May 1 - August 31

August 23rd, 2006

Citizenship Award to Be Renamed to Honor Deceased Owners

By Turtle Chase

When he found out that he came in 2nd for the citizenship award then-Seoul Owner Andre Dec gushed “I’m just glad that people are able to appreciate me enough to vote for me.” Former Arkansas owner Tim Richards was so enamored with the league that he was always online trying to improve his team, and always eager to speak with other owners. Both teams had promising futures, with both making some critical moves to improve their teams. But tragedy struck the WBA world not just once, but twice, and in the process left owners to come to the realization that Dec and Richards would not be back for another season.

The wounds were still deep that Arkansas owner Tim Richards had died of a heart attack just six weeks prior; when another cryptic email came around the league that Seoul owner Andre Dec had died of a seizure. Both had deep ties to the league, and both were well liked within the league. It led to Commissioner Rondall Reynoso announcing on Monday August 21st, that he has decided to rename the citizenship award to honor the two coaches for all of their work in the league. The award, won by Oregon owner Kevin Harper, will now be known as the Richards-Dec Citizenship award.

“It was just something I had to do,” said Reynoso, who also runs the Brooklyn Rage. “Both men brought a lot to the league. Andre was a great person to talk to, and although I didn’t speak to Tim as much, he was also a great person, and both will be missed.”

“I considered both of them friends. Despite being rivals, I chatted with the two of them a lot, and I will miss them both,” said Las Vegas Owner Steven Goodstadt. “For Rondall to rename this award was the perfect thing to commemorate two men who really cared about the league and made the league more fun. It will be hard to replace them.”

Richards, who replaced Sam Plummer as owner of the Washington Monuments after season 9, moved the team to Arkansas before the start of season 11. During his three years as coach he had 99 wins and 143 losses, while making it to the 2nd round of the playoffs once. He started off strong, but had some problems getting his team to work together, not being able to find a rhythm among his players. He was on the verge of making his team younger for the new season before he passed on. He was always having fun in this league, despite the misfortune of the last two seasons. He will be replaced by his son, who is looking forward to keep going on the legacy of his father.

Dec joined the league at the same time as Goodstadt before the 12th season began. He worked long and hard and after a rough 27-53 season, he had retooled his team completely, putting himself in shape to contend. He had brought a journalistic edge to the WBA, writing articles nearly every day, trying to bring something that had been lacking over the past few seasons. As his team has not been given to a new owner just yet, Goodstadt

remembers the friendly competition that they had.

“We had pushed each other, to make each of our teams competitive. We knew about each others proposals, talked about players, and gave each other advice on how to succeed,” said Goodstadt. “It just won’t be the same, because Andre was going to make the playoffs this season.”

In just six weeks, the WBA had been hit hard with bad news. Two owners, two owners who were well liked, passed on, leaving the rest to move on. But, with the Richards-Dec Citizenship Award, Reynoso has showed how much these two owners meant to this league, and with that, they will never be forgotten in this league.

“As long as this award remains in circulation, it will never be lost how much these two guys contributed not only to the league but on a personal level. These were genuinely good guys,” said Reynoso.

“It will be weird next year with the new coaches. It will be very hard to come close to the involvements of Richards and Dec. Renaming this award really shows just how much these two involved themselves, and it will be hard to match. They will be missed,” said Goodstadt

June 30th, 2006

Season Awards

MVP

Bishop Stein, Oregon

2-Javier Vasquez, Paris

3-Abdiel Gordon, Capetown

Rookie of the year

Omar Raoumbe, Gabon

2-Ian Tilmon, Oregon

3-Justin Hill, Las Vegas

Defensive player of the year

Lou Gonzalez, Oregon

2-Bobby Egan, Sacramento

3-Cordell Parks, SLC

6th man of the year

Elvis Harris, Gabon

2-Kurt Beck, LI

3-Kelvin Boice, Colorado

Most improved player

Abdiel Gordon, Capetown

2-Walt Jackson, Toronto

3-Javonte Bolk, Rochester

Executive of the year

Brad Bangerter, SLC

T2-Michael Esposito, LI

T2-James Borbath, Toronto

Coach of the year

Gustavo Follana, Paris

2-Sam Plummer, Charlotte

3-Patrick Fullum, Cancun

All-WBA

PG-Omar Jefferson, Brooklyn

SG-Bishop Stein, Oregon

SF-Heiko Van Brandt, Rochester

PF-Abdiel Gordon, Capetown

C-Javier Vasquez, Paris

All-WBA 2nd team

PG-Austyn Williams, SLC

SG-Mario Bailey, Brooklyn

SF-Walt Jackson, Toronto

PF-Roy Base, Nebraska

C-Lou Gonzalez, Oregon

All-WBA 3rd team

PG-Parker Mason, Cancun

SG-Dave Williams, Rochester

SF-Shane Strom, Brooklyn

PF-Kent Mercer, Cancun

C-Craig Bradshaw, Cincinnati

All-Rookie team

PG-Ian Tilmon, Oregon

SG-Casey Pointer, Mexico City

SF-Omar Raoumbe, Gabon

PF-Kyle Hawkins, NY

C-Senecca Redd, Las Vegas

All-Rookie 2nd team

PG-Jermaine Lee, Alaska

SG-Damien Bohm, NY

SF-Justin Hill, Las Vegas

PF-Jeremy Sims, Las Vegas

C-Trevor Ellis, London

All-Rookie 3rd team

PG-Shermar Mahara, London

SG-Arturo Fonzarelli, Baltimore

SF-P.J. King, Alaska

PF-James Boone, Seoul

C-Alexej Peska, Omaha

All-defensive team

PG-Parker Mason, Cancun

SG-Bobby Egan, Sacramento

SF-Cordell Parks, SLC

PF-Greg Lacy, Colorado

C-Lou Gonzalez, Oregon

All-defensive team 2nd team

PG-Austyn Williams, SLC

SG-Mario Bailey, Brooklyn

SF-Lonnie Gerson, Cancun

PF-Roy Base, Nebraska

C-Mike Bennett, Frankfurt

All-defensive team 3rd team

PG-Eric Manning, Capetown

SG-Brandon Morfeld, Toronto

SF-Heiko Van Brandt, Rochester

PF-Mark Miller, Sacramento

C-Al Herbert, Brooklyn

Citizenship award

Kevin Harper, Oregon

2-Andre Dec, Seoul

3-Michael Esposito, LI

June 27th, 2006

Seoul Searching: A Discussion with Brian Armstrong

It was a season of highs and lows for all the players who wore a Seoul

uniform. While the end result for the season was a disappointment, at least

one of the rookies is anticipating what can be done next season to improve

the team.

"I've been working out since the season ended," center Brian Armstrong said.

"Pushing myself to be a little tougher up close under the basket, facing off

against the league's big men. I think that next season, people are going to

be surprised at what we can do."

Armstrong played in seventy three games this season, backing up Joe Siebert

and Michael Huryta, primarily as a center. He logged the most minutes of any

of Seoul's rookies this past season, averaging out to sixteen minutes a

game. "Joe and Mike have been great at teaching me the ins and outs of the

league, and the more time I spend working with them, the more I really see

what I can do out there on a pro level."

Armstrong said his first year was "satisfactory", but expects better of

himself next year.

"All of us came into the league figuring we'd get a chance to make a pretty

immediate impact. Ryan, Jarion, Bo, Eiji and I each got a few looks, got a

few chances to prove ourselves, and while the vets got most of the playing

time, it felt great knowing that they could turn to me. When Joe got hurt

this year, they could've easily put Michael in there, given Boonesy the

start at PF...but they trusted me and I'd like to think I did a good job in

my first tour as a starter."

How did it feel watching Michael Huryta getting the minutes over several

established power forwards, like Rojas, Nash, and King?

"Michael's a big guy who never got the chance to shine. There was always a

better center out there who pushed him to the background. Bill Cash took him

aside and said he wanted to see what Michael could do as a power forward,

and Michael filled in the gap pretty well when nothing else seemed to be

working."

Has he considered changing positions?

"I don't think I'm ready to start looking at another position just yet.

Right now, I want to make sure I'm ready to make my mark next season, pick

up whatever lessons I can along the way. Joe's already told me when the time

comes for him to retire, Seoul's going to need someone ready to step in and

take charge. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I'm ready when

that day arrives."

June 27th, 2006

FINALS BREAKDOWN

Analyzing the matchup, position by position.

PG: Ian Tilmon v. Charlie Meyers

Oregon's Tilmon has been one of the most dynamic rookies in the WBA. As

such, the level of skill he's presented playing for the Western Champions

has been nothing short of phenominal, especially for a rookie. The problem

is, matched up against Charlie Meyers, the polished rookie has looked raw

and inexperienced. Meyers remains a premiere point guard, and has been

absolutely dominating throughout the playoffs for Paris. Ian's chief source

of relief, Cole Bayo, has not fared well as a shooter this offseason and

this is a place where the disparity comes through quite clearly: not only

does Meyers have more assists per game than Bayo and Tilmon combined, but he

also is averaging more assists and rebounds per game than the jewel in

Oregon's crown, Bishop Stein. If Meyers continues to outperform Tilmon on

the floor, Paris may have found the weakest link in Oregon's powerful

offense to exploit.

ADVANTAGE: PARIS

SG: Bishop Stein v. Scott Lio

Closer than one might expect...well, no, not really. Scott Lio is an all

star caliber player who ranks among the most impressive shooting guards in

the league. He's mortal, however, and Bishop Stein is a legend. Calling Lio

a weakness is like calling a man who runs a five minute mile "ordinary".

There are some forces that cannot be rivalled in the WBA, and Lio has done

an admirable job this season showing the fans that he may one day be the

player Bishop Stein is now. But to paraphrase Jim Croce, "You don't tug on

Superman's Cape, and you don't mess around with Stein."

ADVANTAGE: OREGON

SF: Marquez Houston v. Al Lee

Here's a matchup that provides a little more intrigue, though there remains

a clear cut victor between the two statwise. Lee is a skilled small forward

who's good at rebounding and keeping the defensive pressure up on opposing

players, and in the playoffs has shot both cleanly and effectively from the

field. Houston, however, has averaged a double-double and is an integral

part of Oregon's success, both during the season and throughout the

playoffs. While Lee has the skills to make this a closer matchup than the

guards face, the advantage still clearly goes to Houston for what he can

accomplish.

ADVANTAGE: OREGON

PF: Corey Mosley v. Anthony Curtis

An inversion of the small forward mix, wherein Mosley has posted excellent

numbers throughout the playoffs, as well as the season, but remains the mere

mortal facing the top offensive weapon the opponent has to offer. Curtis has

sunk over half his shots these playoffs and is perhaps the best power

forward in the game today. Mosely's biggest advantage is in terms of

rebounding ability, but if the shots go in, there aren't as many rebounds

available to pull down. Mosely is gifted at getting the ball moving and

creating the opportunity for others to score, while Curtis makes the shots

he takes. Mosley is a talented player, but Curtis dominates the floor.

ADVANTAGE: PARIS

C: Lou Gonzales v. Jay Vasquez

The closest matchup of the five positions, the advantage accrued over the

playoffs by Jay Vasquez remains by a slim margin in all categories. Gonzales

shoots an obscene 59% from the floor compared to Vasquez' 50%-no small

number itself. On any other team, Gonzales could average 30 points a game,

but behind Bishop Stein, his numbers pale just a little. Gonzo is not in the

same tier as a rebounder, however, and his ability to pass the ball has been

secondary to whittling away that time on the shot clock . He is an

impressive blocker, averaging four per game in the playoffs. Vasquez ekes

out a victory here in head to head competition, but if Bishop Stein goes

down with an injury, expect Gonzales to not only pick up his own play, but

to keep Oregon just as competitive as they currently are.

ADVANTAGE: PARIS (by a very narrow margin)

6th Man: Scott Nicholson v. Shawn McKick

Assists vs. points, back court vs. front court. McKick vs. Nicholson. It's

one of those puzzles that, on the surface, makes a player look less

effective in comparison when that just isn't the case. McKick's four assists

per game in under twenty minutes is better than his chief rival's (Cole

Bayo). Nicholson, however, provides that spark in three positions where he

still throws down ten points a game. McKick's shots are rare but clean, and

Nicholson just bangs his way into position to score again and again. The

advantage here goes to Nicholson, but it's not as large a margin as points

alone would indicate. McKick knows he's a lame duck finishing out his

contract, which means in a league where point guards are recognized for

passing first and shooting later, someone will offer him job security based

on what he does at the end of the year.

ADVANTAGE: OREGON (by a slimmer margin than one would expect)

BENCH:

Neither team utilizes their benches a great deal, but Paris keeps a steady

stock of young talent available just in case the need arises. Wilson, Fox,

and Liu have all seen action in every playoff game this year, while Quinten

Pitt is the only Oregon player other than the starting five, Nicholson, and

Bayo to see more than five games in the playoffs. Oregon's veteran bench has

the edge in experience, but Paris has the better depth and is better

prepared if an injury were to occur.

ADVANTAGE: PARIS

Seven categories, and a four to three edge for Paris. An inversion of last

year? Perhaps, but at this level, it becomes impossible to write off any

aspect of the two finalists as unimportant. Paris is hunting for revenge for

last year's game seven, and Oregon is looking to establish a dominant legacy

in the WBA record books. The Paris Juggers have become a legitimate threat

with a balanced lineup that is solidly improved over last year's model,

while Oregon seems to be pushing toward a rebuilding phase as several

players get older and young stars from around the league are looking for the

chance to join one of the top teams in the WBA. What does that amount to

this year? Who's hungriest? Watch for a first time champion to be crowned

after the defending champs make it a contest to remember.

PREDICTIONS:

Paris over Oregon, 4-2

Finals MVP: Anthony Curtis

June 26th, 2006

Free Agency Preview: Part IV

Omaha: Five potential free agents

Dontae Evans has to be considered the most key member of the potential free

agents to draw interest on the market. Coming off a reasonably priced deal,

Evans is not a premiere player but will be intriguing to any number of teams

looking to upgrade at PF for a season or two. This is said even knowing that

Ramiro Watts outscored him and frequently outperformed him on the court.

Omaha will likely make a solid push to re-sign both Evans and Watts, but if

it comes down to one or the other, expect a secondary bid to be made during

free agency on the other. This past season, Omaha was outrebounded by an

average of five boards a game-not awful numbers, until you consider they and

their opponents had roughly the same shooting percentage and outscored them

on average by six points a game, and the disparity becomes clear. Pending

free agents who may be of some interest to them to counter this disparity

include Bennie Armstrong and Donovan McCormick. Expect the amateur draft to

play a large role in determining what Omaha does during free agency. They

have a lot of money to spend, but may opt to improve via trade instead of

gambling on finding the right price.

Oregon: Seven free agents

Oregon may prove to be a bigger player on the free agent market than

anticipated, based on their efforts to move Scott Nicholson's contract.

While there have thus far been no nibble, the Season 11 champions may opt to

simply eat the remaining salary and enter free agency with 75% of its value

to spend in cash. In other words, $10.58 million to spend over six

positions, plus one amateur pick in the low 20's in the draft. The rumored

shopping of Ian Tilmon for future draft picks has also lead some to question

which point guard will be drawing their attention in free agency. Lou

Gonzales, having a phenomenal year, is growing older, as is Corey Moseley,

and while neither is at a point where Oregon needs to worry, the need is

rising for them to find the right complements for Stein, Houston, and

Tilmon. A number of young talents are available on the market for the right

price, and the pedigree of back to back (to back?) championships will

certainly draw the attention of any number of players. Expect Nicholson to

be moved, either in trade or by release, if for no other reason than Oregon

building for the future from a crop that will include Bohuslav Hruska, Lenn

Marella, and Quade Nash. The future will be scouted today.

Paris: Seven free agents

Charlie Meyers is sticking around. Don't act surprised, as this is something

Paris had been promising since last season. The attempts to move Shaun (of

the Dead) Busch for the sake of salary have become less of a murmur and more

of an outright shout. One of these two will not return to the Juggers

lineup, and Charlie's not shopping his condo in Grenoble at the moment. A

rumored deal has sent Scott Curtis out of town as well, bringing in premiere

small forward Obafemi Mabruke. There will be little cash to spend on the

free agent market, and Paris has already dangled Liu (not Lio-sorry, other

owners) for a second round pick or two. Arkansas has reportedly offered the

#59 and #60 picks for Liu, but the rumor has not been confirmed by either

side. Paris has a young, strong lineup that will be in place for quite some

time to come-as such, their movements on the free agent market will be

sorely limited.

Rochester: Nine free agents

Four draft picks, two top ten, and nine openings. It's not hard to see where

this will be headed. Heiko Van Brandt and Dave Williams represent the only

significant contracts remaining, and Ramon Phelan is rumored to have

tentatively agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Raiders

gear for another five seasons. Davion "Get me out of Long Island" Stahl will

be returning, but is rumored to be shopped with one of the non-lottery picks

in order to gain at least one more premiere player. Rochester has positioned

themselves for greatness, and it's not hard to see why they are one of the

most feared franchises in the East. Watch for them to make active bids at

most of the free agents of note.

Sacramento: Eight free agents

Cameron Sampson will be hitting free agency running and will not be looking

back. Sacramento, in turn, will not be chasing him all that hard. Samir

Sheth, John Van Horne, and Mark Miller make up the bulk of the team's

salary, while the fourth horseman, Edgar Kamara, is being shopped to teams

willing to eat a nine million dollar a year salary. Sacramento has a number

of openings but not a lot of cash to work with. Expect to see them more

active on the trade market than the free agent market during the offseason.

Salt Lake City: Eight free agents

See Sacramento. The primary difference is, Salt Lake knows what it has, what

it wants to keep, and how to go about doing so. The eight positions will be

filled by draft or one year contracts to players overlooked in the draft or

veterans looking to back up some of the best in the business. Expect very

little activity here, but watch for the roles to be filled by "the best of

the rest."

Seoul: Four free agents

Seoul gains the benefits of an expanded cap and the curse of a poor first

season. Jalen Bell has already indicated a willingness to remain in the

expansion city, meaning that two spots will be filled in the draft and one

free agent slot to be filled with the expanded cap. Seoul has indicated that

Brody Liang is available for trade for very little, and he will not likely

start the season with the club, despite good numbers following his arrival.

Angel Rojas has opted for all out free agency, and neither Scott Jacoby nor

James Boone are expected to return. Seoul will attempt to fill one of their

two glaring holes in the draft and the other by throwing money at it. There

will be some activity from this team during free agency, and it will make or

break the team next season.

Toronto: Two free agents

Two free agents of low return, two first round draft picks. Toronto will not

re-sign Nash or Fenstermacher, opting instead to fill the holes with the

amateurs turning pro. This does not preclude them making offers to other

players on the market, but Toronto is in something of a luxury position

right now-the balance of youth and veterans, contracts set to expire soon,

but not all at once, gives them the chance to avoid most of the free agent

gaffes that come back to haunt other teams for years down the road. Toronto

has discussed potential trades for Coomas Neetar, but the likelihood is that

they will keep what they have and gamble on an improvement in record as the

young get better fast.

June 23rd, 2006

Seoul Searchng: Post-Season

Dragons General Manager T.D. Swagger announced today that combination guard

Jalen Bell has signed a one year contract extension to remain with the

franchise. Bell, acquired just before the trade deadline from Salt Lake City

in a deal for Eugene LaMaitre, is a veteran talent in the back court who is

pleased to be returning to Seoul.

"Players like to know the teams they're with are interested in keeping them

around. After two and a half years with Salt Lake and four years with

Budapest, it means a lot to me to be part of something that has some

consistency to it." The thirty year old Bell said. "Getting a chance to work

with Daren Benson in the back court also gives me the chance to work with an

up and coming superstar. You don't get that chance every day."

Bell's contract was reported to be worth $7.8 million dollars, and he's

content with a one season deal.

"I know why they wanted to keep the deal short, and it honestly doesn't

bother me at all. They're paying Joe (Siebert) and I a hefty chunk of their

cap space this season, so I can't say I want five years or I walk, or three

years or no dice, or anything like that. If they want me back the following

year, we'll go through all of this again, and I really hope they do want me

back. It's a classy organization, especially the way they treated Murph's

family after I got here."

Bell, referring to the late Chuck Murphy, his former teammate in SLC, has

requested to switch his number from 14 to 41 to honor his friend. Sam

Plummer currently wears #41, but has been willing to discuss an exchange

with Bell.

"He'll be in town next week. There's some contractual things that need to be

adjusted-he's worn that number since he was in high school, and people get

attached to certain parts of their games. Numbers, pre-game rituals, and so

on."

In a related note, Tiziana Murphy, Chuck's widow, and their son Ky will be

the guests of honor for Seoul's home opener next season. Ky, 10, has

aspirations of one day following in his father's footsteps and playing

professionally in the WBA.

-In other contract news, Angel Rojas has officially filed for free agency,

turning down the proposed five year contract extension proposed by Seoul.

"It was a good offer, but I want to see what kind of success I can have as a

free agent. I know there are a couple of teams out there that are looking

for a power forward, and my agent seems to think I can get what I'm looking

for out there."

Rojas was acquired from Mexico City with Ajan Estay and Brody Liang for John

Gaiser, Odibe King, and a 2nd round pick.

June 22nd, 2006

Maybe you want to be a WBA champion ?

By Gustavo Follana of the Paris Juggers.

If you are reading this I hope that what you want is to be a WBA champion. Even if you have already won, I hope you have the hunger for more, because what makes this game fun is the competition. The competition is the desire of all owners to get better and to bring that killing team that will show off your coach skills.

Inside this article I am going to write what I think is needed to get a good team in the WBA. And I am talking with the knowledge of an owner that started, turned a good team into a bad one, and got his head out of the water. It took me two full seasons to understand the game better, and from then on things started to get harder.

I am going to avoid certain things that have been said before and I am going to talk about talent evaluation and chemistry.

First, talent evaluation is the second hardest part of this game. The first one is chemistry. But what is it talent evaluation? It is been able to see how a player can fit on your team and what will be his real value for you. A good thing is to look at the player's stats for the last season, and at the player's ratings. Is he overachieving because he is in a bad team, or is he underachieving because he is badly coached? Does he have some great points? What are his weaknesses?

A good sample is Magic Toby. Great scorer, good passer, good shot blocker, but lousy rebounder … He was playing season 5 with New York getting 27 wins, he was traded to Texas (now Paris) and the team went from 29 victories to 46. All of this while being out rebounded… Everyone on that team had a clear mission. Toby was to score. He only put 22.5 points shooting 54%, but helped the team with 4.5 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.7 steals a game. Toby was a player that used to go from team to team, and there people started to look at him as a possible winner. During the playoffs we went to the second round and he put 29 points a game!! Just wonderfull!!.

His value as a player increased because I showed what he could do, but that was not the only thing to make the team rebound and start winning games. The other thing is to get on your team what your team needs. If you don't score a lot, look at why don't you score instead of bringing a scorer. Do you shoot too low a percentage from the floor? Or is it that you don't go to the line? No threys at all? If you put several scorers together their numbers will go down as there is a limited number of shots to take.

Look at that player. His FGA is bigger than that of your best player? Then he will take more shots. The worse thing you can do is to get a player that shoots a lot and has bad FG%. I have seen several of those players and I think it is suicide to use them. A player that shoots little and bad is not great, but it is a problem that can be overcome. At then end remember that scoring is as you win matches. So if you put the best players in the field, but they cannot score, you will lose. No matter how many rebounds, steals and blocks you get… (in measure, if you block every shot they take they can not win, but that won't happen in the WBA…)

Talent evaluation exercice :

Who is the best choice for you ?

Steals 143, Turnovers 259

Steals 54, Turnovers 170

Steals 60, turnovers 210

Steals 255, Turnovers 999

And the answer is…. It all depends on your team, but they should be players A or B. If you steal a lot player B will be better, if you steal little, player A will be better. Difference quite small. You don't agree with me? That is your problem not mine, this is my way of seeing things…

Chemistry is the ability to put 5 players playing on the field but obtain results that would need 6 players on the field. It is the ability to get more out of your players. To find the missing person to make your team what it is.

The bad thing about chemistry is that is personal. Players that do play well with my coaching style will not work with others. I am always in wonder of Brooklyn. He has a style completely opposite to mine. And yet he gets great games from a team that I would not coach to that level. On the other side, I bring out everything I can out of my team. I pick the players that go well for it (like Scott Lio, a wonder SG only second to Bailey and Bishop). I got much heat out when I traded Heiko Van Brant. He was MVP during season 11 and a key piece of my attempted run at the title last year. But I traded him because I wanted a harder defense, I knew it was going to cost me wins but I wanted to defend better. And I got my wish on Anthony Curtis a great scorer, but a great defender too. With him I made Paris the defensive team of the year and we got 63 wins nonetheless.

Will it be enough to win the title? Maybe, maybe not. So far I have ten straight wins during the playoffs and I am one win away from winning the East conference finals. Let's finish this first and then we will see.

Where is the chemistry on all of this? It is that I bring players that help my team and help me coach better. My team has only 1 good rebounder in Jay Vasquez, yet I am one of the best rebounders of the league. Easily done if you make it a priority to have players that do rebound.

Knowing what you want before they tell what you want is the key. If someone comes around make offers think why do they want that player, what are you getting and how will that change your team. Think twice. Talk with someone about it. Roll a dice. Take a nap and then take another look. Don't let them make the trade for you. Make it only if you think it is going to help you.

A few samples of chemistry. Season 12 Long Island. They where a bad team until they brought Kadeem Reed back. Why is he so important? Because he is the floor general. He distributes the ball, he rebounds and he makes few mistakes. He is just a great PG. His addition is what turned LI from a so so team into a 49 wins teams. He is bringing more than just his stats, he is making the rest of the team play better.

Salt Lake City and Sean Ashman and Eugene LaMaitre. Before bringing this two players (at different times) Salt Lake was a joke, now they hurt. Ashman is one of the best Centers on this league, period. LaMaitre even if he starts to be old he is still an above average SG.

You may think they are not good examples because they got kicked out of the playoffs, but I can tell you by experience that the first times you get into the playoffs things usually go badly. Remember, you are going to play the best of the best for a few games, so it is nothing to be ashamed to be kicked out. It was my fifth time on the playoffs before I could arrive to the conference finals… and I got kicked 4-0 by Oregon before he played Budapest and won the championship.

Conclusion. Evaluate what a player will bring and take away, on every stat!! Think of what your team is missing and bring it. It will allow you to play above and beyond what others would expect. Recruit for your taste, coach for your taste, live for your taste and everything will go better.

June 20th, 2006

Today's report will be on the potential free agent SF's in the upcoming off season pool. I use the word potential because any of these players could be extended or retire. There will be a couple of really nice players at this spot for team looking to make a change, but not a lot of depth at this spot that has starter potential.

Abegunda Abasi-- Abasi had a lot of potential when he first entered the league to be a breakout star, but he has taken the long route on the road to that. Most likely he will be signed up as a back-up at the small forward or power forward spots. His shooting is pretty poor and he shoots too often for his abilities. He is also slightly weak as a rebounder to be playing the forward positions. His defense is probably his best asset, but he is still only average at these. He can get into trouble with fouls and turnovers at times also.

Luke Benner-- This guy isn't even on a roster anymore this season which amazes me. He is definitely worth a contract and could even be a starter for some of the weaker teams in the league. He is a solid shooter from all places on the court which makes him worth the money to begin with. He is also a decent passer for a guy that scores so well. His defense is below average, but he does well at stopping his man without committing fouls. He also isn't bad at controlling the ball. I really think he is an under rated player and needs to be on a roster somewhere.

Tyrell Clay-- Clay is a bit small as a SF, but he is easily capable of doing the job. He is still very young, so he would be a great pickup for a team that is building on potential. He's already an average scorer and with some focus on his shooting he could be a nice threat from all over the floor. His rebounding is weak, but again this is an area that has potential to increase. His biggest asset is his passing which is as good as most point guards. He is excellent at finding his open teammates on the wings. His defense is adequate and he is right at the league average for fouls and does a pretty solid job of not turning the ball over.

Frank Constantini-- Frank has never been starter caliber just because he isn't known for his stamina. Or perhaps he is known for it, but not in a good way. He's a solid scorer off the bench for any team which makes him a valuable sixth man. He's a pretty good rebounder for an old guy. His defense has slipped a bit through the years, but you can count on him to commit no fouls and play smart with the ball. He is a veteran that won't make dumb mistakes that cost his team the game. He'll give you solid minutes every night.

Lonnie Gerson-- This is another player that is under estimated in a big way. His scoring ability is solid mainly because he is great at penetrating the lane and drawing contact. This also makes him valuable in that he can get the other team into trouble. His rebounding is also a strength and he is great at getting into the right position on the court. Now, he won't block any shots, but he is a great close up defender that has quick hands and the fastest reaction time in the league. To go along with that you won't have to worry about him getting into foul trouble himself. He is also great with the ball and is a smart player that knows where to be on the court.

Jon Morgenland-- Jon is a lot like Constantini in that he is a career back-up, but he is a darn good one. He is a huge scorer that loves to get the ball in the paint and challenge opponents. But as good as he is on offense, he is every bit as bad on defense. He has to score a ton in order to justify his poor effort on the other end of the court. At times he spaces out defensively which can lead to some dumb fouls because he gets into trouble. He also shies away from contact under the boards which means he won't get many rebounds. You won't have to worry about turnovers with him though, which is in large part due to the fact that he doesn't pass the ball much.

Patrick O'Connor-- Patrick is still young enough that there is potential here to round out his game. He will never be a big scorer, but he can become a decent shooter. His strength is his tenacity on the boards where few guys can get around him. It has more to do with positioning than on brute force or jumping ability because he doesn't block very many shots. He does a good job overall on defense though and will get an occasional steal. He won't commit very many fouls at all and he is above average at keeping control of the ball.

Ramon Phelan-- I think this guy might be one of the biggest secrets in the WBA. He signed for near the minimum a few seasons ago for Nebraska and is playing now for Rochester. He is very close to a breakthrough to becoming a solid scorer with all kinds of range. He is also a very good rebounder for a small forward who intimidates opponents with his blocking ability. But perhaps his best attribute is his control for such an intense player. You won't see him turn the ball over or get into foul trouble--two key elements that were instilled by his legendary collegiate coach.

Bill Rainwater-- Bill has always been a big name in this league, but he has always had a certain stigma around him that prevents him from becoming an elite player. He is one of the best scorers in the WBA and he does most of his damage right in the lane. This is what will always keep him on a roster. But what will always keep him on the bench will be his very poor defense and his inability to stay out of foul trouble. He constantly loses control on the court and is known for pushing the ball and wild passes. He just loses focus at times and it can really hurt his team. It has also been noted that he isn't a very good team player.

Asher Ward-- Ward is a guy that is still young and has some potential. I think he is best suited going to a team that can work on his abilities and develop him over the next few seasons. He's a solid scorer although it would be nice if he developed some range outside the paint and bettered his shot selection. His rebounding is adequate, but he won't wow anyone with his presence around the basket. He's also a pretty good passer for a forward which is a nice asset to have. His defense is also just average, but it helps that he doesn't commit many fouls so he can buckle down when needed. Perhaps his biggest weakness is that he can get careless at times and turn the ball over.

June 17th, 2006

Just Dilly-Dalling Around: Inside Scoop on Newest Gambler Point Guard:

By Turtle Chase

Reid Dall was always a big lover of Las Vegas. Upon turning 21, he immediately hopped a plane to the gambling capital of America and lost 1000 dollars. Upon hearing there would finally be an expansion team in Vegas, he immediately looked upon playing there when his rookie contract with Gabon expired at the end of season 12. However, it didn’t need to take that long. Upon being eliminated by Cancun in the first round of the playoffs, Gabon offered a full extension to Dall, 24, and subsequently traded him to Las Vegas for a pair of second round picks in upcoming seasons. Dall spoke to me upon his arrival at the Mirage hotel to gamble some of his new 6.1 million dollar contract for 5 seasons.

TC: Is this like a dream come true?

RD: It has been a dream to play for Las Vegas. When I heard they were getting a franchise I knew that it was something that I had to be a part of.

TC: Do you mind that this is only their second season?

RD: I have been in constant contact with Coach/GM Steven Goodstadt, and he has kept me informed on all of the moves, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this team. He really knows what we need and has looked to fill all of the holes.

TC: We know about Vance Clopp (who came from Nebraska), can you tell of us of any other deals?

RD: (laughing) You know I can’t Turtle, but I am looking forward to playing with some of these players.

TC: Well then, as of now, this team is very young, with rookies Justin Hill, Jeremy Sims and Senecca Redd leading the fronts. How do you feel to be part of a young nucleus?

RD: It really is humbling to be the oldest and only be turning 25 next year. I have seen all three play during the season and I am very impressed with how they have turned out. I believe that Hill could be a star next season, and Redd and Sims will get there. It is very exciting to be a part of this team.

TC: Do you have any hard feeling towards Gabon coach Simon Drapeau for trading you?

RD: This is a business, and I know that I would be searching for a new team anyway as he told me he wouldn’t resign me. I am actually glad that he was able to trade me to the team that I wanted to be with.

TC: Do you expect the Gamblers to be in the playoffs next season?

RD: No doubt about it. This team looks ready for business.

June 16th, 2006

Draft Lottery

1) Andorra (Frankfurt's pick)

2) Las Vegas

3) Paris (Alaska's Pick)

4) Mexico City

5) Rochester (Arkansas' Pick)

6) Rochester (Boston's Pick)

7) Seoul

8) Cincinnati

9) Baltimore (Omaha's Pick)

10) Nebraska

11) Miami

12) Andorra

13) Gabon (New York's Pick)

14) Frankfurt (London's Pick)

June 16th, 2006

Swinging Either Way: Vegas Betting Guide for Conference Finals and Finals

By Turtle Chase

So, after a 3-1 picking of the last round, we are off to do the final segment of the WBA playoffs. This is a very boring as there have been no upsets and the top 2 teams in each conference remain to duke it out to get the prized trophy. Out of the four remaining teams Cancun, Oregon, Paris and Brooklyn, only Paris has not won a final, while Cancun and Oregon have won the last four (two apiece). (UN) luckily for Paris and Brooklyn, only one of them gets to play in the finals. But alas, after each team went relatively unscathed in the previous round (with only Brooklyn needing more than 5 games to defeat their opponent), it is time for some more Chase picks.

Western Conference Finals: (1) Cancun v. (2) Oregon

Oregon just finished dismantling a very impressive SLC team in 4 games, in which coach Kevin Harper was nervous of playing before the series began. However, he now should be nervous of facing Pat Fullum, the only 3 time WBA champion, and perennial coach of the year candidate. Cancun was able to easily knock off a surging Capetown team even without their starting center, Reed Moses, who is out for the rest of the playoffs. Despite splitting the season series at 2 apiece, it is very hard to pick a team who has no viable option to defend Lou Gonzales. However, with rumor that Fullum may be dismantling the team at the end of the season beginning by trading Kent Mercer, this may be this team’s last hurrah at a finals hope, making Fullum work extra hard to beat Oregon. Beyond that, Cancun still has Parker Mason and Ahmed Dougherty as well as Mercer and should still be able to put up viable competition. Also, if the game runs 7 games, Cancun should be able to use Issac Rice, acquire from Las Vegas who would be a massive help if it gets that far. Oregon on the other hand still has the two headed monster in Stein and Gonzales with a nice complements with Cory Mosley and Marquez Houston. This will be a very close series as even without Moses, Cancun should be competitive with the age-old Al Zarra filling in nicely. As hard as it is to pick against Oregon, if this series goes 7, which is very possible, Issac Rice could be a difference maker.

Cancun wins in 7

Eastern Conference Finals: (1) Paris v. (2) Brooklyn

After easily defeating Long Island, despite all of the calls for an upset, Paris will face an even tougher task in Rondall Reynoso’s Brooklyn Rage. The Rage, pulling together to beat a tricky Rochester team appears ready to head back to the finals, a place they haven’t been since season 9 in a loss to Cancun. Paris on the other hand was the runner up just last season to Oregon and hopes to make a return trip this year as well. Both teams have the talent to get to the finals and like the other series it will be very close. With Vasquez and Anthony Curtis, the Jugglers defintelty have an edge on front court over Al Herbert and Jarius Miles. But the Rage back court is ten times better than the Jugglers; however, Charlie Meyers had his own little coming out party against Kadeem Reed last round. Unfortunately he can’t guard for anything. And, going up against Omar Jefferson will not be fun as the kid can score. Another thing going against Gustavo Follana this time is that instead of facing off against LI coach Mike Esposito, he gets a formidable challenge in Reynoso, who is one of the top coaches ever in WBA history. Reynoso will be very tough to outcoach and he definitely has the talent to win. Like the other series, it will be very close, but it appears as if Paris will not be making a return trip to the finals. I don’t think that Gus will have enough gas to get through for another shot at glory.

Brooklyn wins in 6

Finals: (1) Cancun v. (2) Brooklyn

Battle of the mega coaches here. This is a rematch of the season 9 finals in which Cancun won. Both teams are great at all positions. Herbert is weaker than the other centers that Cancun had to face so it wont make much of a difference with the loss of Moses. And, Issac Rice will help out, exactly what Fullum wanted here when he made the trade with Las Vegas. It is very hard to handicap this series as both teams are very good at all positions and have very good backups and everything. And they even split the season series at 1 apiece, but again it was with Moses. As much as I really want to pick Cancun it is very hard to pick against Brookln. Strom, Bailey and Jefferson can combine for nearly 75-80 points, and Miles and Herbert will be able to put them over the 100 mark every time. I find it very hard for Mason, Dougherty and Mercer to top the production of the former 3. But Cancun is still a very formidable opponent, and Fullum is a very talented coach. But it appears if Reynoso and his Rage should be hoisting the Championship trophy when all is said and done.

Brooklyn wins in 6

A very exciting postseason this has turned out for season 12. With a final four of perennial championship contenders, each will duke it out for the coveted trophy. Unfortunately only one team can win. And for that, there will be some exciting basketball for the next few days. After that, the draft and free agency will begin, and it will be interesting to see who will be in this scenario next year. Could it be Vegas or Seoul? Maybe Alaska could have a winning season? The latter probably wont happen, but anything can happen in the crazy world of WBA

June 16th, 2006

The Magic of Bailey

By Ron Chambers

One of the curses and benefits of being in a major market is the amount of media attention that players and teams get. Take a look at the Brooklyn franchise. They are the second winningest team in league history and are led by the coach with the most career wins- one of only two who have over 600 wins and they have never missed the play-offs. They have been praised for all of these accomplishments but at the same time the capitol of the world expects more. One title and two trips to the championship have not been enough for New Yorkers and despite being tied for the fourth most play-off victories they have been labeled as a soft post season team. But, that is beginning to change.

Most followers of the WBA think of Mario Bailey as the force that he is today. Few people remember the skinny teenager who went un-drafted in Season 6. The youngster was quickly forced into the stating role as the team moved Shane Strom back to his natural position. Despite showing promise, Bailey struggled shooting only 39% and averaging 11.8 points a game. In the play-offs Brooklyn was swept by Washington and Bailey's really had a hard time as his average dropped to 9.7 points and he shot a mere 31%. Now, Bailey looks back on that series with a grimace on his face and say's “Eugene [LaMaitre] reminded me I was just a kid.” But, Bailey was a determined kid and worked hard in the off-season. The following season he raised his scoring average to 13.0 and raised his Field Goal percentage to almost 42%. He also continued to show that he was a good defender averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals. Perhaps most impressive though was at the young age of 21 he was able to raise his game in the play-offs scoring 15.1 points per game and averaging 1.8 blocks and 1.9 steals all while helping his team advance to the second round.

Season 8 was a test for the rising star. Management still had faith in the young player but Brooklyn has typically wanted to try to win it all now. So, they pulled in defensive specialist Michael Kutak in an attempt to try and win it all. It seemed to work as the team won the Division and went to the finals…only to loose in six games to Cancun.

The following year the franchise was not willing to pay Kutak the type of money he was now being offered and Bailey returned to the starting line-up. He showed that he had been a good study and that he really belonged in the starting role. He averaged 15.7 points on 49% shooting and also gave a balanced attack grabbing 5.2 boards and giving out 4.3 assists. At 22 he was now the age of many rookies and people around the league were really beginning to see his potential. He continued to show his competitive spirit in the play-offs by averaging 19.8 points on 52% shooting and helping his team to reach game seven of the second round.

It was in Season 10 when Bailey first started to be thought of as a star. The departure of Tom Perkins left Bailey as the second scoring option behind Shane Strom. The arrival of Omar Jefferson and Jarius Miles also showed that this team was going in a different direction and as a young player Bailey would have a long future in Brooklyn. He averaged 18.1 points during the season on a very impressive 56% shooting. But, in the play-offs he made a real statement. The young core was no were near talented enough to compete with Washington in the first round and were swept but Bailey was a huge bright spot shooting 69% and averaging 28.3 points. He also played well all around with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1.7 blocks.

Season 11 cemented Bailey as a star. He raised his scoring average for the first time to over 20 points averaging 22.8 points. As always he was a rounded player averaging 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.8 blocks. But, his most important achievement was dropping his turnovers from 3.7 a game the previous year to 1.7, to the competitive Bailey though the most important thing was to once again have a winning season. In the play-offs he once again raised his play averaging 25.8 points and leading his team to the second round. Sadly, though Brooklyn lost 4-1 to Paris who would represent the East in the Finals.

The continued maturation of Bailey, Omar Jefferson, Jarius Mile and Al Herbert along with the arrival of Paul Wilson and Bert Haug meant a return of Brooklyn to the elite status. But, the departure of Joe Siebert also meant it was a new era. Today not only is Brooklyn considered one of the best teams in the league but Bailey is arguably the best shooting guard in the league. His 23.2 points proved enough to be sixth in the league is scoring (but only second on his team…gotta love Shane Strom). He has certainly matured from the skinny 19 year old kid who struggled to average half of what he now effortlessly scores.

As always though, one of the most impressive things about Bailey is his competitive nature. In the first round of the play-offs, he showed his defensive prowess by holding the legendary Harry Jarvis to 133.7 points a game on 38% shooting in a sweep over Albacete. Incidentally, this was the first time Brooklyn had every beat Albacete in the play-offs. In the second round Bailey matched up with the Season 12 Scoring champion Dave Williams. No one expected him to shut down Williams and he didn't. Williams averaged 25.8 points but was held to a 5% lower field goal percentage than he had in the regular season. But, that wasn't what was impressive. Bailey once again is averaging more during the post season at 25.9 points and he is doing it on 60% shooting. But, his all around game has risen. He is averaging 7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.7 steals.

His ability to step it up though is what is really impressive though. Brooklyn and Rochester split the first four games and with the reputation of being soft in the play-offs fans started to get worried. Bailey on the other hand was confident and reassured the team and the fans with his play. In the final two games of the series, both of which Brooklyn won, Bailey averaged 32.5 points, 9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 2 blocks all while not committing a single foul or turn over! That is pure Magic.

As the Rage look to rematch with the Juggers who dominated them in the play-offs last season there is a lot of talk about how Herbert's ability or inability to contain Vasquez will be the key. I can't argue with that. But, I have to add that we can't overlook the heart of Mario Bailey. He has shown that he has the ability and inclination to be a dominant force.

June 15th, 2006

Some Crow to Eat: Reviewing One Pick Gone Totally Wrong

By Turtle Chase

So, last week I guaranteed a Long Island victory over Paris, saying that Long Island was the much better team and that all Paris had going for them was superstar Jay Vasquez. However, four games later, my upset special was long gone, getting swept without putting up any sort of challenge, even at home. How did a team who had so much talent, fall so easily. After doing some investigative work, we at the Las Vegas Tribune apologizes to its readers for looking too much at the ratings, and ignoring who is behind the bench.

In this spot, instead of some Gambler news, I will eat some crow and go in-depth on this failed series by Long Island, and how the Jugglers were able to fend off the Mayhem.

Game 1: Paris wins 113-90 in Paris (1-0)

What was crucial here was Wayne Taylor’s 4-11 shooting and 8 points. The season 2 #1 pick contributed 7 boards to the mix , but for someone making nearly 11.5 million, and been a major star in the league since he was 18, 8 points and 7 boards is not star numbers. We here give kudos to Al Lee for shutting down the WBA cover boy and himself putting up 17 points and 7 boards with 3 steals.

The big key to this game was rebounding. Paris had 51 rebounds led by shooting guard Scott Lio who cleaned the glass putting up 13 boards. That was more than the entire frontcourt of the Mayhem (Sheldon Gorman, Jim McCarthy and Kurt Beck) who compiled 12 between the three of them. That doesn’t lead to victories, and it was obvious by the end of the first quarter that Long Island was not winning this game.

Despite being a collective effort, Anthony Curtis deserved player of the game for this one. 30 points and 9 boards on nearly 50% shooting, he stuck it to his former team.

Game 2: Paris wins 102-91 in Paris (2-0)

With the injury to Oliver Doherty, Michael Esposito decided to take a page out of Alaska Coach Robert Williams’ playbook and play most of his starters all 48 minutes. Like Robert, he failed miserably although his team did play better. Taylor scored more but still lost the ball too many times. Curtis also put forward another big game with 24 points and 8 boards.

Jay Vasquez joined the party in this one as well, after fouling out in the 26th minute of the first game, put it to Jim McCarthy with 30 points and 12 boards in 43 minutes. Vasquez, one of the league’s premier players, was the only plus that I had given to Paris during my predictions.

Player of this game has to be Charlie Meyers. The point guard who had 18 points and 12 assists in the first game continues with 19 points 9 assists and 7 boards en route to outplaying his counterpart and help his team to victory again. Everyone thought that Long Island would be more competitive coming back home, but that sure didn’t happen.

Game 3: Paris wins 120-100 in Long Island (3-0)

What the heck is going on with Long Island? Such a strong team being annihilated by a team that isn’t too much better, doesn’t seem to right. For this we must praise the efforts of Paris coach Gustavo Folanna. Underrated as a coach, Gus has really gotten the best out of his players, especially Charlie Meyers. For the second straight game he takes down player of the week honors, this time putting 27 points and 10 assists against the Mayhem on their turf. Meyers couldn’t stop his counterpart Kadeem Reed as he dished out 14 assists, but Meyers was a difference maker leading to Paris’ 3rd straight victory in this series.

But as easy as it is to praise Gus, it’s hard not to fault Esposito for some lousy coaching. With Doherty returning it would be practical for Espo to revert to a different lineup, instead he doesn’t even play Doherty falling to 0-2 with his Robert Williams style of coaching, bad. McCarthy fouls out for the 2nd straight game and for the third straight game it was out of reach for Long Island quickly.

For game 4 it was just a formality as Long Island was completely outplayed. It was now just a matter as to when Paris would win the series, Long Island had no chance.

Game 4: Paris wins 106-105 in Long Island (Paris wins series 4-0)

This game looked close, but Long Island led the game only after the first basket, and was losing since the 7-6 mark in the game. It was a hard fought comeback by the Mayhem but it finally crashed and burned, and they were eliminated by the clearly dominant Jugglers.

Anthony Curtis was unable to be contained this series and he went on for his 4th straight 20 point game. Charlie Meyers had over 10 assists for the 3rd time this series and Jay Vasquez showed again why he should be considered an MVP candidate year in and year out with an impressive 17 points and 9 rebounds plus 6 assists. Though not his best game, he helped his team win again, and lead into the next round.

And again, Doherty, who averaged nearly 12 points in the regular season, rode the pine yet again. Sheldon Gorman, despite getting an added boost from a training camp just before the series really couldn’t match up to the ability of Curtis and put up a mediocre round of stats. Kadeem Reed was the only consistent member of the Mayhem putting up nearly 10 assists every game in a losing effort. Taylor was able to regain his form from a sloppy game 1 but even he wasn’t able to right the ship.

Conclusion:

It was a lousy pick made by me and I apologize to all my readers for the horrible pick. While Long Island is a better team on paper, coaching wise, Michael Esposito would have a hard time coaching the Detroit Pistons, with all of their talent. Maybe there is some idiot’s guide to coaching for Esposito to follow; following Robert Williams style will guarantee losses, not victories.

June 15th, 2006

Looking Back at the Season 12 Draft

Another season has come and gone, for good or ill, and as we move toward the future, the next generation of players watched as another bevy of their peers move into retirement. With one full season now under their belts, this past year's draft class has, in many ways, been overlooked because of one player, Ian Tilmon, who found success after being passed over during the draft itself. And while four players from the draft did not finish the season on an active roster, the rookie class of Season 12 has gone largely unrecognized. There have been flashes of brilliance, but for the most part people have recognized Tilmon, Omar Raoumbe, and the expansion lineup fielded by Las Vegas and nothing else when it comes to first year players fielded this season.

With the finals approaching, let's take a look at the stars of tomorrow and see how they fared this season. In the order they were selected:

1st Round Picks

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G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS

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1. A. Fonzarelli 75 13 33.9 84.2 41.2 1.1 1.6 0.8 0.5 0.2 0.3 5.8

2. Dan Kincaide 77 9 37.6 85.3 36.8 1.5 0.9 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.3 3.7

3. Alexej Peska 78 18 41.7 76.6 0.0 4.6 1.4 1.5 0.9 0.5 0.3 5.9

4. Shermar Mahara 79 33 33.0 83.2 38.8 3.1 4.9 3.3 0.5 0.5 0.9 11.9

5. Damien Bohm 52 15 42.3 82.8 47.2 0.6 1.5 1.6 0.3 1.3 0.4 7.3

6. Jermaine Lee 73 37 32.8 84.0 0.0 3.8 5.7 3.0 0.9 3.1 1.0 12.8

7. Omar Raoumbe 75 32 41.3 85.0 0.0 6.2 1.7 3.9 1.3 2.5 0.6 14.9

8. Dondrell Palmer 68 34 34.2 87.0 0.0 2.8 4.4 2.1 0.8 1.4 1.0 10.1

9. Casey Pointer 76 31 29.3 82.3 34.4 4.4 4.1 1.9 0.8 2.2 1.0 10.9

10. Ryan Rogers 62 12 34.4 90.4 0.0 2.6 0.9 1.0 0.9 0.4 0.2 4.1

11. Tony Henderson 67 16 35.6 87.7 13.9 2.7 1.8 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 6.6

12. Y. Tawaraya 59 9 32.2 74.5 0.0 0.9 1.3 0.7 0.2 0.4 0.3 2.3

13. Senecca Redd 77 33 36.9 87.2 0.0 6.8 2.2 3.5 2.0 1.5 0.8 12.3

14. Bohuslav Hruska 41 16 24.8 90.3 0.0 2.3 2.3 1.5 0.4 1.1 0.4 3.9

15. Coomas Neetar 54 6 45.9 89.3 48.1 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.1 2.6

16. Brian Armstrong 73 16 37.2 82.3 0.0 3.3 1.0 1.4 0.9 0.6 0.4 6.2

17. K. Carrington 65 15 42.1 74.1 0.0 2.6 0.9 1.5 0.6 0.9 0.3 5.7

18. Justin Hill 78 33 38.7 81.4 0.0 5.6 2.9 1.9 1.0 1.8 1.3 12.6

19. Tyris Mayes 47 9 42.9 82.1 41.7 2.2 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.2 3.5

20. Nathan Jackson 1 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

21. P. Dragunas 33 6 45.1 68.8 0.0 1.6 0.3 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.2 1.7

22. Andy Michelson 74 11 29.4 86.5 25.0 2.4 1.2 1.0 0.4 0.4 0.3 3.4

23. Pat London 58 10 45.1 67.6 48.6 0.9 1.0 1.2 0.2 0.5 0.4 5.3

24. Mike Lewis 63 10 29.1 80.3 28.8 1.2 0.8 1.0 0.3 0.8 0.3 3.3

25. Ajan Estay 18 14 29.5 83.3 46.2 1.5 1.5 0.5 0.2 0.8 0.1 6.1

26. O.J. Lofton 25 11 31.3 87.9 0.0 0.9 1.8 1.0 0.2 0.7 0.3 3.6

27. Jarion Harris 51 12 35.4 82.5 0.0 1.4 1.9 0.4 0.2 1.2 0.2 3.6

28. Tony Patrick 79 11 34.6 75.3 0.0 2.3 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.3 3.2

29. Jeremy Sims 76 24 39.4 82.9 29.4 4.9 1.9 2.4 1.0 1.3 0.4 9.6

30. Victor Pearson 63 14 38.3 85.1 4.8 3.4 0.8 1.9 0.7 0.3 0.3 5.1

2nd Round Picks

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G MIN FG% FT% 3P% REB A PF BLK TO STL PTS

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31. Eiji Yamaha 18 11 32.9 93.8 0.0 1.1 1.1 0.9 0.2 0.4 0.2 3.7

32. Justin Granvill 11 4 63.6 100.0 100.0 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.6

33. Matt Peterson 10 5 33.3 50.0 25.0 0.2 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.4

34. Jeff Childress 46 6 29.5 76.2 0.0 1.2 1.0 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.2 1.6

35. Adam Virgil 6 3 42.9 50.0 0.0 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.2 1.2

36. Timi Rambuka 66 12 25.1 82.7 31.9 1.5 1.3 1.1 0.2 0.9 0.3 3.2

37. Llewellyn Kinzer-Retired following a severe offroad crash

38. Trevor Ellis 78 18 42.5 79.9 0.0 3.5 1.4 2.3 0.9 0.9 0.5 7.0

39. Ryan DePina 27 16 30.8 87.2 0.0 1.9 1.5 1.2 0.3 0.6 0.5 6.4

40. Scott French 6 5 20.0 100.0 33.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.2

41. Kyle Hawkins 79 26 41.6 85.4 28.8 4.7 1.6 3.0 1.0 1.6 0.5 10.8

42. Andre Rawlings 57 5 33.0 78.8 14.3 0.9 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.4 0.2 1.6

43. Curtis Young 22 15 38.0 75.0 0.0 1.9 2.9 0.6 0.2 0.7 0.1 3.8

44. J. Prochazka 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

45. Stromile Watson 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

46. Dirk Kuefer 45 4 40.0 75.0 0.0 0.6 0.2 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 1.5

47. James Boone 27 13 36.0 65.1 0.0 3.1 0.8 1.7 0.3 0.6 0.5 4.7

48. Ulrich Kunze 26 13 44.6 75.0 0.0 2.5 0.8 1.8 0.6 0.4 0.3 6.0

49. Joe Cornell 11 4 61.5 100.0 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.5

50. Matt Morris 4 4 50.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.8 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.5 1.5

51. Shawn Jones 72 10 43.5 70.7 0.0 2.3 0.9 1.1 0.4 0.5 0.2 4.0

52. Mark Arceneaux 66 13 30.4 87.5 0.0 2.4 1.0 1.7 0.4 0.7 0.3 4.2

53. Kyle Trask- Currently playing in WBDL

54. Al Levy 51 19 34.6 81.0 34.3 1.1 2.6 1.9 0.1 0.6 0.5 5.6

55. Todd Kelly 16 3 23.5 83.3 33.3 1.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.9

56. Jimmy Hoyer- Currently playing in WBDL

57. Anthony Davis- Currently playing in WBDL

58. M. Fenstermac 77 14 42.1 80.0 0.0 2.5 0.9 0.8 0.5 0.3 0.3 5.1

59. David Ross 5 12 44.0 50.0 0.0 0.8 2.8 0.4 0.0 1.0 0.2 4.6

60. Fan Liling 4 7 53.8 66.7 25.0 1.3 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 4.8

OBSERVATIONS

Llewellyn Kinzer's retirement was the only one of the rookies drafted this past season. Kinzer, who was released from his contract following the deadline deal between Seoul and Salt Lake City, never fully recovered from an ATV crash.

While there has been some conjecture about sleeper picks, Kyle Hawkins at #41 has provenhimself to be quite valuable, and Manfred Fenstermac at #57 appears to have a bright future ahead of him in the WBA.

Seven players signed to contracts appeared in less than ten games this season, with two (Janacek Prochazka and Stromile Watson) not playing a single minute this season. Nathan Jackson of Capetown was the only first round pick to not see action in at least ten games.

The top three picks each performed far below expectations this season. Omar Raoumbe was not expected to drop to the number seven pick, but proved to be quite the addition for the hometown team.

Polykarp Dragunas was not signed following the draft and exposed to free agency before opting to sign a minimum contract with Colorado. Dragunas had requested a sizeable signing bonus from Colorado when he was selected, but when no other teams offered him the $2.5 million he demanded, he was forced to accept what was offered to him.

Las Vegas' young core of starters provided them with what could easily be an all star lineup within five seasons. The question is, who will those players be playing for when the All-Star Game comes calling?

June 15th, 2006

Paris keeps rolling

by Clark Lane

Even having half the press against Paris didn't stop the machine. Paris has swept LI. Yes, as you are hearing, even if LI is better than Paris on every position but center, Paris took them down. It may not have been nice, it may not have been pretty, but 4 games was all that needed Paris to go the East conference Final. Here he is waiting for Brooklyn and Rochester to battle it out. So far they are 2-2 and advantage to Brooklyn. But I am sure they are not feeling confident. One thing is for sure, whoever comes from there it won't be an easy biscuit to swallow.

On the east everything is pointing towards an Oregon-Cancun battle that will most likely allow Oregon to play their 3rd straight final. I won't go into that, because a final Oregon-Paris would make history. How? It would be the first time we get the same finalists in two consecutive seasons.

But let's not get ourselves too deep into the mud. Let's go back to our sheep. How is it possible that an inferior team beat a superior team 4 times in a row? The answer is easy. The “journalist” didn't do his homework. If you look at the season statistics you can see that Paris and Long Island are both at the same level. They both scored an average of 104.6 point per game. LI actually finished ahead of Paris because they scored 8369 points during the 80 games of the season, against Paris 8367. All of this is misleading because Paris has played 19200 minutes for the 19225 of LI… so overtimes is the only reason LI scores more than Paris.

Now that this problem is solved you don't see the difference? The difference is defense. Paris has allowed only 90.5 points per game, the best of the league. But LI has allowed 99.3 a match, the 20th defense… When you put two of the best attacks together, but one of them plays great defense, and the other doesn't, you get an easy win the most complete team. It is as simple as that. And even if LI has big names like Wayne Taylor and Danny Hainge, there is something you don't need to forget. First big names don't win games. Second offense win games, defense wins titles…

At the end, neither LI is this bad, nor Paris this good, but the playoffs keep rolling. And on the roll, Paris and Oregon keep going forward…

June 14th, 2006

Free agency preview part III

Las Vegas-Seven free agents

The Gamblers have an interesting free agent period ahead of them. They're

going to have a plethora of cash and the opportunity to rebuild, while at

the same time holding on to a lottery pick and two high second round

selections. The departure of Otto Hameleers will afford them a great deal of

cash, as will their expanding cap and current $8 million plus in cap space.

The free agent market will offer a number of young players who would make a

long term impact on this team, and while their record might not lure some of

the biggest names on the market, there are a lot of players who would love

the opportunity to make their mark on a developing team. Watch the Gamblers

make a few big moves in this free agent market and contend for a lower half

playoff spot as early as next season. If they see something they want, this

will be one of the few teams capable of throwing any amount of money at it.

Expect big changes for the first of two Western expansion teams coming into

next season.

UPDATE: Since this was written, Vegas has negotiated several trades that

have eaten away much of their free agent dollars, but have rebuilt their

team without the need to enter free agency.

London-five free agents

Evilio Nunez has to be considered one of the most attractive combo players

on the market, but London may very easily fight the hardest for Jeremy

Aarons, a 23 year old guard/forward with good hands and an open eye when it

comes to finding the best shooter open on the floor. Aarons may turn a lot

of heads if he hits the market, but a sixth man, London will likely tie him

up for a few more years, given their existing capspace. On a team with no

one older than twenty six, London is likely to explore options for at least

one veteran talent for a short term contract to shore the youths up. Expect

the Disco to make an effort to sign Nunez, knowing he will be attractive to

a number of teams in a sign and trade even if it is decided he's the wrong

fit for them. But Aarons will be the one player most certainly re-signed and

given room to develop over the next three to four years in a Disco uniform.

Long Island-eight free agents

Jim McCarthy hits the free agent market and Long Island finds itself in a

position to pick up a couple of key players. The question becomes whether or

not the option of a sign and trade deal for Oliver Doherty exists. Doherty's

numbers have been solid, and there are certainly interested parties, but the

question is, would prospective buyers rather risk the free agent market...or

is it better to make a move, buying him from Long Island at a set price?

Expect Long Island to make that move to fill a few positions and splurge on

one premiere free agent this offseason. Long Island has typically made moves

to stock their starting five, add a solid sixth man, and fill the rest of

the roster with people who can act as stopgaps when minor injuries occur.

Mexico City-five free agents

John Gaiser was acquired solely for the purpose of letting his contract run

out. Couple with Pete Merritt's expiring contract, Mexico City enters free

agency with a hefty chunk of change and a need to rebuild. This is an

optimal situation for them, so long as they remember to fill the gaps at a

reasonable price. Valuable players will be available on the market that can

be signed to reasonable deals. Intelligent financial focus could easily

improve the team with the second worst record in the league to nearly double

this past season's wins. With only two starters averaging higher than 40%

shooting on the season, this is a team that direly needs people who can sink

a shot, as well as a point guard capable of passing the ball to the best

shooter on the floor.

UPDATE: Despite Ian Tilmon's excellent season in Oregon, his name has been

added to the high profile players available in trade this offseason. Expect

Mexico City, Boston, and Las Vegas to look closely, and potentially make the

offer to improve their guard situations.

Miami-seven free agents

Given the financial situation, Miami's locked into several long term

contracts and has two first round picks this season to toy with. A team that

spent very little time in open discussions last season with anyone steps

into a free agent market it does not wholly need to address. The brace of

first round selections will provide youth at an affordable cost while the

remaining needs can be filled for the most moderate of prices on the free

agent market. One thing that may happen is the use of the two picks in a

trade to move up in the draft to pick a more immediately ready option. Next

season will prove to be a different story, however, as Darryl Whitaker will

be at the end of his contract, and with the team locked into several high

priced contracts, a sign and trade or removal of one of their more

established stars may be required to keep him.

Nebraska-three free agents

With the rumored move of Vance Clopp's contract and the expiring ten million

dollars a year allocated to Tom Perkins, Nebraska finds itself in an

enviable position: a lottery pick in the first round, a second round pick,

and roughly seventeen million dollars to spend on two position players to

round out their team. While it's not out of the realm of possibility that

Nebraska will look to improve through trade, particularly at a time when

other teams are slashing prices on their players (Oregon has reportedly

offered Scott Nicholson's $14 million dollar a year contract to the first

bidder), expect them to do the bulk of their hunting on the free agent

market. Management seems more inclined to look to free agency than sign and

trade deals, citing the value of every pick acquired, so expect the bulk of

their moves to be done whilst negotiating with players' agents instead of

former teams.

New York-four free agents

The offseason has provided New York ample opportunity to explore the market

for the best trade value for players not really fitting into their plans,

and the general manager was recently heard boasting about his skill in

filling the positions needing the most attention long before free agency

occurred. Our hats are off to New York for this focus, as they rebuild their

team with less of an eye on free agency, and more attention devoted to what

improvements can be made with the shake of a hand. Rumors indicate Lyons,

Carter, and Kinsey may be joining Dasher and Campbell when it comes to

wearing new jerseys next season, so New York fans had best keep their

scorecards handy; "you won't know the players unless you've got your

scorecards".

June 13th, 2006

June 13th, 2006

June 12th, 2006

Retirement Announcements

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

Garth Donohue, Salt Lake retires at age 36

Joe Clark, Oregon retires at age 33

Jerry Sims, Gabon retires at age 36

Jack Berger, Mexico City retires at age 30

Keyon Brown, Charlotte retires at age 30

Frank Rose, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 32

Luke Benner, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 31

Scott Currie, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 26

Trent Jordan, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 28

Ed Bryant, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 27

Brad Martin, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 31

Broderick Thompson, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 22

Bubba Carchio, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Coby Getz, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Chip Erlich, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Vincent Holliday, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Cody Rucker, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Cody Wortman, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Cole Smith, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Craig King, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 30

Cullen Phillips, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 26

David Kline, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 25

Derek Witt, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 26

Joe Herrera, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Marten Kurpeikis, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 28

Flint Flores, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Floyd Acevedo, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 29

Gary Agey, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 29

Gabriel Keniry, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 28

Gage Evans, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Chuck Murphy, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 28

Gary Witherspoon, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Kenyon Maggette, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 30

Harry Crowley, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 26

Chris Rose, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Ivan Cherny, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Jack Caze, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Jake Cone, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Jamie Darnall, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Javon Thomas, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Llewellyn Kinzer, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 22

Joe Menendez, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 31

Mike Taylor, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 30

John Elkington, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Johnny Burns, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 27

Johnny Tatum, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 30

Jules Winfield, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Kris Calhoun, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 32

Lee Ford, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Leo O'Connor, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Malachi Jefferson, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Marcus Dickson, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Michael Robinson, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Mike Farrell, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 29

Norm Kohn, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Pat Herget, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 28

Jason Moss, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 27

Evan Kerr, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Petya Denisov, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 28

Quest Campbell, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 26

Rudy Wilson, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Russ Chase, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 30

Ryan Swick, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Scooter Jacobs, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 35

Senque White, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 22

Steve Baxter, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Lonnie Graham, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 26

Tobias Harrison, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 25

Toby Fischer, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Tom Fregoso, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 24

Tom Holman, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 32

Vladimir Prokhorov, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 23

Walt Coleman, Free Agent gives up the dream at age 28

June 12th, 2006

A short History of the WBA draft

By Liz Lester

The offseason hasn't ended yet, but once the playoffs start for a lot of teams the focus isn't on the playoffs. Playoffs starting means that Draft day is coming, and each year draft day makes for some of the most exiting moments of the WBA season: Who will be the #1 pick, who will be the steal of the draft, who will use the draft to build a championship team and who will fail to make most of their picks, squandering the chances to finally outgrow the lottery ranks. It's high tension time, with plenty of trading flying around. In a later article i'll be looking at the Rookies, but for now I'll delve into history..the History of the WBA draft

We'll be looking at each Rookie Draft, and see what the #1 pick brought, what the best player in the draft was, who were there as well, what the steal of the draft was, and off course who the biggest bust was. Sit back, and enjoy History!

The Season 2 Draft: Wayne Taylor's year.

The first ever WBA draft brought us one of the biggest stars of WBA history, Wayne Taylor. Selected by the Colorado Pioneers, there was never a doubt that he was the #1 pick, despite other talent available. ( Yeager, Colbert, Nicholson , AJ schulz, the list is long and deep) Taylor will be remembered as one of the biggest stars in this league, and is a garantueed hall of famer. He'll also be remembered though as the best player ever never to win a title, unless he changes that in the next couple of years. He'll only be 28 next season after all. The season 2 draft was the first of a golden age of Rookies. Apparantly the level of WBA hadn;t yet risen to today's standards, and most good rookies could perform at top level right away. There hardly were busts in this excellent draft year, although a few ( Bill Lopez Joe Jones, both selected by Baltimore, at # 9 and 10 didn't become the household names some of the others still are. As far suprisesgo : One player selected in the second round make quite the career for himself: Bill Blackstone was selected at #43 by Albacete, and surely was the steal of the draft.

Best player: Wayne Taylor #1

The Season 3 Draft: Big Lou comes to town!

And with the #1 pick, Tokyo selects: Lou Gonzalez. From Rags to Riches due to a draft. Never a single player made more impact in a season. Tokyo transformed form the ugly ducking, into a Colorado beating ( it was the first of their 70+ win seasons ), final playing contender. Easily the top contender for Best WBA player ever, Lou's impact was huge, in a way no rookie has ever done since. Lou went on to win 3 titles…so far. Apart from Lou there were plenty of others that made an Impact. Otto Hameleers, Kent Mercer, Eugene lamiatre, Kevon Duke. The list again is long…remeber, these were the good old days. However, we also see the first of the drama's. Adelaide somehow wanted to draft Arnold Pine at #8. Who? Indeed! At #10 Parker Mason was drafted. At #13 Heiko van Brandt, the most complete team player ever to grace WBA courts, was drafted. Just after Myron Faris by Varese at #12. Faris? Faris? It's no wonder that both Adelaide and Varese are no longer hosting a WBA team, i think!. As for steals: this was a year for them: Two incredible players ended being drafted at #46 and 47 ( who says 2nd round picks aren;t worth anything? ) WBA perennial All Stars Shane Strom and Dave Williams were drafted by Brooklyn and New York there. Incredible!

Best Player: Lou Gonzalez #1

The Season 4 Draft: A year of lesser Gods.

Season 4 is a major change from the previous years. No longer is the draft deep and filled with endless amounts of quality players. Still, there were a few gems, and #1 pick Aaron Black is an WBA Legend in his own right. Black, for those who do not remember him, was an awsome player. Selected by Washington, he immediatly won a title with them, and he was contributing heavily towards that title. He was a major WBA force for Washington for four years, scoring 21.5 points and having 8.3 rebounds on average. What really makes him legendary though, is that he decided to dedicate his life to his beliefs, instead of further persuing a WBA career. The one outstanding player of the season 4 draft, left the WBA to pursue a more fullfilling life elsewhere. Aaron Black, the best and the bravest of season 4. Apart from Black, few stood out of this class ( possibly the worst in history ) #2 pick Travis Young ( selected by Chacarita ) only played 2 unimpressive seasons in the WBA, and #4 Craig King had more season, butnever lived up to the promise. #3 pick jaxon Mcall did, however, still being a force. In general though, this year has more Rags then Riches. Off course there is always a second round steal in a draft, and although not as earth shattering as drafting dave Williams at #47 in the season 3 draft, Nebraska found a solid player in Donovan Jones at #33. Jones needed to age a little, but certainly earns his spot on any Roster!

Best Player: Aaron Black #1

The Season 5 Draft: an average year.

Not every year can be the best, the worst, or have a good story. Season 5 wasn't really special in any way. #1 pick Devonta Corrigan has proved himself over the years, and is a true Star. Behind him there was some Talent (Spiegel, Stephenson, Base, Austynn Williams, Jevon Carter ) and there were some busts ( Colorado drafted Arnold Erhardt, Albacete drafted Tony Alfonso, at # 6 and 7 respectivly. Pedro had the worst draft ever, drafting Nash Badger at #11, both were busts ) But nothing was earth shattering. In the second round the steals weren;t impressive either: Bill magenheimer at #49 and Bill rainwater at #47 being the most impressive of them….average, average, average..

Best Player: Devonta Corrigan #1

The Season 6 Draft: a year with depth

While season 6 certainly produced it's stars, in hindsight this was more of a deep class then first expected, and the stars not as bright as thought of at first. #1 pick Dave Troychak has shown excellence in his years in the league. He may not be on the same level as some of the earlier #1 picks, he still is an awsome player, capable of deciding games on his own. Other players from this class to hit the bigtime are Mark Miller, Jimmy Whalen and Harold Gil. Plenty of good talent in this draft besides them as well: Daidone, Yee, Al Lee, Cushman, Kutak, and drafted at 27 and 28 and the steals of the draft, Omar Jefferson and Dontae Evans. The second round saw nebraska ( hand it to Brandon, he drafts well! ) draft Ramiro Watts at #37. The depth of the draft class meant that there were no real busts. #4 John Gaiser never became a star, #9 Keith Douglas has an average career, as has #8 John Diblasi, but they are hardly busts. A solid class, of wich we'll se emost continue into their 30's for long solid Careers.

Best Player: Omar Jefferson #27

The Season 7 Draft: The most controversial draft in WBA history

The season 7 draft was dominated by Colorado having 4 top 12 picks, among wich the #1, with wich they selected Greg Lacy. Their other picks were #6 Samir sheth, #7 Ramon Phelan and #12 Sean Ashman. That alone should have almost handed them a title, on top of what they already had, but it never came to fruition. This was the draft that saw their GM Mr Hameleers leave the league after an incident involving alleged collusion on the part of two other managers, after wich Mr Hameleers left the league upset over the lack of integrity and the lack of strong enough punishment. Time heals all wounds they say, and apparantly it did for Mr Hameleers, who as of season 11 is back in the league as GM of New York. Despite the new Colorado ownership doing well, that 2nd title that seemed certain after this draft eluded them. The draft saw plenty of Talent emerge, With Greg lacy, Craig Bradshaw, Obafemi Mabruke and Samir Sheth leading the pack. Steal of the draft was no doubt Oliver Doherty. The shooter amongst pg's was drafted at #48 by Baltimore!! Toby mcCree was drafted by Montana at #56!!!! That certainly also is a steal to be proud of. Small dissapointements there were as well.. Both #9 and 10, Oliver McCarthy and Odibe King weren't the talents they were supposed to be, having average careers so far. No top drafted player really was a bust however, and most of the top picks were top class.

Best Player: Obafemi Mabruke #2

The Season 8 Draft: Jay Vasquez, the return of old school!

The #1 pick of the season 8 rookie draft saw the return of a type of player the draft hadn;t seen for a while. The dominate Force, the Man, the True Star, the “i wanna play like Jay” kind of player. He was drafted by Texas, and soon become one of the leagues most popular and best players. At 26, his best years will still come, and there is no doubt that he will be a dominating force in the league for at least another season or six! Apart from him there was plenty of other talent in the draft, yet nothing as deep as season 7 or the old days of season 2 and 3. Bangeter, Dennis Evans, Yuri Vilasny and plenty of others have a place in this league. Yet nothing says Seson 8 Draft like Jay Vasquez. Most dissapointing player drafted was #7Tony Dimateo, who still hasn;t hit the bigtime. As always there were good players drafted in the 2nd round: Gerhold Verhom at #30 Anson Valente at #45 and at #47 Charlie Meyers spring to mind. A lesson to all those that trade their 2nd's far, far too easily!

Best Player: Jay Vasquez #1

The Season 9 Draft: More depth then the pacific!

Well, maybe not the pacific, but the class of Season 9 is one of the most talented in WBA history. Kane, Stein, Gordon, Bixby, Spagnoli, Lang and Moses, the talents doesn;t need first names and the list is long, longer then i have room for here. Steal of the draft was made by Cinci..They drafted Tom Kinsey at # 34. Off course in a field with so much talent, there is always someone who backs a wrong horse. At #10, Carolina picked Maurice Evers, while there were about two all star teams left in the draft. Evers played a total of 693 minutes in the WBA. Makes you wanna cry, doesn;t it?

Best Player: Bishop Stein #2

The Season 10 Draft: Walt Jackson is the #1

In recent times detractors of Toronto have said they are a one trick pony. But if the trick is season 10 #1 pick Walt Jackson, who cares? At 24 years of age currently he still has years to mature, and already he is one of the major attractions in the WBA, in fact, any team with Walt is almost garantueed a playoff spot. After him, the draft was good, yet lacked the brilliance of season 9 or the early days. Still, future all Stars like Sheldon Gorman, Al Herbert and Javonte Bolk are assets for any team. Evelio jackson at #7, drafted by Capetown, must have been a dissapointment for them. He gets the honors for bust of the year! In the second round there were no players yet that have proven themselves a real steal. But given time, no doubt there will be a few! Sam Hickerson Perhaps?

Best Player: Walt Jackson #1

The Season 11 Draft: Guards galore! But where is the Superstar?

The Season 11 draft started off by 5 consecutive guards drafted. And with good reason: Timmons, Stahl, Carr, Lyons and Mcmillan All are good to very good guards, who have tremendous potential. Next season we'll see if one or two can hit the bigtime, but certainly Timmons and Carr look set for that. The Sheer brilliance may be lacking by all of them though. Off course it still is early goings, but it looks like most will be solid, yet not great. The steal of the draft may be #18, Kurt Beck, drafted there by Rochester, so far impresses the most of all players in this lot. No real busts, no real superstars. Like season 5, an average year.

Best Player: Kurt Beck #18

The Season 12 Draft: Deep, but still a bit too early to tell.

It looks like the season 12 draft lacks an early superstar. No harm done, as the draft was deep, and there has been a lot of talent already shown on court. #1 pick Arturo Fonzarelli hasn;t brought what was hoped and expected of him., but then agian, i was suprised that he and not Alexej Peska was the #1. Next to the Fonz and Peska, most top 10 picks are very likely to succeed in the WBA. NO real apparant busts in this years lot, just as the previous year. Have the WBA owners learned? Well, not completly, as there were a few second round steals that were missed. At #41, wiley old fox Marc Hameleers found Kyle Hawkins, strong candidate for Rookie of the year. All in all, it looks a very deep draft…Who it's major star willbe? Time will tell, time will tell….

Best Player: Alexej Peska #3

June 12th, 2006

Interviewing Daren Benson

by Clark Lane

For Seoul the season has finished early, but they are busy already getting ready for the next one! We are going today to interview the man that could be the face of the team on the seasons to come, Daren Benson.

You have played for several teams like Brooklyn, Andorra and Seoul, do you feel Seoul will be the team for you?

I've had a lot of discussions since I first got here with the GM, my head coach, even the owners. I was coming from a part time setting in Nebraska after a pretty good season in Andorra, and while I had a contract that was paying me well, it was one of those things where I would come out, suit up for the game, and spend the bulk of it riding the bench, waiting for them to tell me to go in. Expectations were a lot lower there, but with Seoul, I was put in the driver's seat pretty quickly. John (Gaiser) knew he was headed for free agency next season, so they wanted to have someone in place who had some experience as a starter, who they could develop and develop with. I'm really comfortable with the coaches, my fellow players, and it's a good feeling knowing that the team you're playing for really wants you. I mean, they gave up a lot to get me, so expectations are that I'll be giving a lot back in return.

This season you had 12.8 points, 5.8 assists and 1 steal a game, even if these numbers are not bad, the team really needs more from you to get to the next level, do you think you can give Seoul what he needs from a floor general?

Well, one thing that should change those numbers considerably is being a full time player again. But I've been working closely with some of our coaches on making a difference in those numbers. I'm taking better shots now, looking for the open man more, and getting a good idea who's going to be in the best position to make the play count. Our team captain Joe Siebert's put a lot of trust in me on that floor, and when you have a veteran, a legend like that supporting you, telling you to take the risks, push yourself, and that he believes in you, you start to believe in yourself a lot more. I honestly believe that a couple of years down the road, people are going to look back at that stat line and be amazed at how far I've come.

What do you think of Estay and Armstrong? They are high praised by the General Management at Seoul.

I think Brian's one of the most friendly guys I've ever worked with. He's one of those guys that comes early to practice, stays late, takes advice and criticism in stride. He's always talking to Joe about what it takes to be a good center, always trying to improve himself. I think he's got a lot of potential and he's someone who could really make his mark on this league in a couple of years.

Ajan...man, he got a big load of humble pie when he saw that he wasn't going to be a top three pick. Almost slipped out of the first round, and because he wouldn't work out for teams out of the top five, he really didn't have a lot of time to prove himself to Mexico City when they drafted him. Talking to Swagger about him when he came over with Angel and Brody, it blew my mind that he refused to work out for Seoul because they had the 14th pick. But since he's gotten here, he's shown some of that skill that made scouts pick him next to Kincaide and Fonzarelli. And his ego's been pushed down a lot. Eugene and Jalen have spent a lot of time talking to him about what it takes to prove yourself, knowing that good players sometimes only get one shot to prove they're good before they get written off, so never take the chances you get for granted. I think by the end of next season, Ajan's going to be groomed to start at the two, making the two of us one of the youngest backcourts in the WBA. And I genuinely think he'll be ready for the responsibility.

I imagine that you have watched the WBA before becoming a pro. During all those years who was your favorite PG on the WBA?

There were so many great names that I got to watch out there-Chuck Henderson, Jimmy Foster, Ethan Hunt. I remember watching Chuck Henderson during the third season as assists machine. He had something like four games in twenty days where he had over twenty assists. He always seemed to know who was open, and how to get the ball to them no matter what got thrown in his path. I tried to take in as many games as I could when I was younger, and with all the teams in the New York area, someone was always playing a home game.

As you know right now the playoffs are on the second round. If you had to chose, who would you chose as the favorite team to win it all? What would be your dreamed finals?

(laughs) Well, my dream finals would have the Dragons in it. I think everyone's focusing on a Paris-Oregon rematch, but I'd kind of like to see Capetown win the West and face Paris. I don't think any team out there has the overall firepower to match up with Paris and Oregon, so I have to root for the team that hasn't won a title yet.

Joe's got a championship ring from when Brooklyn won it all in Season Three. I remember all the celebrations, and all the energy that came out of the city after that win, and knew that someday I wanted to be there. Didn't matter if I was starting or riding the bench, I wanted to be there. So someday, hopefully, I'll get that chance.

If you could wish one player to play alongside you on Seoul, who would you want to have on your side?

That's a really tough question, given how incredible some of the players in this league are. I love watching Samir Sheth in action, and Devonta Corrigan is like a living legend at this point. I've already played beside Joe Siebert, Eugene LaMaitre, Frank Rose, Jalen Bell...four guys deserving to be in the WBA Hall of Fame. I think the most exciting player out there right now is Obafemi Mabruke, though. Capetown's got him locked up for a long time, but he's absolutely incredible to watch, and absolute hell to play against.

After all the time you have spent in the WBA who is the team that you like the least to play against? And why? Maybe because they have beaten you every time, maybe because you want to win and they are just too much.

I'm glad to be out there on the floor, playing against anyone, really. I don't mind being beaten cleanly. Oregon is one of the worst teams to play because they really are so dominating on the court. Up until the last week of the season, I would've said Oregon, or Salt Lake, or Capetown...the three teams that beat us all twelve games we played against them.

But that was before the flop-fest that we were subjected to in our last week against Miami. I have never seen, in my life, so many bad fouls called. Miami's lineup took so many falls, you'd think they were in a boxing match and being paid off by the mafia. And we got called for every single flop they took, no matter how unbelievable it was. So yeah, Miami's a team I've got no love for at this point.

During your trade between Brooklyn and Andorra Paris GM Gustavo Follana criticized the trade saying that Al Herbert was a much better player. Since then Herbert has taken roots in Brooklyn and you have been shipped to Seoul. What do you think of the whole story? And do you bear any ill feelings against Paris GM?

I don't have any bad feelings about it. Swagger was telling me that one of the teams that didn't make the playoffs this year was approached about a trade and told him that Seoul had nothing of worth as a franchise. It's his opinion, and, you know...if he doesn't see the value, then he doesn't see the value. At the time, I was a backup in Brooklyn and Al was a backup in Andorra, so everything we had was based on potential. Al's putting up numbers that aren't too far off from Joe's, and I lasted one season in Andorra before heading to Nebraska. If I'd accounted for four more points a game-two assists, two more shots, some combination of that-then who knows? I might still be in Andorra.

There's a commercial that was put out with Major League Baseball, where a good player had a good game, was friendly, outgoing with the fans, all the stuff you could ever ask, and the first question the press asks him after the game is “So, no home runs today?” It gets like that with sports. If I re-signed with Andorra last year, even if I improved, the question would be whether or not they would've been better off with Hebert. Teams were saying Seoul gave up too much to get me too-Bo Hruska, Quade Nash, and a first round pick. But Hruska was released, Nash didn't last long before he got traded, and I'm settling in for the long haul with a team that really wanted me. Critics are going to say what they will, especially if Nebraska gets a great pick next year, but you can't be in this business if you can't tune out the criticism.

Seoul is one of the most exotic places with a WBA team. It is not too disturbing to change the day to day life from New York to South Korea?

It actually kind of surprised me when I got here. Seoul's still got a lot of American influence, military bases and so on. South Korea's got a lot to offer, and it's really a very modern country. The fans are great here. Better than really anywhere else I've ever played. They're really so hungry for the chance to see their favorite team in action, it's like soccer. And with more Asian players coming into the WBA, there's a lot of interest in this part of the world. I was talking with fans who flew in from Okinawa, from Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong-all of them wanting to see the WBA again. The city has a great nightlife, and when we don't have practices during the days we get to explore the rest of the city. Getting involved in local charities and keeping active really has made it an incredible experience.

In terms of culture shock, I honestly had a lot more going to Andorra than I did coming here. Andorra's so tiny, so farm based for so much of that country that the city life was kind of small, like Oneonta or Cooperstown, New York. Most of the people who came to the games were tourists from France or Spain, so even the home base wasn't really there.

For the last question, which country do you think will win the Soccer World Cup that is being played right now in Germany?

I got the chance to meet a few of the players who are representing South Korea over this past season from different charity events. They've got a tough road ahead of them and a tough grouping, but I'm pulling for them to show well. Same with the US. I mean, you have to root for the hometown team, right? I think Portugal and France have the best chances of winning it all, but it could literally be anyone. That's what makes it exciting, right?

Thanks for your time and I hope to interview you next year but with your team playing for the playoffs!!

Thanks. I think next season is going to be an exciting one for Seoul fans, so keep watching and thanks for believing in us!

June 12th, 2006

With the second round of the playoffs set to begin, Gustavo Follana, the owner of the Paris Juggers sat down with us to discuss the evolution of the franchise into one of the dominant forces in the Eastern Conference to discuss a number of topics.

Mr. Follana, we've seen back to back seasons where your team has entered the playoffs as the favorite team to win the Eastern Conference. Did you imagine when you took over the franchise that you would be this successful?

I would say yes and no. I wished so, but after an appalling first season I was not sure I could do it. It is thanks to the GCBA that I started to see I was on the right track. And I saw where my biggest mistake was. I had a very serious condition of "Acute Traditis" as well know as the "Espomania". I was trading too much, and not for my team benefit.

Was there a concrete point where you realized you had everything you needed to succeed with your team?

As far as I am concerned I have not succeed yet as I have not won the championship, but when I brought Heiko Van Brandt to Paris I was sure we were ready for a ride, and what a ride! Only a computer glitch on the seventh game of the finals put a stop to the ride!

Speaking of last season, winning 60 games for three years in a row despite an overseas move and realignment has made Paris one of the most feared teams in the league. This season, Paris is once against projected to advance to the Finals. Is there a dream opponent for you? A team you think would make a WBA Championship win over feel even better?

This year I feel there is not a clear favorite for the title. Oregon and Brooklyn are maybe the best teams out there, but I feel that they can be beaten.

Beating Brooklyn for the East will be very nice if we can do it, but a final against Oregon would allow us to try to take a revenge from last season loss It would be sweet...

Speaking of Oregon, as they aim for three WBA Championships in a row, one of the top stories in the league is Ian Tilmon, who went undrafted and is the lead candidate for Rookie of the Year honors. Given that you had the last two picks in the draft, do you still see the same potential for David Ross and Fan Liling that you did when they were selected?

I really don't like this rookie class. I find it really weak, and I am no fan of Tilmon. This PG spot I think is the weakest one for Oregon. David Ross and Fan Liling have really not many chances of sticking in Paris. We are trying to keep the starters and 1 or 2 players to help the team, the rest is going to be minimum contracts and at that job veterans like Jim Fox or Jim Wilson are what we are looking for. Players that can take responsibilities for a winning team right now.

By the way, if a player like Alexej Peska gets a chance to shine he will show why I really think he is the best player of this draft. And I don't say that because he has played 4 years for Paris University and won 3 GCBA titles.

Looking back, what would you say was the most successful amateur draft you've had?

For sure it was season 8 draft. I got Jay Vasques with the first pick overall, Scott Lio with the 15th and Jarius Miles with the 27th! If that is not a draft made in heaven I don't know what it is!! I doubt I will ever get a draft better than that. It sure allowed me to go up to the next level!

With a good chance of winning the number one pick overall in the draft lottery, how will the pending free agencies of Charlie Meyers and Shawn McKick affect the overall look of the Juggers next season?

Meyers is for sure going to stay at Paris. We have made him a nice offer already, and we hope he won't go looking around. If he goes to free agency we will try to keep him by all means. We think he is a big part of our success. We would love to keep McKick too but we don't have the money, so we will try our chance during the FA market. One thing is sure we will offer him a contract and if he decides to go we will wish him nothing but the best, he has been a great part of our team! Now for the pick we have it will be used to reinforce the team on the weak spots. I think that SF is the weakest position we have but any other position will be considered if the talent is interesting.

With a sixty win season and the team's popularity soaring in Texas, you moved the franchise to Paris-given the support of the local fans, what made you choose to relocate immediately after your best season with the franchise?

As you may know I am coach of the GCBA team in Paris, and all those journeys between Paris and Austin where too much for me, so I studied the market and started preparing the team for a relocation. I know it has been really hard for the fans we had, but the enthusiasm we have from the French government and from the fans made the transition a really smooth one.

If you were to pick an all time team for the Juggers franchise, who would you pick?

The team would be Charlie Meyers, George Foster, Magic Toby, Heiko Van Brandt and Jay Vasquez. I would like as well to mention Al Lee, Shawn McKick and Johnny Brose for all the efforts they have made for this team.

Looking at this year's playoffs, you swept Baltimore in the first round and are set to face Long Island in the second. Are there any major changes in your strategy between the two teams?

Not really. I use to setup the team a standard way, and I make small changes to adapt to the situation, but only small changes. I find that the preseason and beginning of the season is the best time to try different things. The only time where I do big changes it is when you can see that the system is not working at all.

How did realignment affect the way you approached this past season?

It didn't affect me much, but it sure gave me some breathing room, as I came from one of the hardest divisions to one of the easiest ones. But at the end I don't think that is important, because to win it all you have to beat all the best teams. Maybe record wise you get a few more wins, but at the end, that will not change the outcome of the championship.

If you were eliminated from the playoffs this season, would there be any other teams you feel deserve the championship this season?

Brooklyn and Oregon are my picks for this championship. Even if Cancun and Capetown do have their chances I don't think they can really win it all.

What can fans expect next season from the Juggers?

Next season we expect to be another 60 wins one, and again Paris fighting for the championship. It is too early to be sure but that is our target and I think we are in the right path.

In conclusion, is there any advice you would offer to teams that might hope to emulate your success?

Player analysis. I think that is the weakest point of many owners. They are not able to actually see the impact of a player on their team. They are not able to see how that player will work and what his real value is. You can see it everyday. When you have Paris, Cancun and Capetown fighting for a player and other owners pays 2-3 times more for another player in the same position, maybe they should think why teams with proven records are looking at that player and no others, and what his real value for my team is. All of these and keeping their own picks!!

June 12th, 2006

June 10th, 2006

Pirates Sunk in the Playoffs

By Jacque Sparrowe

Baltimore's dreams of making it past the 1st round were sunk early by odds on favorite Paris. Lulled into a false hope of home court advantage were put to rest early on by the Juggers.

Led Scott Lio 32 points the Pirates were embarrassed at home. Newly acquired Pirate Joe Watts dropped in 19. The Pirates came home thinking that had been able to go toe to toe with the Juggers on the home court and thought a touch of home cooking would be the what they needed to extend the series. Being down only 5 after the 1st quarter only made the dream more realistic. Then the roof came down on the Pirates as the could muster up only 17 points in the 2nd quarter to Paris 27 .Now being down 15 at half at home doubt started to seep in to the Pirates locker room as the veterans weren't playing at the top of the game.

Coach Arnold gave his team a great halftime speech and making minor adjustment to the offense the exploded for an eye opening 31 pt 3rd quarter only to have it smashed by Paris 32 point display of power. 87-71 end of third and that's when it happened the Pirates knew their shipped had been sunk, their treasure plundered, their mutiny at the bounty, their search for Davey Jones Locker ended, their x on the treasure stolen…… err sorry started to get carried away with the anecdote back to the game. Then Coach Gustavo Follana did what any good WBA coach should do he went for the Juggler (ha ha ) and dropped 34 in as Baltimore could only muster up 13.

Lets go to Baltimore's post game conference which includes Coach/GM Rob Arnold, and players Mike Ivey, Anson Valente, and newly acquired Pirated George Lush and Joe Watts

JS: Coach Arnold what do you think of you teams performance tonight?

RA: Well Jacque what do you think? We come home down 0-2 and start off the 1st quarter battling then the 2nd the wheels started to come off and go into the half down 15. Paris is a really good team that just knew how to finish off.

JS: Mike Ivey what was reason for your teams 3rd quarter outbreak?

MI: Well Coach really questioned our desire for the game and asked if this was the we wanted to go out in the playoffs? Damn cant believe we dropped in 31 and they come back with 32 you gotta have it to those guys they can hoop?

JS: Those guys?

GL: ya know Vasquez and Lio they just wouldn't let their team lose every time we thought we had them they would find away to keep the lead.

JW: Unbelievable those guys are just unbelievable!!

JS: So Anson how is it to be reunited with George?

AV: Aw man it was great just great everyone know old man can still ball. He is just such a steady influence on the team and plus it puts Mike back at his natural 3 spot.

JS: Joe how do you like it in Baltimore?

JW: I like it is nice to finally get a chance to showcase my skills in Omaha I was so far down the bench it wasn't funny. Don't get me wrong I learned a lot from Coach Avery and the Wild is a good franchise but we just have different philosophies.

JS: Coach Arnold what do you think you need to make your team more complete?

RA: Well Jacque we gonna need some of our bench players to step up next season. People may say that Arthur was a wasted pick for the # 1 overall pick but we really weren't looking for him to come in as our savior right away. We are hoping that he learns more of the game from JW this off season.

I wanna go and look at my front court and see what tinkering I need to do. I liked the way JC played he handled his coming off the well and can only learn from playing behind GL. Don played like Don still needs to develop his shot he only 41.5% from the field avg. 11.5 points with 9.3 rebounds but the backups need to really step it up Croce (0.9 rbs. and 2.3 pts a game) and Rollins (2.1 rbs and 4.5 pts a game) have been in the league long enough to help out more than they did this season.

Back court is starting to come around Anson is just amazing he has developed a nice mid range jumper which showed in increasing his avg. 45% he also avg. 9.9 assist to only 1.9 turnovers and 1.1 steals and 8.9 points a game plus on top of that a whopping 6.1 rebounds a game. With the addition Yoshi another Omaha Wild castoff who had 1.3 assists and 2.3 pts in only 9 min per contest. I like what I see the odd man out now seems to be Frank Ryan a combo guard who is starting to get lost in the shuffle as his contract expires.

The addition of Joe Watts at SG the question now around Pirates front office is what to do with 2/3 Jay D. For now he is still a vital member of the Pirates. He is our teams Sixth man. He always comes to play and always ask what we need him to do for the team. He is has every coach wants in a player big heart and great attitude. He was the teams 2nd leading scorer with 13.4 a contest and 5.1 rebounds a game. The Fonz got limited time this season learning behind Watts and D but showed some flashes of what's to come he avg. in 13 minutes a game 1.1 rebounds, 1.6 assts. and 5.8 pts.2nd in 3pt% at 41.2% Fonz did what I expected everyone the league expected him to be the next LJ but I wanted time to work him and polish off some of the GCBA edges he had developed.

Mike Ivey was finally returned to his natural spot and led the team in scoring 14.3 pts and 2nd rebounds with 7.3 and 33% from the 3 point line. Mike started the season at the 4 while Justus Rhodes started the 3 with the trade for George Lush Rhodes was now able to come off the bench with Jay D and form a nice one two punch. Justus came in avg10.2 pts, 3.7 rbs 2.5 assts a game.

Jaime Crouch is becoming the teams' blue collar worker. He does all the dirty work with out complaining playing at the 4 or 5. Jaime blue collar approach avg him 3.3 rebounds, 1 block and 8.9 points a game. Jaime is a hard worker and I have told several times that we appreciate the work he dose.

Well that was your 2006 Baltimore Pirates who many with this reporter included knew that this team over achieved and made it to the playoffs and then were quickly shown the door by a better Paris team our hats are off to the Juggers and Coach F.

Waiting to see the improvements for next season this Jacque S. saying Land Ho!!!

June 10th, 2006

Owner Rankings #30 - #26

Antawn Perkins

There has been an enormous amount of discussion about the owners in the WBA. What are their skills? Who is the worst coach and worst general manager? Who is the best coach and best general manager? There has been all of this discussion, but nobody has ever really analyzed the topic, put it down on paper and given explanations about their selections. This is exactly what I'm going to do. Over the next few days, I will be releasing the WBA owners ranked, beginning with #30 and finally finishing at #1, giving strengths and weaknesses of the owners and other explanations for my decisions. Let's get started with the worst owner in the league…

30. Robert Williams, Alaska

Strengths: None

Weaknesses: Unrivaled impatience, bad decision-making

The long-time joke of the WBA, Robert Williams has only come close to the playoffs once in his 11 seasons in the league. Everyone in the league knows that Alaska picks are gold, as they are guaranteed lottery picks and are usually in the top 5. What really makes Williams the worst owner in the league is his unrivaled impatience and bad decision-making. Alaska is also the place where legends go to die. Williams has a knack of acquiring aging veterans who can no longer play the way they used to, such as Boom-Boom Casey and Horace Colbert. Players acquired by Williams rarely last long on his teams and he almost never gets close to fair value when he trades them. He had a chance to turn around his franchise after the excellent season 8 draft in which he drafted Kelvin Boice, Marquez Houston, and Harry Applegate, but his inability to develop a team caused the trigger-happy owner dealt all of the players away. For Robert Williams, winning 40 games would be like winning a championship.

29. Sergio Gutierrez, Mexico City

Strengths: Drafting

Weaknesses: Trading, Free Agency

Sergio's teams have done absolutely nothing since entering the league. This is mainly due to his poor general manager skills. Every time Sergio makes a good move, he counters it with a poor decision. He picked up Sean Ashman in free agency a year ago only to trade him this year for an old George Holt and an uncertainty in the #9 pick, along with two other picks. Now, that might seem like a lot to some people, but look at how much Ashman contributed to the success of Colorado while he was there and now to Salt Lake City's success this year. He also drafted the very talented 21 year old Ajan Estay 25th in the draft. He then went on to trade Estay in a deal in which he received nothing of value whatsoever. He does have some nice pieces in Dondrell Palmer and Casey Pointer at PG and Chad Nolan at SF/PF. If he would have kept Ashman, he still would have been able to draft either Palmer or Pointer, along with Estay, and had a nice future with strong pieces in four of the five starting positions. He could have had Palmer or Pointer at PG, Estay at SG, Nolan at SF or PF, and Ashman at C. If Sergio would learn to just draft players (he drafted talented players such as Palmer, Estay, Pointer, and Nolan in the span of two seasons) and develop them, he could develop his team into a very strong team that could surprise a lot of people.

28. Tim Richards, Arkansas

Strengths: Willingness to learn

Weaknesses: Inability to coach, shaky decision-making

Sam Plummer's protégée has not shown the promise that Plummer once saw in him. Richards had a good first season, winning 48 games, but then broke up the team to start afresh in the offseason and started losing. While Richards' decision-making isn't the best in the league, it is certainly not the weakest part of his game. Richards wanted to make the playoffs so badly that he sacrificed most of his future to put together a team to get there this season. They should have, especially in the weak Western Conference, but Tim Richards cannot coach, simple as that. Tim is willing to learn, however, as he enlisted the help of a fellow coach to teach him the intricacies of setting a lineup. After help from this other coach, Richards' team went on a roll, winning more games in a two week span than they had won the whole season, but the team started to fall off and Richards didn't know how to make the proper adjustments to his lineup quite yet. With most of his future sacrificed, Richards must find a way to either learn how to coach right now or trade his veterans for younger players and allow them to grow as he progressively learns to coach the next few seasons.

27. BJ Hadley, Frankfurt

Strengths: Ability to acquire talented players

Weaknesses: Inability to develop a team

BJ Hadley has only been in the league for three seasons, but he has done absolutely nothing record-wise to prove he shouldn't be near the bottom of the list. Hadley has a knack for acquiring talented players, but he's never been able to build a team that gels together and wins. If you look at some of the players on his roster, you will see such solid players and Yuri Vilasny, Tony Dimateo, Branko Filipovic, and Harold Gil. Those four players are good individually, but do not play together well. The best rebounder on the team has a C rebound rating! Once Hadley learns how to build a team and not a group of players, he could move up this list a few spots in a very short time.

26. Kelley Avery, Omaha

Strengths: Ability to acquire talented players

Weaknesses: Coaching

Kelley Avery has always had trouble winning in the WBA, even though he has always had good players. Avery has problems with his coaching skills, as he never seems to get the most out of his very talented players. After his talented players leave Omaha, they usually become stars and help their teams win. Pat Stephenson was traded away after being a big disappointment in Omaha and became a star in Montana who was essential in Long Island's 62 win season. Donavan Jones was traded away and was an essential part to Oregon winning 2 rings. Avery does have a lot of talent on his roster even now, but he still can't put it together, managing only 29 wins this season. Some of that talent is very young, including big men Alexej Peska and Gerhold Verholm, but will “Coach Kelley” learn how to use them properly or will he be forced to trade them in a few seasons so they can become stars somewhere else?

That's it for today's edition. Make sure to check soon for #25 - #21! Will you be there? Where will you rank?

June 10th, 2006

OFFSEASON HAS STARTED: TYLER KANE MOVES TO NY!

By Liz Lester

The smoke of the first round of playoffs is hardly cleared, and already we see the first big offseason moves happening. Most of them are still in the negotiation fase, but NY decided to strike early. In the biggest offseason move so far they secured Tyler Kane, formerly of Albacete. Kane, a solid, classic PG, will lead the NY offense together with Marvin Lee, since all other players capable of playing there, were traded to Albacete. Keith Douglas, Marcus Rogers and DaRond Lyons are leaving NY for Albacete.

“ It's tough letting them go. However, we feel that Kane will bring us a style of play that better suits us. We don't have the time to develop Marcus, Keith has been a great competitor for us but he really wanted this trade for personal reasons . Lyons is a huge talent, but we have shooting guard well covered with two other very talented players in Damien Bohm and Matt Morris.” Mr Hameleers commented on the trade, clearly a happy GM.

The biggest name in this trade (alongside future allstar Lyons), Tyler Kane, was very much a happy man moving to NY. “ I had a great time in Albacete, but to play in the NorthEast division is a challenge i could not resist. I think that playing there is every competitors dream. NY off course is up adn comming, and with the talent of guys like Marvin Lee, Damien Bohm, Tom Kinsey, Jevon Carter, Kyle Hawkins and Ryan Rogers around me, the playoffs should be within Reach. And as NY is a young Franchise, we;ll only get better in the future. You just have to admire how mr Hameleers turned this Franchise around, from a no hoper to a young, vibrant, play off ready Franchise. We may not be title contenders yet, but things are looking up for NY. I'm very happy to be part of that! “

The players leaving NY off course also had some comments on the trade: Keith Douglas commented: “It has been great working with Mr Hameleers, but i don;t mind leaving NY. Albacete has been a great place for my family we loved the life we had there Spain is just a wonderfull place to live! Besides, their coaching staff is nothing less then top class as well.” The Other players involved were no less clear that they liked the trade as well, one even sounded resentfull “ It was crowded at sg here in NY” DaRond Lyons stated, somewhat piqued: “ Clearly i wasn't respected enough by Mr Hameleers, otherwise he wouldn;t have made this mistake. I can outplay and outshoot Bohm easily. I'll prove that in Albacete!” Marcus Rogers was clearly less hostile towards his old managment.” NY has been good to me, both on and off court. It's just part of the game. I'm certain i'll see more play in Albacete, and can;t wait to show my stuff back here in NY when we visit”

We from NY B-Ball TV wish all 3 men the best. They never stopped playing their hearts out for NY, and they deserve nothing but a warm welcome when they return to NY!

The rest of the news from NY: Although NY was dissappointed with the fact that Charles Cushman decided not to extend (yes, it is confirmed: he's an FA!) NY announced today they have extend Matt Morris to a 5 year deal. “ Matt has not seen much playing time last season” Mr. Hameleers commented. “But his work of the field has been incredible. We are convinced Matt will mature into a solid WBA SG, and have secured him for 5 years!. “ Apart from Morris Al Dudley also signed a 5 year deal. “ Dudley likewise has not seen much time. However, we also think that he has been an excellent player, both on court when he played, and off court in the dressing room, his presence is beneficial to this franchise. Dudley will no doubt see more time next season, since interest in Campell is high, and we cannot give Campell the money that he deserves.” With Campell out of the picture, as he is expected to be part of a sign and trade, Dudley no doubt will fill more minutes at SF, and may even chime in on SG, just like Campell did last season. After all the trades and signings, NY looks like they are done for the offseason for the most part: NY will end up with 3 open rosters pots, and has 2 picks, and some cap to sign a third in FA.

For NY B-Ball TV, Liz Lester

June 10th, 2006

A look into Round 2:

By Turtle Chase

Despite not making the playoffs, the citizens of Las Vegas deserve the right to have the playoffs handicapped so they make a lot of money. After watching an abysmal regular season in Vegas, everyone was treated to a very exciting first round, where nearly every series was close. With only one upset, that of Rochester over Charlotte, each series, most notably Colorado/SLC and Budapest/Capetown, could have went either way, making for only a more exciting second round. Here are the picks.

West Series:

Cancun (1) v. Capetown (4)

This series just got interesting. With the loss of starting center Reed Moses to a fractured leg, Cancun must be praying that Al Zarra can revert to earlier form. What Cancun will miss is 11 points and 8 boards from Moses, who was very strong in the lineup. This will cause Cancun to rely more on Kent Mercer and Parker Mason, two players who have been relied on by Coach Pat Fullum for years. On the other hand, Coach Adrian Arceo has been making his team very competitive; however, they barely squeaked past a very tough Budapest team, needing an extra period to get past them in the 5th game. However, Oshodi Bombata must be salivating over the thought of going up against Zarra instead of Moses. Team that together with Obafemi Mabruke and Abdiel Gordon, and that is one heck of a front court. After sweeping Capetown in the regular season, I’d have to give Cancun the upper edge. However, this will be much closer as Mercer and Mason aren’t as young as they used to be, and Capetown is hungry. But Fullum will be able to compensate for his problems, and that makes him one of the best coaches in the league.

Prediction: Cancun 4-2

Oregon (2) v. Salt Lake City (3)

In a recent interview, Oregon coach Kevin Harper called Salt Lake City the real deal, and was hoping that Colorado would knock them off. After a grueling series, SLC was able to follow behind the duo of Cordell Parks and Brad Bangerter to victory. After looking through their roster, it appears as if they are the real deal. With Austyn Williams and Eugene LaMaitre in the backcourt and Wally Birkhead at center, this team is solid 1-5. However, it is very hard to go against any team which can boast Lou Gonzales and Bishop Stein. Cory Mosley and Marquez Houston are also very solid players who compliment nicely with the two super stars. But, SLC coach Brad Bangerter is no slouch. He knows how to get the best of his players and keep them in every game. After taking 2 of 3 games from Oregon this year, it appears that the Fanatics can actually win a few games. I’m on the fence on this one, but like I said, it’s very hard to pass on Stein and Gonzales. Best series out of the four of them, but one team has to lose.

Prediction: Oregon 4-3

East Series:

Paris (1) v. Long Island (4)

Long Island coach Michael Esposito gets past the one man team in Toronto and gets to face a very consistent team in Paris. For all the flack that Espo takes in for trading away his team every season and coming to the playoffs with a new team, on paper, it appears as if Long Island actually has the better team. While Paris coach Gustavo Follana is a superior coach, Esposito is able to hold his own and be very competitive every season. Kadeem Reed is much superior to Charlie Meyers, and if you continue down the list, only Jay Vasquez out duels Jim McCarthy. Paris will not go down without a fight however. After knocking off LI three times during the regular season, it appears as if Paris should have the upper edge. However, LI just appears to be too good for Vasquez to be a one man team. Maybe this year could be Espo’s year in the finals. I doubt it, but he should make it to another series.

Prediction: Long Island 4-2

Brooklyn (2) v. Rochester (6)

Ah, the rivalry continues. Two legendary owners battle off in the battle of the good New York teams, (sorry Marc, you are almost there). Brooklyn appears to be the most dominant team left in the playoffs, but Coach Dave Williams has the two headed monster in Dave Williams and Heiko Van Brandt. Rage coach Rondall Reynoso counters that attack with Mario Bailey and Shane Strom and the breakout year of Omar Jefferson. Jefferson has been lighting up the scoreboard with 26 points a game during their first round series against Albacete. It doesn’t appear as if Rochester really has a chance, as it seems as if Brooklyn is just too good. However, for Rochester to be able to compete, they need to out rebound Brooklyn’s rebounders and must play tough defense. Javonte Bolk and Ramon Phelan must be able to keep Jefferson and Strom in check or else this could be a quick sweep. It’s pretty safe to assume that Williams will have a hard time stopping Bailey who is shooting 60 percent in the playoffs. Also, if Williams struggles, there is no way Rochester wins a game, and with Bailey doing well on defense, it looks like it. This is probably the most lopsided out of all four series.

Prediction: Brooklyn 4-1

This is shaping up to be one of the better playoffs in league’s history. Many of the playoff teams are closer together in talent, leading to better quality of play. It’d be nice if Las Vegas could be in the playoffs next year. Just something that could be in our future for next year. But until then, its time for Vegas fans to enjoy some quality basketball. Outside of Brooklyn/Rochester the other three series should be something to remember, with the other series being able to swing either way. Happy betting gamblers, and make sure to follow my picks at the casinos.

June 10th, 2006

Clopping Down: Clopp First of Many Gambling Additions

By Turtle Chase

Coach/GM Steven Goodstadt made it a point to say in his season farewell that this team would be different come next season. With 34 million in cap room, and determining that there rookies wouldn’t be ready for another season, Goodstadt got his trading cap on very quickly, before free agency began. When Nebraska’s Coach/GM Brandon Morfeld was shopping Vance Clopp, Goodstadt knew he couldn’t pass on the 4th year center.

This move was just the first to be made by Goodstadt. After finishing 27-53 in their inaugural season, the owner made it a point to want to compete next season, after trading Vegas’ first to Gabon in a horrible deal. Morfeld approached Goodstadt with the possibility of acquiring Clopp and Goodstadt couldn’t say no. With 34 million in cap room, the team couldn’t possibily pass on this center who will start for the team next year.

“Despite the promising future that Senecca Redd has, we couldn’t pass up on Clopp. He will be a great mentor to Redd and make him better,” said Goodstadt.

“While it is upsetting that I won’t be starting next year, it is great to see our General Manager making trades that will benefit my team. I was a big fan of Clopp and I’m excited to learn from him,” said Redd.

To acquire the big man, who was drafted 8th overall in the season 9 draft, Vegas disposed of two second round picks, one in season 16 and one in 17. This was only a small price to pay for a guy who in season 11 put up 11 points and 9 boards in 34 minutes. Becoming a backup with Simeon Hill in the mix this season, Clopp averaged 5 points and 5 boards in 16 minutes, with a block and steal as well. Vance is excited to be traveling to Las Vegas, where he gets a chance to start again.

“It was very upsetting not being able to start. I appreciate the chance that Brandon gave me when he drafted me, but it’s great to be traded to Vegas. They have really worked hard to compete next year, and I’m looking forward to contributing to this squad,” said Clopp.

Clopp has 21 million left on his contract for the next three years, and is expected to be a one year option at center. With Redd almost being ready, it appears as if Clopp is just there to watch the kid grow. And he doesn’t seem to have a problem with that.

“As long as we win, anything goes,” said the center.

“Best attitude to have,” said Goodstadt.

June 9th, 2006

A Look at Round 2

By Ron Chambers

Round 2 -- Game 1

1 (3-2) Capetown @ (3-1) Cancun

This will be a very interesting match-up. GSPN has Cancun highly favored but the injury to Moses may well change the balance in this series. Cancun finished the series only three games ahead of this division rival but that was with the services of Moses. It is interesting to note that Cancun swept the season series 4-0 but again that was with Moses.

Round 2 -- Game 1

2 (3-2) Salt Lake City @ (3-0) Oregon

With a 62-18 regular season record there aren't a lot of teams that Oregon didn't get the better of. In fact, there are only two teams that Oregon did not win the season series against. Capetown was one and SLC was the other. Despite finishing 10 games behind Oregon SLC seems to match-up well against them. Oregon is a mature proven winner trying to win their third straight title. SLCC on the other hand is an emerging team that

caught many spectators by surprise this year. WBA prognosticators consistently picked SLC to finish 4th or 5th in their division and to miss the play-offs. Even JP Benedict who picked seven of the remaining eight play-off teams as seven of the top eight title contenders miss judged SLC. Only the controversial Wes Ford got it right. He picked them to win their division. He actually was amazingly accurate in his play off predictions correctly picking all eight from the West and picking seven of the eight from the East (he thought NY would make it). Not bad for a analyst who is more known for his womanizing than his basketball career and who was sanctioned by the league a few seasons back for his an inflamatory article he wrote for GSPN.

Round 2 -- Game 1

3 (3-0) Long Island @ (3-0) Paris

The East will be interesting because none of the teams remaining have lost a play-off game yet this year. Both of these teams are loaded with talent but Paris has been amazing over the last 50 games. But, Long Island has also been a much improved team since the All-star break. They went 28-22 before the break and 21-9 after the break. Espo has to be given credit for finally realizing the chemistry prooblems of his team and fixing them.

If he can keep his trading ways under control he should again have a shot at a 60 win season next year. But, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Even though Paris won the season series 3-1 Long Island is a dangerous team and they have a legitimate shot at stealing this series.

Round 2 -- Game 1

4 (3-0) Rochester @ (3-0) Brooklyn

Some prognostocators are handing this series to Brooklyn and they are saying it won't even be close. Don't count on it. Brooklyn deffinately has the talent to beat any team but don't over look Rochester. They have a ton of talent. Willaims and Brandt are among the best in the leage at their possitions and Bolk and Phelan are two of the best young talents in the league. Plus, Brooklyn only lost three games to division rivals all season and two of those losses were to Rochester. This will be an interesting series because these two teams are so different.

Rochester doesn't like a lot of flash and they don't make a lot of mistakes. Brooklyn on the otherhand loves the flash and the love the roar of the croud they have the talent on both ends to dominate teams. But, they are also prone to mistakes both poor fouls and turnovers. Strom and Miles are at risk to foul out of any game. Miles occassionally gets frustrated and hads been known to foul out in the first half. Also, Miles, Jefferson, Bailey and Herbert all have days when they turn the baal over like it is a hot potatoe. Expect anything in this series. Brooklyn could dominate but they could also throw the series away.

June 9th, 2006

Has the dream Died?

Cancun in known for their veterans. The names Mercer, Mason and Gerson are most likely the ones that pop into the average fans head. But, the anchor of this power house team is the young 25 year old center Reed Moses. During the season Moses played 32 minutes a game and averaged 10.9 points, 8.1 Rebounds, 3.8 assists andd 1.7 blocks. He has also been very efficient shooting 50% and committing less than three fouls a game. The day after Cancun's game 4 win over Gabon Moses complained to the team doctor about some pain in his calf. The doctor ordered x-rays and his worst fears were realized. A small fracture was found in Moses' leg, effectively ending his season. Cancun will now have to rely more heavily on veteran center Al Zarra. While very talented Zarra in well known for his limited stamina. The real challenge for Cancun's coaching staff will be how to fill the minutes after Zarra. They do not have another effective rebounder for the center spot unless Mercer fills in some minutes there but then they have the same problem at the power forward spot.

Cancun has been rumored to be considering a youth movement as their stars are aging. It is ironic that their young stud is the one who can't carry the load this year.

June 8th, 2006

A Usual in the Playoffs: Few Questions with Kevin Harper

By Turtle Chase

After knocking off division rival Sacramento in the first round of the WBA playoffs, we were able to spend some time with Coach Kevin Harper as he awaits his next opponent.

Chase: Congrats on your first round victory. Now, as you move on to your second round opponent, who would you rather face?

Harper: Well both teams are top quality in the Western Conference, but I am going to be honest with you. I would rather play Colorado. Salt Lake is probably the most improved team over the past season and they were one of only two teams we lost a season series against. Colorado is no joke, but SLC just seems to be the real deal.

Chase: How does it feel to not have the #1 seed?

Harper: Well, it's always nice to have "#1 seed" on your list of achievements, but in order to win a title you need to win, and if you cant beat whoever you have to face, you don't deserve the recognition as a champion. Cancun is probably the most respected franchise in the league and they earned it this year with great play, simple as that.

Chase: Does it hurt to lose to expansion Las Vegas during the last week of the season?

Harper: Who?

Chase: The reason you didn’t get the #1 seed was because you lost by 3 to Las Vegas during the last week of the season.

Harper: What? That game counted?? By the crowd turnout, and the look of the other players, I thought we were playing a Jerry's Kids charity game.

Chase: Yes it counted. But on that note, you played in a very weak division. How was it knowing that you had the division clinched by the All-Star Break.

Harper: That is always nice, but I am sure that soon enough some of those teams will be creeping up and giving me a legit division rival. I'd much rather play in the toughest division, than what many consider the most lopsided.

Chase: You have been considered one of the top franchises in the league, how do you remain so successful?

Harper: It's all about having the pieces to a puzzle...a combination of scorers, rebounders, passers and defenders. Then add in Bishop Stein who excels in each, you'll have a contender every time.

Chase: What about Ian Tilmon, did you expect him to turn out the way that he did?

Harper: Well we knew he should have been at least drafted, but he definitely surprised like many. Were hoping he sticks around because the kid has a bright future in the WBA with a new generation of PGs emerging.

Chase: Despite the playoffs not being over, what do you foresee in the future for your team?

Harper: Competing for another title. After our recent success I've come to expect nothing less.

Chase: What will happen when Lou Gonzales retires? He's been apart of your team for so long.

Harper: That is true, and I seriously doubt there will ever be a player like him again. But we realize he’s not exactly a rookie anymore, and retirement is inevitable. Although we think he can play a lot longer. He's always been more of a finesse center so that’s a lot of banging around down low he's kept off his body, and he thanks Cory Mosley everyday for that.

Chase: Thank you very much and good luck to you in the playoffs/

Harper: Hopefully luck will not be required, but I appreciate it anyways.

June 8th, 2006

Swaying with Swagger: A talk with the man behind Seoul

By Turtle Chase

On a recent trip to Seoul, I ran into GM T.D. Swagger of the Dragons.

After a 27 win expansion season, Seoul looks to improve on the upcoming

season,

and has been very active during the off season.

Chase: Good Morning T.D. Thanks for taking the time to talk.

Swagger: My pleasure, Turtle.

Chase: After the expansion draft you were praised for the way you drafted.

Did you think there was any way you were going to compete your first

season.

Swagger: I think we were ready to make sure every game was a competition

that the Dragons weren't going to be considered an easy win by anyone. But

the

plan has always been to be a top contender within three years, and to lay

the

foundations now.

Chase: Coming into the season, what did you predict for your squad record

wise?

Swagger: When I met with Bill Cash, our head coach, for the first time, I

told him that at the very least, we couldn't end the season without reaching

that twentieth win. To evaluate the young players we got in the draft, and

make

sure the fans had a good time coming to our games. As a rookie coach, I

think

he did pretty well making sure the fans wanted to keep coming back, and we

reached that 20 win plateau while still in the hunt for a lower seed in the

playoffs. I think that's something to genuinely be proud of right there.

Chase: Speaking of acclaimed centers, how important was it to have Joe

Siebert on your roster?

Swagger: When we were approached by Brooklyn prior to the draft with the

news

that he was going to be available, we knew right off the bat that he had to

be brought in, not just for his skills on the court, but his leadership off

it. Joe's played such a large role in shaping contenders, being that

presence

for the newcomers, everything. We don't even do half of what we did this

season if Joe isn't on the roster.

Chase: You were very active during the regular season, making nearly all

allowed trades. What were you trying to do with all of these trades, and

you feel you put yourself in good position for next year?

Swagger: Well, the challenge became making sure the team we put on the

floor was always the best team available. We had some high hopes for the

development of our rookies, but when the time came and Daren Benson was on

the

market, we couldn't help but find the options that would provide for the

future. If

you look at our young players, up and comers like Daren Benson, Ajan Estay,

Jarion Harris, Brian Armstrong, Ryan DePina, I think we had to find the

best

ways not only to stay competitive, but also to get them to develop with the

best players available.

Swagger: We also found ourselves in the thick of things when the final

playoff spots in the West were down to a few games. We had been as close as

three

and a half games out of the eight slot...so we took chances. This season,

injuries and some tough losses slowed us down, but in the years to come,

we'll

still be willing to take those chances

Chase: One player you acquired, Jalen Bell, is an upcoming free agent.

What are your plans with him as he is getting on the older side?

Swagger: Jalen's easily still the best shooting guard on the market, and

we've had some preliminary discussions with his agent, Osiris Czajinski,

about a

contract extension. Jalen's enjoyed his time in Seoul, and while the length

of the contract is in question, his biggest concern is how quickly we build

toward contention. I honestly feel with him at the two next seasons, we've

got

a good chance of making the playoffs, maybe even turning a few heads.

Chase: Speaking of playoffs, the other expansion GM, Steven Goodstadt

believes that he will make the playoffs as well. How do you believe your

team

stacks up, and is there some sort of rivalry between the two?

Swagger: Steven's a very competent, very savvy GM who's had a lot of prior

experience in the WBA. I think Las Vegas' chances of finishing in the top

eight are as strong as ours. The truth is, there is a bit of a rivalry, as

get reminded on a regular basis that Las Vegas came into the league the

same

time we did, had the same number of opportunities, with a much more

experienced

GM, and we were still able to match up to them evenly at the end. They've

been in full rebuild mode this offseason while we're looking more for the

missing pieces, so...it's hard to tell what next season will bring for

them. But

Steven and I talk on a regular basis, and I think the rivalry that exists

easily a friendly one.

Of course, we'll see how it is when we're pushing for the playoffs next

year.

Chase: So what are your plans this off season? Are you relying on your

picks? Or will you go through the trade/FA market?

Swagger: With a lottery pick this year, we're going to fill at least one of

our needs there, but the biggest question for us will be finding a quality

small forward. Michael Huryta's work at power forward last year proved to be

excellent, especially following the injuries Angel Rojas had suffered, but

we're

also looking to hopefully fill that position with someone who's had more

experience and get him working more as a center again. There are some

quality

young players we're looking at through free agency, but I want to assure

Dragons fans that we're not going to stay on the treadmill of working with

young,

unpolished talent and then letting them go when they get too pricy. With a

little more cap space this year and full cap next, we can start building the

franchise of the future without sacrificing today.

Chase: Rumor has it that you have been talking about acquiring one of the

top players in the WBA? Is there any truth in that?

Swagger: There have been some preliminary discussions, but we have to be

very careful when it comes to team balance. At this time of year, teams

become

desperate for that last little bit of cash to re-sign the up and coming

talents, and higher priced veterans are shopped to give them the cash they

need. For

most teams with the space, it's an easy decision, but when you've got a

good

$10 million less than the big boys, you have to gauge every move carefully.

We are in discussions to bring some top flight talent to Seoul, but the

piece

has to be a good fit above all else.

Chase: As we conclude, what do you expect your team to do next year? And do

you believe that you will be in the playoffs next season?

Swagger: Every good general manager looks at his team with the highest

hopes that next season will be better. Make the playoffs? Try to win the

division. Win the division? Get to the finals. Win the finals? Make a

legacy. Get

better, get stronger, earn the respect of those around you. There's a few

people

out there who take potshots at Seoul, saying we have nothing on our roster

worth a second glance. I think the people who say that are the ones with

the

narrowest vision of the future. I don't think the playoffs are out of our

reach next season, and I honestly don't think a 40 win season is

impossible.

We're aiming for at least thirty five wins...a figure that might not be

exciting

or astronomically high, but certainly enough to make the playoffs, and make

people finally notice that we're taking this very seriously.

Chase: Thank you very much T.D., we here in Vegas appreciate all that you

have done with Seoul.

Swagger: My pleasure. Here's wishing both teams some good luck in the

coming

year.

June 8th, 2006

A NIGHT OF GRUDGE IN TORONTO

By Liz Lester

One of the most anticipated of first round lineups in this years WBA playoffs came to an end tonight, with a crushing 113-92 victory by Long Island, wich left Toronto diehard fans crushed and out for the count on their own turf. The combined might of Long Island proved, for this year, too much for the absolute class of Walt Jackson, assisted by young Jervan Timmons. Toronto clearly isn't a one Trick Pony as some have said, but it clearly looks like depth is lacking.

Soon after the last seconds had ticked away, we met up with winning Owner Michael Esposito, and secured an appointment with Toronto owner James Borbath. The two are well known for their Rivalry in the tremendously strong North East Division ( 3 of the Easts quarterfinalists come from there. Toronto made the playoff and NY just missed out, despite having an 11 game improvement this year )

Liz Lester: “Michael, Michael, you must be delighted, sweeping rivals Toronto?”

Michael Esposito: “It feels great. When it became apparent Toronto had a shot at grabbing the fifth seed in the playoffs, and knowing we had the fourth seed locked up, we were praying that they would succeed in grabbing the spot. We beat them three out of four games during the season with the one loss coming on the last day of the season on the road when Wayne Taylor was hurt. Then, when the playoffs came, we still beat Toronto game one when Taylor was still injured and game two when players like Carlos Williams played 25 minutes and Oliver McCarty played 23 minutes for us. Jim McCarthy only played 23 minutes, Kurt Beck 15, and Kadeem Reed 7. This series was an absolute joke. Toronto must have been the luckiest team in the league to pick up such a high seed, but their luck ran out in Long Island. The one trick pony is dead”

LL: “Well, you certainly prevailed as a team: Any comment on his one trick...Jackson looked awsome despite losing, didn;t he?”

ME: “He looked good, but this is a team game. He could have averaged 50 a game for all I care. I will give cre

dit to James Borbath for going out and trying to pick up players to improve his team, but it didn't work. I could've thrown Wes Ford out there and played him at center and their centers still would have been shut down. Jackson is a good player, but that team still has a bunch of holes to fill and could easily be surpassed by Rochester and New York next season and finish last in the Northeast Division “

LL: “Let's get back to your own team and it's performance today. It truly was team effort, but any players you want to mention especcially today ?

ME: No, it really is a team effort. Everybody on this team has his role. Danny Hainge and Wayne Taylor are the scorers, McCarthy can add some points, rebound, and shut down the opposing team's center, Sheldon Gorman pitches in whatever points are needed, rebounds, passes, and plays some defense, Kadeem Reed is the floor general, and the bench, lead by Kurt Beck and Oliver Doherty, come in and simply produce. Players on this team pick one another up when someone isn't having the best game, which is why we're in the second round of the playoffs. I will say, however, that Kadeem Reed has been the difference on this team. Ever since picking him up, the team chemistry seems to have increased by leaps and bounds. It has also allowed for Oliver Doherty to come off the bench and back up the point guard and shooting guard spots, which has been absolutely essential for us.”

LL: “It is rumored that there is plenty of interest for Doherty. Any substantial offers, or will he stay?”

ME: “This franchise has invested a lot of time into Oliver Doherty and we would hate to see him go. With the way our salary cap is set up, we will have the opportunity to resign him, but if an offer that blows us away comes along, we will have to seriously think about it. He has been such an essential part of this team and we hope to have him back, but nothing is ever certain in this league.”

LL: “Next up paris. A daunting Task. We do not expect you to tell us all your secrets, but what do you expect you need to do to get past them?”

ME: “We got killed by Paris this season, but we did win the last game against them, so there is hope. Paris is a great team, but I do think we have a chance here as we match up against them rather well. Jim McCarthy is a great defensive player and his battles with Jay Vasquez could be legendary. Curtis vs Gorman will also be great as both had great first rounds. The same with Scott Lio and Danny Hainge. I honestly think this series comes down to Wayne Taylor vs Al Lee and Kadeem Reed vs Charlie Meyers. For us to win this series, Wayne has to play well against Lee and Kadeem Reed must shut down Charlie Meyers. Meyers is the unsung hero on this team. Look at his first round. He averaged 16 pts, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, numbers reminiscent of Parker Mason in his prime. The benches could also have some say in the outcome of this series, too, as Paris is in trouble if any one of their starters fouls out early or gets injured during the series.”

LL: “ So, you plan on playing baiting them into rough play? Will that be part of your strategy?”

ME: “Yes it will. While Paris' players don't really foul much and don't have too many injuries, we do think that rough play could wear down their players a bit, making them tired and forcing them to play some of their bench players. When it comes to benches, we feel that we have the advantage in this series.”

LL: “well, have fun celebrating, and we wish you the best for the matches agaisnt Paris, the whole league is looking forward to that exciting matchup!”

ME: “Thank you. We're looking forward to it too, it should be a great series.”

With that last remark, Owner/Coach/GM Esposito of Long Island went back to the dressing room, where the party, fed by derogatory yells about Toronto, continued long into the night. For us, no party, as we had an appointment with Toronto owner James Borbath, who was kindly willing to talk to us despite his obvious dissapointment.

Liz Lester: “Mr Borbath, how do you feel after losing tonight ? ”

James Borbath: “ it's never a good feeling to lose and as a journalism grad i would hope you have better questions than the standard how do you feel.”

LL: ““ I know it's a lame question, Mr Borbath, but the public wants to know. It's the times of Emotive TV. We want to know the feelings of the man behind the owner. But back to today. and the series. We all saw what went wrong, but what is your take on it?”

JB: “ some teams don't match up well verus other teams it was clear to anyone that toronto doesn't match up well with long island this year but next year they will have 8 or 9 new players and will see about it than.”

LL: “As far as new players go, You will be a team with cash in the off season, any plans to bring any big names to the squad to support Walt?”

JB: “no. We like what we have in fact jervon timmons is already working on a deal to stay here well his agent is. We never say never but unlike the people in long island when we win 40+ games we don't blow it up and pray we get it right next year. we finally have a team that works well with a true WBA superstar to lead it.”

LL: “So you do not agree with pundits who claim your size and rebounding power at C is letting you down. Rumors are that Cushman might be an FA? Someone to pick up perhaps?”

JB: “we traded away a better center. its great to have rebounding and a solid 5 but where did that get us? I think it's clear the toronto team after the nebraska trade is a much better team than the one prior to it. Ideally i'd love to have lou gonzales saying that he is signing a minuim deal with toronto but that isn't happening so we will be happy with the team we have.”

LL: “Securing Timmons certainly is an important coup for the future..congratulations on that at least. For the future, any plans to change division perhaps? A change of divisions could dramatically increase your wins?”

JB: “thats a league issue and not one for us to decide; but if we were in say charlotte's divison we would win it most likely but 4 teams in the divison we are in madethe playoffs, almost 5 , and that says something for the quality of play and we embrace that”

LL: “With little to no movement on your roster, aren;t you afraid that the activity elsewhere might leave you out of the playoffs next year in you though division. NY is rumored to be involved in negotiations on several fronts, and the others won;t sit still. You'll need more then Jackson and timmons next year. Who of your young guns do you expect to step up and contribute enough to stay a playoff team?”

JB: “ thats your opinion. Here is mine: we have 2 of last 3 rookies of the year, we have improved oure win total evey year since i have been here. teams get better teams get worse that is the way it goes. But there is no law that say you must trade to get better. don't tell micheal espistio that, he may start crying! . But we have a lot of young players that are still improving. Even Walt Jackson can get better than where he is. This season has been great but there is still more he can do.Iif everyone takes this loss and says to himself “ how can I prevent this from happening next year” it will be fine”

LL: “We understand that it hurts to lose a game against your grudge rival, and also understand that change isn't always for the better. Fact is though you'll need more depth as we see it....With two picks in the draft, wich positions are you looking at most?”

JB: “well as you stated are front court has a hole with hill in neberska it would seem logical that we draft a player that can play the 4 or 5. It isn't rocket science seeing as we are 2 deep at 1 through 3”

LL: “The bests of luck in the off season, and we can;t wait to see Walt and Timmons again next year!”

With that we'll take our leave from Toronto, where a battle has been fought, and more fuel has been added to the fire that is the rivalry between Long Island and Toronto. While we think that Long Island has the better tools at hand currently, we have seen the fire in Timmons and Walt's eye, and we know that this is a going to be a grudgematch for years to come

Liz Lester, For NY B-Ball TV and News!

June 7th, 2006

LongIslandMayhem.com's Antawn Perkins recently got a chance to sit down with Las Vegas Gamblers general manager/head coach Steven Goodstadt.

Perkins: How does it feel to have your first season back in the WBA under your belt?

Goodstadt: It was something completely different. It was a lot of fun, but it was irritating because I knew I wouldn't be able to compete with most of the other teams.

Perkins: Knowing that, did you have any particular strategy going into the expansion draft? Were you happy with the results?

Goodstadt: I really wanted to stockpile picks. I took players that I knew would give me picks like Buck Jones and Mark Miller. I made some mistakes, like taking Jones too early, and thinking that I could actually compete right away. I was happy with Miller, but I thought I completely bombed the rest of the draft. Stahl and Jackson were nice, but I drafted erratically and didn't really research too much. I figured I knew most of the players, but I didn't.

Perkins: It's interesting you say you were happy with Miller, Stahl, and Jackson because you actually traded all of them during the season.

Goodstadt: Well, I realized that I was not going to compete this year, and I wanted to get ready for next year early, and work with Justin Hill, Jeremy Sims and Senecca Redd. Trading the three of them also gave me cap room for this upcoming offseason

Perkins: What were your goals entering this season and are you happy with the results? Were there any surprises?

Goodstadt: I wanted to get 30 wins this season. Despite not getting that far, I was very happy with my season. 27 wins with the roster that I had, including the win that prevented Oregon from getting the #1 seed, really showed that my team was ready for next year. Sims and Hill turned out much better than expected. But I still regret the Hameleers trade, and I always will. But at least I was able to get him off the payroll.

Perkins: You have a lot of salary cap space, but also a lot of holes in your roster. Where exactly do you think your team needs to improve on and how do you plan on doing so?

Goodstadt: Well, we need a backcourt desperately. Wes Taylor and Hameleers obviously wasn't cutting it. So with our 33 million in cap space, we wanted to look for that. Also, Redd and Sims still need some development, so it would be nice to get someone who can start for the season. We here in Vegas are gambling on our team to make the playoffs. In fact, we believe that we have put ourselves in great position to compete for a playoff spot, especially in the West.

Perkins: It has been rumored that you're already looking into several trade scenarios for the offseason. Would you like to elaborate on these rumors?

Goodstadt: Well, I have sent two trades in to be confirmed, and a third one is on the way. I won't reveal names, as supposedly Turtle Chase of the Las Vegas Times is writing a story right now breaking the news. But we have traded most of the 2nds that we own for some quality players that will fill many holes. And we still have 16 million in cap room available.

Perkins: How about free agency and the draft? Do you have any targets that fall in either category or is there a specific position you're looking to improve on through these methods?

Goodstadt: Well, small forward and power forward is pretty weak this free agency, however, I have picked up what I consider a great pg and sg in the trade market. I haven't seen the draft prospects yet; however, I'm looking to compete now, and I want to get establish people at the positions, so I would even look to trade that pick in order to shore up on the positions that I need.

Perkins: You said you're looking to compete now. When do you think you'll be able to compete for a championship and do you think your future will be hurt by sacrificing some of it for the present?

Goodstadt: Well, with the exception of season 14, I have at least one first round pick. And all of the people I am trading for are young. I hope to start competing for the whole thing next year, but that is just a dream. Throughout all the trades it has only been 2nd round picks, not sure things. Next season I also get 12 million dollars from the expansion cap opening up, so I will have the cash. I would assume in 2 seasons I should be a contender.

Perkins: What are the goals for next season? How many wins will you be satisfied with and are there any players you have specifically set goals for?

Goodstadt: I would be upset with anything short of a playoff berth. So far we have acquired a rebounder and a pass heavy point guard, two major problems from last season. We are also on the verge of acquiring a scorer, another thing we needed. With 16 million left, we can sign another top flight free agent, and give us a very legitimate shot at competing for everything. It really is playoffs or bust for us next year, because especially coming in from the west where the 7th and 8th place team each finished 6 games under .500, it would be a massive disappointment if we do not get in. As an expansion team winning 27 games, with the quality of team that I had, there is no excuse to not make the playoffs with next year's team.

Perkins: There will always be a lot of talk comparing your team with Seoul's. How do you think you compared with them this season and what do you think of the job GM/coach Andre Dec has done with his team?

Goodstadt: Well, we both finished with the same record, so I guess we are even right now. I think that he has done a great job getting his team in shape for next season, going completely different than myself

Perkins: Is there any sort of rivalry between you two?

Goodstadt: Rivalry between us? I say Andre and myself are friendly. Would I like to beat him every time? Of course, but I'd like to beat every team. I look forward to having Seoul and my Gamblers in the playoffs for years to come, and I think we are both on our way.

Perkins: Thanks for your time. It's great to see you back in the league and good look in building your franchise.

Goodstadt: Thanks Antawn for the free publicity. It is great to be acknowledged by other cities, and I hope all the work done this offseason will lead the Gamblers into the playoffs.

June 7th, 2006

June 7th, 2006

West predictions for the WBA

by Clark Lane

1) Cancun vs 8) Gabon

This is quite an unbalanced match-up. Gabon is in the playoffs but he is barely there. He lacks so many things!! When on the other side you have a really strong Cancun side. Cancun is not the strongest team out there, but surely he can handle this matchup without breaking a sweat.

3-1 for Cancun.

2) Oregon vs 7) Sacramento

Oregon should be a happy camper. There is no story whatsoever here. The best Sacramento can expect is to win 1 game, and that only if they are lucky. It is a shame, but the top of the West is really ages away from the bottom of the West.

3-0 for Oregon.

3) Salt Lake City vs 6) Colorado

This matchup is starting to get better. Salt Lake has shown they are better, but Colorado will fight this until the bitter end. With Sheth on the team Colorado maybe had a chance, without they are going to loose on game 5. Salt Lake is too much and Cordell Parks is really starting to shine for them. Even if for me the turn around of the team was getting Sean Ashman at the C.

3-2 for Salt Lake

4) Capetown vs 5) Budapest

This is the real deal. Two really hard teams battling it out for a place on the semi-finals. Really any one of them would deserve it, but Budapest history make it my favorite. They are going to upset Capetown. Capetown has a great team, but they haven't found yet the key for the playoffs. It must be frustrating for a team so good to always come out early on the playoffs.

3-1 for Budapest.

Semi-finals:

Cancun vs Budapest.

This is going to be the first real test for Cancun. Many people think they are really hot, but against top competition they are going to suffer. Suffer mightily. Cancun has owned Budapest during the season, but this year Budapest is going to bring, once again, all the magic they have to the playoffs to upset the mighty Cancun. Rebounding and a big defense will bring the series to Budapest. After this game the question that is on everybody's lip: Is Cancun going to rebuild? Will they trade Mason and/or Mercer?

4-2 for Budapest.

Oregon vs Salt Lake.

Oregon will smash thru Salt Lake, it is as simple as that. The only thing that can stop Oregon here is an injury because his players are overworked. As they have been lucky so far no one can expect that to change. Salt Lake is really close to the next level, but they are still missing 1 player. Even if bringing LaMaitre was a good move, they are still not there.

4-1 for Oregon.

Finals:

Oregon vs Budapest.

Budapest has brought a lot of hard play to this playoffs, but they are going to fall under the mighty Oregon Bears. Oregon is maybe the hardest team to beat of this playoffs and they are rightly going to fight for the final trophy!! Budapest is on the other hand a surprise every season. They don't go with big names, but with hard workers. I just hope that one year or another he will finish getting the title he deserves so much.

4-2 for Oregon.

East predictions for the WBA

1) Paris vs 8) Baltimore

Paris is too good a team to be upset. But this series will go for longer than expected. Baltimore at home will show that they can handle Paris and they will to until the last match. This kind of series are usually quite stressing, because a mistake on one game and a better team can go down to the surprise of the championship…

3-2 for Paris

2) Brooklyn vs 7) Albacete

Brooklyn is looking for revenge, and Albacete does not have what it takes to stop mighty Brooklyn. If it was not for their history together this match-up would not have any attraction.

3-0 for Brooklyn

3) Charlotte vs 6) Rochester

Rochester is going to show some of their magic here. I hope they are going to enjoy it because afterwards the party is over. For Sam it is going to be a disappointing playoffs but he will go back to the drawing board to make his team even better.

4) Long Island vs 5) Toronto

Long Island has quite a nice team. They have a great punch and they have made quite an impression with this team. Toronto is a one man show, he will play great but that won't be enough. Toronto needs to improve this team if he wants to be a force in the playoffs.

3-1 for Long Island

Semi-finals:

Paris vs Long Island

This is going to be quite a match-up. There are loads of studs everywhere on the field. This is going to be a really nice series. The biggest issue is that Paris seems to have a good chemistry and home court advantage. Long Island will put a fight, Wayne Taylor will try to shine, but on a long series Paris will use every advantage they have to edge LI and win the series. Vasquez will show why he is the best C on this league.

4-3 for Paris

Brooklyn vs Rochester

Another good series. Heiko and Dave will try to carry Rochester on this series, but in front of them they have so much raw talent that they will be exposed for what they are. A talented team no less, but nothing more. Brooklyn will play as they know and will take the series easily.

4-1 for Brooklyn

Paris vs Brooklyn

This is maybe the closest match-up you can get. Last year Paris edged Brooklyn easily, this year Brooklyn Rage will stamp down on the competition and show that they are the best on the East. It won't be easy and Paris will put up a fight but to no avail. Expect this to be the top matchup on the East for years to come as Paris and Brooklyn looks like the top teams on the East.

Brooklyn takes the east by 4-2.

WBA finals.

Oregon vs Brooklyn.

Sadly for Brooklyn, Oregon is a machine made to kill teams like them. Oregon will take the trophy again. But as Oregon team starts to get old, Brooklyn only gets better with age, so expect Brooklyn to win at least one of the following championships.

Oregon wins the championship 4-2

June 5th, 2006

Casinos Closed Early: Gamblers fail to make playoffs in opening season

By Turtle Chase

Going into the regular season, many owners were critical of Las Vegas’s expansion draft results, citing there was no real direction that the team was going in. After the rookie draft it was apparent that Coach/GM Steven Goodstadt was looking more towards future seasons. Trying to prove the league wrong, it appears as if Goodstadt was trying to emulate Gabon’s success in season 2. Unfortunately, with 27 wins, the team fell just short of its 30 win goal.

It looked promising for the Gamblers after starting the season 4-3, including a win over playoff bound Colorado and instant rival Seoul, opened the coming out party for rookie Justin Hill. Hill, drafted 18th by the Gamblers, a pick received after they drafted Buck Jones from Arkansas in the expansion draft, averaged close to 16 points and 5 boards in the first week, and looked to be a steal. With the leadership of Mark Miller and a breakthrough of another rookie in Seneca Redd, who was taken 13th by the Gamblers, it led many fans of Vegas to even proclaim playoffs.

“We started out very good, had some solid wins, and in the weak west it was a possibility,” said Goodstadt. “It looked very promising, but then we started to fall back to earth.”

Goodstadt wanted to get a shooting guard, something that was lacking, and he decided to mortgage a future first for Otto Hameleers from Gabon. Hameleers, who’s been around for many years, was exactly the opposite of what Las Vegas needed, hurting them for the season. His contract has since been restructured, removing him from the books at the end of this season, making sure that the debacle would be gone.

“We thought we were better than we were,” said Small Forward Justin Hill. “After our fast start, we really believed that we could make the playoffs, after getting Otto, we knew that it wouldn’t last.”

And the rebuilding began when Sacramento began inquring about Power Forward Mark Miller. After a failed attempt to trade him to Arkansas for rookie Dan Kincaide, Sacramento approached Goodstadt with an offer to unload the 11 million dollar contract off the book. Acquiring 6 players and various picks, led by Jimmy Foster and Magic Toby, Miller time was gone, and the troubled 2nd overall pick was shipped out west.

But the rebuilding didn’t stay for long. Goodstadt connected with James Borbath of Toronto and obtained the oft-injured power forward Isaac Rice for Magic Toby. This gave the team instant life, winning 6 of 10 games after obtaining him. But, after he went down for 16 games, he was shipped out to Cancun for Seoul’s 2nd round pick. This effectively enabled Vegas to be a spoiler and allowed Jeremy Sims to start.

“As upsetting as it was to give up for the season, it was a great opportunity for me to start,” says Sims, the 29th pick of the draft. Sims, had 8 double doubles in his starts at the end, giving him a late push for contention for top rookie power forward.

Coming into the off season, Goodstadt has plenty of money to work with. With Hameleers, and plenty of expensive buyouts coming off the books, the team has close to 25 million to work with. With two high 2nds and a top 8 pick, it looks as if the Gamblers will be in good shape going into next year.

“We will be very aggressive this off season, trying to bring a playoff berth to the great city of Vegas. It will not be long before we will be there,” said Goodstadt, grinning from ear to ear.

June 4th, 2006

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS, A SHORT VIEW FROM NY

THE WEST

1st Round:

Gabon-Cancun : 1-3 Cancun is way to strong for Gabon.

Sacramento-Oregon : 0-3 Oregon suprised my by not being the #1 seed, but will win here.

Colorado-Salt Lake C: 3-2 A minor Upset: SLC's owner is a candidate for GM of the year, but will lose out in the playoffs

Budapest-Capetown : 2-3 A close series that could go either way.

2nd round

Capetown-Cancun : 2-4 Again Cancun will be too strong for their opponents

Colorado-Oregon : 1-4 Colorado is a good, Solid team. Oregon however is destined to win the West.

Western Final

Oregon-Cancun : 4-2 Oregon will wrap up the west without ever needing to go the distance.

THE EAST

1st round

Baltimore-Paris : 0-3 A blowout for Paris, But Baltimore should be applauded for getting in the playoffs in the first place!

Albacete-Brooklynn : 2-3 A tough first round matchup for Brooklynn. But they will prevail in a highly contested Series.

Rochester-Charlotte : 0-3 Rochester made a move for the future halfway the season. They have a future, but not in these playoffs!

Toronto-Long island : 2-3 Probably the closest match up in the 1st round, and the one hardest to predict. I give it to LI because of Home Advantage, but this could go either way!

2nd round

Long Island-Paris : 2-4 Paris will win this. No doubts.

Charlotte-Brooklynn : 1-4 Brooklynn will steamroll over Charlotte.

Eastern Final

Brooklynn-Paris : 4-3 A really wonderfull matchup. Both teams have proven they are top flight. Paris in the end will regret trading Van Brandt, and lose by a hair.

THE FINAL

Brooklynn-Oregon : 4-3 A final that is destined to go the distance. Oregon leads Brooklynn 2-1 over the season, but in the finals, Brooklynn will win that title they crave!

June 4th, 2006

WBA STATS ANALYZER: WEEK 14

MMF

WEEK 14		MMF	TOTAL		MMF
1	Bishop Stein	187.6	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	2056
2	Jay Vasquez	160.7	2 (=)	Abdiel Gordon	1890.85
3	Gerhold Verholm	147	3 (+1)	Mario Bailey	1797.75
4	Lou Gonzales	142.95	4 (-1)	Walt Jackson	1756.1
5	Kent Mercer	134.75	5 (=)	Jay Vasquez	1754.75
6	Omar Jefferson	131.6	6 (=)	Cordell Parks	1719.25
7	Cordell Parks	131.1	7 (+2)	Lou Gonzales	1707.8
8	Mario Bailey	127.55	8 (-1)	Heiko Van Brand	1705.55
9	Al Lee	127.05	9 (+1)	Omar Jefferson	1693.2
10	Dave Williams	126.8	10 (+1)	Dave Williams	1685.85
11	Heiko Van Brand	126.55	11 (-3)	Marquez Houston	1671.8
12	Scott Lio	124.5	12 (=)	Devonta Corriga	1659.5
13	Ahmed Dougherty	115.5	13 (=)	Shane Strom	1652.95
14	Tom Kinsey	113.75	14 (=)	Jaxon McCall	1474.65
15	Shane Strom	113.65	15 (+3)	Tom Kinsey	1458.8
16	Ramon Phelan	112.9	16 (=)	Obafemi Mabruke	1455.3
17	Maury Coleman	112.5	17 (-2)	Craig Bradshaw	1454.65
18	Simeon Hill	110.35	18 (+1)	Maury Coleman	1447.15
19	Gordon Whitehou	109.9	19 (+2)	Kent Mercer	1442.95
20	Anthony Curtis	108.95	20 (=)	Juwan Bixby	1438.7
21	Anson Valente	108.5	21 (-4)	Roy Base	1438.2
22	Cory Mosley	107.8	22 (=)	Ahmed Dougherty	1412.2
23	Zane Rivers	107.8	23 (+3)	Cory Mosley	1353.45
24	Abdiel Gordon	106.2	24 (-1)	Brad Bangerter	1352.8
25	Juwan Bixby	105.55	25 (-1)	Mike Bennett	1344.1
26	Al Herbert	105.45	26 (+1)	Sean Ashman	1343.45
27	John Devine	105.1	27 (+4)	Anthony Curtis	1326.75
28	Oman Fatafehi	104.95	28 (+2)	Parker Mason	1318.65
29	Jarius Miles	104.15	29 (-4)	Yuri Vilasny	1316.45
30	Marquez Houston	103.8	30 (+2)	Oman Fatafehi	1313.25

VORP

WEEK 14		VORP	TOTAL		VORP
1	Bishop Stein	62.341	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	624.428
2	Al Lee	48.179	2 (=)	Mario Bailey	586.726
3	Lou Gonzales	45.784	3 (=)	Lou Gonzales	538.590
4	Jay Vasquez	42.926	4 (=)	Abdiel Gordon	511.045
5	Mario Bailey	42.379	5 (+1)	Omar Jefferson	499.958
6	Gerhold Verholm	39.402	6 (+1)	Dave Williams	495.639
7	Kent Mercer	39.081	7 (-2)	Walt Jackson	488.726
8	Cordell Parks	38.607	8 (=)	Cordell Parks	484.254
9	Dave Williams	36.162	9 (+1)	Marquez Houston	463.732
10	Shane Strom	35.741	10 (-1)	Jaxon McCall	462.048
11	Omar Jefferson	35.461	11 (+2)	Jay Vasquez	460.388
12	George Lush	34.399	12 (-1)	Maury Coleman	459.115
13	Maury Coleman	34.335	13 (-1)	Ahmed Dougherty	457.396
14	Scott Lio	34.118	14 (=)	Devonta Corriga	432.959
15	Ahmed Dougherty	33.337	15 (=)	Shane Strom	417.478
16	John Devine	32.264	16 (=)	Tom Kinsey	396.799
17	Danny Hainge	32.198	17 (=)	Oshodi Bombata	383.614
18	Anthony Curtis	31.835	18 (=)	Heiko Van Brand	370.898
19	Abdiel Gordon	31.627	19 (+1)	Anthony Curtis	368.720
20	Oman Fatafehi	31.084	20 (+3)	Kent Mercer	367.372
21	Shermar Mahara	30.211	21 (-2)	Mike Bennett	364.556
22	Chance Crowley	30.166	22 (=)	Sean Ashman	361.223
23	Sean Ashman	29.827	23 (+1)	Oman Fatafehi	356.322
24	Wayne Taylor	29.137	24 (-3)	Tony Dimateo	353.530
25	Tom Kinsey	28.967	25 (+2)	Wayne Taylor	351.867
26	Ramon Phelan	28.932	26 (-2)	Juwan Bixby	348.676
27	Zane Rivers	28.485	27 (+1)	Roy Base	332.538
28	Marquez Houston	27.234	28 (-2)	Craig Bradshaw	330.565
29	Elvis Harris	27.133	29 (=)	Charlie Meyers	329.413
30	Dave Short	26.937	30 (=)	Brad Bangerter	329.121

WEEK 14		AV	TOTAL		AV
1	Bishop Stein	2.53252	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	15.030
2	Jay Vasquez	2.30099	2 (+2)	Lou Gonzales	14.252
3	Lou Gonzales	2.21217	3 (-1)	Abdiel Gordon	14.252
4	Kent Mercer	2.14225	4 (-1)	Mario Bailey	14.167
5	Gerhold Verholm	2.07157	5 (+1)	Jay Vasquez	14.070
6	Cordell Parks	1.98979	6 (-1)	Heiko Van Brand	14.033
7	Al Lee	1.97949	7 (+1)	Cordell Parks	13.839
8	Simeon Hill	1.97949	8 (-1)	Marquez Houston	13.720
9	Heiko Van Brand	1.94848	9 (=)	Devonta Corriga	13.671
10	Mario Bailey	1.93810	10 (=)	Walt Jackson	13.443
11	Dave Williams	1.87547	11 (+1)	Shane Strom	12.735
12	Ramon Phelan	1.86496	12 (+1)	Dave Williams	12.729
13	Zane Rivers	1.85443	13 (-2)	Craig Bradshaw	12.707
14	Scott Lio	1.84389	14 (=)	Juwan Bixby	12.490
15	Cory Mosley	1.83332	15 (+1)	Omar Jefferson	12.328
16	Al Herbert	1.83332	16 (+7)	Kent Mercer	12.261
17	Omar Jefferson	1.79085	17 (+2)	Tom Kinsey	12.210
18	Oman Fatafehi	1.79085	18 (+4)	Cory Mosley	12.143
19	Sergei Danilov	1.79085	19 (-2)	Obafemi Mabruke	12.131
20	Jarius Miles	1.79085	20 (-5)	Brad Bangerter	12.058
21	Tom Kinsey	1.75877	21 (+4)	Oman Fatafehi	11.996
22	Shane Strom	1.74804	22 (-1)	Greg Lacy	11.962
23	Devonta Corriga	1.73728	23 (-5)	Jaxon McCall	11.956
24	Gordon Whitehou	1.73728	24 (-4)	Roy Base	11.900
25	Anson Valente	1.73728	25 (+1)	Mike Bennett	11.888
26	Anthony Curtis	1.72650	26 (+1)	Sean Ashman	11.854
27	Dave Short	1.71570	27 (-3)	Jim McCarthy	11.684
28	Juwan Bixby	1.69403	28 (=)	Oshodi Bombata	11.546
29	John Devine	1.67226	29 (=)	Paul Spagnoli	11.518
30	Maury Coleman	1.65040	30 (=)	Maury Coleman	11.357

June 2nd, 2006

Dino Nation Looks To Post Season

Johnny "Hoops" Hamilton

Maybe the WBA schedule maker knew something the media at the beginning of the season didn't when he scheduled Long Island vs. Toronto. This is the calm before the storm as there two will get to know each other really well in the coming days.

Long Island should be the favorite to advance they have dominated the season series taking all 3 games and some by big margins. However the transformation of the Dino's from there trade with Nebraska has paid huge returns.

If you are trying to build a case for a Dino upset it is official than former Nebraska star Wayne Taylor will not see action till game two. The reunion of former Nebraska alumni will not take place till than. Making game one a even more important game for both teams.

Walt Jackson also has his on going feud with Sheldon Gorman. These 2 players were drafted one and two and ever since have not had much kind words for each other.

Jackson is in the conclusion of what many feel is a break out season. Personal tragedy could not even stop him. The opposite is true as Jackson has used the loss of his grandmother as inspiration. Ever since that sad event Walt Jackson has been on a roll. He may have been they best player in the entire league in the second half of the season.

Finally Jackson has a supporting cast that plays with him and makes him better. Brandon Morfield and Jervan Timmions are a much better fit than Justin Kruger( Who the Dino's will be paying till W Bush is long out of office) and Emit Yee. This was a mistake that almost derailed the rebuilding of this franchise.

However no one cares right now as playoff fever not involving a puck and stick has hit Toronto and the entire nation of Canada. After all it is often forgot that a Canadian did invent basketball. but never has Canada celebrated the game as they are now. Jackson will have a nation of support and pressure.

Realistically though the pressure of expectation has to be on Long Island who has slipped slightly after a dominate season last year. However they still have home court advantage and they will need it as they have an awful road record.

Toronto is almost .500 on the road but still 0-3 vs. Long Island in fact they had the worst in division of anyone in the north east. Managing only a split with Rochester and going 3-1 vs. New York who narrowly missed the playoffs officially being eliminated on day 87 of 88. The Dino's also never managed a win over Brooklyn a heavy favorite to make the conference finals. But in a late Twist Paris may be the opposition for the winner of this series which would suit Toronto just fine. Paris was the team that cost the Dino's a playoff birth last year defeating them on the final day of the season. But to get to them it will take a effort that we have not seen from Toronto to this point.

They are coming in hot winners of 5 in a row and likely 6 as with the Taylor injury I don't think will see much of Long Islands starters. Toronto may just play there main people to get a win to prove they can. But it will be a win for their mental attitude more than the fact they can out play Long Islands second unit. In any case this may be the series of the penning round. It was lots of bad blood and storylines even the owners have been known to not see eye to eye. Not since the War of 1812 has there been such a heated US vs. Canada battle outside of hockey. It will be interesting to see if this series can live up to the hype. Toronto will be ready to give it their best shot and if it connects we could have a series for the ages.

The ratings in Nebraska should be through the roof as they watch the former stars Morfield, Taylor and Timmions get it on. Two nations will also join in and watch with interest. Mexico will watch the draft lottery if they are from Mexico City will Cancun residents will cheer their squad on in the West. The absolute ratings nightmare would be a Toronto vs Cancun final. United States fans would rather watch reality T. V than a battle between the nations to its North and South.

This is a long way from a possibility though but with the right breaks who knows. Toronto seems to have had all the stars lined up for them this year. Will the magic season die in Long Island or is there more to come for Walt "Roy" Jackson. He will be a big key in the outcome ether way. The playoffs are upon us and I can't wait tip it up and let's get at it.

June 2nd, 2006

Congratulations to Baltimore or London, who have eliminated new york from the playoff race!

Either Baltimore is one game up on London and NY, and they go trough

Baltimore and london are equal one game ahead of NY, and Baltimore goes trough on head to head

The Three could all end up equal. In that case, they all have winning head to head vs one opponent: wich means conference records decide: London had the best conference record, unless Baltimore wins their last game, wich would make the point moot, as they would be one game up.

The NY managment wishes to thank it's fan's for their unrelenting support, and it's manager for this years 11 or 12 game upswing. Winning that many more games, while being in the toughest division, getting a lot younger and ensuring a future for the Franchise is more then we hoped for this year. The managment fully realizes that next year may be another building year, with not such a great increase in wins, but the cornerstones of future succes are clearly there.

We are looking towards a succesfull offseason, and want, finally, to thank our players. We want to name 3 players especcially. Jevon Carter, who's solid allround play was the cornerstone of this team. Tom Kinsey, who is emerging as a star in this league, and finally Rookie Kyle Hawkins, who's excellent play should make him 6th man of the year, and certainly earn him a spot in the All WBA rookie team!

NY looks forward to their last game against Miami, and the off season.

On Behalf of the managment,

Jason Cunningham, DIrector of Sports

May 29th, 2006

HARRY JARVIS' QUEST FOR THE THOUSAND

Harry Jarvis could be an unique player in the WBA in an area, his name represents a team for itself. When you call Jarvis' name, Albacete is tied with it, and there are very few players who can say that, maybe just, and Parker Mason and Devonta Corrigan could share that mention.

The reason for this report is that Jarvis has become the player with the most games played for a same team. Actually he has played 870 regular season games and barring an injury, will end with 874. Playing 2 more seasons for Albacete he could reach the 1,000 games, a really solid record which would last for seasons to come. You have to add 93 playoff games which dont count for the official stats, but make you wonder about what a motor this guy has. To put it into perspective, Albacete has not played Harry Jarvis in 6 games in all the 11 seasons they are on the league, by the way, Albacete lost 5 of them.

Jarvis was drafted in season 2 with the 11th pick, after a great season with Siberia University, and he became the cornerstone for the new franchise. When everything was suggestting that Albacete's first steps in the league would be painful, Jarvis, along with Bill Blackstone and a bunch of improbable profesional players started winning games, and the team managed to qualify for the playoffs, the only expansion team capable of an achievement like that so far in the league. That rookie season was really important for Harry Jarvis, as he was often compared with two other shooting guards drafted ahead of him, Jeff Bailey and Joe Jones, a discussion which ended with a great rivalry between these players, and where finally has been Jarvis the player who will be remembered. That season he scored 23 points per game and was named for the ALL ROOKIE team. But his best moment in that first season was the big upset they gave to Brooklyn in the first round of the playoffs. Like Rondall likes to say, a moment to remember in this league.

Jarvis always has wanted to be the first man in the team. Back to season 3, Albacete added Larry Chapman to the team in a trade. Chapman was considered a top 5 center in the league and he was supposed to make Albacete a contender, if not a pretender. Jarvis tried to adapt his game to Chapman's, and he favored a more inside oriented game to take advantadge of Chapman's ability. If you look at the stats, you could think that Albacete had a good season, with Blackstone, Chapman and Jarvis averaging 20 points. But the real story was that Chapman's personality was a me first, that damaged the team's confidence, even more after his pathetic playoff performance. Jarvis stated that no other player would be able to love Albacete as he did, so he had to lead with the example and he was the one to take command of the team. His request to conduct Chapman out of the city were satisfied.

In season 5, Jarvis was requested to lead the offensive game of the team all by himself, as Blackstone was traded. He responded by averaging 26 points per game that season and leading the team to the conference finals for the first time ever. Albacete's fans were crazy abou him, and his shirt could not be found 100 miles around Albacete

Season 6 was great for Jarvis, he kept playing great and he received the help of a great center in Bobby Cress. Albacete ended that season in great fashion and with playoffs coming, Bobby Cress suffered a heart attack which made the team to fall in the first round agaisnt London.

Season 7 was the season were Jarvis showed who he is in the league, for the good and the bad. Albacete made a homerun when they traded for Lou Gonzales, getting an impressive lineup of Bill Andrews, Harry Jarvis, Jim Donelly, Bobby Cress and Lou Gonzales, making the the clear cut favourites to win it all. Gonzales was the most dominating big man in the league, and some seasons ago, Jarvis had requested to be always the man. The regular season was great, with Albacete getting 69 wins, Gonzo letting Jarvis lead the team offensively, and Jarvis averaging 23.5 points. Besides, Cress was named ALL WBA PF. Jarvis explded in the playoffs for 25.8 points, being the MVP of the finals and winning the desired CHAMPIONSHIP. But the team was shocked when Gonzales told the media that Albacete had not won it until he arrived, so people should look at him as the savior. Jarvis reaction was to meet with the owner and asked one of the two out of the team, no matter who it was, he would not play again with Gonzales...the decision was taken in 3 seconds, and Gonzales was shown the door.

Seasons 8 and 9, Jarvis had to take the load for himself, as Albacete was in a process to make the team younger, drafting some players like Juwan Bixby and Tyler Kane. Anyway, Albacete never missed the playoffs while he averaged 24 points.

Season 10 was the moment were we started feeling like a player who has lost his youth. He still averaged 21 points, and his team won the conference, but he had to rely in his teamates more than ever.

Season 11 was the point where he asked the team to start to run the offense around other players, because he would not be able to keep the load for too much time. He named Juwan Bixby as his sucessor in Albacete, and promised to be loyal to this team. Jarvis still managed to give it all that season, averaging 21 points.

Actually, in season 12, Albacete is not led by Jarvis. Bixby is the main offensive player right now. At 30 years old, Jarvis has lost some of his speed, and as a result, his FG% has suffered a little bit, because his shots are more contested. Still, he averages 17 points per game, and he will make you pay if you dont put your best effort to stop him

Middway in season 14, Harry Jarvis will play his game number 1000 with Albacete, some games after reaching the 20,000 career points. He is a Hall of Fame player whose record will last forever.

May 29th, 2006

WBA STATS ANALYZER: WEEK 14

MMF

WEEK 14		MMF	TOTAL		MMF
1	Bishop Stein	187.6	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	2056
2	Jay Vasquez	160.7	2 (=)	Abdiel Gordon	1890.85
3	Gerhold Verholm	147	3 (+1)	Mario Bailey	1797.75
4	Lou Gonzales	142.95	4 (-1)	Walt Jackson	1756.1
5	Kent Mercer	134.75	5 (=)	Jay Vasquez	1754.75
6	Omar Jefferson	131.6	6 (=)	Cordell Parks	1719.25
7	Cordell Parks	131.1	7 (+2)	Lou Gonzales	1707.8
8	Mario Bailey	127.55	8 (-1)	Heiko Van Brand	1705.55
9	Al Lee	127.05	9 (+1)	Omar Jefferson	1693.2
10	Dave Williams	126.8	10 (+1)	Dave Williams	1685.85
11	Heiko Van Brand	126.55	11 (-3)	Marquez Houston	1671.8
12	Scott Lio	124.5	12 (=)	Devonta Corriga	1659.5
13	Ahmed Dougherty	115.5	13 (=)	Shane Strom	1652.95
14	Tom Kinsey	113.75	14 (=)	Jaxon McCall	1474.65
15	Shane Strom	113.65	15 (+3)	Tom Kinsey	1458.8
16	Ramon Phelan	112.9	16 (=)	Obafemi Mabruke	1455.3
17	Maury Coleman	112.5	17 (-2)	Craig Bradshaw	1454.65
18	Simeon Hill	110.35	18 (+1)	Maury Coleman	1447.15
19	Gordon Whitehou	109.9	19 (+2)	Kent Mercer	1442.95
20	Anthony Curtis	108.95	20 (=)	Juwan Bixby	1438.7
21	Anson Valente	108.5	21 (-4)	Roy Base	1438.2
22	Cory Mosley	107.8	22 (=)	Ahmed Dougherty	1412.2
23	Zane Rivers	107.8	23 (+3)	Cory Mosley	1353.45
24	Abdiel Gordon	106.2	24 (-1)	Brad Bangerter	1352.8
25	Juwan Bixby	105.55	25 (-1)	Mike Bennett	1344.1
26	Al Herbert	105.45	26 (+1)	Sean Ashman	1343.45
27	John Devine	105.1	27 (+4)	Anthony Curtis	1326.75
28	Oman Fatafehi	104.95	28 (+2)	Parker Mason	1318.65
29	Jarius Miles	104.15	29 (-4)	Yuri Vilasny	1316.45
30	Marquez Houston	103.8	30 (+2)	Oman Fatafehi	1313.25

VORP

WEEK 14		VORP	TOTAL		VORP
1	Bishop Stein	62.341	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	624.428
2	Al Lee	48.179	2 (=)	Mario Bailey	586.726
3	Lou Gonzales	45.784	3 (=)	Lou Gonzales	538.590
4	Jay Vasquez	42.926	4 (=)	Abdiel Gordon	511.045
5	Mario Bailey	42.379	5 (+1)	Omar Jefferson	499.958
6	Gerhold Verholm	39.402	6 (+1)	Dave Williams	495.639
7	Kent Mercer	39.081	7 (-2)	Walt Jackson	488.726
8	Cordell Parks	38.607	8 (=)	Cordell Parks	484.254
9	Dave Williams	36.162	9 (+1)	Marquez Houston	463.732
10	Shane Strom	35.741	10 (-1)	Jaxon McCall	462.048
11	Omar Jefferson	35.461	11 (+2)	Jay Vasquez	460.388
12	George Lush	34.399	12 (-1)	Maury Coleman	459.115
13	Maury Coleman	34.335	13 (-1)	Ahmed Dougherty	457.396
14	Scott Lio	34.118	14 (=)	Devonta Corriga	432.959
15	Ahmed Dougherty	33.337	15 (=)	Shane Strom	417.478
16	John Devine	32.264	16 (=)	Tom Kinsey	396.799
17	Danny Hainge	32.198	17 (=)	Oshodi Bombata	383.614
18	Anthony Curtis	31.835	18 (=)	Heiko Van Brand	370.898
19	Abdiel Gordon	31.627	19 (+1)	Anthony Curtis	368.720
20	Oman Fatafehi	31.084	20 (+3)	Kent Mercer	367.372
21	Shermar Mahara	30.211	21 (-2)	Mike Bennett	364.556
22	Chance Crowley	30.166	22 (=)	Sean Ashman	361.223
23	Sean Ashman	29.827	23 (+1)	Oman Fatafehi	356.322
24	Wayne Taylor	29.137	24 (-3)	Tony Dimateo	353.530
25	Tom Kinsey	28.967	25 (+2)	Wayne Taylor	351.867
26	Ramon Phelan	28.932	26 (-2)	Juwan Bixby	348.676
27	Zane Rivers	28.485	27 (+1)	Roy Base	332.538
28	Marquez Houston	27.234	28 (-2)	Craig Bradshaw	330.565
29	Elvis Harris	27.133	29 (=)	Charlie Meyers	329.413
30	Dave Short	26.937	30 (=)	Brad Bangerter	329.121

WEEK 14		AV	TOTAL		AV
1	Bishop Stein	2.53252	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	15.030
2	Jay Vasquez	2.30099	2 (+2)	Lou Gonzales	14.252
3	Lou Gonzales	2.21217	3 (-1)	Abdiel Gordon	14.252
4	Kent Mercer	2.14225	4 (-1)	Mario Bailey	14.167
5	Gerhold Verholm	2.07157	5 (+1)	Jay Vasquez	14.070
6	Cordell Parks	1.98979	6 (-1)	Heiko Van Brand	14.033
7	Al Lee	1.97949	7 (+1)	Cordell Parks	13.839
8	Simeon Hill	1.97949	8 (-1)	Marquez Houston	13.720
9	Heiko Van Brand	1.94848	9 (=)	Devonta Corriga	13.671
10	Mario Bailey	1.93810	10 (=)	Walt Jackson	13.443
11	Dave Williams	1.87547	11 (+1)	Shane Strom	12.735
12	Ramon Phelan	1.86496	12 (+1)	Dave Williams	12.729
13	Zane Rivers	1.85443	13 (-2)	Craig Bradshaw	12.707
14	Scott Lio	1.84389	14 (=)	Juwan Bixby	12.490
15	Cory Mosley	1.83332	15 (+1)	Omar Jefferson	12.328
16	Al Herbert	1.83332	16 (+7)	Kent Mercer	12.261
17	Omar Jefferson	1.79085	17 (+2)	Tom Kinsey	12.210
18	Oman Fatafehi	1.79085	18 (+4)	Cory Mosley	12.143
19	Sergei Danilov	1.79085	19 (-2)	Obafemi Mabruke	12.131
20	Jarius Miles	1.79085	20 (-5)	Brad Bangerter	12.058
21	Tom Kinsey	1.75877	21 (+4)	Oman Fatafehi	11.996
22	Shane Strom	1.74804	22 (-1)	Greg Lacy	11.962
23	Devonta Corriga	1.73728	23 (-5)	Jaxon McCall	11.956
24	Gordon Whitehou	1.73728	24 (-4)	Roy Base	11.900
25	Anson Valente	1.73728	25 (+1)	Mike Bennett	11.888
26	Anthony Curtis	1.72650	26 (+1)	Sean Ashman	11.854
27	Dave Short	1.71570	27 (-3)	Jim McCarthy	11.684
28	Juwan Bixby	1.69403	28 (=)	Oshodi Bombata	11.546
29	John Devine	1.67226	29 (=)	Paul Spagnoli	11.518
30	Maury Coleman	1.65040	30 (=)	Maury Coleman	11.357

May 26th, 2006

Free Agency- Small Forwards

May 25th, 2006

Playoff picture: A glimpse at the standings on Day 81

WEST

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W L Pct. GB Streak L10 Home Away DIV CON

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

1 Cancun 59 - 16 0.787 0.0 WON 5 7-3 33-5 26-11 13-2 37-10

2 Oregon 57 - 17 0.770 1.5 WON 5 8-2 35-2 22-15 15-0 36-10

3 Salt Lake 48 - 26 0.649 9.5 WON 3 8-2 27-10 21-16 10-5 31-15

4 Capetown 55 - 19 0.743 3.5 WON 3 7-3 30-8 25-11 10-6 33-13

5 Budapest 49 - 24 0.671 5.5 WON 2 7-3 30-6 19-18 7-7 29-16

6 Colorado 42 - 31 0.575 12.5 WON 2 5-5 26-10 16-21 10-5 29-16

7 Sacramento 35 - 39 0.473 20.0 LOST 2 7-3 23-15 12-24 9-7 24-22

8 Gabon 34 - 39 0.466 20.5 WON 3 6-4 20-17 14-22 6-10 20-25

ON THE BRINK OF ELIMINATION:

9 Nebraska 31 - 43 0.419 24.0 LOST 3 5-5 24-13 7-30 3-13 17-29

This race is all over except for the shouting, as Nebraska's recent fade in the midst of Gabon's winning streak as opened a 3.5 game gap between the two teams headed into the final week of play. The most intriguing question to remain in the west is which ream will face Oregon and which will face Cancun in the first round. The most intriguing matchup will pit #3 Salt Lake against #6 Colorado, the #1 and #2 teams in the Midwest Division. While Sacramento may face the same situation if they hold on to the #7 seed, they will face a team that has been undefeated this season in divisional play, scarcely a great incentive.

Key Elimination Showdown: Gabon vs. Nebraska

Gabon's remaining schedule pits them against Colorado, Sacramento, Boston, Salt Lake, Nebraska, Cincinnati, and Oregon. The showdown with Nebraska will likely make or break the season for these two teams.

Nebraska's remaining schedule includes matches against Las Vegas, Budapest, and Albacete before the showdown with Gabon. Following that, they face Toronto and Sacramento in the final attempt to prolong their season.

Predictions: What you see is what you get. Nebraska will keep it interesting but a loss to Gabon will drop them out of the playoffs. Gabon will be forced to fight for their survival while Sacramento cements their unenviable hold on the number seven slot and hopes Oregon goes on a tear through their last six games to pass Cancun.

EAST

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

W L Pct. GB Streak L10 Home Away DIV CON

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

1 Paris 57 - 16 0.781 0.0 WON 9 9-1 32-4 25-12 11-3 34-11

2 Brooklyn 56 - 17 0.767 0.0 WON 2 7-3 32-4 24-13 13-3 36-9

3 Charlotte 44 - 30 0.595 0.0 LOST 5 3-7 25-12 19-18 8-7 27-19

4 Long Island 46 - 28 0.622 10.5 WON 4 8-2 30-7 16-21 8-7 28-18

5 Toronto 40 - 34 0.541 6.0 WON 1 3-7 23-13 17-21 5-10 25-21

6 Rochester 39 - 35 0.527 7.0 LOST 1 4-6 25-12 14-23 7-9 26-20

7 Albacete 38 - 35 0.521 7.5 LOST 5 2-8 25-12 13-23 8-7 22-23

8 London 36 - 38 0.486 9.0 WON 1 7-3 21-17 15-21 6-9 25-21

ON THE CUSP OF ELIMINATION:

9 New York 34 - 40 0.459 11.0 LOST 2 5-5 19-18 15-22 6-10 18-28

10 Baltimore 33 - 40 0.452 11.5 WON 3 6-4 23-12 10-28 7-8 22-23

11 Andorra 33 - 41 0.446 12.0 WON 4 8-2 17-20 16-21 9-7 21-25

A much closer race with a tighter pack at the bottom of standings and more room for chaos. New York could force their way as high as 6th under the right circumstances, and Andorra could inch into the playoffs riding a strong winning streak that's come at the right time. Paris and Brooklyn are each other's throats fighting for that number one seed, and seeds 5-8 have as much potential for variance as teams 7-11.

Key Elimination Showdowns: Albacete, London, NY, Baltimore, Andorra

Albacete's remaining schedule pits them against Baltimore, Rochester, Nebraska, Brooklyn, Boston, Omaha, and Paris-a challenging run that will pit them against four potential playoff opponents in seven games.

London's remaining schedule is no easier-Rochester, Brooklyn, Capetown, Boston, Paris, and Budapest, with an open day on the last day of the season. It could literally come down to watching whether or not they are eliminated on a day when they are set to recover.

New York's remaining schedule could perhaps be the lightest overall, making this a race for them to lose. Boston, Paris, Alaska, Frankfurt, Arkansas, and Miami will provide only one opponent with a record better than .500 as the season cranks down, so this race truly may be theirs to lose.

Baltimore's remaining schedule includes their aforementioned showdown with Albacete, followed by a make or break match with Andorra, Nebraska, Cincinnati, Toronto, Sacramento, and Rochester. They cannot be happy with what they need to overcome to inch toward that eight seed.

Andorra's remaining schedule features Cincinnati, Baltimore, Omaha, Brooklyn, Colorado, and Boston, leaving them hanging by a thread in a series of must-win games.

Predictions:

New York will push their way into the number seven slot in the eastern playoffs, with London taking the unfortunate last minute fall. Baltimore will sink the lowest while Andorra will make a serious run over the next few days to just miss the playoffs. Albacete will hang on by a thread and draw the unenviable task of facing Paris in the first round.

May 25th, 2006

A Glimpse at Free Agency: Part 2

Budapest: six free agents

It's difficult to imagine that Felipe Juarez will be allowed to explore free

agency given what he has provided the team-Juarez shoots 45% from the field,

leads the team in assists per game and is second only to Gordon Whitehouse

in points per game. Bobby Cress and Matthew Gill are more likely candidates

for departure given their current rate of play than Juarez, and of those

two, Gill has only one more year on his contract. Frank Costantini has been

around the league for a long time and can still contribute, but don't be

wholly shocked if Budapest, who left him exposed in the expansion draft and

attempted to move him before the trade deadline, will be left to explore

other options. Bob Bodnar and Marques Feldman are intriguing options as

their only free agents other than Juarez under thirty years of age. Expect

Budpaest to remain relatively minor players in the coming FA market, looking

instead to garner young talents to develop opposed to existing stars. If

Gill is cut, expect them to push for a quality sixth man.

Cancun: eight free agents

Locked into a pair of huge contracts, Cancun's finances preclude them from

doing much this offseason in terms of adding talent. That being said, they

may not only offer a floater to often injured but still dominant Isaac Rice,

but are expected to do whatever they can to re-sign Ahmed Dougherty to a

long term contract extension. Veteran Lonnie Gerson will be allowed to

depart to ensure that such cash becomes available, but 62% of their current

team salary belongs to "the M&M trio": Mason, Mercer, and Moses. That might

not leave enough to resign Dougherty and Rice...or even the essential

Dougherty. Watch Chad O'Donnell, who might be moved cheap or cut for the

sake of a little extra cash for the two young stars.

Capetown: six free agents

Donovan McCormick may end up with a team in a much larger role than he's

had, but he's also the most likely of the six to return to Capetown next

season. Glen Chandler will be a tempting target in the dying days of free

agency as backup centers are snatched up one by one, but the heart of

Capetown's lineup is set, and they are more likely to find players to fill

roles among the leftovers in FA than they will by outright hunting for key

names. They are not in a financial position to make huge salary moves, but

will keep a close eye on players cut or abandoned by their former teams.

Charlotte: seven free agents

Jimmy Whalen's had a good run with Charlotte, but as his contract expires,

the team will look for younger, less pricy options to do what he's done over

his career. Walter Callaway's bargain contract will also be coming to an

end, meaning he will likely receive a salary bump somewhere else, based

solely on his work recently. Outside of assist machine Drake Bacheman, who

will likely earn a contract around $2 million on the open market, there is

little to expect from Charlotte in terms of resigning their expiring

contracts. Webster Hewlett may prove to be a bargain to re-up, but more

important for Charlotte is the chance to sign a pair of young developing

players who will be supported by an already strong lineup to fill Whalen and

Callaway's shoes, and shore themselves up for the future. Charlotte will be

a major player in this free agency period, and will have a fair amount of

change to do so-watch for a major player to settle here.

Cincinnati: six free agents

Another team entering the free agent period with an elephantine contract

about to expire-Abegunda Abasi has been active this season, but in an

incredibly limited role, and certainly nowhere near the $7.5 million he's

being paid. Abasi remains a useful utility player who will see a massive pay

cut wherever he ends up next season, and Cincinnati will reap the rewards of

a healthy amount of money-more than enough to re-sign Jerry Kumanchik, the

only "must sign" out of the rest of their expiring contracts and still have

enough to pursue a big name or two. There will be money enough to make a big

splash on the free agent market this year, so expect Cincinnati to walk away

with at least one top caliber free agent name.

Colorado: five free agents

Colorado's pending free agents are all role players at this point and are

unlikely to receive much attention from them, outside of the potential to

develop from within. Polikarp Dragunas may be given an extension to become a

future center of note for the team, but with the finances the team currently

has at their disposal, the team will likely look to the market to add some

bench strength based on what cuts may come. There will not likely be a

marquee signing, but at this point, Colorado scarcely needs a marquee name

to maintain their current position.

Frankfurt: four free agents

Frankfurt's pending view of free agency can be summed up in six words: if it

ain't broke, don't fix it. None of the four free agents to be is viewed as

an essential part of the lineup, and their roles can be filled with relative

ease. Receiving London's first round pick this season, they will be

guaranteed a player in the late teens/early twenties at worst to fill one of

those slots. Free agency will be more to fill the bench than pick any key

players because the big names are already there and locked in for a while.

Frankfurt fans, we hope you like wha tyou see, because it's going to be

there for a long long time.

Gabon: six free agents

Ulrich Kunze and Jimmy Foster are at opposite ends of the career spectrum.

One has just entered the league and made himself a small reputation as a

potential backup and possible future star, the other a low scoring yet

quality sixth man who has been a veteran for some years. Both are likely to

see, at the very least, a few dollars thrown their way in an attempt to keep

them for the coming season. Otherwise, the money gleaned from expiring

contracts will lead Gabon to pursue some quality players who can flank

hometown favorite Omar Raoumbe in the seasons to come. Watch Gabon go young

and stay young with the free agent market to build the dominant team for two

seasons away.

May 24th, 2006

A Glimpse at Free Agency: Part One

As the season winds to its conclusion, players prepare to test the waters of

free agency or discuss what it would take to remain in uniform one more year

with a team they love. With a glimpse provided elsewhere of the players

themselves entering the market, it is key to examine each team in turn and

look at how they will likely approach their re-signings and how active they

will likely be filling the new holes in their roster.

Alaska-seven free agents

Alaska is in something of a difficult situation given the number of holes

opening in their roster and the number of players they will likely likely

re-sign. Alaska has been trying (unsuccessfully thus far) to move Peter

Parker to free up a little more cash, but the team appears poised to move on

low priced FA this coming off season. Of the pending free agents, Bohuslav

Hruska and Dirk Kuefer seem most likely to be penned to contract extensions,

given youth and potential to excel in the future. Bomber Bartkowski's career

will continue elsewhere, but it's doubtful he'll see more action in a Snow

Bears' uniform. Alaska will attempt to free up some cash to be a more active

player in the coming FA market, but will likely only make one or two moves

of note.

Albacete-two free agents

Harry Jarvis is certain to draw some attention from the open market, and

Albacete has to like the idea of keeping their second highest scorer from

this season if he grants them a hometown discount. At 30 years of age, one

can't imagine him signing a long term deal anywhere. The Burning Hell, on

the other hand, would certainly benefit from having the extra cash and

making a move for a better shooter percentagewise than Jarvis, or Tyler Kane

for that matter. It's not difficult to envision Albacete letting Jarvis walk

and trying to fill his spot with a younger shooter for a smaller price.

Albacete will attempt to sign an impact player in the coming FA period, and

will also have some interest in a young center that can be signed to a

longer term deal.

Andorra-three free agents

Ossie Gordon's pending free agency signals one step closer to joining a new

team. He shoots well and will pull down a larger salary with another team.

He's not likely to see full time play as a center anywhere again, but he

will end up earning both playing time and a larger paycheck. The team does

have the cash to spend on some pending FA, but with four picks in the coming

draft, one a lottery pick, it's expected they'll trim the roster a little

more at the end of the season. All three pending FA look as though they'll

be looking for new homes, and Tristen Collins may well be the fourth to go.

Given that his contract is nearing an end, Devonta Corrigan will be one to

watch very carefully, as Andorra may look to make a blockbuster deal to

rebuild before Corrigan responds with a Bonds-like "trade me because you

can't afford to pay me" demand at the end of next season.

Arkansas-eight free agents

Wu Dian-fan has been listed as one of the must-watch free agents of the

coming season. One has to imagine a sign and trade may well be in his

future. Arkansas has little money coming to them this FA period, but they

also have a number of young players who may very willingly re-up with them

for longer term contracts for the chance to develop and play, as opposed to

riding another team's bench. Tyrell Clay, Chip Honda, and Shawn Jones are

the most likely to be re-signed, especially if the team moves Fan in a sign

and trade deal. Pat Stephenson's contract is difficult to shift, but Dave

Short will draw some interest for teams looking to clear cap space the

following year. Expect the move around Fan's salary demands to gauge

Arkansas' free agent manuevering. The team may also attempt to move Emmett

Yee to open up some cap space for the pending free agent period to go

younger and healthier.

Baltimore-four free agents

Justus Rhodes, Frank Ryan, and Rodger Garson are young, skilled players with

a lot of room for development. Rhodes will likely be the one re-signed as a

priority, given his activity level for the team, and Garson will be the one

most likely left to explore free agency and signing with another team. While

George Lush has been an active key member of the roster this season, his age

will play a factor in whether or not he gets signed here or elsewhere. The

team does have a lot of money that it can spend on finding one quality free

agent or a brace of skilled free agents. Expect them to find someone who can

be used for one year, perhaps two, as an older player to mentor their young

lineup. Fonzarelli and Tawaraya will see increased playing time and are

considered "indispensable" at this time, but Baltimore may give Don Laine

his freedom to add a little spare cash for an impact player.

Boston-four free agents

These will not be the only four names that Boston lets go at season's end.

Matthew Pitcher's stamina has proven more than once to be detrimental to the

team, and as such, his hefty contract is on the line. Seeking younger

players, an aggressively developing team like this will seek out the tested

players under twenty-five. The best option for the team will be to continue

shopping young and developing from within. They do not have the cash to sign

a major player at this time but may very well be intrigued by a number of

players like Andre Rawlings of Miami, Bohuslav Hruska of Alaska, or

Colorado's Polykarp Dragunas, who could be signed to multiple year deals at

discounted rates. Watch Boston to determine the best young talents available

in free agency.

Brooklyn-ten free agents

A team destined to have a radically different look next year, several key

players will remain the same. Paul Wilson, Omar Jefferson, and Bert Haug are

three of the most coveted players entering free agency, but Brooklyn may

only be able to afford to re-sign one of them. Mexico City, Long Island, New

York, and Rochester will each be carefully watching who stays and who goes,

and ready to dole out big cash to the players Brooklyn opts to let go.

Should Brooklyn see something they really want, Al Hebert is the player most

likely to be moved for "a little spare cash". That being said, Brooklyn will

come out of free agency with one big resigning at the very least and a

supporting cast of some very happy developing players.

May 24th, 2006

Brooklyn or the exception that confirms the rule.

By Clark Lane.

Every year, a good owner, should check the teams in the league. Study their forces and their weaknesses. How are they winning matches? Why are they using those players and no others? What is this thing called chemistry? I don't know if you all do, but Paris certainly does. Why, because you can learn a lot from other players. Maybe you think you are too smart for those petty things, but I assure you, they are useful.

The way to do it is quite simple. Look at the team stats, and think what is he trying to do. Try to forget the way you coach and look at what they are doing with their team. What are the strengths? What player is crucial for the team? Why did he trade for this player? Why is he so important? And once you understand that things will go better for you. I was looking at the top teams, trying to figure which one is the favorite to win it all, which one had a problem and I saw something that struck home. Brooklyn does not follow the same pattern, at least not in all the fields. There is at least something that makes Brooklyn at unique team on the top 5 of the league. He fouls more than the opponent.

This seems not very important, but it is. All the top teams try to have players that do not foul and do not turn the ball, to control the game even further. This reduces the number of players they can use and only get players that does foul or turn the ball if they consider than the benefit is worth the problem. Here you could think of Lou Gonzales or Parker Mason.

Brooklyn on the other hand has chosen players more freely. They do foul or turn the ball, but they are the excellence somewhere else. They rebound, assist, score, steal as the best. Now we are going to play the who is who on this Brooklyn team:

Handy man: Shane Strom. He was drafted on season 3 at number 46th overall. Yeap, you heard me correctly. He is a very versatile player. He is putting 24.1 points per game with 6.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He is a great tool to start a team. He is the last member of the starting team that won the championship. He excels at scoring, but is his good pass to the open man that take him away from a good SF and into the real of the great ones.

The New Leader: Mario Bailey. He is the new man in town. With him started the rebuilding of this team. And he is one of his greater forces. He does everything and he does it great. A player that puts 23.2 points per game, 6 rebounds and 3.9 assists a game is huge, but if he does it shooting 55% from the floor and you add 2 blocks and 1.9 steals a game then you are in front of a defining player. If it was not for Bishop Stein he would be All WBA SG every single year.

Finaly Home: Omar Jefferson. This player has been going around the WBA for quite a few seasons now, but he has found a place where he can blossom. His stellar play is just what Rondall wished for. He is a 22 points, 8 assist kind of player. What else do you want from a PG?

At PF we have two players, Jarius Miles and his all-round play and Paul Wilson, the rebounding machine. Miles does a little bit of everything. He scores 10 points a game, gets 6 rebounds, posts 4 assists. Then Wilson comes in and gets 8 rebounds in only 25 minutes of play. This 1-2 punch is quite good.

For the end I have left the surprise of this team. The center. He is not a center with a good scoring touch. But he does not need to on a team like this. But he puts really impressive numbers. He is getting 9 rebounds, posting 3 assist and getting 2 blocks and 2 steals a night!! He holds the position against the Lou Gonzales and Jay Vasquez of the league.

This six man rotation is what is keeping this team together, the rest are nice but all can be replaced easily.

Now if I had to give my impression on this team I would say the following. They can beat anyone, anywhere with this team. As this team is good, they make mistakes and teams like Oregon or Cancun or Capetown should be able to take advantage on a series to the best of seven.

If I was Brooklyn I would wish Oregon out of the playoffs as soon as possible, because I really feel that they are the most dangerous team for them around here. But anyway, a worthy team, that should go far on the playoffs, and who knows? Maybe he can win the championship?

That's all folks!

May 23rd, 2006

Party in Paris.

By Clark Lane.

Yesterday, 22nd of March 2006, saw a great party in Paris. Why? The team went to visit neighbors Frankfurt. And when you go to sausage land everything finish with a big barbeque!! That is how they felt at Frankfurk after Paris blew them at home 118 - 95. Now every one of you, yes, you the readers!! Are asking, what is so important about this win. It is clear than Paris is a better team than Frankfurt and the win is no surprise. But the price that Paris took from this win is one of huge proportions!!! Paris has the LEAD on the East. I know, the season is not finished yet, you still has to go to Long Island to play, everything can happen. And all of that is true, here at Paris everyone knows about it. But on a season were everyone was crying for poor Paris, they were never going to put a fight, a second tier team… Paris has shown a lot of backbone. Paris is playing every game with gritty determination, fighting for every ball, for every point, for every game.

This is not the “Showtime Paris” of last season. This is a Defensive team to the narrow. Many people thought that giving away Heiko was foolish. And maybe with Heiko this would still be “Showtime Paris”, and even if we wish him good luck, we have shown that this team is more than just one or two players. This is a team build to win.

On a side note I would ask you to watch out for the race on the west for the home court advantage. It is a battle between Oregon and Cancun, with Capetown playing the outsider. And it may not seem much for you, or not too interesting, but there is something really big going on. Oregon has shown that he is a juggernaut at home with only 2 defeats for 35 wins, the best record in the league. But can Cancun come playoff time beat Oregon if they have the home court advantage? If Oregon plays at home most games it is going to be hard to stop them on another run for the championship. But I am sure Cancun knows already all of that!!

With the races of the East and the West raging, the best moment of the year is arriving slowly. The best teams are getting ready for the confrontation, and today truer than yesterday; no clear-cut winner is on sight. There are at least 5 teams of equivalent level playing and several others that still want their piece of the cake!!

Place your bets now that you can! The race is going to start!!

May 22nd, 2006

WBA STATS ANALYZER: WEEK 13

MMF

WEEK 13		MMF	TOTAL		MMF
1	Bishop Stein	166.4	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	1868.4
2	Walt Jackson	154.15	2 (=)	Abdiel Gordon	1784.65
3	Abdiel Gordon	149.75	3 (+1)	Walt Jackson	1671.25
4	Samir Sheth	142.4	4 (-1)	Mario Bailey	1670.2
5	Tom Kinsey	139.4	5 (+1)	Jay Vasquez	1594.05
6	Lou Gonzales	136.95	6 (+1)	Cordell Parks	1588.15
7	Kent Mercer	134.1	7 (-2)	Heiko Van Brand	1579
8	Juwan Bixby	132.95	8 (+4)	Marquez Houston	1568
9	Marquez Houston	131.3	9 (+4)	Lou Gonzales	1564.85
10	Jim McCarthy	120	10 (-1)	Omar Jefferson	1561.6
11	Dave Williams	119.65	11 (=)	Dave Williams	1559.05
12	Cory Mosley	117.25	12 (-2)	Devonta Corriga	1556.9
13	Devonta Corriga	117.15	13 (-5)	Shane Strom	1539.3
14	Ellis Law	115	14 (=)	Jaxon McCall	1403.35
15	Ahmed Dougherty	114.95	15 (+1)	Craig Bradshaw	1384.4
16	Sheldon Gorman	112.6	16 (-1)	Obafemi Mabruke	1368.2
17	Omar Jefferson	111.85	17 (=)	Roy Base	1366.1
18	Paul Spagnoli	111.4	18 (+2)	Tom Kinsey	1345.05
19	Danny Hainge	111.3	19 (-1)	Maury Coleman	1334.65
20	Jay Vasquez	110.75	20 (+1)	Juwan Bixby	1333.15
21	Mario Bailey	106.95	21 (+2)	Kent Mercer	1308.2
22	Cordell Parks	106.8	22 (=)	Ahmed Dougherty	1296.7
23	Jaxon McCall	106.25	23 (-4)	Brad Bangerter	1291.3
24	Yuri Vilasny	104.6	24 (=)	Mike Bennett	1251.55
25	Maury Coleman	104.5	25 (+2)	Yuri Vilasny	1248.9
26	Charlie Daidone	103.9	26 (+4)	Cory Mosley	1245.65
27	Donavan Jones	103.45	27 (-1)	Sean Ashman	1245.45
28	Sean Ashman	100.9	28 (+4)	Paul Spagnoli	1221.85
29	Jerry Bramson	100.85	29 (+4)	Jim McCarthy	1221.75
30	Anthony Curtis	100.15	30 (-5)	Parker Mason	1218.75

VORP

WEEK 13		VORP	TOTAL		VORP
1	Bishop Stein	53.220	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	561.848
2	Lou Gonzales	48.029	2 (=)	Mario Bailey	543.794
3	Abdiel Gordon	45.740	3 (=)	Lou Gonzales	492.688
4	Tom Kinsey	45.716	4 (=)	Abdiel Gordon	479.315
5	Ahmed Dougherty	44.503	5 (+2)	Walt Jackson	466.184
6	Ellis Law	43.191	6 (-1)	Omar Jefferson	464.642
7	Walt Jackson	42.522	7 (-1)	Dave Williams	459.442
8	Kent Mercer	41.919	8 (=)	Cordell Parks	444.898
9	Samir Sheth	38.726	9 (+2)	Jaxon McCall	439.380
10	Sheldon Gorman	37.615	10 (=)	Marquez Houston	436.447
11	Mario Bailey	36.323	11 (-2)	Maury Coleman	424.684
12	Danny Hainge	36.007	12 (+1)	Ahmed Dougherty	424.246
13	Juwan Bixby	35.993	13 (-1)	Jay Vasquez	417.286
14	Jaxon McCall	35.816	14 (=)	Devonta Corriga	406.552
15	Omar Jefferson	34.116	15 (=)	Shane Strom	382.272
16	Tony Dimateo	33.174	16 (+3)	Tom Kinsey	367.907
17	Marquez Houston	32.596	17 (-1)	Oshodi Bombata	361.787
18	Anthony Curtis	31.849	18 (-1)	Heiko Van Brand	344.973
19	Dave Williams	31.774	19 (-1)	Mike Bennett	338.962
20	Jim McCarthy	31.015	20 (+1)	Anthony Curtis	336.976
21	Cordell Parks	30.827	21 (+3)	Tony Dimateo	333.147
22	Charlie Daidone	30.496	22 (+1)	Sean Ashman	330.621
23	Sean Ashman	30.197	23 (+7)	Kent Mercer	328.649
24	Darryl Whittake	29.505	24 (+5)	Juwan Bixby	325.251
25	Devonta Corriga	29.288	25 (-3)	Oman Fatafehi	324.982
26	Paul Spagnoli	29.248	26 (-6)	Craig Bradshaw	323.908
27	Jerry Bramson	28.303	27 (-1)	Wayne Taylor	322.830
28	Bobby Egan	28.110	28 (=)	Roy Base	315.894
29	Yuri Vilasny	27.741	29 (-2)	Charlie Meyers	315.558
30	Abdullah Chanda	26.668	30 (-5)	Brad Bangerter	313.649

WEEK 13		AV	TOTAL		AV
1	Bishop Stein	2.28135	1 (=)	Bishop Stein	13.968
2	Walt Jackson	2.21217	2 (+1)	Abdiel Gordon	13.644
3	Abdiel Gordon	2.15229	3 (-1)	Mario Bailey	13.411
4	Lou Gonzales	2.14225	4 (+1)	Lou Gonzales	13.351
5	Tom Kinsey	2.10196	5 (-1)	Heiko Van Brand	13.269
6	Juwan Bixby	2.10196	6 (=)	Jay Vasquez	13.115
7	Kent Mercer	2.09184	7 (+2)	Marquez Houston	13.110
8	Samir Sheth	2.02058	8 (-1)	Cordell Parks	13.050
9	Marquez Houston	2.02058	9 (-1)	Devonta Corriga	13.011
10	Jim McCarthy	1.96917	10 (=)	Walt Jackson	12.917
11	Cory Mosley	1.95883	11 (=)	Craig Bradshaw	12.227
12	Sheldon Gorman	1.86496	12 (=)	Shane Strom	12.052
13	Ellis Law	1.85443	13 (=)	Dave Williams	11.979
14	Devonta Corriga	1.82273	14 (+3)	Juwan Bixby	11.832
15	Sergei Danilov	1.75877	15 (-1)	Brad Bangerter	11.638
16	Donavan Jones	1.75877	16 (=)	Omar Jefferson	11.615
17	Jay Vasquez	1.74804	17 (-2)	Obafemi Mabruke	11.564
18	Dave Williams	1.72650	18 (=)	Jaxon McCall	11.529
19	Paul Spagnoli	1.72650	19 (+4)	Tom Kinsey	11.512
20	Ahmed Dougherty	1.71570	20 (-1)	Roy Base	11.432
21	Mario Bailey	1.69403	21 (-1)	Greg Lacy	11.432
22	Abdullah Chanda	1.69403	22 (+3)	Cory Mosley	11.403
23	Danny Hainge	1.67226	23 (+5)	Kent Mercer	11.351
24	Jaxon McCall	1.67226	24 (+3)	Jim McCarthy	11.288
25	Cordell Parks	1.67226	25 (-4)	Oman Fatafehi	11.276
26	Jerry Bramson	1.67226	26 (-4)	Mike Bennett	11.241
27	Sean Ashman	1.66134	27 (-2)	Sean Ashman	11.224
28	Yuri Vilasny	1.66134	28 (-2)	Oshodi Bombata	11.033
29	Ramon Phelan	1.66134	29 (=)	Paul Spagnoli	10.910
30	Omar Jefferson	1.65040	30 (=)	Maury Coleman	10.700

May 22nd, 2006

The Eastern playoff battle

By Liz Lester

With the playoffs in sight, the battles for the last playoff spots are heating up. One of those battles is the Eastern Conference battle between London and NY. Both teams haven;t had tremendous seasons, but both teams wouldn;t have expected bigger things. NY has made some remarkable strides, becoming financially healthier and the lineup younger and better since the new managment took over. London is having much the same season as last year, but who knows, once the playoffs are reached anything cna happen. And while Baltimore still has an outside chance at reaching the playoffs instead of London and NY, we'll concentrate on the teams with the best chances for this article.

With day 80 of the regular season coming up, London is one game ahead of NY. We'll be looking at how the race might possibly develop. If the teams will be tied, London will win due to head to head record!

Day 80

NY-Brooklynn: NY has had no chance vs Brooklynn this year…NY loss

Baltimore-London: In London, London will elimate Baltimore from the playoff race… London win

London 2 up

Day 81

Oregon-NY: NY is a tough team, but Oregon is just too strong. NY loss

Mexico City-London: London will send mexico packing: London win

London 3 up

Day 82

Boston-NY: NY has beaten Boston before this year, and to stay int eh running they will do so again: NY win

London-Rochester: Rochester has been erratic at best, but will beat London at home. London loss

London 2 up

Day 83

NY-Paris: Miracles do Happen, but not on day 83 in Paris. NY loss

Brooklynn-London: Brooklynn has London number so far: London loss

London 2 up

Day 84

Alaska-NY: NY has beaten Alaska away, and will do so at home. NY win

Capetown-London: This will be Isheldwana, and not Rorke's drift. London loss

London 1 up

Day 85

London-Boston: London has beaten Boston 3 times so far. But not this time. London loss

London 1 up

Day 86

NY-Frankfurt: NY will need this badly. A crucial game in the playoff race. NY win

London-Paris: A tale of one city. Paris by a mile. London loss

Even

Day 87

NY-Arkansas: A win would be huge for NY, but after Frankfurt, they have spend their best. Akansas wins in a close game: NY loss

London-Budapest: A key game for London, but one they will lose. Budapest so far had their number, and will win at home. London loss

Even

Day 88:

Miami-NY

A home game for NY to decide who will make it into the playoffs. NY will give it their all, and at home will beat Miami to make the playoffs. NY win

NY 1 up.

If this would be indeed the the case, then , in a remarkable season, in wich NY started well, then had a mediocre or bad middle part, NY would clinche a playoff place. One of the youngest teams, wether in the playoffs or not, the team certainly looks better poised for the future then since, way way back! For London, it means that there should be some drastic changes. London needs 10 wins a year more, and become a solid franchise once more!

May 22, 2006

Today's report will be on the potential free agent SG's in the upcoming off season pool. I use the word potential because any of these players could be extended or retire. There is going to be a lot of talent around for teams looking to bolster this position if some of these guys make it past their teams' extension bids. Once again these are in ABC order.

Jalen Bell-- Bell is a valuable veteran player that can really do some damage when he gets on a roll. He's a solid scorer with a nice touch. As a small player of course his rebounding and blocks leave something to be desired, but that is expected. His defense is very sub par although he makes up for it with effort and he is a smart player who commits very few turnovers or fouls. He really helps out by being able to find open teammates which is rare for such a big scorer.

Wu Dian-Fan-- Wu has a lot of upside, but has really struggled early in his career. His shooting touch will scare away some potential teams, but he can work on that in his career. He is an excellent 3 point shooter and can come through in the clutch. His defense is above average for his position , but if you couple that with his ability to stay away from fouls he can be a very effective defender. He does so many things so well that he is considered highly trainable.

Ahmed Dougherty-- All indications point to Ahmed being signed back with Cancun after the season. He has been an integral part of their success and is a franchise type player for the future. He is a dangerous shooter that can score from any range. In fact, he may be most deadly from outside the three point arc. He is also an unselfish player that is always looking to involve his fellow teammates by drawing double teams and kicking it out. For such a young player he is also exceptionally smart and manages to control the ball and stay out of foul trouble. I think he has the potential to be one of the all time greats if he ever gets to be the centerpiece for a franchise.

Tyler Durden-- Durden is an aging veteran whose main focus will be adding some scoring off the bench for someone. He can get the occasional steal and does a decent job of holding onto the ball, but he still lacks many of the skills necessary to be an everyday starter in this league. He can run into foul problems especially when he plays several minutes. He can hit the shots from anywhere though and that is enough to keep him in the league.

Bert Haug-- Bert is an interesting player who at times seems to be completely forgotten, but then at other times seems to be a highly sought after player. I think he is a guy that if a team invests its' training time in him he could have a breakout season, but most likely he will be signed on to be a key player off the bench for a contender which is his usual role. He is a pretty solid scorer who is a reliable shooter from close range, but at times he will take some shots outside his range. He is also one of the best defenders in the game as he routinely finds ways to poke the ball loose and create opportunities for his team. At times this can cause some foul trouble, but for a bench player it's more than acceptable.

Webster Hewlett-- Hewlett is an aging veteran that can still bring a lot of good things to the table for a team looking to shore up a starting position for low cap or as a bench player for a team with some money to spare. He is a very good shooter from the floor and is pretty good at getting all of his teammates involved also. His defense is only average really which is a liability, but he can play tight because his experience has helped to keep him from committing fouls. In this respect he is also good at keeping control of the ball. Just a smart player all around.

Harry Jarvis-- I am sure that even if Jarvis makes it to free agency and isn't extended that he will be re-signed by Albacete. He is the icon of the franchise and they would hate to lose him so late in his career. He is a huge scorer who really makes teams pay if he gets to the line. If they decide not to foul him then he will make them pay by knocking down a long jumper. He is also a good defender who can force the turnover. He's also pretty solid in the head game by not committing fouls or turnovers.

Jerry Kumanchik-- Jerry is a guy that people have always appreciated, but he's never made the leap to being an everyday kind of star. He is a big time scorer for sure as he likes to throw up the shots and most of them go in, but for a guard his range is limited. He is a solid rebounder for his position also. His defense is pretty average and he is prone to fouls which makes this area a pretty decent liability to him making the next step. Perhaps his biggest weakness is his lack of control over the basketball. At times he will push the court too much and get himself into trouble leading to turnovers.

Evilio Nunez-- Nunez still has some years to grow into this league, but for right now he can be signed as a quality bench player or as a project at starter. His shooting touch will need a lot of focus to keep up with his pension for shooting the ball. His defensive style is a lot more like a small forward than a shooting guard as he likes to let the offense penetrate and then contest the shot rather than play tight defense. By doing this he manages to stay out of foul trouble. He will commit his own turnovers often enough though.

Quintin Pitt-- Pitt is another guy that will need some work on his shooting to be a starter in the WBA. Luckily he doesn't shoot very much so this isn't as big of an issue. Ironically enough, once he moves outside the arc he is deadly which makes him valuable in a rally situation. His defense is superb as he smothers opponents and can really get them to make mistakes without having to play too tight and get into foul trouble. He does have to watch his turnovers though.