Not a bad debut for Brian Walsh as Vipers Acting Head Coach. No one from ownership or from the basketball operations department would admit that this is an audition for Brian Walsh to be the permanent Head Coach of the RGV Vipers, but we all know that it is. Frankly in two games, with the energy that the Vipers have shown, and of course the back to back wins against a team that had won six of seven coming into Dodge Arena, I think Walsh has put himself in a strong position to be named the head coach permanently.
I have been asked by a lot of people in the last week about Brian's credentials and if he should be the coach. I have always begun my answer with, "He has won everywhere he has been." He is a winner, and he knows the minor leagues. I know that Bob Hoffman was probably the right fit last May. Brian Walsh is the right fit this April. He knows the pro game. He is looking to do two things. 1) Put a winner on the floor every night. and 2) Get to the NBA.
We all kind of knew what Coach Hoffman wanted to do when he came back to the RGV last year. We all knew he was going back to the college game at some point. It just happened to be on weird terms. I don't fault Hoffman for doing what he did like some people do. But, here is the thing now, Hoffman was not the right fit, Walsh is.
Walsh won a title in the USBL, been to the final game of the CBA Finals with Dakota, been to the Finals in the D-League with Colorado. I could go on with his resume, but you get the point.
Names aren't going to win you games. They may sell tickets in the beginning, but you know what sells tickets from the midpoint on... WINS. Look at the coaches who are the winners in this league.
Brian Gates (Idaho Stampede)- A long time minor league coach. USBL, CBA, D-League. Never played a minute of college basketball let alone pro hoops, and he is going win (likely) his second straight D-league Coach of the Year award.
Dan Panaggio(LA D-Fenders)-Coached in the CBA and at the NBA level as an assistant. They have also clinched a playoff spot and are plus 30 wins.
Joe Wolf (Colorado 14ers)- Coached in Idaho before Brian Gates...former NBA player but was not a name by any stretch. The were one win from the D-League title last year.
Duane Ticknor. (Dakota Wizards) another minor league guy.... See a pattern here?
I could go on... but you get my point... Give him a chance. He has earned it, and he wants to be here.
Mar 31, 2008
Mar 20, 2008
Toros Ram Past Vipers
A strong defensive effort from the Austin Toros, and a poor shooting night from the entire Rio Grande Valley roster led to the lowest point total in franchise history as the Vipers fell 110-75 to the Austin Toros Thursday night at the Austin Convention Center. The win for the Toros breaks their four game losing skid, and the loss for the Vipers is their third straight defeat away from Dodge Arena.
The Vipers kept the game close in the first half despite shooting just 31% from the field. They lead for the majority of the first quarter before surrendering the lead at the 4:45 mark on a Serge Angounou bank shot from the wing giving the Toros a 14-12 advantage. The Vipers unfortunately would not sniff the lead for the remainder of the game. The Toros outscored the Vipers 22-18 in the second quarter and led 46-36 at intermission.
After the Vipers closed a 10-point halftime deficit to three, the Toros exploded for a 19-3 run and would lead by 25 at the end of the third quarter. Rio Grande Valley did not fare much better into the fourth as Austin outscored RGV 33-23 and ran their lead to as many as 40 points as the Vipers could not find the answer offensively to the stifling Austin defense. Rio Grande Valley shot just 32% from the field in the loss.
Ivan Johnson led the scoring load for the Vipers with 18 points off the bench. Vipers leading scorer Desmon Farmer was limited to only 17 points on 5-16 shooting. Kris Collins in his second straight start for the banged up Quin Humphrey scored 13 on a poor shooting night for him as well.
The Toros had six players tally double figures, and everyone on their roster scored. Marcus Williams scored 25 to lead the way for the Austin. Justin Bowen added a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards, while DeMarr Johnson scored 19 in the Toros 26th win of the season.
The Vipers 75 points on Thursday, is the lowest point total in the young history of the franchise. The Vipers will play their final game versus their in-state rival on Friday night with a 7:00 pm tip-off at the Austin Convention Center.
The Vipers kept the game close in the first half despite shooting just 31% from the field. They lead for the majority of the first quarter before surrendering the lead at the 4:45 mark on a Serge Angounou bank shot from the wing giving the Toros a 14-12 advantage. The Vipers unfortunately would not sniff the lead for the remainder of the game. The Toros outscored the Vipers 22-18 in the second quarter and led 46-36 at intermission.
After the Vipers closed a 10-point halftime deficit to three, the Toros exploded for a 19-3 run and would lead by 25 at the end of the third quarter. Rio Grande Valley did not fare much better into the fourth as Austin outscored RGV 33-23 and ran their lead to as many as 40 points as the Vipers could not find the answer offensively to the stifling Austin defense. Rio Grande Valley shot just 32% from the field in the loss.
Ivan Johnson led the scoring load for the Vipers with 18 points off the bench. Vipers leading scorer Desmon Farmer was limited to only 17 points on 5-16 shooting. Kris Collins in his second straight start for the banged up Quin Humphrey scored 13 on a poor shooting night for him as well.
The Toros had six players tally double figures, and everyone on their roster scored. Marcus Williams scored 25 to lead the way for the Austin. Justin Bowen added a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards, while DeMarr Johnson scored 19 in the Toros 26th win of the season.
The Vipers 75 points on Thursday, is the lowest point total in the young history of the franchise. The Vipers will play their final game versus their in-state rival on Friday night with a 7:00 pm tip-off at the Austin Convention Center.
Pre Game Austin vs RGV 3/20
Well its time for the Vipers to return to the city where we last saw CJ Watson. The Vipers played some entertaining games versus the Toros this year. Most specifically this one back on January 5th a Double OT defeat to the Vipers and see the end of CJ Watson tenure with RGV and he went out with a 42 point explosion.
Celebrity watch: Round Rock Express broadcaster Mike Capps is in the building. We hope to have him for a halftime interview. Also The Monitor's Sports Editor Wade Baker is in the building as well.
End of 1st qtr--
Vipers 18
Toros 24
Vipers started strong and sputtered out at the end of the period. Ivan Johnson is a difference maker and the big news is Ian Mahinmi is in foul trouble again as he picked up two quick fouls.
5:06 Remaining 2nd Qtr
Vipers 33
Toros 38
The game has slowed down a bit and there have been more missed shots. Both teams are playing pretty good defense. Ivan Johnson is on the bench, but he continues to play well for the Vipers as he is sitting with 12 points now and has a huge block shot off the backboard.
Celebrity watch: Round Rock Express broadcaster Mike Capps is in the building. We hope to have him for a halftime interview. Also The Monitor's Sports Editor Wade Baker is in the building as well.
End of 1st qtr--
Vipers 18
Toros 24
Vipers started strong and sputtered out at the end of the period. Ivan Johnson is a difference maker and the big news is Ian Mahinmi is in foul trouble again as he picked up two quick fouls.
5:06 Remaining 2nd Qtr
Vipers 33
Toros 38
The game has slowed down a bit and there have been more missed shots. Both teams are playing pretty good defense. Ivan Johnson is on the bench, but he continues to play well for the Vipers as he is sitting with 12 points now and has a huge block shot off the backboard.
Mar 19, 2008
LAST ROAD TRIP; COACH HOFFMAN NEWS
Well I am sure a lot of you were wondering where I have been lately. Well lets just say first of I was recovering a bit after a long last weekend. Calling three games in three nights in two cities with travel mixed in took its toll on my body and voice So I am waiting till Wednesday to blog on a great many things.
First, congrats to the Vipers on their big win over Austin at the Dodge on Sunday. They have been playing great basketball lately. Even in their loss in Tulsa they have been fighting hard for each and every minute. I like this team. I like being around them. They are fighters and they work hard. They deserve a better hand than they have been dealt. Oh and here is a interesting fact, if the Vipers can win these next two games in Austin, they will have split the season series with the Toros. I think they can do it. They are a very different team without Keith Langford, and the Vipers are a very different team with Ivan Johnson. I am expecting at least a split in Austin. They aren't the same dominant team without Kris Lang and Keith Langford.
Secondly, congrats to the Houston Rockets on their 22 game winning streak. I know there are still a lot of people including this guy who think the Rockets are not a true title contender, and maybe they aren't but you have to give them credit for making history over the last month and a half. This is a fun team to watch and it completely exemplifies what the D-League is about with all the former D-Leaguers that are on their roster. The energy is back in Houston for basketball, and it was wonderful to see Toyota Center packed and rocking at the opening tip. I have been to the Toyota Center and seen the late arriving crowds, or the non existing crowds. I was a kid when they won their back-to-back titles and I remember how raucous The Summit would get. I am really enjoying this ride by Houston. Title or not this year, they are winning games without their biggest star. Take your hat off to them, they have earned it.
Also I am sure you have all heard by now that Vipers Head Coach Bob Hoffman has interviewed for the vacant head coaching position at Mercer University. There is always a ton of movement in college basketball around this time, check out the current death pool on this nice page on ESPN.com. It is no secret that Coach Hoffman is a much more comfortable in a college environment. It is one of the things that is hard about pro coaching, especially in the D-League where you can lose players all the time to either Europe or to the NBA. Whichever situation is chosen I will be happy for coach, because he always makes the best move in which to take care of his family, which is admirable. If coach does decide to leave I would nominate Vipers Assistant Coach Brian Walsh for the job. He is a winner, and knows the minor leagues like the back of his hand.
NOTES: Stay tuned for my March Madness Blog...FYI The D-League announced team #16 this week, and as I predicted it is in Erie, PA. Also it should be noted that the former Vipers owners Mark Pollock and Steven Demetriou are involved with the project. Expect the Cavs affiliation to move here. The question now is will the Vipers be down to only two affiliates. It looks that way, as the D-League is at 16 teams teams now which is more than half of the NBA's 30 teams. The Spurs and Lakers have their teams, so that drops the NBA total to 28 and the D-League total to 14. A perfect fit for two affiliates each. We know one will be Houston , will New Orleans be the other? Or could we see another Eastern Conference team? This news also popped up about one of the best teams in the ABA...boy that was an oxymoron huh, that's like being the best hockey player in Mexico. Sounds like they want in the D-League, but who knows how serious their application will be taken serious. It wouldn't be a first for the D-League to admit an ABA team, but your talking about an outrageous boost in expenses, especially with the team being in Canada. I just don't see it happening.
First, congrats to the Vipers on their big win over Austin at the Dodge on Sunday. They have been playing great basketball lately. Even in their loss in Tulsa they have been fighting hard for each and every minute. I like this team. I like being around them. They are fighters and they work hard. They deserve a better hand than they have been dealt. Oh and here is a interesting fact, if the Vipers can win these next two games in Austin, they will have split the season series with the Toros. I think they can do it. They are a very different team without Keith Langford, and the Vipers are a very different team with Ivan Johnson. I am expecting at least a split in Austin. They aren't the same dominant team without Kris Lang and Keith Langford.
Secondly, congrats to the Houston Rockets on their 22 game winning streak. I know there are still a lot of people including this guy who think the Rockets are not a true title contender, and maybe they aren't but you have to give them credit for making history over the last month and a half. This is a fun team to watch and it completely exemplifies what the D-League is about with all the former D-Leaguers that are on their roster. The energy is back in Houston for basketball, and it was wonderful to see Toyota Center packed and rocking at the opening tip. I have been to the Toyota Center and seen the late arriving crowds, or the non existing crowds. I was a kid when they won their back-to-back titles and I remember how raucous The Summit would get. I am really enjoying this ride by Houston. Title or not this year, they are winning games without their biggest star. Take your hat off to them, they have earned it.
Also I am sure you have all heard by now that Vipers Head Coach Bob Hoffman has interviewed for the vacant head coaching position at Mercer University. There is always a ton of movement in college basketball around this time, check out the current death pool on this nice page on ESPN.com. It is no secret that Coach Hoffman is a much more comfortable in a college environment. It is one of the things that is hard about pro coaching, especially in the D-League where you can lose players all the time to either Europe or to the NBA. Whichever situation is chosen I will be happy for coach, because he always makes the best move in which to take care of his family, which is admirable. If coach does decide to leave I would nominate Vipers Assistant Coach Brian Walsh for the job. He is a winner, and knows the minor leagues like the back of his hand.
NOTES: Stay tuned for my March Madness Blog...FYI The D-League announced team #16 this week, and as I predicted it is in Erie, PA. Also it should be noted that the former Vipers owners Mark Pollock and Steven Demetriou are involved with the project. Expect the Cavs affiliation to move here. The question now is will the Vipers be down to only two affiliates. It looks that way, as the D-League is at 16 teams teams now which is more than half of the NBA's 30 teams. The Spurs and Lakers have their teams, so that drops the NBA total to 28 and the D-League total to 14. A perfect fit for two affiliates each. We know one will be Houston , will New Orleans be the other? Or could we see another Eastern Conference team? This news also popped up about one of the best teams in the ABA...boy that was an oxymoron huh, that's like being the best hockey player in Mexico. Sounds like they want in the D-League, but who knows how serious their application will be taken serious. It wouldn't be a first for the D-League to admit an ABA team, but your talking about an outrageous boost in expenses, especially with the team being in Canada. I just don't see it happening.
Mar 14, 2008
Vipers Comeback Falls Short at Tulsa
Tulsa, OK; March 14, 2008-
Despite falling behind by 18 points on a hot shooting night by the Tulsa 66ers, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers fought their way back to tie the game at the end of regulation, but ultimately fell short of the win. The Vipers fell to the Tulsa 66ers 123-117 in overtime at Expo Square Pavilion Friday night. The Vipers loss now guarantees a below .500 season for the first year franchise. The loss is their second straight overall and on the road.
The Vipers fell behind early, due to the sizzling start by Tulsa. The 66ers shot 80% from the field and from three-point range in the first quarter and led 43-27 after the first period. Tulsa would relinquish their double-digit lead only twice for the next two quarters. Tulsa led 87-75 after three quarters.
A 16-8 run to start the 4th quarter pulled RGV to within four points and prompted an immediate timeout from 66ers Head Coach Joey Meyer. The Vipers did not lead for the entire game until there was 2:53 remaining in regulation when Kris Collins scored to give RGV a 103-102 lead. The Vipers would lead just once more in the rest of the game.
Tulsa led by three points in the final minute of regulation until Desmon Farmer tallied a three-point play that tied the game at 108. Rio Grande Valley had a chance to win it with 2.7 seconds remaining in regulation, but Trent Strickland’s runner in the lane fell short, forcing overtime.
Adam Harrington was lights-out from the outside for Tulsa. The former Auburn Tiger scored a season high 36 points before fouling out. Harrington hit two big threes in overtime on back-to-back possessions to give the 66ers a six-point lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Farmer scored a new Vipers franchise record 44 points in the Viper loss. Farmer was four points away from his career high set last season as a member of the 66ers. Five other Vipers scored in double figures including Ivan Johnson’s 14 points and 12 rebounds in his Viper debut. Kris Collins was two assists away from a double-double after scoring 14 points of his own.
Rio Grande Valley will play three straight games versus the Austin Toros with the first being at Dodge Arena on Sunday night. Tip-off for Sunday’s game is 5:00 pm.
Despite falling behind by 18 points on a hot shooting night by the Tulsa 66ers, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers fought their way back to tie the game at the end of regulation, but ultimately fell short of the win. The Vipers fell to the Tulsa 66ers 123-117 in overtime at Expo Square Pavilion Friday night. The Vipers loss now guarantees a below .500 season for the first year franchise. The loss is their second straight overall and on the road.
The Vipers fell behind early, due to the sizzling start by Tulsa. The 66ers shot 80% from the field and from three-point range in the first quarter and led 43-27 after the first period. Tulsa would relinquish their double-digit lead only twice for the next two quarters. Tulsa led 87-75 after three quarters.
A 16-8 run to start the 4th quarter pulled RGV to within four points and prompted an immediate timeout from 66ers Head Coach Joey Meyer. The Vipers did not lead for the entire game until there was 2:53 remaining in regulation when Kris Collins scored to give RGV a 103-102 lead. The Vipers would lead just once more in the rest of the game.
Tulsa led by three points in the final minute of regulation until Desmon Farmer tallied a three-point play that tied the game at 108. Rio Grande Valley had a chance to win it with 2.7 seconds remaining in regulation, but Trent Strickland’s runner in the lane fell short, forcing overtime.
Adam Harrington was lights-out from the outside for Tulsa. The former Auburn Tiger scored a season high 36 points before fouling out. Harrington hit two big threes in overtime on back-to-back possessions to give the 66ers a six-point lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Farmer scored a new Vipers franchise record 44 points in the Viper loss. Farmer was four points away from his career high set last season as a member of the 66ers. Five other Vipers scored in double figures including Ivan Johnson’s 14 points and 12 rebounds in his Viper debut. Kris Collins was two assists away from a double-double after scoring 14 points of his own.
Rio Grande Valley will play three straight games versus the Austin Toros with the first being at Dodge Arena on Sunday night. Tip-off for Sunday’s game is 5:00 pm.
Vipers at Tulsa
Last 10 games of the year, can't hold anything back now. I am sure that is what both team's are thinking as the two Southwest Division foes renew acquaintances for the first time since February 1st. The Vipers did not fare well the last time they played here but it was also the first time RGV had Desmon Farmer on their roster. Since then Desmon has been a big time scorer for the Vipers since then, including the 40 points he put up on Monday versus Colorado.
BREAKING NEWS:
Milwaukee releases David Noel, so his assignment with Tulsa is also over and he will not play.
ALSO FYI: Congratulations goes out to UTPA beat writer Jason McDaniel's marriage to his fiance' Sylvia today.
End of the 1st Quarter-
Vipers-27
Tulsa-42
Vipers trail after a red hot first quarter from the Tulsa 66ers. Adam Harrington, who has stepped up his game recently has 12 1st quarter points. The 66ers shot 80% from the field 16/20 in the first period of play.
Note: Ivan Johnson had his first basket as a Viper. Offensive rebound and a thank you very much dunk... Welcome to RGV Ivan.
2nd Qtr update--5:49 remaining
Vipers-36
Tulsa - 49
66ers have cooled off a bit, but the Vipers can't seem to close the game as of yet.
2nd Qtr update 2:28 remaining
Vipers -43
Tulsa- 61
Vipers can't find their touch and the 66ers can't miss. Chris Ellis has been a beast for them. He has at least three dunks in this game. The offesnive sparkplug Kris Collins has finally hit a hoop.
3rd Quarter Update--
Vipers 60
Tulsa 68
The Vipers have started the third quarter on a 12-3 run including back-to-back threes from Desmon Farmer and are within 8 promting a Joey Meyer Time-out.
End of 3rd Qtr-
Vipers 75
Tulsa 87
A twelve point differential is doable, but will be difficult. A back and forth quarter saw the Vipers pull within eight. However this 66er squad stops any rally the Vipers throw at them. Desmon leads all scorers with 26 points.
4th Quarter Update 8:11 remaining.
Vipers 91
Tulsa 95
A nice run by Rio to start the 4th. 16-8 run to be exact. Desmon Farmer, Ivan Johnson and Trent Strickland all have 3-pointers. They are within 4. Lets see if they can keep it going.
4th Qtr Update- 3:14 remaining.
Vipers 101
Tulsa 102
Well they kept it going. The Vipers and 66ers both want this game. Joey Meyer Time-out. Vipers have possession. Stay tuned.
4th Quarter Update- 25.7 remaining.
Vipers 108
Tulsa 108
Big and-one by Desmon Farmer Tulsa ball...
2.7 remaining.
Adam Harrington misses a potential game winner. Vipers rebound. Timeout
End of Regulation
Vipers 108
Tulsa 108
After a horn blunder.. The Vipers got it into Trent Strickland who missed a runner in the lane to send the game into overtime. Great Comeback by the Vipers!!!
End of Game
The Vipers were outscored 15-9 in the overtime and fell 123-117. Desmon Farmer scored a Franchise record 44 points but the Vipers comeback fell a few possessions short. Stay tuned for the release.
BREAKING NEWS:
Milwaukee releases David Noel, so his assignment with Tulsa is also over and he will not play.
ALSO FYI: Congratulations goes out to UTPA beat writer Jason McDaniel's marriage to his fiance' Sylvia today.
End of the 1st Quarter-
Vipers-27
Tulsa-42
Vipers trail after a red hot first quarter from the Tulsa 66ers. Adam Harrington, who has stepped up his game recently has 12 1st quarter points. The 66ers shot 80% from the field 16/20 in the first period of play.
Note: Ivan Johnson had his first basket as a Viper. Offensive rebound and a thank you very much dunk... Welcome to RGV Ivan.
2nd Qtr update--5:49 remaining
Vipers-36
Tulsa - 49
66ers have cooled off a bit, but the Vipers can't seem to close the game as of yet.
2nd Qtr update 2:28 remaining
Vipers -43
Tulsa- 61
Vipers can't find their touch and the 66ers can't miss. Chris Ellis has been a beast for them. He has at least three dunks in this game. The offesnive sparkplug Kris Collins has finally hit a hoop.
3rd Quarter Update--
Vipers 60
Tulsa 68
The Vipers have started the third quarter on a 12-3 run including back-to-back threes from Desmon Farmer and are within 8 promting a Joey Meyer Time-out.
End of 3rd Qtr-
Vipers 75
Tulsa 87
A twelve point differential is doable, but will be difficult. A back and forth quarter saw the Vipers pull within eight. However this 66er squad stops any rally the Vipers throw at them. Desmon leads all scorers with 26 points.
4th Quarter Update 8:11 remaining.
Vipers 91
Tulsa 95
A nice run by Rio to start the 4th. 16-8 run to be exact. Desmon Farmer, Ivan Johnson and Trent Strickland all have 3-pointers. They are within 4. Lets see if they can keep it going.
4th Qtr Update- 3:14 remaining.
Vipers 101
Tulsa 102
Well they kept it going. The Vipers and 66ers both want this game. Joey Meyer Time-out. Vipers have possession. Stay tuned.
4th Quarter Update- 25.7 remaining.
Vipers 108
Tulsa 108
Big and-one by Desmon Farmer Tulsa ball...
2.7 remaining.
Adam Harrington misses a potential game winner. Vipers rebound. Timeout
End of Regulation
Vipers 108
Tulsa 108
After a horn blunder.. The Vipers got it into Trent Strickland who missed a runner in the lane to send the game into overtime. Great Comeback by the Vipers!!!
End of Game
The Vipers were outscored 15-9 in the overtime and fell 123-117. Desmon Farmer scored a Franchise record 44 points but the Vipers comeback fell a few possessions short. Stay tuned for the release.
Mar 13, 2008
Final Stretch for the RGV Vipers
Every time I get involved in a homestretch of a season it has always been under different circumstances. There is something about the final 10 to 15 games of any season that is interesting. Sometimes you are involved in the playoff races, sometimes you are way ahead and clinched your playoff spot weeks ago and are trying to make sure you are healthy and clicking come playoff time. Other times you are the team on the outside looking in and trying to play the spoiler roll. Then there are sometimes where you are just bad, and have nothing to play for at the end.
We are still in the playoff hunt, but lets face it, the teams that are in front of us are going to have to completely have a tailspin for us to crack the postseason. We are in that spoiler roll and making sure we have the right core of talent to build on for next year. Recruiting will only be that much easier for the Vipers next year because of the core we have assembled for next year.
But I want to get back on the topic of the last few games of any season. It is just odd how everyone and every team will look at these last few games differently. For example in 2004 when I was broadcasting with the Edinburg Roadrunners, we clinched a playoff spot in June and the playoffs weren't until late August. The team didn't let up but the last few days what did Chad Tredaway do? He set up his rotation for the playoffs. Made sure all the bullpen arms got their work in, and tinkered with the line-up to make sure he had the right one come day one of the playoffs. What happened, well the team went 6-0 in the postseason and we hoisted the championship trophy.
Well what about my first year with UTPA. We had a team that had won only 2 D-1 victories the entire season, and frankly just went through the motions the final 10 games. It wasn't fun. Plus the kids had nothing to look forward to. No postseason tournament since they weren't in a conference, and no hope what so ever about being the in NCAA tournament.
This is really my first year in the spoiler roll. Oddly enough our arena mates seem to be in the same boat. Frankly, it has some advantages. There is no pressure, the games are exciting because we are playing hard because our guys are playing for pride and for jobs on either the Vipers or other D-League teams next year. Plus, we are trying to keep the teams we are facing out of the playoffs.
FYI: We aquired Ivan Johnson from Anaheim in a very odd trade. Not because it was the first 3-team trade in D-League history. No. It was because we traded a player that not only never played for us, but we traded a guy who we thought we were going to get assigned to us all season long in Adam Haluska. He was with the Hornets, got hurt. Was wearing a boot for a few months and seemed like a perfect fit for a New Orleans assignment. It never happened, Haluska was then traded, oddly enough to our other affiliate in Houston in the Bonzi Wells trade. So we thought he we will finally get him since there is no way he will be in their rotation. Well he wasn't in Houston's plan at all and was released. He signed a D-League contract and we claimed him and sent him to Iowa. Probably better for Adam, he played college ball at Iowa, he is from Iowa and will help them draw some fans. Plus we needed a big man anyways. So lets hope Ivan make basket.... many of them.
Also Todd had Coach Hoffman on this week on Living the Beat, or Riding the Beat, or Beating the Beat, Or whatever his little videocast is called. Frankly I am a little hurt that I haven't been a guest on the show yet. But, you know what, Todd has his reasons, and I am not going to get all "feelings" like this guy did when I didn't place him on my blogroll. HA HA.. kidding Brian...only kidding. By the way I just found out Brian is a sports genius...How? He Stumped the Schwab!! ... Here is the info
Well I will close this post, I will try to be more frequent here over the course of the weekend. A lot of people ask why I don't post more and why my post's are so long. Frankly it is because I need time to write, something interesting to write about, and the motivation to write. I love to write and when I write, I write long and take a lot of time with posts, because I want my readers to be well informed with the information I present.
By the way, I welcome comments and e-mails. E-mails at vipersradio@gmail.com or comment below. I would love to have a mail-bag every so often to answer your questions. Even if they are for some of the guys, or Coach Hoffman I will be happy to pass the question along and post the answer here.
Until next time...Stay out of the paint...
We are still in the playoff hunt, but lets face it, the teams that are in front of us are going to have to completely have a tailspin for us to crack the postseason. We are in that spoiler roll and making sure we have the right core of talent to build on for next year. Recruiting will only be that much easier for the Vipers next year because of the core we have assembled for next year.
But I want to get back on the topic of the last few games of any season. It is just odd how everyone and every team will look at these last few games differently. For example in 2004 when I was broadcasting with the Edinburg Roadrunners, we clinched a playoff spot in June and the playoffs weren't until late August. The team didn't let up but the last few days what did Chad Tredaway do? He set up his rotation for the playoffs. Made sure all the bullpen arms got their work in, and tinkered with the line-up to make sure he had the right one come day one of the playoffs. What happened, well the team went 6-0 in the postseason and we hoisted the championship trophy.
Well what about my first year with UTPA. We had a team that had won only 2 D-1 victories the entire season, and frankly just went through the motions the final 10 games. It wasn't fun. Plus the kids had nothing to look forward to. No postseason tournament since they weren't in a conference, and no hope what so ever about being the in NCAA tournament.
This is really my first year in the spoiler roll. Oddly enough our arena mates seem to be in the same boat. Frankly, it has some advantages. There is no pressure, the games are exciting because we are playing hard because our guys are playing for pride and for jobs on either the Vipers or other D-League teams next year. Plus, we are trying to keep the teams we are facing out of the playoffs.
FYI: We aquired Ivan Johnson from Anaheim in a very odd trade. Not because it was the first 3-team trade in D-League history. No. It was because we traded a player that not only never played for us, but we traded a guy who we thought we were going to get assigned to us all season long in Adam Haluska. He was with the Hornets, got hurt. Was wearing a boot for a few months and seemed like a perfect fit for a New Orleans assignment. It never happened, Haluska was then traded, oddly enough to our other affiliate in Houston in the Bonzi Wells trade. So we thought he we will finally get him since there is no way he will be in their rotation. Well he wasn't in Houston's plan at all and was released. He signed a D-League contract and we claimed him and sent him to Iowa. Probably better for Adam, he played college ball at Iowa, he is from Iowa and will help them draw some fans. Plus we needed a big man anyways. So lets hope Ivan make basket.... many of them.
Also Todd had Coach Hoffman on this week on Living the Beat, or Riding the Beat, or Beating the Beat, Or whatever his little videocast is called. Frankly I am a little hurt that I haven't been a guest on the show yet. But, you know what, Todd has his reasons, and I am not going to get all "feelings" like this guy did when I didn't place him on my blogroll. HA HA.. kidding Brian...only kidding. By the way I just found out Brian is a sports genius...How? He Stumped the Schwab!! ... Here is the info
Well I will close this post, I will try to be more frequent here over the course of the weekend. A lot of people ask why I don't post more and why my post's are so long. Frankly it is because I need time to write, something interesting to write about, and the motivation to write. I love to write and when I write, I write long and take a lot of time with posts, because I want my readers to be well informed with the information I present.
By the way, I welcome comments and e-mails. E-mails at vipersradio@gmail.com or comment below. I would love to have a mail-bag every so often to answer your questions. Even if they are for some of the guys, or Coach Hoffman I will be happy to pass the question along and post the answer here.
Until next time...Stay out of the paint...
Mar 10, 2008
FINALLY CLIMBED THE 14ers!!
It took seven tries but Sunday the Vipers were able to finally scale the 14ers with a 114-110 overtime victory at Dodge Arena. It was one of those "Everyone contributed", and "It was a team effort" type games. While this was true, the Vipers rode the backs of two guys. Desmon Farmer and Kris Collins. The game was more about Collins down the stretch. He scored 8 points in the overtime alone and frankly was stellar and just in a zone. In fact he made a sick reverse lay-up a lot like this guy did in his return from basketball in 1995. Broncs' play-by-play man Jonah Goldberg thinks I should embed it in the blog so here it is for all you lazy blog readers who can't click on the link.
The Vipers need continue on this trend if they want any shot of sniffing the playoffs. Hey I know it seems like a longshot. But stranger things have happened. Sorry Frank Mentesana, but the Mets did blow a huge division lead to miss the playoffs last year. Maybe the Vipers can be like the Phillies.
Anyways we get Colorado for the final time tonight. Frankly I do not want to see them again. They have killed us this year. Bring on Tulsa and the ABQ. We have a ton of games left with them.
The Vipers need continue on this trend if they want any shot of sniffing the playoffs. Hey I know it seems like a longshot. But stranger things have happened. Sorry Frank Mentesana, but the Mets did blow a huge division lead to miss the playoffs last year. Maybe the Vipers can be like the Phillies.
Anyways we get Colorado for the final time tonight. Frankly I do not want to see them again. They have killed us this year. Bring on Tulsa and the ABQ. We have a ton of games left with them.
Mar 3, 2008
D-League Expansion
If any of ya'll know me you would know that one of the pieces of news I find most intriguing when it comes to minor league sports is expansion, team movement, and team foldings. I have been in professional sports for six years now. I have worked for two teams that have folded (In Harlingen and in Edinburg), a baseball league that has folded. I have seen a new league formed in the old league's place. I have seen countless teams relocate, added, and fold in the Central Hockey League, Arena Football 2, all over indy baseball and even in the D-League and CBA. It evens happens in the NBA Heck in the last decade this team has played in three different cities and frankly judging by these numbers, they could stand to move again.
Memphis used to be in Vancouver, Charlotte was added after these guys moved, The Nets are supposed to move here. The Sonics are set to move here. So even in the NBA these type of things happen. Heck even this year in the CBA we have seen one team cease operations, and another cancel their remaining home games, when did the CBA become the ABA?
But I digress. The D-League is growing and will continue to grow and will never die at least not on David Stern's watch. The D-League is his baby and his way to pull a fast one on this idiot coach of the New York Team. Remember Isiah Thomas owned the CBA ran it into the ground and tried to sell it to the NBA??? The David Stern said.. yeah um no... let me start my own league.
We have already hear the announcement of one team for next season. Reno, Nevada. Which technically isn't really an expansion team, it is basically a re-location of the dormant Ft. Worth franchise, but its a new town. Reno is a rapidly growing city, they will be getting a Triple-A baseball team down the road and frankly indoor sports make much more sense in Reno than baseball. Just my opinion. I love baseball, but Nevada is a desert. I am not going to watch a game in the desert. Sorry not happening.
There will be a second new team. Yes Two New NBA D-League Teams...AH AH AH AH although there is talk the league will still have 14 teams next year. Does that mean the end for Bakersfield or Anaheim who frankly have more people on staff than in the stands? But if the league is at 16 next year, the D-League will be officially past the halfway point of a one-to-one affiliation. Which is the D-League's eventual goal. Also expect the 09-10 season be another 4 team boom. There are plenty of markets interested and a lot more NBA teams interested in a set-up like Los Angeles and San Antonio have with their D-League teams. Don't be surprised to see Toronto, Cleveland, and Dallas get involved sometime soon.
There are many rumors as to who the other expansion team is for next year. Portand, ME? Frisco, TX? Youngstown, OH? Harlem, NY? Trenton, NJ? Manchester, NH? Buffalo, NY? Hamilton, ONT? Or maybe some old CBA towns like this one or this one?
I have a hunch that this town in Pennsylvania will be the lucky winners this year. However don't expect the rumored Cleveland affiliation to last for more than one season, if the Cavs succeed in taking over this building.
Coach Hoffman and I discussed expansion on last week's coaches show.
WARNING!! SHAMELESS PLUG: Vipers Coaches Show Friday's at 5:00 pm on ESPN RADIO 1240AM
It is always exciting to see the new towns join the league. It will add some variety to the league and maybe ease on the travel. I can see a scenario in which the League changes the Divisions around a bit and perhaps have a Northen and Southern Conference. 16 teams might also see a playoff expansion. Obviously if the league also ever went to a one-to-one affiliation the Rockets would be our team. It would be nice to see more people embrace the Rockets down here. I know, I know this is Spurs country. But, you can't tell me you didn't root for the Rockets during their title years. In fact a lot of Spurs fans were freakin Bulls fans in the 90's anyway. But logistically the Rockets would be our team farm system wise. The Spurs have Austin. The Mavs will likely place a team somewhere, probably in Frisco. The Rockets have the Valley. To me that is just perfect.
Memphis used to be in Vancouver, Charlotte was added after these guys moved, The Nets are supposed to move here. The Sonics are set to move here. So even in the NBA these type of things happen. Heck even this year in the CBA we have seen one team cease operations, and another cancel their remaining home games, when did the CBA become the ABA?
But I digress. The D-League is growing and will continue to grow and will never die at least not on David Stern's watch. The D-League is his baby and his way to pull a fast one on this idiot coach of the New York Team. Remember Isiah Thomas owned the CBA ran it into the ground and tried to sell it to the NBA??? The David Stern said.. yeah um no... let me start my own league.
We have already hear the announcement of one team for next season. Reno, Nevada. Which technically isn't really an expansion team, it is basically a re-location of the dormant Ft. Worth franchise, but its a new town. Reno is a rapidly growing city, they will be getting a Triple-A baseball team down the road and frankly indoor sports make much more sense in Reno than baseball. Just my opinion. I love baseball, but Nevada is a desert. I am not going to watch a game in the desert. Sorry not happening.
There will be a second new team. Yes Two New NBA D-League Teams...AH AH AH AH although there is talk the league will still have 14 teams next year. Does that mean the end for Bakersfield or Anaheim who frankly have more people on staff than in the stands? But if the league is at 16 next year, the D-League will be officially past the halfway point of a one-to-one affiliation. Which is the D-League's eventual goal. Also expect the 09-10 season be another 4 team boom. There are plenty of markets interested and a lot more NBA teams interested in a set-up like Los Angeles and San Antonio have with their D-League teams. Don't be surprised to see Toronto, Cleveland, and Dallas get involved sometime soon.
There are many rumors as to who the other expansion team is for next year. Portand, ME? Frisco, TX? Youngstown, OH? Harlem, NY? Trenton, NJ? Manchester, NH? Buffalo, NY? Hamilton, ONT? Or maybe some old CBA towns like this one or this one?
I have a hunch that this town in Pennsylvania will be the lucky winners this year. However don't expect the rumored Cleveland affiliation to last for more than one season, if the Cavs succeed in taking over this building.
Coach Hoffman and I discussed expansion on last week's coaches show.
WARNING!! SHAMELESS PLUG: Vipers Coaches Show Friday's at 5:00 pm on ESPN RADIO 1240AM
It is always exciting to see the new towns join the league. It will add some variety to the league and maybe ease on the travel. I can see a scenario in which the League changes the Divisions around a bit and perhaps have a Northen and Southern Conference. 16 teams might also see a playoff expansion. Obviously if the league also ever went to a one-to-one affiliation the Rockets would be our team. It would be nice to see more people embrace the Rockets down here. I know, I know this is Spurs country. But, you can't tell me you didn't root for the Rockets during their title years. In fact a lot of Spurs fans were freakin Bulls fans in the 90's anyway. But logistically the Rockets would be our team farm system wise. The Spurs have Austin. The Mavs will likely place a team somewhere, probably in Frisco. The Rockets have the Valley. To me that is just perfect.
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