mean let's get real here they can't stop me. They are foolish to think they can. I know all about the mess that organization is. Ajani calls me and tells me he wants to get traded out of that freak show.

Borbath: Massacre is a good name for what i'm gonna do to that team.

[Tyriq Lang enters room]

Tyriq "The Warrior" says this: "I'll demolish Hill's face, he is a mediocre player who got overpaid by a someone called James 'strippers love me when I have money' Borbath"

Borbath: Go tell all the Boston fans that Walt `ROY' Jackson is coming to town.

Borbath: Faup the flop is your top scorer that's funny.

Pablo: We are a team, no stars here.

Borbath: Anyway you got till Monday than Walt Jackson brings the pain to Boston.

------------------------------------------

Wow what an exchange! I was able to catch up to Mr. Borbath later on to ask him about the season and this much anticipated game.

Reporter: So how is the season going so far?

Borbath: I admit I was pretty dismayed by our start but seems like we have it rolling now.

Reporter: Do you think you will win your much-hyped game with Boston?

Borbath: Yeah I hope so we played terrible against them last year, that's why we missed the playoffs. Who knows NY blew my doors off but I don't think Pablo can coach that well [Ouch!]. Well that was than this is now. Who's going stop Walt 'ROY' Jackson on that team? Faup the flop? If they think Paris beat them down in the playoffs that will look like a local pick up game in comparison to the professional beat down they get.

I was also able to get some comments from Walt Jackson.

Reporter: How do you feel about the upcoming game?

Walt: They better call Larry Bird in Indiana McHale in Minnesota and ask Bush for any troops not in Iraq cause they will need it all to stop me.

Well no one ever accused Walt of being humble. Ladies and Gentlemen you may have to cover your kids eyes to watch this one because it looks like it is going to get ugly!

Notes:

*Although the two seem to be at odds one cannot forget that two seasons ago when asked to name his favorite team in the WBA other than his own, Pablo answered with the then Roswell Dinos.

*Rumors are also circulating that FOX Television © has offered James Borbath and Pablo del Pino $15,000 to settle their differences in a celebrity boxing match.

January 25th, 2006

Seoul Searching

No sellout accompanied Seoul's 94-90 loss to Budapest, but the excitement

from the previous night's opener had carried over throughout all of South

Korea. Despite the 91-84 loss to their expansion rivals, the Las Vegas

Gamblers, the sellout crowd was behind the Dragons effort from start to

finish and gave the hometown team a "thumbs up" despite the loss.

"They played aggressive basketball, and you could tell that the Gamblers

were afraid of them," local businessman and courtside season ticketholder

Gun Yeon Mo said. "The Dragons were called for a lot of fouls, but they shot

better and were incredibly tough on the boards against Vegas."

"It's about time I got to see some real basketball again," Sergeant Grover

Hollister, an American stationed in Korea for ten years, said. "Armstrong,

Harris, and Yamaha are the future of the WBA, and I got to see their pro

debut. It's a real kick."

Bill Cash, head coach of the Dragons, was pleased overall with the first two

games, despite the slow start. "We're feeling things out, learning from our

mistakes, and experimenting with a few changes to the lineup trying to find

the best way to get the results we're hoping for. Michael Huryta was a nice

surprise in the opener, and should be seeing more minutes per game now.

Brian Armstrong is showing some great instincts on the court, and Bo Hruska

is learning how to be an effective passer and a smart point guard. The more

he learns from men like John Gaiser, the faster this franchise is going to

turn heads."

"I'm loving it," point guard John Gaiser said, speaking to the press on

Tuesday prior to the game. "It's a great feeling being able to be part of

history in the making. I don't mind not being part of every second of every

game as long as I know that the guys on that bench and on the court are

giving one hundred percent every time they're out there."

Even if the team's not winning?

"Everyone wants to have that first win under their belts. You're torn

between wanting to give the home crowd that thrill, and giving them a reason

to cheer even when we're not around. This group keeps playing hard, and

it'll come. It really is a major thrill to be part of this team."

And so, set to play their next home game against Cincinnatti, the anxious

eyes of Seoul's newfound faithful look at each game as a potential

first...with the hopes that day will arrive soon.

SEOUL NOTES:

- Bill Blackstone and Webster Hewlett, former teammates in Toronto, were

reunited for Charlotte's win against Long Island. Blackstone, moved in the

acquisition of Eugene LaMaitre following game one, wished the fans of Seoul

the best of luck for this season, and said there was no ill will in being

moved.

- The rumors that Odibe King would soon be sent to Cancun as part of a deal

for Chad O'Donnell are thus far unfounded. Ken Haller.com had reported that

T.D. Swagger was negotiating a deal with the Dragons acquiring O'Donnell and

Paul Carroll in exchange for King and John Gaiser. "Conjecture is a lot of

fun when it's put in perspective. With the right math, the right mind could

match us up with any team in the league, for any combo and any player. I

like Chad's skill, and Paul is an incredible talent, but the first I heard

of this deal was when you reporters asked me about it."

- John Gaiser and Charlie Jones were suited up for Tuesday night's loss

against Budapest but did not play due to their appearance earlier in the day

at the "100 Won Miracle" charity basketball game. The charity, founded by

Lee Hyo-Li, featured both athletes and celebrities, and earned over ninety

million won in donations-a sum matched by SM Town Entertainment and the

Seoul Dragons, to bring the sum total to just under $300,000 American. Coach

Bill Cash permitted them to miss the pre-game practice in Budapest for the

sake of catching a later flight and promised them rest unless extreme

circumstances necessitated their inclusion. Despite a close game, Cash was

good to his word.

January 23rd, 2006

Spencer's Answers

By: Joe Spencer

Welcome to my new column, Spencer's Answers, where I answer some of the big questions facing the WBA. Now with the preseason officially over, I'm going to answer a question pertaining to each division in time for the regular season:

Midwest Division

Both Colorado and Nebraska have made big trades this past off-season. Which team has the advantage this year?

Colorado and Nebraska have been battling each other for position in the standings for many seasons. Now with Oregon gone to the Pacific Division, we're going to see these two teams battle for the Midwest Division crown this year.

Both teams were involved in significant trades this off-season:

Colorado shipped Samir Sheth to Sacramento and received Jaxon McCall and Harry Dwyer, while Nebraska sent Wayne Taylor to Long Island in exchange for Tom Perkins, Tony Henderson, and a future first round pick.

I personally don't agree with Colorado's trade. Samir Sheth literally could change a game with his ability to draw fouls and get to the line. Jaxon McCall is a big scorer, but is he game-changer, like Sheth? I don't think so. Also, the fact that McCall is 3 years older than Sheth isn't exactly appealing to me.

As for Nebraska trading Wayne Taylor, they must have decided that if they can't win with him, maybe they can win without. For what they got, Tom Perkins is a solid, but not superstar caliber player, and Tony Henderson is a project who can develop, other time, into another major scorer. Overall, I think Nebraska is better with this trade, as Roy Base and Brandon Morfeld have been able to pick up the scoring without Taylor around, and Tony Henderson gives Nebraska a young project who is likely to become a star in the very near future.

Now overall, I see Nebraska winning the Midwest Division with about the same record they had last year 52-28. They will not win it because of trading Wayne Taylor, obviously, because it will take a few years to see the full effects from that trade. The reason I pick Nebraska is because I believe they have more stability in their lineup, especially at PG, where Jervan Timmons is the main guy running the offense, while Colorado has to rely on multiple players such as Brent Bangerter and Mark Carr for the same task. No matter what happens though, Colorado and Nebraska still are a ways away from being major contenders in the Western Conference.

Pacific Division

Is Oregon going to establish themselves as a Cancunesque dynasty by winning their third consecutive championship?

Probably not. Oregon has huge talent base, with Bishop Stein, Lou Gonzales and Marquez Houston as a dominating trio, along with the consistency of Donavan Jones. Oregon has the potential to beat anyone anytime with these four players. The weakness, albeit a small one, with this team may be their lack of depth. Joe Clark is the only real backup worth bragging about on this team, as I consider Boom-Boom Casey to be to far beyond his prime to be much of a significant factor. An injury to one of the team's starters, as a result, could hurt. And there is inexperience with the point guards with Ian Tilmon, a rookie, starting. I believe these flaws will be exposed during the post-season, and they may end up being shocked by a team such as Capetown or Brooklyn.

World Division

Is Cancun still the team to beat?

No. Cancun still has a solid team, but I know as a matter of fact that Capetown is going to for once overtake their biggest rival in the standings to win their division. Why is that?

Kent Mercer is still a top forward in this league at age 30, but Parker Mason, while still big-time player, is getting older, and is no longer the perennial MVP candidate he once was. With the loss of a key player of the trio that helped win Cancun three championship in Scott Nicholson to Alaska, Cancun has to have players such as Reed Moses and Roy Cader step up their games. I think these players will, but how much? Overall, Cancun should still be as good of a team, although not improved, as last season.

However in the meantime, Capetown has a new fearsome trio for the WBA to worry about: Mabruke, Gordon, and Bombata. Abdiel Gordon is quickly becoming one the league's biggest superstars. Every game, we see him putting up big points and in addition to solid rebounds. His sudden emergence means that the pressure won't be on Capetown's franchise player for the past several years, Obafemi Mabruke, to carry the team anymore. Also, recently acquired center Oshodi Bombata has found a great stroke, and is capable of being a big scorer as well, making the loss of Bill Yeager forgettable for this team. As for the guards, Eric Manning and Dexter Kodak are still solid veterans who can run the floor, and George Bisset has shown great signs of improving during this preseason. The fact that Capetown seems to have improved, while Cancun has remained stagnant this past off-season, is why I pick Capetown to win the World Division.

Atlantic Division

Who will win the Atlantic Division?

The Atlantic Division has appeared to be a division of mediocrity, with no team showing signs of being among the elite teams of the league. The consensus appears that Charlotte should win their division because of their coach Sam Plummer. However I disagree.

Miami will win the Atlantic Division with around 40-45 wins. Miami might not have the flashiest team, but they have the best talent of any team in their division. Consider their starting lineup of, Isaac Edmondson, Dave Troychak, Darryl Whittaker, Oman Fatafehi, and Bill Yeager. Dave Troychak had a tremendous year last season, scoring 26.9 points per game, and is the team's biggest scoring threat. Oman Fatafehi is a solid player who is a great shooter, and will give his team at least 15 points and 9 rebounds per game. The addition of Bill Yeager gives the team another offensive weapon, with his great shooting ability, although throughout the years his rebounding and defensive abilities have declined. And whether Daryl Whittaker or Gus Rizzolo start at SF, they have been giving their team quality minutes so far this preseason. The only question mark with this team is with Isaac Edmondson. He's a top passer, but his inability to shoot may cause some problems. However, I think Edmondson will do fine if his supporting cast plays to their abilities.

My problem with Charlotte is that they're not yet ready to take the next step in this league. Their star player, Eugene LaMaitre will still put up big points, but what about the rest of the team? I do agree that Kadeem Reed is a great PG to build a team around, but the rest of the team has yet to establish themselves. At SG we have Maury Coleman, who has yet to prove himself as a WBA player, and at PF we have Toby McCree, who before, was a career backup for Long Island. Paul Spagnoli should have a breakout year, but is he as much of a threat as Oman Fatafehi or Bill Yeager is on Miami? That's why I'm sticking with Miami to win the division this season, although I do expect it to be decided by only 5 games or less.

The other teams in this division, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Boston, should all have decent seasons as well, but I don't expect them to be in the running for the division as of yet until future seasons, once their younger players gain more experience.

Northeast Division

Is Brooklyn for real?

Yes. The Brooklyn team has managed to create a five man lineup in Omar Jefferson, Mario Bailey, Shane Strom, Jarius Miles, and Al Herbert, in which everyone is an all-star caliber player. With Jefferson, Bailey and Strom averaging over 23 points per game in the preseason, and Al Herbert and Paul Wilson grabbing over 10 rebounds per game, this team is scary. Some may say it's only the preseason, but I believe their success will follow through in the regular season. The question marks often brought up regarding Brooklyn are in terms of fouls and turnovers, especially with their starting PF in Jarius Miles. The only thing I see preventing Brooklyn from reaching the finals is if their players cannot control their fouls, as they obviously can't afford seeing Strom or Miles fouling out early in a game.

Euro Division

Will Paris be unchallenged again this season for the Division race?

Yes. Paris is still the team to beat in the Euro division. Albacete is still going to be a .500 team, and Andorra is in a semi-rebuilding mode, and shouldn't be a threat, along with Frankfurt and London. Whether or not they have a chance to represent the Eastern Conference again in the WBA finals will depend on how well Jim McCarthy performs, considering the MVP in Heiko Van Brandt was traded for him. This year will be more difficult as Paris will probably have difficultly matching up to an improved Brooklyn team, a team that I favor to make it to the championship from the East this season.

January 18th, 2006

WBA Icon Takes New Role

Former mega-star center Boom-Boom Casey stood at a crossroads when last season came to an end. It seemed the prior couple seasons he was not in an atmosphere that a player of his talent and experience deserved to be. With an ending contract, and somewhat of a fresh start waiting for him, he had a lot of thinking to do. Go with the money, or to a contender? Well. It seems he fell in a perfect situation when he was offered a fat two year deal from the reigning back-to-back champs in Oregon.

There was just one catch. Casey would have to take on an entire new role as a sixth man. But, seeing as how he would combine to form the most accomplished duo of centers in the league’s 12 season history, the choice was easy. Soon after the signing was made public, Casey was quoted saying “There couldn’t be a better situation for me. I missed the feeling of winning and coming off the bench is a conciliation I’m more than willing to make. It will be fun playing with Lou and the rest of the guys here. I’m pretty anxious to suit up”. When approached after an off-season workout with some of the teams new rookies, Bishop Stein told reporters that “having a player like Boom-Boom is really going to make a positive impact both on-court and in the locker room. He’s really just a great guy”. Also finishing up a practice session were new comers Ian Tilmon and Dirk Kuefer. When asked what they thought it would be like playing alongside Casey they had similar words to say. “Well I was just in grade school when Boom-Boom Casey became a huge star. Ever since then he’s been a class act and someone I’ve admired” stated Tilmon. Keufer soon after said “This is a young center’s dream. I know I’ll be lucky as heck to see the floor much at all this season, but just being able to learn from the two best centers is worth the wait. I feel I’ve already improved quite a bit from just the few workouts I’ve had with Donovan Jones and Lou Gonzales. I can’t wait for Boom-Boom to get here”.

On a side note, Oregon enters the season once again as defending champs. A few key additions have been made however. A whole new supporting cast is in to compliment a returning starting five. As mentioned above, Casey highlights the incoming class of free agents. Also Quintin Pitt was brought in to provide some depth at the wing. Joe Clark, a former fan favorite, as well as an infamous rebounder, will be a great asset to the team. Rookie C Dirk Kuefer was also a steal, after Nebraska opted on not signing him after selecting him in the draft. He will fight for whatever minutes he can get in a crowded frontcourt. Finally, with who may be the surprise of the rookie class, Ian Tilmon. Tilmon went undrafted and arrives in Oregon as a dark horse to win the starting PG job. Rumors have it that last year’s starter Cole Bayo has been learning some aspects of the SG position. We can only speculate that he might be part of a guard rotation of some sort, with Bayo backing up both guard spots. This only proves that the organization has high hopes on Tilmon, who experts admit has tons of potential, only really needing to develop his defensive game

January 18th, 2006

WBA Preview

by JP Benedict

WESTERN CONFERENCE

MIDWEST

1. Colorado(3)-As it has been for many years in the WBA, Colorado and Nebraska will be battling for the top spot in a division. Although, I think this is the weakest the two have been collectively in quite some time, but they're both still very good nonetheless. Colorado is led by Jaxon McCall, Greg Lacy, and sophomore sensation Mark Carr. As talented as this team is, I get the feeling that they're still missing something. They don't quite have enough to be considered among the league's elite. It could be perhaps that their bench is not very strong. This is a second round playoff team at best.

2. Nebraska(6)-In the off-season, Brandon Morfeld decided to part ways with Wayne Taylor who was the face of this franchise for many years. It became apparent that Taylor, though a gifted player, just simply could not get this team to the next level. This is a team that has flirted with being great, but ultimately has never been able to get back to the Finals like they did back in Season 1 when they were in Fernie. Morfeld decided to take matters in his own hands and decided to suit up and play. After training really hard, Morfeld is actually looking like the real deal. If you throw him in the mix with Roy Base and Tom Perkins, who was acquired for Taylor, you have a pretty solid trio. Former #1 pick, Jervan Timmons, has another year under his belt and will only get better. This team could still win the division, but much like Colorado, this is a second round playoff team at best.

3. Omaha(8)-This is one of the most intriguing teams heading into the new season. They have a pretty nice starting 5, but not much after that. They are an excellent free throw and three point shooting team which never hurts. They have a nice set of centers in Watts and Peska. They added the trusty veteran Chuck Henderson. Brian Collins is a valuable shooting guard. The problem with Omaha is that they have teased us in the past. Just when you think they are finally a playoff team, they end up missing out. They seem to have been stuck in that mode for a long time now. With that being said, I do think that this is the best team they have ever had since Kelley Avery took over. I think they will be a .500 team at best, but will still make the playoffs as probably the 8th seed. I can see them possibly winning a game in the first round if they're lucky, but not more than that.

4. Salt Lake-This is a franchise that is similar to Omaha. They are always a team that you think might get into the playoffs on a consistent basis, but just end up missing out. They have been stuck in mediocrity for the entire existence of this franchise. This team is led by, none other than, Brad Bangerter, both in the front office and on the court. They have one of the top defenders in Cordell Parks, and they were able to acquire center, Sean Ashman. They also have some nice guards who can shoot and score in Austyn Williams and Jalen Bell. Here's the problem with this team, however. They can't rebound. If they had better rebounding guards, this would be such a better team. In today's WBA, having guards who can rebound is vital to a team's success. It is for this reason alone that I pick them to miss the playoffs. It will be close though. They could still beat out Omaha for that last spot.

5. Arkansas-It's probably best that I don't comment.

PACIFIC

1. Oregon(1)-I have to give them respect since they are the defending champs. Lou Gonzales, Bishop Stein, Donavan Jones, and Marquez Houston are as good of a quartet as you'll find. Here's the problem. I said quartet. They don't quite have that other guard to complement Bishop Stein. This is the only thing that could prevent them from winning another championship. They will easily win this division and perhaps by as many as 20 games. They should also win the #1 seed, but due to the fact they don't have a complementary guard, they might settle for #2. Nonetheless, I still think this is the best team in the WBA and anything less than another championship would be a failure for this franchise. On a side note, it will be interesting to see how Kevin Harper deals with Lou now that he is starting to get up there in age.

2. Sacramento(7)-This is a talented team, but also a cursed team. Their big acquisition in the off-season, Samir Sheth, suffered a setback when he got injured early in the preseason. This will cost him about a third of the season. Despite the injury, this team should still be in the playoffs. There are some great defenders on this squad like John Van Horne, Bobby Egan, and Edgar Kamara. Expect to see this team struggle though without Sheth in the lineup. When he comes back, they should start getting on a roll. Since he is out for so long, they are probably a #7 seed at best, which probably means a first round exit in the playoffs. I will say this. If they can just acquire that missing piece, they can be a dangerous team in the future. Although, I think I've been saying that for years.

3. Seoul-Andre Dec is a great addition to this league. Every so often, this league gets a new owner and you can instantly tell they're going to be a winner. Andre Dec is one of those owners. I really believe he did as good a job as you can do being an expansion owner. With that being said, it's still going to be a long year. They have some quality veterans like Bill Blackstone, Joe Siebert, and John Gaiser, but they still don't have enough firepower, which is no fault of Andre's. Just by looking at his roster, you can tell Andre has done his homework and knows what a team needs to be competitive. Even though they won't sniff the playoffs this year, I think Andre will head this team in the right direction and will make a run at the playoffs next season. Welcome, Andre!

4. Alaska-Read Arkansas' preview.

5. Las Vegas-Our good old friend, Steven Goodstadt, tried to pull what Marc Hameleers and Sam Plummer did last season by making a comeback. Unfortunately for Steven, he doesn't have the track record they have. Drafting Mark Miller who has a no trade clause and a hefty contract was a big mistake. Marty Williams, George Lush, and Evelio Jackson will make some nice contributions this season, but we can't expect much from this group, understandably so. I am just wondering if we will see the Goodstadt who did a poor job for most of his years in New York or the Goodstadt who showed flashes of being a decent owner. If I'm honest, I pick the former especially since he is starting off with an expansion team.

WORLD

1. Cancun(2)-For the first time ever, Pat was forced to trade away one of the key contributors to his team's success since becoming an elite team. This meant that long time player, Scott Nicholson, had to be shipped to the WBA's version of purgatory, Alaska. Some outsiders may say that Cancun might be a little bit weaker this year because of the loss, but I'd say they got better. Cancun has been grooming Reed Moses as the center of the future for a couple years now, and he is more than ready to step in. Throw in Kent Mercer, Parker Mason, and Ahmed Dougherty, and you have a very formidable quartet, much like Oregon. However, Cancun also has Lonnie Gerson who is as reliable as they come. If there is a team in the West who can overthrow Oregon, this is it. Pat is arguably the best general manager in the league. Although, they might have difficulty re-signing Ahmed Dougherty after the season, which would be a huge blow. They were able to acquire Paul Carroll as insurance, and though he is a solid SG, he's still not at the same level as Dougherty.

2. Capetown(4)-This is a very dangerous team. This is probably the only other team other than Oregon and Cancun that would represent the West in the finals. I believe that Capetown has the best frontcourt in the WBA in Bombata, Gordon, and Mabruke. They even have a nice backcourt in Manning, Bissett, and Kodak. The thing that could come back and hurt this team is turnovers. Everyone knows that defense wins championships. The problem is that if they face Oregon or Cancun in the playoffs, these teams will take advantage of their weakness. That is really the only thing that separates Capetown from the other two. They are still a very dangerous team and I wouldn't want to face this team in the playoffs. I can't say enough about Adrian and the job he has done since taking over for this, once, dreadful franchise.

3. Budapest(5)-This is one of those teams that thrives when people don't pay any attention to them. Unfortunately, once people start taking notice, they start to play below what they're capable of. It's the same thing every year. You look at their roster and think they're just okay. Then they start winning in convincing fashion. Then they get praise from people around the league. And then, they lose. Why? Quick, name a starter on their team. Ummmmm, I can't think of one. This team is made up of players who play 24 minutes each. Once the starters play the first half, the backups play the second half. They're all equal in talent and no one stands above the rest. At some point, they need to get a player or two who plays 40 minutes at an all-star level. This is the only way they get to the next level. They did sign Bobby Cress in the off-season, who is now the closest they've got to being an all-star. I still don't think it's enough to get them passed the second round of the playoffs.

4. Mexico City-I actually kind of like this team. Sergio Gutierrez has quietly put a nice team together. This is probably my sleeper team. I wouldn't be shocked if they grabbed the 8th seed and snuck in the playoffs. George Holt, Jack Berger, and Angel Rojas give this team a nice frontcourt. George Foster, Pete Merritt, and Dondrell Palmer will make some contributions in the backcourt. I think the thing that will keep them from making the playoffs though is their lack of depth. Perhaps by a trade during the season, this team could have enough firepower to make it to the playoffs. This team isn't far off though. I think they could be in the playoffs next season with the right additions.

5. Gabon-This is a team that has slowly deteriorated these last few seasons. Back in the day, they had the “Rookie All-Stars.” As they aged and declined in talent, so did this team. Simon tried to ride that core for a long time, but it has caught up with him. Jerry Bramson is the only one of the Rookie All-Stars who is worth talking about. Hameleers is in danger of being out of the league, and the others have since departed. There best player outside of Bramson is center, John Devine. Go figure, the thing that kept Gabon from being a championship contender all of those years was their gaping hole at center. Now that they have a center, they don't have the other pieces. I get the feeling that this team won't see the playoffs anytime in the near future.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

NORTHEAST

1. Brooklyn(1)-This should be the first time in a few seasons where Brooklyn can set their sights on trying to win the championship. They have all the pieces you need to win it all-great starting 5, probably the best depth in the league, great rebounding, and great shooters. There are still, however, 2 problems with this team. First and foremost, they have a horrible history in the playoffs. For as much as you can count on Cancun to at least reach the conference finals or finals, the same can be said with Brooklyn losing in the first or second round. Despite being a dominant and even intimidating team in the regular season, this team is known for being soft in the post-season. Yeah, that's right, SOFT! The second problem with them is turnovers. Three starters-Jarius Miles, Omar Jefferson, and Mario Bailey-are all threats to have double-digit turnover nights. On the flip side, they are also capable of having 50 point scoring nights. Just as I said for Capetown, turnovers can come back to bite you come playoff time since that is when you will find the top defenses. This team is definitely talented to win the East. If they can somehow toughen up and get to the finals, they would still be overmatched if they were paired up against Oregon or Cancun.

2. Rochester(4)-This team reminds me a lot of those great 60+ win Gabon teams we saw. They have a ton of talent and some explosive players, but they have one glaring weakness. They don't have a top center. You cannot win a ring without a center. Period! Half their team is made up of centers, but they're all just a bunch of journeymen who have talent, but won't win you any championships. It's a shame, too, because they have as good a trio as you can find in Dave Williams, AJ Schulz, and the newly acquired Heiko Van Brandt. Jimmy Whalen is also a good ball distributor. I expect this team to make some noise in the regular season and could possibly steal the division from Brooklyn. I wouldn't bet on them to make it to the finals though. Get a center!

3. Long Island(6)-This team has tons of talent. So if you have talent, you're always going to be dangerous. And if you have Wayne Taylor, you're going to be even more dangerous. For as talented as they are, they're still missing something. It just seems to me, for whatever reason, that this team is not going to gel very well. Perhaps too many players will be complaining because of a lack of playing time. Also, their weakest positions are probably at center and point guard. Davion Stahl and Oliver Doherty will split time at PG, and Jack Spiegl and Kurt Beck will split time at center. Jack Spiegl is one of those players who seems to make his team worse, so that is a danger. Regardless, this is still a quality team and could go on a serious playoff run to the finals if Wayne Taylor heats up. Esposito has finally learned a thing or two, but his team could still be better if he made better decisions.

4. Toronto-I think this is one of those teams that has been hyped up way too much. I'm a big fan of Walt Jackson, and Simeon Hill has blossomed into a pretty good center. There's not much more I can say about this team. Isaac Rice, even when healthy, is one of the most overrated players in the league. He's not a very good shooter, he commits a lot of fouls, and turns the ball over. He seems to be one of those players who puts up good scoring numbers because he shoots way too much. This team just doesn't impress me. They're not bad, but they're not good. Because of Jackson and Hill, they could sneak into the playoffs, but I think they'll just miss out. They at least have Jackson and Hill to build around, which makes this team a team to keep an eye on in the future.

5. New York-Season 2 of the Marc Hameleers comeback is almost underway. I would have to say that Marc didn't really do much to improve upon his poor record from last season. His team is better though since Tom Kinsey has returned and appears to be the player Marc will build around. Along with Kinsey, Cristobal Dasher and Jevon Carter give this team a nice trio. If things bounce their way, the 8th spot could be theirs for the taking, but I still think they don't have enough. Marc is one of the best gm's in the league and will have this team get better every year. If not, then his legacy might wear off from his days in Colorado.

ATLANTIC

1. Charlotte(3)-This is, hands down, the top team in this division. It is also perhaps the most underrated team in the league. Some “experts” have predicted a sub-.500 record. Sam Plummer has turned this franchise around a lot quicker than anyone would've ever expected. In the off-season, he got better and younger by making trades alone. Paul Spagnoli, Toby McCree, and Kadeem Reed are all primed to have breakout years after riding the bench on other teams for the last couple of years. Eugene LaMaitre returns again for another season in the WBA. Maury Coleman and Jim Peyton will be the key contributors off the bench. This is still a team that is missing some pieces, but they are very close to having Sam Plummer running a team that is a championship contender once again. Plummer, who has always been a good evaluator of his team entering a season, feels that this could be a 50-win team, which would definitely exceed the expectations of those who feel this isn't even a winning team.

2. Miami(8)-This is the luckiest team in the WBA. In their 10 years as a franchise, they have had only 1 season with a winning record. You might be wondering how they could be lucky if they have had only 1 winning season. Here's how: They have made the playoffs 6 times. Six times!! Seis!! If that's not luck, I don't know what is. Before I get into the bulk of this preview, I will go out and say they will have another losing record this year and make the playoffs for a seventh time. One thing about Brent Bangerter is that he is consistent with this team. At the end of last season, he had his team headed into the off-season with a lot of excitement. This is a team that took the eventual champs to a 5th and deciding game in the first round of the playoffs. To add to the excitement in Miami, Brent added center Bill Yeager. This is the first legit center that Miami has had. If you put him alongside Dave Troychak and Oman Fatafehi, it should be enough to get Miami that 8th spot. In their first 6 playoff appearances, they have yet to win a first round series. If you're Miami, you probably wouldn't mind facing Brooklyn.

3. Cincinnati-Just as Mexico City was my sleeper in the West, this is my sleeper in the East. Joe LoMonaco has quietly made this team one with some talent. There is a nice trio in Craig Bradshaw, Dennis Evans, and Brandon Sandler. Tony Dimateo, Dontae Evans, and Jerry Kumanchik are also expected to make some contributions. So, there is definitely some talent, but still probably not enough to make the playoffs. With another off-season, this team could definitely make a shot at the playoffs next season. It seems like a long time ago when this franchise was one of the top ones in the league with Jim McCarthy and Steve Peterson.

4. Boston-Pablo del Pino has obviously put this team in a rebuilding mode. Unlike a lot of new owners, this rebuilding mode was not done on accident. I think Pablo has a plan and is sticking to it. That shows a sign of a good owner, which only leads me to believe that he has this team headed in the right direction and will be a winner at some point. He has a nice point guard who does a lot of things very well, with the exception of scoring, but that's okay. Tyriq Lang, Brendan Dawson, and Keanan Carrington give Boston fans something to have hope for. They're not going to win a lot of games this year, but that's okay. This is one of those teams where you have to keep an eye on in the future.

5. Baltimore-This just isn't a very good team. They have a nice duo who no one ever talks about in Mike Ivey and Anson Valente. They also had the #1 pick in the draft and selected Arturo Fonzarelli. Unfortunately, I don't think this guy is ever going to live up to the #1 label. Aside from Ivey and Valente, I don't really see anyone else on the roster who I think can be an impact player in the future. It just seems like a lot of young and raw talent. With the proper training, perhaps another player could emerge. I just don't see this team getting better anytime soon. It's a shame there wasn't a better rookie class for them to draft from.

EURO

1. Paris(2)-This team was just one win away from being WBA Champs last season. Is this team good enough to get back to the Finals, and if so, are they good enough to win it all? Yes and yes. Jay Vasquez, Jim McCarthy, and Al Lee provide this team with a great frontcourt, and Charlie Meyers and Scott Lio provide this team with a great backcourt. What's scary is that this team is still relatively young and can still get better down the road. There are just two questionable things in the off-season that have me shaking my head. Why trade Heiko Van Brandt? At least they got McCarthy in return, but it's hard to find a player like Van Brandt. Secondly, why did they give Al Lee over $11 million? I'm a big fan of Lee because he can do a lot, but I think $11 million is a little too hefty. This contract might make it very difficult for Paris to re-sign both Meyers and McCarthy who are free agents at the end of the year.

2. Albacete(5)-When you think of Albacete, you think of Harry Jarvis. He is still a great scorer after all these years. But I wonder if Albacete would be better without him. In this era's WBA, it is vital to have good rebounding guards. Jarvis cannot rebound, which is why it's probably best he gets traded while he still has value and is getting older. Jarvis is surrounded by some great talent in Juwan Bixby, Tyler Kane, and Raphael Park. This is always a dangerous team, and will be the kind of team no one wants to play. They have a history of upsets in the playoffs, and with this squad, I don't see why they couldn't be a spoiler again. With that being said, they're still not quite at that same level as the elite. They're probably one more piece from being a championship contender again.

3. Andorra(7)-This is a very talented team led by Devonta Corrigan. He is the guy everyone knows you have to stop to beat them. The problem is that they are lacking that complementary player to Corrigan. They need another star in that lineup. They have some good players in Tristen Collins and Ellis Law, and I have some decent depth. But they're still another elite player or two from getting to that next level. Otherwise, they will remain one of those playoff teams that is always opening up on the road. They definitely have some talent, but shouldn't be satisfied where they're at.

4. Frankfurt-This is yet another talented team. They have an all-star caliber point guard in Yuri Vilasny. Branko Filipovic, Bob Delaney, and Kelvin Boice are well-rounded players. Their biggest weakness is at the center spot. Mike Bennett is probably the favorite to start, but he's nothing to brag about. Frankfurt will also probably struggle with rebounding. Other than that, I think they are a team on the rise. If they could make a trade or two to bolster some of their weak spots, they could make a run at the 8th spot. They're not that far off from being a quality team.

5. London-Much like Boston, it is obvious that David Song has this team in a rebuilding mode. The funny thing is that I always felt that Boston and London were similar franchises and now they are rebuilding at the same time. Most of the players are either 22 or 23, so they're a very young team. The thing is most of them seem to be at the same level of play. I see lots of raw talent. With the proper training, they can grow into some nice players. The three “veterans” (all 26 years old) in Evelio Nunez, Jeff Sandbeck, and Sergei Danilov are probably the most polished players on the team. Rookie Shermar Mahara will probably make some significant contributions this year. I wouldn't expect even 30 wins from this team though.

WBA Rankings

Championship Contenders

1. Oregon

2. Cancun

3. Brooklyn

4. Paris

5. Capetown

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One Piece Away

6. Rochester

7. Albacete

8. Long Island

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Maybe Contenders Next Year

9. Colorado

10. Charlotte

11. Budapest

12. Nebraska

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First Round Losers

13. Andorra

14. Sacramento

15. Miami

16. Omaha

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Could Grab the 8th Spot

17. Cincinnati

18. Toronto

19. New York

20. Salt Lake

21. Mexico City

22. Frankfurt

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Maybe Playoffs Next Year

23. Seoul

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Lost in Space

24. Gabon

25. Alaska

26. Arkansas

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Still a Couple of Years Away

27. Boston

28. Baltimore

29. London

30. Las Vegas

January 18th, 2006

Miller retracts statements

After trade to Arkansas, enacts his no trade clause

By Simon Seacrest

After Las Vegas Coach Steven Goodstadt worked the phones for hours trying to trade power forward Mark Miller, and allow rookie Jeremy Sims to gain some playing time. But after sending Miller and rookie center Victor Pearson for John Greene and potential star rookie Dan Kincaide from Arkansas, the veteran realized that he was better off on an up and coming team such as the Gamblers, rather than play out of position on a team such as Arkansas.

“I would love to play for a winner; however, if I had to choose between Vegas or Arkansas, I’d choose Vegas. Prostitutes baby! Have to love those,” said the married 28-year old Miller. “Besides cow tipping, what else could I do in Arkansas? Because they ain’t doing any winning down there anyway.”

“This trade would have changed the Gamblers face and it would have brought them better into the future. But if Mark wants to stay, he’ll be a great help to our help to our team, be a great mentor to our rookies. As long as he keeps them away from the prostitutes,” said Goodstadt.

This trade would have had 4 rookies starting with Evelio Jackson being the lone veteran starter at the ripe old age of 24. The third year veteran came over from Salt Lake City in the expansion draft, and was excited that the former Andorra star would be staying with Vegas for a little while longer.

“Mark and I are like the elders on the team, and with him we are much better,” said Jackson, who at shooting guard is leading the Gamblers in assists. “But I understand what Goodstadt is trying to do by making the team younger, but who would want to go to Arkansas anyway?”

In the case of Sims, Goodstadt told the press after today’s loss to Andorra that he would start to backup Justin Hill at small forward to get some extra minutes. With no real backup to the 18th overall pick, Sims will replace Justin Granville as Hill’s backup, and with extra minutes, his rebounding skills will show the other teams why they shouldn’t have passed on him.

“I’m just following in the footsteps of my uncle Jerry Sims,” said Jeremy Sims. “He was a great forward in the league for years, and I’m sure I’ll be able to do it as well.”

** The organization Families for a Better WBA has filed a complaint with with league offices due to the discussion of prostitution by Mark Miller and Mr.Goodstadt. In an effort to retain the support of FBW the league offices have fined Miller and Goodstadt each $50,000.

January 17th, 2006

Ultimate Swirsk

By Chuck Swirsky

Ok what is ultimate chuck. Basically it's me no holds barred talking WBA ball. So let's get too it.

First off I was doing research on the net and heard that Alaska Management wasn't pleased that the Swirsk was wrong to rank them 14th. Well here's what I got to say about that. Call me when you make the playoffs I won't expert the phone to ring for many seasons. Maybe it's the cold of Alaska freezing the brains of management but lets get real this is the WBA's version of the L.A Clippers. Nuff Said.

Big props to Brooklyn who has looked impressive so far in the preseason. Hey and I picked them to win the Divison. I guess the Swirsk might know what he's talking about. But not to burst the bubble but pre season is just that but having said that Oregon has had pre season success and turned it into 2 straight WBA Titles.

Sactown is behind the 8 ball already. Off season acquisition former Colorado star Samir Sheth is going to be out for about the first quarter of the season. For a team that was on the bubble to make the playoffs this is a big blow. It may cost them any hope of a playoff spot.

Big 3 way Trade between Arkansas Long Island and Rochester. Pat Stephenson is the best player in the deal and for once this is a move by Arkansas that I can support. Elvin Sanders and a wack of picks and cash go to Rochester. While young Davion Stahl is the key player going to the Island. But I ask you what was many experts key to the success of Long Island last year? The answer was stability something lacking for years in that organization. But they seem back to the old ways despite a 50+ win season. That deserves a big WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

Two other minor Moves:

Boston gets Geroge Faup from London for Harry Applegate. Boston continues to go young why I have no idea. But they are committed fully to youth not winning.

While here in Dinoland Scott Jacoby will change address for the second time this season. He is racking up the frequent flyer miles he started in Charlotte moved to Seoul now heading to Toronto. James Boone the Dinos second rd pick in this years WBA draft along with a second rd pick next season and a first in 16 belonging to long island orginally head the other way to Korea. Clearly a move for the lack of depth in the Dino back court.

Oregon, Paris, Colorado, and Brooklyn remain alive in the hunt to win the Pre Season Tournament. Brooklyn will be well rested and tough to beat.

Despite what I said about the pre season meaning nothing, still you find consistantly year in year out the top level teams left in the end of this tournament. Some obvious reasons why is that good teams have great depth so they can win despite not putting the gas petal to the floor.

Opening night will be here soon and a couple match-ups to watch are:

Toronto At Rochester

The Dinos have always given Rochester a tough time and with playoff or bust attiude in Toronto they will want to make a statement

Budapest At Cancun

No team went harder after free agents than Budapest. A good test to see if they got their moneys worth with traditional power Cancun

Paris At Anndorra

Paris was so close to a title and had all off season to think about it. Anndorrs will give them a challenge straight out of the gate.

Las Vegas At Seoul

Which Expansion team will get off on the right foot Dragons or Gamblers odds are on the home team to pull it out.

Players To Watch:

Simieon Hill: Toronto thinks he is ready to have a break out year. Double Double they say and that's not the Coffee order

Walter Walter: That's not a typo and Albacete management is high on this young kid.

Alex Peska: Many feel he should have been the clear cut #1 pick will he prove the experts right in Omaha

Wayne Taylor: Long time Nebraska star how will he fit in as part of the Long Island Organization

Felipe Juarez: He's in a contract year and will be a big contributor if Budapest is going to be a contender.

There could be many other names but those 5 all have something to prove on way or the other. Well that's all for this week. Let the real games get started already and expert more ultimate Swirsk next week. Til than be safe and to all the true ballers Merry Christmas cause this is Christmas time to a true baller. May Santa give your team what they asked for. Except Alaska A lump of Coal for them.

THE SWIRSK

January 16, 2006

HAVE YOU SAID LOYALTY?

When you look at the WBA, your first idea is about a trading frenzy where everybody is traded at least once in a lifetime and probably 3 or four times in their careers. The stats are obvious. In twelve seasons so far, There has been 647 trades which have involved 1455 players, not taking into account the trading of picks or the players switching teams through free agency.

But there is a group of players who have remained loyal to their teams for lots of games, and what is even more surprising...teams have been loyal to those players too. HEre are the top 10 players with the most games played for the same team. Will we ever have a 1,000 games player for any player for the same team?

T.10. GEorge Lush (640 games with Baltimore): George Lush was drafted by Baltimore in season 2 with the 14th pick. In his first seven seasons with Baltimore, he averaged 16.6 points and 8.2 boards per game. At the start of season 9, he lost his starting spot at power forward to Clarence Collins, and he never recovered of it. At the end of that same season his contract ended, and Baltimore did not try to keep him. He signed for the minimum with Gabon

T.10. Jaxon McCall (640 games with Varese/Sacramento): McCall has been one of the best scorers in the league since he was drafted with the 3rd pick in season 4 draft. He has been the focal point of the offense for this team, but he will never be again. This offseason he has been traded to Colorado, where he will have to share the responsabilities, and playing for a winning team for the very first time in his life

9. Wayne Taylor (685 games with Nebraska). Taylor could have been in the top of this list in some years, but he, like most of the players in this list, has been traded this offseason, in this case to Long Island. Taylor was the top pick in season 2 draft, and he has been the most prolific player in the league for years and only injuries have prevented him to be more dominant. His scoring average for Nebraska in nine seasons has been of 28.2 points.

8. Jerry Bramson (719 games with Gabon and counting): Branson was the 4th pick in season 3, and he has never been the cornerstone in Gabon, but his efficient play has made him not being traded never. He's the worst scorer in the list with just 16.4 points, but his 10 boards and almost 2 blocks make up for his offensive game. Being 31, he could still improve in this list, given that lots of players that has been traded

T.5. Shane Strom (720 games with Brooklyn and still there): Strom was a 2nd round pick in season 3, so, there are 27 teams kicking themselves for not picking him when he was available. He has averaged 23 points, 7 boards and 5 assists in nine seasons for Brooklyn. The only problem with him going higher in the list are his 31 years and that he's been shopped around for some time now

T.5. Otto HAmeleers (720 games with Gabon and counting): Otto stats arent very impressive until you see his deffensive portation. He was the 2nd overall pick in season 3, and has averaged 19 points, 4 assists and a whooping 3.3 steals. The strangest think is that he has never played for Marc Hameleers. Fortunately for him, Otto is being shopped all around the league

T.5. Kent Mercer (720 games with Cancun and still playing for them): Mercer was the 3rd overall pick in season 3 draft. He does not know any other team that Cancun and there are no rumors about him being shopped. At 30, he keeps being a masterpiece in Cancun's project, where he has averaged 22 points and 9 boards in his 9 seasons there

4. Scott Nicholson (761 games with Cancun): Nicholson was the 4th pick in that spectacular season 2 draft, and while he has been a very good player in this league, you can only think about what would have happened with him with a better work ethic. We are safe to say that he has not improved at all since he entered the league. His scoring average in his rookie season was his 3rd best of his 10 seasons around, and he has his best rebounding season then too. He has since been traded to Alaska, so his run in over

3. Harry Jarvis (794 games with Albacete and counting until he retires): Jarvis was the 11th pick in season 2. He has been one of the top scorers in the league in his 10 seasons around. His 22.6 scoring average has put Albacete in the playoffs all those seasons. He is still 30, and this season he will become the player with the most games played for a team. He could also reach the 1000 games for Albacete if his age allows him to do the same stuff.

2. Dave Short (847 games for Boston). Short was the 8th pick in the inaugural draft, and he always has lived up to the expectations like his 20 points and 9.6 boards of last season say. Sadly he has been just traded to Arkansas, so he will never lead this poll. He would be a very decent leader, with his 21 points and 10.9 boards in 11 seasons

1. Joe Siebert (849 games with Brooklyn) Siebert was the 12th pick in the inaugural draft, and he has been the heart and the soul of Brooklyn with his amazing defense. He has averaged only 13.3 points in his 11 seasons, but you have to add his 11 boards and 3 blocks to talk about his importance. Siebert is one other player who has left his team, in this case in the expansion draft he was selected by Seoul. It seems that the youth movement got him off guard.

January 16, 2006

Changing to Coors

Miller nearly on the verge of getting dealt:

By Wayne Messier

Mark Miller, who once was coveted by Las Vegas Coach Steven Goodstadt when he was New York’s Coach, is easily the largest player on the trading block. The power forward, who has double-double capability, has fallen out of favor with Goodstadt due to the emergence of Jeremy Sims, the 29th pick of the recent draft.

“Mark is a great player, and I really wish that I could keep him on my team, but my style has changed since I came back into the league, and Mark doesn’t fit into that style,” said Goodstadt after his 4th straight loss in the preseason.

Miller hasn’t had that big of a market; however, in recent days, he has nearly been traded to Sacramento or Rochester, and seemed destined for London for some young talent, until London acquired Harry Applegate for nearly next to nothing. It may be speculative, but there is a chance that Seoul is trying to move around cap in order to acquire the big man from North East Moscow State. There has been interest in this power forward; however, finding any deal has been very hard.

The talks have not been so hard on Miller, who seems eager to be leaving Vegas. Despite the bright lights, casinos, and prostitutes, he would like to be in a more basketball style organization, not one with the glitz and glamour. He respects Goodstadt’s decision to want to focus on the youngsters like Sims, Justin Hill, and Seneca Redd, and he’s appreciative that he will be sent to a team where he could make a difference.

“My short tenure in Vegas has been fun, but I’m ready to go to a place where I’m wanted. But hey, at least its better playing here than in Andorra,” said Miller, who spent his career there until being drafted in the expansion draft. “I need to be in a place where I am respected, and anytime you get placed on the expansion draft list, you ain’t being respected.

Goodstadt says that he hopes Miller is traded by the time the regular season starts, and he is sure he will find compensation for the power forward.

“I’m looking to promote these young kids on the team and make sure that they develop into quality players who will be dominating the league for years. Once Miller goes to a new team, we can start to go with our plan,” Goodstadt says.

Quick Note: With Mark Miller being traded, Goodstadt has also decided to switch from Miller beer to Coors.

January 7, 2006

NEW YORK, NEW YORK!!!

The Second season under Coach Hameleers, What will it bring!

By Liz Lester

Last season, NY was clearly a team in rebuild mode. A group of mid quality players got transformed by Mr Hameleers and now we see a bunch of young, talented guys out there, supported by a few strong veterans.

Mr. Hameleers was very happy with the results fo the off season. “Our trading of the #2 landed us Cristobal Dasher and DaRond Lyons, and we still got to pick at #5. That pick, Damien bohm, will together with Lyons be a strong duo at the 2 position! Ryan Rogers proved also a real asset, as did Kyle Hawkins. I believe of all the teams out there we had the best off season. We acquired a lot of talent, and are looking stronger then ever. Off course in our division the going will be tough, but we will be stronger then people realize now, and will only improve more in the comming years, with our young core . Our team also has now so much more depth then last year, when we couldn;t cope with injury and even the minutes the starters rested where a problem at some positions, and that costed us games. No more, no more!“

Confident words by Mr Hameleers.

From the routines we watched at training camp, we deducted that the team might have a different setup then many people expect. We'll go trough the positions:

Starting 5

PG: Keith Douglas ( 28 ). With two young pg's gnawing at his position as the offensive leader, keith is still expected to lead his team with hin uncanny way of getting the ball were it needs to be. His risky plays sometimes have a downside, but few players give others the ability to score as he can.

SG: DaRond Lyons ( 22 ), the new youngster, will see most minutes in the current lineup. He will share though, with Rookie Damien Bohm, who, although a one trick pony, still will prove to be the best pure scorer among the rookie SG's.

SF: Veteran at 29, Jevon Carter will no doubt be incredibly important for this team again. A man who's play is so vital for this team, as he does everythign well, and supports all around him. Not a glamorous star, he is wrongly still underrated by many.

PF: The Star of the team, Tom Kinsey ( 24 ) , who was cruelly overlooked for most improved last year, again looks like he has improved a lot. His abilty to put the ball into the net seems to have increased further, and he clearly worked on his stamina this summer. Expect Kinsey to have some huge scores this year!

C: At C, Cristobal Dasher ( 31 ) returns home in a way. Back under the wings of Mr Hameleers, under whom Dasher performed so well earlier in his career, Dasher looks set to Contribute all he's got to this revived Franchise. Bringin his solid inpaint play and rebounding to the lineup, Dasher is an important asset to the team.

The backups

PG : At PG, two younger players are ready to see many minutes of play. Both Marvin Lee ( 25 ) and Marcus Rogers ( still only 22 ) are preparing for their time in the sun, wich certainly will come one day. Solid passers both, NY clearly has depth at this vital postion now

SG : At the 2 spot, Damien Bohm looks to get a lot of minutes. Critized by some as a limited player, Mr Hameleers encouraged people to look at his strengths. “Damien is a solid scorer, and will put many points up for us here in NY!” Youngster Matt Morris ( 21 ) is lookign to get a few minutes as well, but no doubt will see this as a learning year. A talented SG, he will blossom into a solid WBA player in time!

SF : At SF the depth in NY is incredible, and it looks like one of the two solid backups will be traded. Both Dudley ( 25 ) and Campell ( 27 ) are very solid players, who would be assests for almost any team in the WBA. Having two of them is a luxury, but coach Hameleers is also looking to play talented Kyle hawkins (22 ) the rookie power forward at sf, and see how he settles there. Hawkins may be an option at SF for the future, if Carter retires early or get that big trade that eluded him so far.

PF : At PF, youngster Kyle Hawkins will see the minutes that Kinsey won't play. Possibilities also include using Dasher or Carter here, but for now Hawkins will see his minutes in the rotation. One of the Steals of the Draft, the highly touted Hawkins still has some learning to do, but clearly is ready for WBA action.

C: At C, wich was such a undeep position last year, the depth now is incredible. Rookie Ryan Rogers, seems ready to start, but will have to wait for his time inthe spotlight, now that Dasher is in town. Charles Cushman is also still in NY, and is by no means unimportant. Tough playing, his solid rebounding will also be needed for this season. 3 C's, all capable of starting, a luxury for NY that is a complety different team from the one Mr Hameleers took over.

Rumors abound still over this lineup however. Reputedly there is interested in Douglas, one of the last pure passers in this league, and teh depth at SF and C also may be used to acquire a SG, so is heard around the NY offices. Although all 3 SG's NY has, are really talented players, and would not be a real weakness if asked to start, a veteran may be brought in to learn them the tricks of the trade, and give them another year to improve their game outside of the limelight……We'll keep you informed

Let the games begin!!!!

January 7, 2006

The Ford Report

by Wes Ford

This is Wes Ford here with the Ford report again. GSPN originally wanted me to write a full article taking an indepth look at every team in the WBA. But, I had a hot date so here is my abreviated version. As usual I will be controversial. Get over it. I am Wes Ford and this is the Ford Report.

Here is how I see things playing out during this season. I will only look at the play-off picture sense that is all that the fans really care about anyway. If you are an Alaska, Seoul or Las Vegas fan you can just skip this one because I won't be mentioning you team unless it is as an insult.

The West

1) Oregon

The champs are still the best in the West. They will win the pathetic Pacific division easily. They managed to keep their core and add serious bench players like Joe Clark and... Boom-Boom Casey. When the best player in WBA history is comingoff your bench you are pretty solid!

2) Capetown

They will be in a dog fight with Cancun but Gordon, Mabruke and Bombata will give the league fits! Gordon may soon become the best player on this team which is high praise considering that Mabruke is still on the roster.

3) Salt Lake City

No this is not a typo! They are not the third best team in the West but they will win their division. Parks is becoming a star. His steals will set the tone for this tough defensive team. If they can find a way to be better offensivelyand improve their rebounding they could become contenders but they won'tso expect an early exit from the play-offs.

4) Cancun

This team still rocks. Don't t let their fourth seed fool you they are still contenders. Capetown will edge them out during the regular season but they know how to win in the post season so expect them to have a good shot at making it to the finals. It is realy between this team, Capetown and Oregon... all the others are there for these three to have teams to beat and to pump up the WBA TV ratings.

5) Budapest

The best of the rest. They will never have the star power that they need to win it all. That just isn't the way they work. I was shocked to see them spend the money on a star like Cress and I was even more shocked to see him go there because we all know that there are no stars in Budapest. I know everyone always praises their team approach, but I say get over it. The WBA is about stars and this team isn't.

6) Sacramento

This team is the most likely to knock their opponent in the mouth. They are tough. Sheth and Van Horne are nails Kamara never saw a role (other than scoring) that he didn't want to fill. They will give the glamor teams like Brooklyn fits but in the end they don't have the power to go far. And it will be a long time before they pass Oregon which means it will be a long time before they have home court advantage in the play-offs. Fortunately for them they are also in the same division as those unmentionable teams so they never have to worry about dropping too far.

7) Gabon

The most interesting thing about this team is that Las Vegas is trying to copy what they did in season two with the rookie all-stars. Why? They never won a championship. They never even made it to the finals!!! Copy Oregon and Cancun and the classic under achievers.

8) Colorado

The new core of this team is Sacramento's old core. Colorado will get the same mediocre results!

No it wasn't a mistake! I didn't forget about Nebraska. They traded away Wayne Taylor. They should be instituted. There is no bigger star or personality in the WBA.

East

1) Brooklyn

I love this team. They are flashy and sexy. They make me proud that I once played for that franchise. Jefferson, Bailey and Strom will all be top 10 scorers. Miles and Herbert are studs who will get even better in the future. Haug, Wilson and Henderson provide the dirty work off the bench. This is the way is should be. Sweet playing smalls with a ton of flash. Tough big men and the dirty work off the bench. This is the Ford ideal. They have flash and substance.

2) Paris

This is still a great team but it is lame to lose Heiko. McCarthy is nice but he is not Heiko. That loss will make them take a step back. But, outside of the Beautiful Rage Paris is the team to beat.

3) Charolotte

This will be the worst team to ever win a division. They won't even have a winning record! Plummer has a great reputation and he has this team going in the right direction. It isn't his fault that he is in a pathetic division. They willbe the under dog in the first round even though they will have home court advantage.

4) Rochester

All I have to sayis Heiko! Heiko is the man. Add his all around play to the scoring of Dave Williams and you have quite a duo. The one question mark here is the Center position. There is zero sex appeal there. Langstraat and McFarland only do the dirty work but that will be all that this team needs out of them. If they can manage to add some appeal there they will be even better.

5) Long Island

I hate to see Wayne Taylor come to this. He is too much of a star to be just another high powered offensive player on a team full of offensive players. I never thought I would say this but therearetoo many stars and not enough role players on this roster. This team is all sex appeal with nothing behind it. They need some guys who are willing to get dirty. Charlotte is the only team above them that they can beat in a series.

6) New York

Hameleer knows how to win. He has put together a well balanced team that will surprise some people with how well they play in the toughest division in the league. What they need now are some stars. Give them two stars and they are contenders.

7) Toronto

This is a young squad that is on the way up.Walt Jackson has it all and Rice is the leagues most talented player... if only he could stay healthy. After those two it is all about role players. If only Rice could play 70+ games this would be a serious team.

8) Albacete

They will keep thier streak alive but barely. They aren't what they once were but Bixby, Kane and Park are looking good. Sadly, Jarvis will soon start to hold this team back.

That is the Ford Report and it is Truth!

January 7, 2006

Going Back to the Future: Goodstadt May Have A Plan Here

By Dr. Emmett Brown

What is going through the head of new Las Vegas Gamblers GM/Coach Steven Goodstadt these days? The former New York Firestorm owner had finally made his way back into the league after a two season hiatus from the league. After shifting through the drafts and free agency, it seems more and more that Goodstadt is taking a different approach than his previous stint in the league. After analyzing the eight rookies on the team (6 draft picks, two FA signings), it looks as if Goodstadt is trying to mimic Gabon Giants coach Simon Drapeau’s philosophy with his Rookie All-star’s approach in season 2. And, after the downgrades have been shown, these rookies have a very bright future. And with a season or two of playing time, these rookies can be big stars in the upcoming seasons.

Throughout the expansion draft, Goodstadt wanted to stockpile draft picks so he wouldn’t have to splurge his lack of salary space on free agents. He picked up two firsts for taking hefty salary players such as Mark Miller previously of Andorra and Buck Jones off the scrap heap in Arkansas (who subsequently was cut). After a few more trades in the end, Goodstadt ended with 5 first round picks and a second rounder. It seemed certainly that Goodstadt was going to hit with at least one of his picks.

“When I saw Seneca (Redd) dropping on the draft charts, I knew he was going to be a star in this league, and we had to take him. Besides, LI taking Tony Henderson made it much easier for us,” said Goodstadt, who in his previous stint as a coach took his team to the playoffs four times. “This base of rookies can really be a force to reckon with.”

Redd may have been his first pick, but Justin Hill, taken with Arkansas’s first at 18 turned out to be his best one. After downgrades, Hill had the best ratings out of all the rookie small forwards, even better than the 2nd pick of the draft, Dan Kincaide, who ironically was taken by Arkansas. Hill, slotted to start for the expansion Gamblers at small forward, between veterans Evelio Jackson and Mark Miller. Jackson, coming into his 3rd season in the WBA, will be better suited for this offense as he tended to be misused in Salt Lake City, as his previous coach called the former 6th overall pick in the season 10 draft “a scrub player.”

"This squad has great potential,” said Goodstadt following a practice. “OJ Lofton and Wes Taylor will become very good point guards in the league. And Hill and Redd will be budding stars very soon. I’m very proud of this draft class of the Gamblers. We may not be good right away, but we should be competing rather quickly.

News and Notes from the land of the casinos:

- Casinos have been told that they are not allowed to bet on the WBA this year as the Gamblers will be in town. However, Goodstadt has petitioned to the gambling commission to reverse the decision.

- Goodstadt has been leaning towards starting Lofton at Point Guard and Jackson at Shooting Guard. Despite Jackson being a better PG, its better for the whole team at SG

- An interesting match up in preseason is to see who backs up Seneca Redd. Victor Pearson and Marty Williams have both looked well in preseason workouts. However insiders tell us that the rookie Pearson may have the upper edge and that Williams, who was a favorite under Goodstadt 10 seasons ago, could find his way out of Vegas soon.

January 6, 2006

WBA PREVIEW

MORE CHANGES AS WE HEAD TO SEASON 12

By Chuck Swirsky

Let's Start by having some fun Top 10 things that will happen this year GAURNTEED:

10. Long Island will make 10 trades and have a worse record than last year.

9.Yee and Issiac Rice will be injured

8.Alaska will not make the playoff AGAIN

7. All of the teams in the North Eastern Divison will make the playoffs

6. Only one Team in the Atlantic will be above .500

5.Oregon will clinch the NEW Pacfic Divison prior to the ALL STAR BREAK

4. Record number of turnovers in a season league wide.

3. The Fonz will be a bust in Balitmore.

2. Omaha is the comeback story of the year with Peska winning ROY

1. Oregon will not repeat and Paris wins the WBA Title

The league now has 30 teams in 6 divisons so here they are and are overall grade for each.

Eastern Conference

Northeast Division: Toronto, Rochester, New York, Long Island, Brooklyn (A)

With 3 established good teams and 2 teams on the rise in Toronto and New York this figures to be the toughest division in the WBA for years to come. It is the elite division of the league.

Atlantic Division: Baltimore Charlotte Miami Boston Cinninatti(B-)

From a competitive stand point this divison will be interesting as to who wins it but it is a collection of bad teams the bonus is the best of this lot will get home court in the playoffs. Making the 6th seed the place to pull off upsets for next few years.

Euro Division: London Frankfurt Paris Andorra Albacete(B)

Paris and Anndorra are the class of the field. These two teams can focus on each other from day 1 because there is no one ready to challenge them for the top 2 spots in the next year or 2.

Western Conference

Midwest Division: Colorado Omaha Nebraska Salt Lake City Arkansas(B)

Colorado and Nebraska will be glad to be rid or Oregon and happy to see the other 3 teams in this divison. Which team will rise to the top and take a divison title? Omaha is the best of the rest while SLC and Arkansas have an uphill battle in this divison.

Pacific Division: Alaska Oregon Sacramento Las Vegas Seoul (D+)

Oregon must have friends in high places how else can you explain them in this division. This is a one horse race and my money is on that horse. Only other thing of note is both of the leagues new entries from Seoul and Las Vegas will enter the league as divison rivials.

World Division: Cancun Gabon Budapest Capetown Mexico City(A-)

Cancun is the class of the divison but can expect stern challenges from Capetown and Budapest. The other 2 teams Gabon and Mexico are decent teams but definately a class below. This is the toughest top to bottom divison in the Western Conference.

How they will Finish???

Eastern Conference

Northeast

1. Brooklyn

2.Long Island

3. Toronto

4. Rochester

5. New York

Overview: This is the toughest divison to get right as far as predictions go with 3 established franchises and 2 teams after different stages of a rebuilding program. Brooklyn is always solid and a safe pick to win the divison. They are consistant and a sure playoff team year in and year out. Long Island a Divison Championship a year ago but a lack of playoff success led to many moves in the offseason. The key to the success last season was for once they actually had some team chemistry. Throw that out the window now and despite the big names they brought in it will take a while to get things rolling and that will cost them early. Toronto has improved two years running and was able to score wins against all these teams at some point last season. They were picked to do big things last year we just think everyone was a year off the mark. They will make the playoffs and Walt Jackson will be established as an elite WBA player if he isnt already. Rochester will be hurt by a lack of fundementals and struggle in a very tough divison. It's not that they are a bad team it's just that they are in a good divison. New York in any other divison would not be a last place team but rebuilding will continue for a season more at least. But they are starting to have the talent to compete and are capable of pulling off upsets should they be over looked. They have an outside chance at the 8th seed.

Atlantic

1. Charlotte

2.Baltimore

3. Miami

4. Boston

5. Cincy

Overview: It's been called by some the worst divison EVER. That may be harsh but not far off the mark. However the one team that stands in a class of its own is Charlotte. A team that has been getting a face lift and started to show results last year. The will win this divison quite easily. But come playoff time they may face a team with a better record out of the 6th seed but will have homecourt advantage at least. Balitmore had the first pick and got a top notch rookie he should help land second place but no where near the playoffs. Miami could have went in second slot just as easy but wont be signifgantly better than balitmore ethier way. Boston has went to the youth movement and will look to the future which may help them down the line in this divison. After a return to the playoffs last year Boston will take a step back this season hope fully to take 2 foward in the future. Cincy well the bengels are in the playoffs but dont expect the Hitmen to be. This team seems to lack vision direction and lacks talent. But they at least have a soft divison to call home. Not that it will help much.

Euro:

1. Paris

2. Anndorra

3.Albacete

4. London

5. Frankfurt

Overview: Paris proved last season that they are the team to beat in the East. They still are this year. Only signifgant challenger in the divison is Andorra. But in the end Paris should win the divison and home court throughout the playoffs. Another trip to the WBA finals is a legitmate expectation. Anndorra is a good solid club that if not for Paris could be a Divison Champion. They will likely fight it out with Long Island or whoever is second in that divison for home court in the opening round. Albacete is good not great and will be in the playoff hunt but likely not make it. London is the cheapest team in the WBA and you get what you pay for. Why this team refuses to spend money is a mystery but until they do they will not have any lasting success. Last year they faded badly down the end of the season and until they decide to spend some cash it's going to be the same problem. Frankfurt was just awful last year they may not be as bad this year but that isn't saying much. They still have to be considered the weakest team in this divison until proven otherwise.

Playoffs:

In:

1.Paris

2.Brooklyn

3. Charlotte

4. Anndorra

5. Long Island

6. Toronto

7. Rochester

8. New York

Out:

9. Albacete

10. London

11.Baltimore

12. Miami

13. Boston

14. Frankfurt

15. Cincinatti

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Midwest:

1. Colorado

2. Nebraska

3. Omaha

4. Arkansas

5. SLC

Overview: Colorado will be happy to learn that they have moved out of Oregon's Divison. Now they can be classed as the favorite to win a Divison Title. Nebraska traded the franchise player to Wayne Taylor to Long Island. The new look Nebraska will still be good enough to take second in this Divison. Omaha under achieved to a level of epic levels last year. They will get the train back on the tracks this season and will likely be fighting for the 8th seed. Arkansas is like the back to the future move tis year. Yee and Kruger back after a year bouncing around the WBA. This is not the path to success. It's like they say in dating there is a reason someone is an ex and these ex Arkansas players now reunited will prove that to be true. SLC-Some Losing Coming, If we had an confidentence in this team and it's management we would rank them 3rd. But we don't so they are in the sellar with the rats and the washer and dryer.

Pacfic:

1. Oregon

2.Sacremento

3. Souel

4. Alaska

5. Las Vegas

Overview: Who did Oregon pay off on the Re-Alignment Committe? I mean the two time champion can sleep walk through the season and win this divison. The key for them will be to stay sharp for the playoffs and going for a record 3rd title in a row. Sacremento is the best of the rest but given that the rest is 2 expansion teams and Alaska( No Alaska is not an expansion team). They despite what should be an easy road to second will be hard pressed to make the playoffs but with 12 easy divison games it sure helps there chances. Souel this team of the two expansion teams seemed more focused on winning right away. The fact we have them ahead of Alaska is prove of that and prove of how bad Alaska is. The Snowbears Organization is the POLAR opposite of London while london refuses to spend a nickel Alaska throws money at whoever will take it. The latest to get on the alaska cash pipeline is Peter Parker. His Wallet is so fat now that spiderman has retired. Las Vegas. Who cares what they do just the fact that teams get to go on road trips to Vegas is a bonus. Expect Vegas to be very gracious hosts as they made a lot of deals that were designed with the future in mind not this season.

World:

1 Cancun

2.Capetown

3. Budapest

4. Gabon

5. Mexico

Overview:I won't start singing we are the world but these teams can. Cancun has drawn a tough group of opposition but are the class of the divison. Capetown if this was a horse race would be 1a. They should find the 4 slot and get home court in the playoffs. Budapest has went all in for this season. But we think they are bluffing a bit. Instead of having pocket aces it's more like Jacks. But they will be a solid team and if you want a sleeper for this year they are the best bet. Gabon is a step below these 3 and will find it hard to manufactor wins in this divison. They should fold now and save their chips for next year. Mexico is not the best team in their own country and are the clippers to the lakers as it was in L.A for years. Unlike the Clippers this team is far from getting out of the shadow of Cancun and will have to face their fear four times a year. Cancun is Mexico's daddy until further notice.

Playoffs

In:

1. Oregon

2. Colorado

3. Cancun

4. Capetown

5. Nebraska

6. Budapest

7. Omaha

8. Sacremento

Out:

9. Arkansas

10. Gabon

11. SLC

12. Mexico

13. Souel

14. Alaska

15. Las Vegas

Awards:

WBA CHAMPION: Paris over Oregon

Excutive of Year: Budapest

Coach of the Year: New York

MVP: Bishop Stien Oregon

Def MVP: Simeion Hill Toronto

ROY: Alex Peska Omaha

Most Improved Player: Simeion Hill Toronto

January 2, 2006

A NEW SEASON IN ALBACETE

Season 12 will start with a great shake up in ALbacete. Their top players are very much the same, and the basis of Tyler Kane, Harry JArvis and Juwan BIxby will still lead the team, but almost all of the supporting cast have changed. The general manager was afraid about the team getting older without great chances of winning the championship, and the first decision was to make the team younger, with the only limit of not missing the playoffs. Here is how offseason fared for Albacete

THE DRAFT

OF course, having picks 19 and 23 is not a warrant for anything these days, but with the desire of getting younger, the team decided to hold on that picks. With 19th Albacete was pleasently surprised that power forward Tyris Mayes was still around, and he was inmediately taken because that spot was critical for Albacete as we will see soon. With 23rd pick, the selection of a backup for aging Harry Jarvs was the top priority, and finally Pat London was selected to have an offensive spark from the bench

THE FREE AGENCY

Albacete entered in free agency with 3 contributing players without a contract in Leo Rice, Tre Freeman and Fernando Edwards. None of them will be with the team next season. Keeping Rice was a top priority, because he was the soul of the deffensive game for Albacete, but soon the offers started to come his way, and the team had to decide wether overpaying him or showing him the door. Fernando Edwards and Tre Freeman signed really lucrative offers that Albacete was not ready to pay for them. In a last effort to clear cap room Albacete traded their oldest player and fan favourite Gordon Whitehouse to BUdapest for picks. Getting some cap relief and picks to make the team younger, but even with that trade, Rice's price was out of range, so they decided to have something in exchange and worked a sign and trade with BUdapes again that resulted in Paul Wilson, Rafael PArk and 2 first round picks. GEtting WIlson was great for Albacete, because they were solving their hole at the power forward with the best rebounder in the game, but Wilson didnt even was presented to the media, because Brooklyn pushed hard for his services throwing two picks that could be lottery picks in Albacete's way. Albacete then signed some journeymen for the frontcourt in Reuben Sax and Misha Krisnetsov and invested some money and time in Kolby O'Rourke. None of them seemed ready to take over the starting power forward spot, so they went after the bes rebounder and defender left in MAtt Archer. Finally when Albacete was looking for the best of the rest for a combo guard, they got one really cheap in a trade called Geoffery Caldwell. Rodger GArson was waived to make room for him.

HAVE THE PLAYERS WORKED THIS SUMMER?

Summertime is a critiacl point for teams beacuse they have to believe that players are training and making progress in their games. Fortunately, Albacete has great scouts that have been controlling players. Here is what they have seen in every player:

Tyler Kane: Kane has been working his phisics most of all. We will see a more fit player, whose knees have been treated to be more durable. We will se him more minutes on the court, and probably he will stablish a new record of games played in a season. We dont see that he has worked his game at all

Vincent Robinson: Robinson has spent most of the offseason fishing, and we cant see any improvement in his game. He has added some pounds but in a zone no one wants. His stamina has gone down, as have his ball control and defense

Geoffrey Caldwell: CAldwell is a hardworker and he has showed it. His conditioning has improved a lot, and that series of 1000 shots twice a day are working. HIs shooting is no more a liability. HE has assured a spot in the rotation in any of the guard spots

Pat London: It looks like the rookie is for real. HE has resulted in a well rounded player who will have to learn how to shoot against aggresive defenses.

Harry Jarvis: Jarvis is expected to be very much the same player again. He has not lost a step in his shooting, and he is even playing some better defense. YOu cant ask for a lot more to a 30 year old man

Nick Adams: Adams could have used this summer in a better way than he has done. He is not as aggresive at the boards as he used to be, and hes tuning the ball over once and again. He could lose his starting job

Raphael Park: Park is a young and hungry player that has worker really hard to be an important part of this team. He has now the ability to create his own shot and convert it in a constant basis.His rebounding and passing are way better, and he is even playing some effective defense. The only thing that could prevent him from starting is the need of a scoring option from the bench

Misha Krisnetsov: Knowing that Albacete needed a power forward, Misha has been working his post game. Now he is a better rebounder. The added banging he will have to support makes him a more fragile player

Kolby O'Rourke: Although he has improved his rebounding, and he plays without commiting fouls, his work dos not seem to be enough to give him a spot in the rotation

Matt Archer: By default the starting power forward, Archer has not wasted his time and he wants to earn every minute he plays. His conditioning is the best ever for him. He has developed a reliable shot and he is starting to be more aggresive. It looks like a very good signing

Tyris Mayes: Mayes is a rookie that will have a long career in the pros, but he will start slowly. HE can rebound the ball, and his defense is good too

Reuben Sax: Sax has been lifting weights. No more work done. Albacete expected something more from him, and he will only play when Walter is injured

Juwan Bixby: Bixby was very grateful to his team for not trading him, even with some grat offers, and he said Albacetete would not regret. At the moment, keeping him is paying. HIs conditioning is great, as is his shot, he is ready to lead the team now. Even his defense is better now and he wont foul out easily

Walter Walter: FOr the first time ever, Walter has earned playing time with his work. His stamina is better now, and his rebounding and shotblocking have really improved. But now he has created a new offensive game and is really ahead of schedule in terms of his improvement