Updated 3/29/01
J. Shue: "Welcome everyone to Convict chat with Coach
Ackerman. The season is over and our Convicts have
taken the best record in the Blue Conference. They
will meet the winner of the play-in series between
North Shore and Fantasy. Congratulations Coach
Ackerman."
Ackerman: "Thanks Jim. I owe alot to the boys. They
came this year and played hard. I'm not surprised how
we finished up, but happy. They played up to their
level all year long."
Shue: "Speaking of finishing up, it looks like the
Convicts put together a nice stretch to close out the
season."
Ackerman: "We sure did. I made some modifications to
the lineup that paid off big. They weren't popular
ones, moving crowd favorites Abdur Rahim and Ratliff
to the bench, but in the end they worked out."
Shue: "Are those two in the doghouse?"
Ackerman: "No, not at all. I expect that they will be
back in the starting lineup when we get back to
action."
Shue: "Well, let's start with the callers. We have
someone named Coach~! from North Carolina."
Caller: "First off, congrats on the season. Are you
coach of the year?"
Ackerman: "No, I'm not. I had plenty of talent to
achieve this. My pick would be Delaware's head man.
He did a great job."
Shue: "Looks like we have a call from Columbus, Ohio -
James it is."
Caller: "Who will be the biggest challenge for you in
the post season?"
Ackerman: "Well, I'm not trying to sound cocky, but I
think my biggest challenge will be from the other
conference. McDonald,Magic and Delaware all had my
number this year. In the Blue, all the teams scare
me, but I feel confident in the Convicts abilities."
Shue: "Next caller is Eric from the Chicago area."
Caller: "So you think you're a big shot...I ought
kick.."
Shue: "Well, that 7 second pause comes in handy. I
don't know how HE got by the censors."
Ackerman: "That a-hole has been chasing me all year.
Must be jealous of the abilities."
Shue: "One final call - it's Steve from Iowa City"
Caller: "If I change jobs to my alma mater, do you
want to coach your alma mater?"
Ackerman: "I'm happy in East St Louis and I'm staying.
And Steve, too late - Mike got the job."
Updated 3/22/01
AP - East Saint Louis, Illinois
After winning their first division championship in
their existence, fans of the East Saint Louis Convicts
took to the streets celebrating the 101-90 win over
the French Lick Legends. After looting all of the
shops in East Saint Louis and turning over the many
Caddys in town, the fans walked across the bridge into
Saint Louis, Missouri where they proceeded to burn
down the TWA Dome. Saint Louis police tried to stop
the rebels, but were unable to. Luckily, no one was
killed in the fire. Saint Louis Rams officials were
unavailable for comment, but sources say a war between
East Saint Louis and Saint Louis may be initiated in
response to the attack.
Updated 3/1/01
After leading the East St Louis Convicts to the best
record in the Blue Conference, Coach Vince Ackerman
get the honor of leading the Blue Conference All-Stars
in the All Star Game this weekend. The starting
lineup selected by the fans includes Gary Payton, Ray
Allen, Shareef Abdur Rahim, Karl Malone and Alonzo
Mourning. We did a quick Q&A with Coach Ackerman
about the All Star Game during his team's vacation.
Q: "So what do you think of the roster?"
A: "It's a nice team - I wish I had this roster for my
club. *laughs* Seriously, in looking at our team's
matchups against the Grey conference, I think we will
have to outrun them. We lack alot of strong depth at
the 4 with Karl Malone being our only true 4. If I
had selected the reserves I would have picked Rasheed
Wallace and/or Derrick Coleman over those teams picks.
But with playing with the hand I'm dealt, we'll run
like hell."
Q: "Which players do you see with a big role?"
A: "Karl Malone, Tracy McGrady, Shareef Abdur Rahim,
Grant Hill. Players with flexibility."
Q: "How much playing time will the player's expect to
see?"
A: "I'm going to try and get all players at least 12
minutes. I originally was going to shoot for 20 a
piece, but after looking at the matchups, I don't
think I'll be able to guarantee that."
Q: "Are you getting help with the lineups?"
A: "I couldn't do it without the help of my
assistants, COACH of North Raleigh and Justina of
Fantasy. They've been a big help with matchups and
lineups."
Q: "Predictions?"
A: "Of course, I'm going to say we will win. It will
be a hotly contested battle. We will get eaten up on
the boards, but we should be able to run with them.
I'm going to say it'll be a shootout with us winning 120-112."
Updated 2/27/01
Welcome to COACH~! CHAT! for Feburary 27, 2001.
One week from the GLBA All-Star Break, the North Raleigh Winesippers
have corked off a quiet six-game winning streak and are now even with
talented North Shore for the final playoff spot in the Blue Division.
While morale is higher at ye Olde Wine Cellar, the team tries to keep an
even keel.
We were fortunate after the shoot around today to get a hold of COACH~!
of the Winesippers, before bolting to the local Hooters for his normal
pre-game meal, to answer a few emails from the North Raleigh faithful.
_______________________________________________
Dear COACH~!,
Why in the hell did you trade for that fat slob Derrick Coleman?
Sincerely,
Oprah Winfrey and Delta Burke
COACH~!: Well, uh, ladies, the team needed some help inside. We lacked
a solid inside scorer and I really liked the shot block numbers he can
give. It took DC a while to fit in, but I think he'll be fine for the
rest of the year. We'll need him to complete our playoff run. Save the
Twinkies.
Dear COACH~!,
Are you looking forward to being a coach in the All-Star game?
Sincerely,
Isiah Thomas
COACH~!: Yeah, it'll be a lot of fun. I want to thank Ackerman from
East Saint Louis for giving me the invite, and I'll do my best to
represent the conference. And unlike you Zeke, we'll try to win.
Dear COACH~!,
Handicap the race between you and North Shore for the last spot.
Sincerely,
Pete Rose
COACH~!: Both of us have won a lot of games recently. I think North
Shore had a pretty good winning streak going right before ours. They're
a talented team, and are very deep except at the small forward in my
mind. Good mix of youth and veterans. If you wanna bet on anything,
bet on Patrick Ewing not doing anything though. It'll be a fun race.
Dear COACH~!,
Are you ever going to give Gugs his playing time?
Sincerely,
John Gotti and his Teflon Twosome
COACH~!: Power forward is the most competitive spot on our team right
now. Jerome Williams has really worked hard all year and its not fair
to him to take away time just because we got someone else arrive.
Coleman plays a lot more center here than he did in other places, so
there's time left there for Tom. He's a better option in some
situations, and at other times its not best to play him. When he's in,
he's done all right. Tom's a good boy. Don't youse worrys 'bout it,
kapish?
Dear COACH~!,
Did you give up on Bryant Reeves? He was solid! Why the trade?
Sincerely,
Greg Kite, Jon Koncak, Tim Kempton,
Mark Eaton, Dave Corzine, Paul Mokeski
COACH~!: Yes. He's a fat load of suck like you guys. Let Vinny Ack
deal with the catering bills over in East St. Louis.
Dear COACH~!,
Have you looked ahead personnel wise for next year?
Sincerely,
That fat Jamaican psychic broad
COACH~!: You always have to look ahead to some extent. Obviously, the
deal that brought Coleman here, along with the separate Gugs trade was
for this year. We needed some help to get in the playoffs. That's all
I want for this year, get in the playoffs. We traded one player that
was in our future in some respects in Caffey and I know next year that
power forward could be a problem with the health of everyone at that
spot. We're in decent shape at a couple positions, but all avenues
will be used to improve this team. I have no one in mind now, I just
know what positions will most likely need to be filled. And I don't
need any cards or some bullshit phone number to figure that.
Dear COACH~!,
Any predictions for the playoffs, regardless of you're in?
It looks like it's going to be great to watch!
Sincerely,
The Clippers and the Celtic Pride
COACH~!: I can give a damn about it if we aren't in it. But I expect
to be in so here's my nickel. I think someone surprising could win.
All year we've been hearing about East St. Louis and McDonald and now
Delaware, but there's not a great team out there. East St. Louis came
back down to earth. A few others are steady, but beatable and nothing
scary. It's whoever gets hot late. It's the matchups too...some teams
just can't beat others. I think ESL and Minneapolis have a slight nod
for me in the Blue, and I still think McDonald will get their act
straight when it gets down to it, but it's not certain. Each of the
teams in the hunt have shown they can get a good spell cranked up and
also go into the hopper for a time. You two teams know what I mean
about such Thomas L. Crapper visits.
MODERATOR: OK, WE'VE GOT TIME FOR ONE MORE ? FOR COACH. HAPPY HOUR
STARTS SOON.
Dear COACH~!,
I've heard a rumor or two about you possibly leaving the league after
this season. Is this true?
Sincerely,
Mr. Heisley from Vancouver
COACH~!: Well, I've given it some thought. The whole point of this job
is to have fun. I had so much fun last year taking this group to the
playoffs. We weren't supposed to be there, and I had a great time
shocking the pundits. This team could do it again this year as well.
I know we were overlooked again as well, which is fine. Honestly, I can
care less what they say about my ability or my team's ability.
This year hasn't been fun to me because of some of the other owners.
They don't get it. Some gripe and moan about their teams when they're
at the top of the division, others think they're great when they are
under .500 and last in the worst division in the league. We have a few
who always want respect whether its deserved or not. Its obvious
there's rookies this year. I know I was one last year but I felt I knew
what I was getting into. Let's not forget all this ridiculous
backfighting thru the internet between owners over the absolute
stupidest things. Name calling and sexual preference questioning is so
idiotic it's not even worth talking about. It proves to me watching a
good number of the owners in the GLBA that evolution has reversed. You
impress no one saying "asshumper" or "Justina." This league isn't
something to revolve your life around. Maybe some of them can't get
laid and this is the
only gratification they have on their weekend nights, I don't know. But
it's not been fun at all this year when I fire up the ol' Coach-top and
see 20 emails with absolutely nothing to say but names. I'm tired of
it. There's others that are tired of it. And if I do leave, you'll
miss me more than I'll miss it. You'll have one less person to call
"asshumper". I don't know yet about the move. Wait till the end of the
year.
Thanks for the questions. C-ya at the arena.
Updated 02/22/01
POWER RATINGS FOR THE WEEK OF 2/22/01
1. East St Louis (38-19 (1)):This team may have peaked
too early. They are struggling through this part of
the season. They need the all-star break more than
anyone.
2. Delaware (37-20 (3)): May be the first team to
clinch. Has lost two in a row. Needs to right the
ship tonight against Massachusettes. My bet is on the
Blue Hens to get the W.
3. McDonald (35-22 (2)): This team needs to find its
way on the road. It appears some nights they don't
bother to show up. In the playoffs, he will have to
prove he can go through Delaware or ESL to take the
crown. If anyone can overcome that daunting task,
it's the Blue Ballers.
4. Fantasy (34-23 (4)): In a great race for the
division lead with Minneapolis. Lucky for him, this
team is still hot as Minneapolis is breathing right up
his ass. Michael Finley has to be a MVP candidate.
5. Minneapolis (32-24 (6)): Things have changed in a
big way up north. Last time we looked, he had a 5
game losing streak. Now he's 8-2 in his last 10.
Travels to North Raleigh tonight to face the dangerous
Winesippers.
6. Magic (32-24 (5)): This teams owns East St Louis.
If he could only beat some of the others, he'd be
closer to it all. This team will be a bitch in the
playoffs with Shaq-Daddy. I hear ESL is happy that
he's in the other conference.
7. Tatoonie (31-24 (7)): The Twin Suns have snuck
back into the division race, being 6 back with less
than 20 games left. If this team had been hot, he
would have been in the thick of things. Be
interesting to see how he makes out the rest of the
year and beyond.
8. Tinley (30-28 (8)): The Meats have looked better
of late, appearing to show that they will make the
playoffs. Who knows what could happen in the playoffs
with a healthy front line of Garnett, Webber and
Hakeem? Could they make it all the way? Only time
will tell, but my guess is no.
9. North Shore (28-30 (13)): One month ago, this team
was battling for the last playoff spot in the
conference. Now, he's close to .500 and appears to be
a lock for the playoffs. What does that mean? That
means he draws a pissed off Tatoonie round 1 and early
exit for the Vikings.
10. Toledo (27-29 (9)): Trade rumors abound in
Toledo. Marbury's on the market. Penny's on the
market. It doesn't matter. This team might be the
5th seed in the conference, but his future is in front
of him with a nucleus of Dirk, Marbury and Rose.
11. East Lyme (27-29 (12)): Another battling for the
final playoff spot in the conference. I'm not a GM,
but I'd be looking to build this club for next year.
There are some good parts, but some DEAD weight,
literally. Seeing Malik Sealy's name in the box
scares me every time.
12. North Raleigh (25-30 (10)): COACH~! had a tough
stretch in the schedule, but it appears to be
lightening up in a hurry. That's good for the
Winesippers as they have 3 games to make up to make
the playoffs. Coleman appears to making some
offensive differences. And that should be read
offensive like an odor, rather than a positive.
Everyone's COACH of the year last year - has another
magic act to perform.
13. Bean Town (25-32 (11)): Did someone here demand
respect? Let's see, BT has some good wins and a good
club, but he's the 13th rated club this week. Hmmm,
brings up an interesting point - does respect
translate to wins? If so, this team is damn shameful.
If not, then hell, they are a tough club.
14. Rhode Island (21-37 (14)): OK, now this is
screwed. 14th rated team beats 3rd rated team
handily. Don't give me crap about parity. This team
is gunning for next year. A few wins here and there
are fine, but I foresee a light at the end of the
tunnel here.
15. French Lick (19-37 (15)): Has some nice success
recently - beating ESL on the road. For a team with
many weapons, they sure have trouble scoring. Maybe
they need some energy or a better rotation? Who knows
the answer - it's too late to repeat the playoff bid
anyway.
16. Massachusetts (12-45 (16)): They are not getting
any better next year. They are not getting any better
this year. I wonder why they haven't been more active
in the league or trading block. They have some
talents that would fit nicely on other clubs and would
demand some value.
Updated 01/26/01
Power rankings for 1/26/01
1. East St. Louis (33-11 (2)) Team makes two trades
during the week and neither plays. Is there a method
to the madness?
2. McDonald (27-17 (1)) Team wins 1 out of every 3
on the road. If he doesnt have homecourt advantage,
can he win it all?
3. Delaware (28-15 (5)) Second best record in the
league after an up and down week with wins against
McDonald and Bean Town, but a loss to the dangerous
Winesippers.
4. Fantasy (27-17 (4)) Losing both in a home and
home series against Toledo showed his vulnerability.
Michael Finley shines for 45 in one of the losses.
5. Magic (24-20(6)) Tremendous showing back by Shaq
in OT win versus East St Louis. This team is having
some woes, but looks to be a strong contender come
playoff time.
6. Minneapolis (24-20 (3)) Five losses in a row,
including horrendous showing against French Lick.
Have others figured out how to stop this team?
7. Tatoonie (25-19 (7)) Trade for Greg Anthony
raises questions as to next years lineup for this
club. Owner appears to be gearing up for more one run
at the top. Next years future does not look bright.
8. Tinley (23-21 (9)) This teams starting lineup is
tough. Will this owner move Hakeem out of town?
9. Toledo (22-21 (8)) Back to back strong wins
against Fantasy. The Penny Minutes watch: 625 left.
Better hope he secures a playoff spot before those
minutes run out.
10. North Raleigh (20-24 (10)) The Winesippers
frontcourt is scary now with the addition of Derrick
Coleman and Tom Guggliotta. Looks like COACH is
building to make a run at the top spot in the South.
Too bad he's 13 back. The only question is whether
COACH can integrate Coleman in the lineup without
affecting the team chemistry.
11. Bean Town (20-24 (11)) Still playing well. Will
need to win a few more games to get in the playoffs.
Getting draft pick for benchwarmer was stroke of
genius.
12. East Lyme (20-23 (12)) Has won 3 of last 5. Will
this team make some minor deals to shore up the
backcourt? His frontcourt is tough, until Kemp eats
another greasy cheeseburger.
13. North Shore (19-25 (13)) Team has been putting
up some big numbers on the offensive end.
Unfortunately, his defense is capable of letting up
some big numbers. Only one game out of playoff
contention in the Blue Conference.
14. Rhode Island (16-28 (14)) Beat two top teams
this week in Magic and Minneapolis, but loses to East
Lyme and French Lick. Teams future is bright. Will
be make moves to try and sneak in the playoffs. Hes
only 4 back right now.
15. French Lick (13-30 (15)) Team is young and
talented, but doesnt have the go to guy right now.
Too many Indians in French Lick and no chiefs seems to
be the cause of the some of the problems.
16. Massachusetts (9-35 (16)) 16 game losing streak.
Someone ought to get fired in Massachusetts. Celtic
fans are calling for the head of Burk33. Will he step
down or step up his play?
Updated 1/23/01
(ESL) Blue Conference All Star head coach Vince
Ackerman has announced Justin Gardner of the Fantasy
Hobokes and COACH~! of the North Raleigh Winesippers
will serve as his assistant coaches in the 2001 All
Star Game. Each will be responsible for getting Coach
Ackerman's beer and making sure scantily clad women
are available for the party at the hotel before the
game.
Anthony Mason of the Convicts will serve as the APA
(Ackerman Protection Agency) for the weekend.
Per COACH's~! request, Richard Simmons will serve as
the team's trainer.
Updated 01/18/01
Power rankings for 1/18/01
1. McDonald (25-14 (1)) Strong win in OT versus
Convicts keeps top spot. Weak loss to North Raleigh
almost costs them it.
2. East St. Louis (29-10(2)) Almost pulled out the
win at McDonald. Tough test on road tonight versus
North Raleigh. Is this team set to make a move to
the top spot?
3. Minneapolis (24-15 (5)) Strong week catapults
team into third spot and tie for division lead with
Fantasy.
4. Fantasy (24-15 (4)) Good club ran into trouble
against hot Bean Town club.
5. Delaware (24-14 (6)) Is this team for real?
Tonight against Minneapolis may be a proving ground.
6. Magic (22-17(8)) Climbing back into the division
race in a big way. 8-2 over last 10.
7. Tatoonie (22-17 (3)) Cliff Bar Diver of the week.
Team has been in a tail spin lately losing to
division foes. Maybe a mysterious ankle injury to
Grant or a kidney infection to Zo will help this team
win some games.
8. Toledo (20-19 (7)) - Couldnt handle Shaq-Fu in
recent loss at home against Magic. The Penny Minutes
watch starts: 785 left.
9. Tinley (20-19 (9)) Keeps hanging around in the
division race. With his roster, why is he looking up
at Delaware?
10. North Raleigh (18-21 (11)) Giant Killer.
Knocked off McDonald and Tatoonie in recent nights.
Get his chance to knock off East St Louis tonight.
11. Bean Town (17-22 (14)) This team is on fire.
Starting lineup is producing big. Thats good since
the bench sucks.
12. East Lyme (17-21 (12)) Better be careful. Only
half game out of last in their division. Sure, its a
tough division, but who wants to be in last.
13. North Shore (16-23 (10)) Has this turned the
corner by pummeling poor Massachusetts?
14. Rhode Island (13-26 (13)) Team gets chance to
better season mark at French Lick tonight. The future
looks bright though for McGrady and others.
15. French Lick (11-28 (16)) Dare I say on a tear?
Team has more win in last ten than all year prior to
that.
16. Massachusetts (9-30 (15)) 11 game losing streak.
Can it get much worse than that? Better get Rick
Pitino in to help right the ship.
Updated 01/11/01
Power rankings for 1/11/01
1. McDonald (22-12, last week-1): Experienced road
trouble at Tatoonie and Minneapolis.
2. East St. Louis (26-8, last week2): Home cooking
returns team to winning ways.
3. Tatoonie (21-13, last week-3): Taking season long
frustrations out on big teams.
4. Fantasy (21-13, last week-4): Came up short at ESL.
5. Minneapolis (20-14, last week-5): Loves cold of
the north. Hates leaving home.
6. Delaware (21-13, last week-6): Beginning to run
away from the pack.
7. Toledo (18-16, last week-8): Pennys reduced
minutes might hurt this club.
8. Magic (18-16, last week-10): 4-1 over last 5. Shaq
for MVP.
9. Tinley (17-17, last week-9): ESL win must have
gotten to their head.
10. North Shore (15-19, last week-12): Karl Malone
would get MVP consideration on a better club.
11. North Raleigh (15-19, last week-7): Viagra got to
the brain. 5 game losing streak vs. bad teams.
12. East Lyme (15-19, last week-13): Amazing that
15-19 will get you 12th best team in this league.
13. Rhode Island (13-21, last week-11): Tough losses
to McD and Del have taken heart out of club.
14. Bean Town (13-21, last week-15): World stopped
when they beat ESL. Then they got them mad.
15. Massachusetts (9-25, last week-14): Must have
jinxed them by placing them 14th last week.
16. French Lick (8-26, last week-16): I think theres
a pulse out there somewhere.
Updated 01/10/01
News just came in that after the East St. Louis Convicts and the Fantasy
Hobokes there was a fight in the locker room of the Hobokes, At the end of
the game Jason Williams (Hobokes) who let Eric Snow (Convicts) blow right
past him with :45 left in the game to extend there lead 106 - 103 was
confronted by teammate Derrick Coleman and words were exchanged on the floor
but some of the other players stopped them! But once they got into the
locker room we have been told that Coleman threw his towel at Williams and
he retaliated with some racial slurs which lead to the two players going at
it on the floor. To Coach Gardner's amazement and the betrayal that he
feels has decided as of now that BOTH players will be missing the next game
which is huge for the team. It is against Minneapolis the team which is 1
game behind them for first place. We think there will be more to come of
this...we'll just have to wait and see.
Updated 01/08/01
Ernie Rection: "Well with Aaron McKie's meaningless
three at the buzzer, that wraps up East Saint Louis's
second consecutive loss on the road to the Tinley
Meats by a score of 114-98. This is the first time
all year that the Convicts have been unable to stop a
losing streak at 1. Let's get down stairs in the
Slaughterhouse to hear Coach Ackerman's post-game
comments."
Coach Ackerman: " First off, I'm severly disappointed
with the effort tonight. The guys know it. Each and
every one of them is disappointed with the way we've
played the last few nights. This team needs some home
cooking. We need to get back to the Prison and get us
back on the winning track. Tomorrow night, we get the
Winesippers in the prison. Shane Scott always has his
troops ready for battle. I expect a flat out war
tomorrow night."
Ernie Rection: " With that we have to return to our
regularly scheduled telecast of Scarface."
Updated 01/05/01
Updated Power Rankings for 1/5 from Jim Shue.
1: McDonald (19-8, last week 1): Really missing Jason
Kidd. When he comes back, look out.
2: East St. Louis (22-5, last week 3): 9-1 in their
last 10 isnt too shabby. Tough weekend with 4 games
in 3 days. Will the Convicts respond?
3. Tatoonie (18-11, last week 2): Hill and Mourning
return. Team loses. Maybe they need to get hurt
again?
4: Fantasy (18-12, last week 6): Big win on the road
against Tatoonie. Putting together a nice run.
This team may make a run in the playoffs riding
Finley.
5: Minneapolis (17-12, last week 4): Six for Fifteen
on the road will not win a championship - Payton
making bid for MVP.
6: Delaware(14-10, last week 5): Stopped Massachusetts
modest win streak. Team is surprisingly showing the
way in the West.
7: North Raleigh (15-14, last week 11): Viagra-Riser
of the Week. Gotten back over the 500 hump. Can he
compete with the big boys in the South?
8: Toledo (16-13, last week 7): 8-2 in their last 10.
They give up a lot of points, but score more.
9: Tinley (14-15, last week 8): Dont seem to have
the Defense to win a close game (1-6 in 5 pts or less)
10: Magic (14-15, last week 10): Display of
mediocrity. 7-7 at home. 7-8 on the road. Gets tough
test tonight when ESL comes to town.
11: Rhode Island (12-16, last week 13): Tough recent
run. Has the talent, but do they have the heart?
12: North Shore (12-16, last week 9): Team isnt
getting any younger. Seems to be turmoil in the North
Shore. Pepto Bismol Sore Stomach Award of the Week.
13: East Lyme(13-16, last week 12): 13th best team in
the league, but still in the division race. How does
that work?
14: Massachusetts (9-20, last week 15): Had modest 3
game winning streak stopped. Having trouble scoring.
15: Bean Town (8-19, last week 14): McDonald matchup
wont help this club. 2-8 in past 10 games.
16: French Lick (5-24, last week 16): Need I make a
comment? This team cant win. From playoff team to
the break on the schedule what gives?
Updated 01/05/01
The Headlines read New Team coming to Fantasyville back in early March of
2000, with ideas of a team coming back in late 1999. The old natives of the
town were against the idea thinking the problems it will bring with them,
hookers and gangster, you all know about the older peoples views against
change and "new" things. The team was bought and created by Ronald
Jackleson, who gave his brother in-law Peter Hindleburg and gave the
coaching job to a youngster with no coaching experience but good player
relations Coach Justin Gardner.
In the beginning of the season the problems stew up with management Coach
Gardner wanted to have say in the draft and was not given permission until
right before draft day of the 4 new team special draft but had to give up
his rights to the regular season draft...Coach Gardner figured it was worth
it cause he would be gaining a great amount of his starting 5 and top bench
player(s)from the smaller draft! Problem number 1. GM Hindleburg was a
little upset after the draft was over cause he felt he was not given the
right amount of attention and felt he deserved more respect...so he started
to deal away some players of youth for players of age...messing up the
coaches base...
After a few weeks of games and fighting within the organization the team hit
a low sitting in the basement of there division...so there was a meeting
held and Coach Gardner said unless he gains total control over "his" team he
will be willing to walk...the owner Jackleson said he has to make a choice
which his sister wont like but to better the team and he needs that to get
the people in the new stadium so Hindleburg was cut...and extreme power was
handed over to Gardner...his first few moves were to sit each player down
and re-work there role on the Hobokes...and some were pleased to hear while
others felt they were not given a fair chance...
HOBOKES NEW GOALS>>>AND VIEWS
The team is starting Coleman this year who is doing very well at PF but
would like to trade him or Davis cause both wont have a place on this team
and are both solid players who will provide a team with a good PF/C it
doesn't help that Oakley a veteran was picked up and has already been told
he has the starting job next year...gonna go with an elder front court
Vitaley was picked up to be a back-up to one of the best C in the league
this year Mutombo, who has just shocked the Hobokes in all by solidify the
team and helping the younger players progress...
SF is just overloaded for this year and next...the youth and ability with
Stojakovic, Marion and the star of the team Finley hoping that Finley will
be playing shooting guard next year
Wesley is putting up good numbers at SG this year and will maybe be sitting
on the bench or will be traded...but there will be little talk of that until
nest year...cause he could remain and be a starting PG...
This year Williams is starting at PG and was gonna be next year until an
other white boy came on the scene and has done nothing but played great
during practices Nash so those will be our two most likely splitting some
time...
PLAYERS FANTASY WANTS TO MOVE>>>>
Griffin who will be good for a team this year cause he can play a lot of
positions and has good D, looking for a draft pick
Sura is also available good SG and has youth with heart...going for the best
price most likely a draft pick or a good younger player
Vitaley, Davis, Coleman, any of the young rookies they have...are all
doable...
The Hobokes are grateful to be in the same entry class as Delaware, Bean
Town, and his person favorite team who has shocked the world East
Lyme...Coach Casey and Gardner Grew up in the same town... Casey drafts
were bad...and the league thought of him as a lower team then they
were...even Coach Gardner felt the same...but the year he has had so far is
good and He puts fear into the Hobokes....cause the East Lyme J-Trains have
the ability to shock anyone as they did already once this year...
The Hobokes are looking forward to the end of this season and next
year...GM/Coach Gardner has said there is a new style in town and there will
be changes...also he has implied a 3 year plan that the team should be a
good force to take tops in there division
Updated 01/04/01
Welcome to Sippa Chat, an occassional Q & A with Coach, of the North Raleigh
Winesippers. Here's a transcript of today's chat.
**Wineys4eva: Are you happy with your position right now in the standings?
**Coach: In general, yes. We've pissed a couple games away, but everyone does
that. I didn't think we were going to get off to a start like last year (19-10
this point last year). This division we're in with the Convicts and Tatooine is
the best in the league, without argument. We're trying to stay afloat. I think
we can at least do that.
**PhukESL: Is ESL for real?
**Coach: They're pretty solid. I think in some ways they are like us in terms
of having a lot of unhearlded role players. But, the biggest difference, obviously,
is that they got a couple stars with Allen and Rahim. That bastard Ackerman ain't
a bad coach either. But they can be caught, albeit it'd have to start soon before
they run away.
**VladeFan: Why are you starting Erick Strickland?
**Coach: Defense. Next question.
**RaleighYuppie: When is Chris Mills returning?
**Coach: He should be back in the normal rotations soon. Problem is where to put
him. The bench has been really really good this year, especially on offense.
We need another big guard though, and Millie can fill that role every now and then
against teams with good scorers. He could play anywhere really, depending on where
I feel it's best. Couple-three weeks.
**GoNR: Going to do anything at the trade deadline? Any bait?
**Coach: I'm not going to break my neck trying. People screw you raw at the
deadline. Wouldn't mind another big forward...might have a surplus of
small ones soon that could be expendible. GM B. Cheese can take that one.
**GLBAFAN: Talk about the league in general. Who do you think is surprising?
Disappointing? Predictions?
**Coach: It's not as obvious this year as last. There's a couple good teams, few
others that could get hot and maybe become one, and the rest is average. I
like it (parity) in one way because it encourages you to be on your toes each
night, but that also gets you stressed sometimes. I think East St Louis is the
best in our conference, though they're not invincible. McDonald looks alright
in the other conference, though besides them and Toledo it's garbage.
Puzzles me really, because some of these teams have rosters that I'd put in
the final four. I don't think some are really working. Not my problem.
French Lick and North Shore have disappointed me this year.
**24_fan: Will Jonathan Bender get any PT soon? Or next year?
**Coach: JB is kicking some booty in practice. He knows though that his role in
games is limited, if any. Right now it's not best to play him, his defense is really
behind. But it is improving and I think he'll be a solid contributor in the future.
**CoachRulz: Grade your players so far.
**Coach: Geez, there's some work. I'd say now the A's go to J-Will, Jackson and
Erick Strickland. B's to Russell, Walt Williams, and VLADE!. Rest ain't quite
on the honor roll, though some are close. Incomplete on Mills.
**BBallJunkie: You get alot of admiration, including mine, for taking teams of
average players to good records. Any secrets for the aspiring coach like me?
**Coach: Really, it's 3 things. Matchups, matchups, matchups. Know what you have.
Know what your opponent has. Look at trends, look at strengths and weaknesses of
the players and play into them. Pay attention to their last few games.
**BBfor3: The 3 point shooting has been kicking ass!
**Coach: Yeah, it's bailed us out a couple times. It was our weakness last year
and this year it might be one of our strengths. Of course, with the 3, you can flub
it just as fast as you can win it, but so far, it's been allright.
**J-WillAllStar: Evaluate your defense. To me, it's still pretty strong.
**Coach: It's decent. Still giving too many easy shots, too high of a percentage.
Team D is allright and we rebound pretty good, but we lack a stopper. Just because
you don't give up many points doesn't mean you've got a good D. There are better
D's in this league with teams that score in the 110's. The pace is higher for
them. The D has to improve before we can be taken seriously.
**StartHunter: Have you thought about any changes to the starting lineup? To me,
you need a more definitive first unit.
**Coach: Nope. Like it as is. Let the opponents guess.
**TradeReeves: What are your plans for the second half? Any team goals for the year?
**Coach: We just need to keep plugging along. I don't see us at the moment going off
on a 6 or 7 game streak, but I also don't think we're not going to have another big
losing streak like earlier. The schedule for the next 12-14 games isn't as bad and
we're playing pretty good at the moment. The boys are playing good on the road and
without a doubt we got to improve at home for those 19,169 that come every night.
I'd like to hit 40 wins, it's still reasonable. Bottom line for me is get in the
playoffs. If we do that, then it starts over again.
Thank you for the questions and I'll talk to you again in a couple weeks. -Coach.
Updated 12/31/00
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Ray Allen and Anthony Mason are
all on your TV.
Rahim: "The East Saint Louis Convicts want to thank
you all for your support this year."
Allen: "We also want to wish you and yours a very
joyous and happy new year."
Mason: "And tonight if you're out drinking and
thinking about driving home, don't do it for your sake
and those others around you."
All: "Happy New Year!"
Note: This spot was sponsored by the East Saint Louis
Chapter of AA
Updated 12/16/00
Glen Head, NY-
North
Shore Vikings. Most Disappointing team this season? The season
looked promising when the Vikings sprinted out to a 7-1 start. Then, it
went
downhill with a 9 game losing streak. But WAIT! North Shore deals
disgruntled SF Jamal Mashburn for the athletic Latrell Sprewell. Vikings
win
4 in a row and are back over .500. STOP THE PRESSES! Patricia Ewing
breaks
a nail, gets injured, back to a 4 game losing streak heading into a week off
before the 2nd two-thirds of the season kicks off on Wednesday, December 20.
Wait til u hear the bad news.
Recently, the Vikings held a
meeting in a hotel room in Hobokeville,
USA immediately following a 143-120 embarassment to the Fantasy Hobokes. The
team voted 13-1 in favor of not playing any longer for coach Andre Moskowitz
(Someone should tell Bonzi Wells that voting to keep the coach won't increase
your playing time. Actually, Bonzi will start the next game for North
Shore.) The President of Basketball Operations for North Shore, Andre
Moskowitz, heard about the vote and immediately contacted the players telling
them that there will be no coaching changes. At least not til the end of
the
season. Upon hearing of this news, Karl Malone, the Vikings' Captain, quit
icing his knees and issued a statement to his teammates. He talked about
how
they all should quit whining and complaining about their coach. They are
the
players and it is their God-Damn job to go out their and play hard and win,
God Damn it. The Vikings appeared inspired and ready to start their
playoff
surge. These dinosaurs pronounced that they want to make this season one
to
remember, because who knows where they'll be in the near future.
We'll havta wait and see until
Wednesday, December 20 when the
Vikings invade Massachusetts to find out if this is all some mumbo jumbo
bullshit or if this bball team is for real.
-Andre Moskowitz
-GLBA Newspaper Sports Columnist
FYI, BTW, P.S.: The Vikings organization had nothing to do with this article.
Updated 12/14/00
Updated Power Rankings for 12/14 from Jim Shue.
1: McDonald (17-5, last week 1): Tough loss to
Tatoonie the other night. They are still team to
beat.
2: Tatoonie (17-8, last week 2): Mysterious injuries
to Grant Hill and Alonzo Mourning have hampered this
club. When they return, they will be ready to claim
the crown.
3: East St Louis (18-4, last week 3): Winning the
games they should both home and away. When will they
play the real clubs?
4: Minneapolis (15-10, last week 4): If they could win
on the road consistently, look out above.
5: Delaware(14-10, last week 7): Great week for this
club taking command of their division, but look out
below Tinley is making a run.
6: Fantasy (13-12, last week 6): Ran into the
Minneapolis buzzsaw the other night otherwise, this
club is sound and has beaten #3 ESL twice this year.
7: Toledo (13-12, last week 13): Nice five game win
streak for the Rockets has them reaching for the
stars. They are the United Airlines Sky Climber award
this week.
8: Tinley (12-12, last week 12): Garnett and Webber
listened. Five game win streak for Tinley to bring
them to 12 wins.
9: North Shore (11-13, last week 8): Talk about
parity. FG%, 3FG% FT% and PPG are virtually the same
for North Shore and their opponents.
10: Magic (11-13, last week 9): Shaq leads league in
scoring at 30.3. He also lead the league in missed
free throws at 135. (Damnit, quit the rap albums)
11: North Raleigh (12-13, last week 5): Handful of
close losses and the inability to win at home must be
driving this team crazy. And being the Bungee Dropper
of the week wont help either.
12: East Lyme(10-14, last week 10): Having trouble
stopping opponents. You cant win games without
defense.
13: Rhode Island (10-14, last week 11): Cant win the
tight ones (1-3 in games decided by less than 5
points.)
14: Bean Town (8-16, last week 14): Starting 5 among
the best in the league. Too bad we cant say the same
about the bench. (So the question is why Morris
Peterson?)
15: Massachusettes (7-17, last week 15): On a four
game losing streak. Look to rebound tonight against
East Lyme. (Seems hes always looking to rebound)
16: French Lick (5-20, last week 16): Gets a chance at
revenge tonight at Toledo. Going to be a long trip
home for the Legends I think. (As usual)
Updated 12/7/00
Coach/GM Vince Ackerman wrote the following column for
the ESL Times.
This has certainly been a turbulent year in the GLBA.
>From the word go, there has been controversy, a ton of
trading and non-stop action on the court. I'm going
to tell you, we are certainly lucky to be where we are
at - at the top of the league's Southern Division,
with defending champ tatoonie one game back. Tatoonie
and North raleigh will certainly give chase all year.
They are both tough teams with good coaches who know
how to get alot of their players.
I look across the league and I see maybe one dominant
elite team - McDonald. Man, getting Tim Duncan took
balls, because he gave up both brand and stackhouse
for him, but it is paying dividends.
There are many teams in the same state as we are.
Very good teams that could knock off any team, but at
the same time lose to any team. Teams like North
Raleigh, Tatoonie, Minneaplois, Fantasy, Tinley,
Delaware, North Shore. Speaking of North Shore, they
are starting to show their age up there a bit. I
expect them to make a blockbuster move soon to get
back to the top of that division. My my, what has
happened to French Lick? They made the playoffs last
year, but are in the toilet this year. What gives Jim
Dunn?
I look forward to fun rest of the year while teams
conitnue to trade at a frantic pace. I don't see us
getting in any bidding wars for potential free agents,
but as the season winds down - you may see the
Convicts looking to add that one piece to a run at the
title. Until this weekend, good luck to all.
ESL Times reporter Jim Shue files his first power
rankings of the year.
1: McDonald (16-3): Duncan has turned this bridesmaid
into the lead dog.
2: Tatoonie (14-6): Don't let the recent poor stretch
fool you - come playoff time, they will be there again
3: East St Louis (14-4): Upstart club needs to prove
themselves against the league's best.
4: Minneapolis (12-8): Gary Payton tells league he is
the MVP. Can't prove him wrong yet.
5: North Raleigh (11-9): How the heck does he win so
much with that garbage? Is he Jesus?
6: Fantasy (11-9): Nice lineup. I'm shocked they're
not winning their division.
7: Delaware(11-9): Winning the games they should.
Losing the ones they should also.
8: North Shore (9-10): Ewing is on his last legs.
9: Magic (9-11): Shaq daddy is producing, but no one
else is.
10: East Lyme(9-10): Impressive win against Tatoonie.
Can he keep it up?
11: Rhode Island (8-12): Having trouble winning at
home (.500)
12: Tinley (8-12): Garnett and Webber should be able
to win 12 on their own.
13: Toledo (8-12): Marbury wants to carry the club.
Now if they could play defense as well as they score.
14: Bean Town (8-12): Team did a nice job 'rebuilding'
by getting quality for Duncan. Looks like they'll be
around for a while
15: Massachusettes (6-13): Another rough year for
Celtic Pride - maybe Pitino will threaten these guys.
16: French Lick (3-17): Nothing legendary happening
here.
Updated 12/6/00
Well, Well, Well, another exciting season has gotten under way in the
GLBA. A number of new coaches have been acquired to help revive some
previously deceased teams. Two of these rookie coaches are standing out
above the rest.. Coach Gardner, and Coach Casey of Fantasy and East Lyme
respectively. These two coaches have put together highly competitive lineups
that, might just get them into the playoffs.
One of these coaches in particular has suprised almost everyone, with
the one exception being himself. Jerl Casey came into the league not knowing
anything about this so called sim type of league. He was told a little about
how the league is run, and such things as that, but he was left in the dark
about a number of things. Well, unfortunatley Coach Casey was not able to
attend the draft due to some personal matters he had to take care of. So in
his absence, assistant Coach Comp. took the reins and made a few picks for
Coach Casey. These picks were probably the worst picks that could have come
from the draft. However, Casey only blamed himself stating, "I should have
been there, my team needed me and I let them down. I have vowed to them to
put every ounce of my efforts into the team from now on." And Coach Casey,
did exactly that.
East Lyme J-Train was ranked in the preseason, and to the teams
dismay, they were ranked dead last. This ultimatly disheartened the team on
the whole, but Casey following through on his promise managed to rally his
troops and head into battle. East Lyme was predicted to finish last in their
division, last in the league, and predicted to finish with a 15-57 record.
Coach Casey was not about to let that happen.
Preseason had begun and Coach Casey was working his team intensely on
and off the court. He made his players work extra hard in practise and
workout sessions, and he made them memorize playbooks, as well as scouting
reports. East Lyme J-Train worked Extremely hard in the preseason, but not
half as hard as Coach Casey worked. Casey made every effort to scout each
and every teams strengths and weakness', as well as attempt to devise a
perfect lineup which showcased everyone's talent. Finally, Casey had come up
with lineup that worked great. However, Casey wasn't content with great, he
wanted the ultimate lineup, he wanted perfection.
Now, about 20 games into the season Casey has made two very important
transactions with co-rookie phenom Coach Gardner. The first of which was the
trade of Dale Davis, Tranjan Langdon, and a 4th round pick from East Lyme,
for Shawon Marion and a 4th and 5th round pick. Coach Casey Obviously made
out on this trade. Not only did Casey need a SF with good minutes, but he
could afford to give up PF Davis, becuase the starters Kemp and Hill were
filling that spot nicely. However, Casey didn't only get some SF with
minutes, he acquired the number 1 SF in the 2000-2001 NBA season. Marion has
been doing unbelievably for the Suns this season, averaging a double-double
on the season. Casey was very pleased with how Marion helped the team out.
However, Casey was not through dealing. He continued his talks with Coach
Gardner and they made another agreement. ! Coach Gardner seeing what a mistake
it was to have traded Marion wanted him back, and Coach Casey was looking for
another young SG, SF, or PF. With Kemp doing so poorly in the NBA this
season, Casey new he had to work fast. Gardner decided that he wanted
potapenko, and marion for Austin Croshere a SF and Othella Harrington a PF.
Well This filled in two holes on East Lyme's roster but Casey thought what
about a SG. So Casey wheeled and dealed until, they agreed on the trading of
Marion, and Vitaley Potapenko from East Lyme for Croshere, Harrington and
Langdon. Coach Casey Got Langdon back and Gardner got Marion back. Coach
Casey also filled every hole he was looking to fill (lol)..
East Lyme has worked hard to get to a 9-10 record only 19 games in.
They have had some convincing wins against major opponents, but they also
have suffered some dissappointing loses. The series between Gardner and
Casey is knoted at 1 game a piece. I can't wait to see how the season
unfolds......
One final note, I feel this league could use a coach of the year vote,
as well as a rookie coach of the year vote... I think it would add to the
fun of this already enjoyable league.. Maybe we could also get a little
picture of a trophy next to the name of the coach, just like there is one for
previous years champions. I think that would be interesting and fun.. Good
luck coaches, rookies and Veterans alike!!!!!!
---Jerl Casey, East Lyme J-Train
Updated 11/28/00
ESL (AP)
As the Convicts completed their victory Saturday night
over Minneapolis, the team's thoughts
turned to the short vacation promised to them by Coach
Ackerman. "I promised them a few days off
if they could shut down Gary Payton and get the 'W'.
They fulfilled their end of the
bargain so I don't want to see them until next
Tuesday." The East St Louis Bulletin
polled some of the 11-3 Convicts to see what they were
doing with their break.
Shareef Abdur Rahim: " I'm going to eat like a horse
because Ramadan is around the corner."
Ray Allen: " Denzel invited me over for a little 1 on
1. I'm going to school him again."
Sam Cassell: " My agent and I want to see how much I'm
worth after my contract expires."
Theo Ratliff: " I'm going to try and grow two inches
so people will take me seriously as a center."
Anthony Mason: " It's going to involve strip clubs,
money and drinking and then more naked ladies."
Horace Grant: " Me and Harvey are going to get the
family together and have a good time."
Mike Miller and Jerome Moiso: " We have to wash
uniforms and make sure the limos pick all
the guys up. We take pride in being rookies on this
club. And yes, Mase threatened our lives
if we didn't say that."
The Convicts return to action Thursday night at home
against Tinley before going on the road for a
pair this weekend against divisional nemesis, North
Raleigh and current year tormentor, Fantasy.
Updated 11/18/00
ESL(AP)
What type of team are the Convicts? A high scoring
offensive machine or a tough as nails defensive team?
That's a question coach Vince Ackerman is trying to
answer as his team prepares to go on the road for two
games before the Thanksgiving break.
Here's a good example of the coach's frustrations to
get a handle on the club. After winning a shoot out
at home against Rhode Island 121-109, they went on the
road and beat Massachusettes in a defensive struggle,
107-89. The team is averaging
a whopping 109 points a game, which for a Convicts
team is large (last year, they average 98 a game), but
is giving up an average of 101 a game, which again is
high for the Convicts who last year gave up in the
range of 94 a game.
There are many questions surrounding this team:
- Can they win on the road?
- Can Shareef Abdur Rahim be consistent throughout the
year and continue to carry this team?
- Can Sam Cassell go a full season without getting
injured or bitching about his contract?
- Can the Convicts make the most out of Ratliff's
minutes?
- Who really is the team's power forward?
- Will the GM pull the trigger on a deal if he thinks
he can win it all?
- How will Ray Allen and Sam Cassell respond to the
reduced minutes each are seeing?
- Can they find a consistent scorer off the bench?
The Convicts travel to Delaware and defending champion
Tatooine this weekend and come home for a game against
division rival French Lick on Tuesday before getting a
few days off for Turkey Day.
East Saint Louis (AP) - The East Saint Louis Convicts
ended their first week of the new season with an
exciting 114-104 victory over last year's defending
champ, the Tatooine Twin Suns. This capped off a 3-1
homestand for the upstart Convicts. The Convicts
started the season with a surprising victory against
last year's runner-up, the McDonald Blue Ballers, and
followed that game up with a resounding loss to the
hands of the Fantasy Hobokes. On Saturday, Delaware
fell victim to the Convicts sometimes suffocating
defense. All of this adds up to a club that has
multiple personalities and who knows which one will
show up on Tuesday when they travel to McDonald in an
early season rematch with the Blue Ballers.
"On paper, I look at my roster and see a lot of good
solid players, but chemistry is not a forte of many of
them. I can shut teams down on defense or run them
out of the gym. What I've tried to do is force some
chemistry on this club and so far I seem to be
succeeding right now. I'm sure this won't last all
year," discussed Coach Ackerman. The team has already
started a few different lineups and many different
players see minutes during the course of the game. "I
can see me having 40 different lineups this year and
I'm not lying about that. I have many interchangeable
parts on this club." Two stalwarts from year's past
have returned for this campaign. Shareef Abdur Rahim
is averaging a double- double so far this season and
Ray Allen has started off slowly, shooting 31% so far
this year. Ackerman stated, "Ray has struggled to
find his touch after having a fine preseason.
Thankfully, others have picked up the slack. Look for
Allen to turn it up a notch in the next couple of
weeks. "
The Convicts play at McDonald Tuesday and finish the
weekend by hosting Massachusetts, Toledo and the
Magic. Tickets are available for the Massachusetts
game which will be Convicts handcuff night at the
Prison.
Hello to all you GLBA fans out there, another season has started and we
will be here periodically through the season to state some facts and
opinions. Without delay, here is the first issue.
NORTH
A very offensive minded division with Rhode Island leading there. This team
has no deffense and no big man, which will hurt them. They have tons of
scoring, look for a trade here if they wanna competer. Minn might be the
sleeper here, the best guards in the league with Kobe and GP. McDyess
brings a defensive force that lacks in a few other teams in this division,
only coaching will stop this team from making the playoffs. North Shore
makes one more run at it with his old guys. They should be renamed the
North Shore Jazz...Malone is still all pro here and if they can get one more
go from Ewing, that can make a push. The only future they have is in
Francis and Van Horn, can someone say ouch? Finally that brings us to
Fantasy....one of the new teams....
a solid team with nice roll players. Finley is the scoring here, and Dale
Davis and Mutumbo bring very good defense up front. This team will surprise
some teams. PREDICTION
MINN
NS
RI
FAN
SOUTH
Might be the best overall division in the league. The threepeat of
Tatooine will be tough. They hold the best and deepest froncourt in the
league. Grant Hill is the the glue, but Zo will set the tone. The
backcourt once again lacks very much and wasnt upgraded during the
offseason, but coaching can hide that. Odom should log some minutes at PG
to help that. East St Louis might have been the biggest disappointment last
season really underachieving. Part was due to coaching and part do to the
players. The team is lead by Ray Allen, one of the best players in the
league. Rahim gets another chance to prove that he is among the best and
getting Cassell back for the season will help. A lack of a true center will
hurt if they want to advance far. North Raleigh was a pleasant surprise
last year. due to very good coaching. The roster is thin and doesnt have a
go to guy. If they make the playoffs again this year, it will be because of
the coaching, not much to look at on this roster. French Lick was a 500
team last season and will look to improve. A solid starting 5, but after
that there isnt much. Wallace and Pierce will have to carry this team and
logo alot of minutes if FL is going to improve on last years record. Any
kind of injury will kill this team. PREDICTION
TAT
ESL
FL
NR
WEST
This division has three new teams and one team that should do better then
it should. Tinley has the horses in Webber and one of the best young
players in Garnett, but cant seem to put it together. Reggie Miller can
still bomb, which should keep teams from double teaming the two big guys
inside. Armstrong is a sparkplug and might be better served coming off the
bench. Delaware is led by the young duo of Carter and Walker, the question
is....who can outshoot the other? Marshall is a nice compliment to one of
these guys. Stocton is around for another season and will lead the league
in asts with all the shoots the young guys will take. East Lyme is placed
in the west...hmmmm...strange, must have those NFL maps. They have a solid
center in David Robinson, but Kemp is not the player he use to be. I would
shop Robinson around and see if you can get a nice deal for him and build
with some nice youth. Artest is decent and after that there isnt much.
Hill is nice trade bait. Look for a diffrent team at the end of the
season, if not, look for the same results next year as this year. Bean town
brings up the divsion, had the best young player out there, but elected to
trade him to an already powerhouse. The team is filled with young players
and will take a while for them to develope. Strickland should be elsewhere
by the trading deadline. Brand is a nice player to buid around and Stack
will bring all the shots you need. Candy is a nice big center, but thats
all he is right now. PREDICTION
TIN
BT
DEL
EL
EAST
This division has the most favored team in the league since "The Trade"
Duncan should be enough to push the Blueballers over the top. Duncan teamed
with Brown and Pipper might make the toughest defensive team in the league.
Iverson and Kidd can challenge the Lakers duo for best backcourt in the
league. The only question is, if Iverson actually helps this team more then
he hurts them. There isnt much depth on the team due to rookies, but
Sabonis is nice to bring off the bench. Magic could give McDonald a nice
run for their money. Shaq is a force in the middle and the Dunca/Shaq
matchup will be nice. A PF will kill this team if McDonald goes to the big
lineup. Eddie Jones is a great compliment to Shaq and Rice/Ritchmond coming
off the bench? Look for them to get some starting minutes once the team
starts to falter some. Toledo doesnt have much to look at. Might want to
look at starting over. One of the original expansion teams, they never
really got it together. Rose and Marbury is nice pieces to build around.
If the owner was more active, this team could be better, untill then, its
just an easy win. That leaves the Celtic Pride, the lineup isnt
outstanding, but it has solid players in it. The owner is always trading
trying to find the right mix. They have some nice trade material on the
team to go along with the ever troubled Rider. Look for alot more trading.
PREDICTION
MCD
MAG
MASS
TOL
Any comments are welcomed and wanted.
Thank You
Ben
Updated 5/19/00
On the eve of Tatoonies (RN United) 2nd straight GLBA Finals, we were able
to catch up with owner/gm Robert Newsome....here are a few comments.
Hey coach....any comments on the finals? "Well, we are once again glad to be
playing my good friend James in the Finals....last year, we were able to come
out on top, but I think James has more talent this year." Before the season,
many people thought that you would not be facing McDonald again in the
Finals....."Well...what can I say? We struggled the first half of the
season, but we really turned it on in the 2nd half and are peaking at the
right time. McDonald has done a fantastic job this year, and we are very
pleased to be facing him. According to some people, it was a bit of an upset
McDonald being in the finals, but I dont see it." What about comments made
about an owner and his team winning it this year? "Hmm....well, I really
didnt want to get into it...other then, once again, he will be watching the
Finals at home...to be the best, you have to beat the best, and from the
finals, we know who the best are..... as far as the feared two headed
monster...look out for Zo and Geiger counter...hahahaha....guess its the
coaching..." Coach, big loss of Robinson for game 1, any changes?
"Well...obviously some changes will be need to be made on offense.....as will
our defense....look for us to make Iverson work for everything...last series,
he played as if there was no defense, so we need to put a lid on what he
does....as far as offense, we have to hope our defense plays well enough..and
we get enough offense from the role players, anything can happen....."
Thanks for the time coach good luck tomorrow..."Thanks, we are going to need
it...."
Thanks
Rob
UPDATED 5/20/00
Greetings........
Well, well, well......here we are, at the finals. Lets get a few words from
the owner/coach of the Blue Ballers.
Coach....how's it feel to be battling it out for a championship? "It feels
good, and it makes it even better than our good buddy Rob and his Tatooine
team made it also. Its a win win situation for us."
How do you feel your team matches up with Tattoine? "Well, they are a
tremendously balanced team.....i like our matchup with them in the backcourt,
with Kidd and Iverson. They most definitley have the upper hand when it
comes to Center....Mourning is one of the better ones. I think we match up
well with them.....but i guess we'll see.
What about the series against the "twin towers", how has that effected your
team? It hasn't effected us in anyway.....if anything, it's made us a better
team. Their owner ran his mouth at the beginning of the season, and all
throughout it about how nobody could beat the twin towers.........well, i
have one thing to say....we came in, we bitchslapped them in their own house
2 games in a row and we are at the finals while they sit at home watching and
waiting for next season. Case closed.
Lets get the league's scoring champ in here for a quick question....Allen, in
your mind, what are the keys to this series? "Siiiiit, you know...we
just gotta take advantage of the first few games bein in our house. Me and
Jaykidd gots to take control.....and hope the big men hold their own. And
yo....take note, from now on.....i will be referred to as...."The Main
Event". Cause fact is....i'm what everyone comes to see.....siiiiit."
Lol...well, there you have it...a little on the cocky side...but i guess if
you can walk the walk...then that entitles you to talk the talk. And i would
say a 31 ppg average throughout the season and a 33 ppg average in the
Chambana series would qualify.
Thanks and good luck to Rob
James
McDonald Blue Ballers
