As everyone is doing Top Ten, Top 40, or whatever lists, here is my tops for the year in the "Good Guy" category.
1-5: The Vermont Ice Storm: I have been around these guys for the last three years and loved every single freaking second of it. These guys are world class in the way they have treated me, how much they do for the community, and just how much they love the game of football. This is a team that has gone 30-2 over the last two years and are headed for the USA Bowl in Miami. DC has no clue as to what they will be hit with when they face the Ice Storm, so watch out. Russ, Doc, Dawn, Jen, Jenny and the rest of the gang, I will see you in a couple of weeks. By the way, in tribute: Are you average??????? Rest in peace Mike, we miss you.
6) Alex Wolff: What this man has done for the Burlington/Barre area is amazing. He took an area that needed something to root for and along came the Frost Heaves. Where else do you get guys like Kerry Lyons, the man who never played, as a cult hero? Two ABA titles later and now a jump to the PBL has Vermonters drooling for another title. Will, Mike and Alex, go get em!!!
7) Tom Doyle: World class nice who returns phone calls once a month. (Sorry Tom, I had to.) When I needed a gig, he had me on a plane to DC to do a game within a week. Thanks amigo.
8) Jean-Paul Afif: This guy will coach in the NBA someday. Amazing communications skills and a knack for the game I have not seen in quite some time. By the way, congratulations on the baby.
9) Chuck Miller: For those who glance at Our Sports Central, all I have to say is "The Utica Wreckers". Thanks for the laughs my friend.
10) My wife: For getting me out of the hell hole known as Vermont and moving us to Florida!! I LOVE FLORIDA WINTERS!!!!
That's it for me folks, out of here and into the sun. If you don't like the news, just go out and make some of your own.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
My wishes for Minor League Basketball
As it is close to the end of the year, there are things I wish for in the world of minor league basketball.
You see, I love the game. I love the bizarre promotions, games played in old historical gyms (See the Vermont Frost Heaves), and I love the fact there is a one in a thousand shot I will see a future NBA player or coach.
The game itself has been tarnished due to the antics of the ABA, the instability of teams and even the once proud CBA down to four teams. With this, here are my wishes for the new year:
1) Keep the rules of basketball the way they are. Ditch the four point basket, the 3-D rule and awarding an extra point in the last minute of a quarter. Yes, the fans love the quirky rules but it isn't good for the players. They need to develop their inside game, clock management skills and shooting skills. They don't need to be worrying about putting up what could be a five point shot when they are down 30 in the third quarter.
2) Have the CBA, PBL and NBA sit down and find a way to create a true minor league basketball system. For example have the D-League be equal to baseball's "AAA"; the PBL "AA" and the CBA be "A" ball. (Sorry Dennis, this is all off the top of my head) Create affiliation agreements and have the minors subsidized by the NBA. The Celtics would have the Manchester Millrats of the PBL; the Lakers would have Reno of the D-League, etc. I know this takes money, and there may not be enough teams to create three levels, but I believe this all needs to start somewhere.
3) Implement straight FIBA rules and leave it at that. These guys have a chance to play overseas and FIBA rules are used. Guys like Randy Gill, Hugh Jones and Anthony Anderson aren't going to stay in the minors forever. Get them used to international rules so they can succeed at a higher level.
4) The ABA must go and it must go now. ABA CEO Joe Newman will not like me for this, (Well, he doesn't like me anyway) but he has to sell the league for the $1.56 it is worth and get out. 38% of games played last year, COO Quinton Townsend arrested for fraud and forgery; 230+ teams that have folded or left in seven seasons; teams not showing up for games and players not getting paid is a disgrace to the game. How in the world can a fan base be developed if fans don't know if their team will be there from one day to the next?
5) Leagues like the PBL, CBA and the newly formed USBA need to conduct trainings on how players, coaches and league administrators deal with the media. What people fail to realize is that when a press release looks like a three year old wrote it; a lack of game notes for the media, and players who shoot their mouths off to a guy like me who is just trying to do his job, just makes a team look bad. Teach GM's how to write a solid release, (See the Georgia Gwizzlies and their typo infested releases) and teach players what to say and what not to say to the media. This only improves the impression of a team, league and player.
You see, I love the game. I love the bizarre promotions, games played in old historical gyms (See the Vermont Frost Heaves), and I love the fact there is a one in a thousand shot I will see a future NBA player or coach.
The game itself has been tarnished due to the antics of the ABA, the instability of teams and even the once proud CBA down to four teams. With this, here are my wishes for the new year:
1) Keep the rules of basketball the way they are. Ditch the four point basket, the 3-D rule and awarding an extra point in the last minute of a quarter. Yes, the fans love the quirky rules but it isn't good for the players. They need to develop their inside game, clock management skills and shooting skills. They don't need to be worrying about putting up what could be a five point shot when they are down 30 in the third quarter.
2) Have the CBA, PBL and NBA sit down and find a way to create a true minor league basketball system. For example have the D-League be equal to baseball's "AAA"; the PBL "AA" and the CBA be "A" ball. (Sorry Dennis, this is all off the top of my head) Create affiliation agreements and have the minors subsidized by the NBA. The Celtics would have the Manchester Millrats of the PBL; the Lakers would have Reno of the D-League, etc. I know this takes money, and there may not be enough teams to create three levels, but I believe this all needs to start somewhere.
3) Implement straight FIBA rules and leave it at that. These guys have a chance to play overseas and FIBA rules are used. Guys like Randy Gill, Hugh Jones and Anthony Anderson aren't going to stay in the minors forever. Get them used to international rules so they can succeed at a higher level.
4) The ABA must go and it must go now. ABA CEO Joe Newman will not like me for this, (Well, he doesn't like me anyway) but he has to sell the league for the $1.56 it is worth and get out. 38% of games played last year, COO Quinton Townsend arrested for fraud and forgery; 230+ teams that have folded or left in seven seasons; teams not showing up for games and players not getting paid is a disgrace to the game. How in the world can a fan base be developed if fans don't know if their team will be there from one day to the next?
5) Leagues like the PBL, CBA and the newly formed USBA need to conduct trainings on how players, coaches and league administrators deal with the media. What people fail to realize is that when a press release looks like a three year old wrote it; a lack of game notes for the media, and players who shoot their mouths off to a guy like me who is just trying to do his job, just makes a team look bad. Teach GM's how to write a solid release, (See the Georgia Gwizzlies and their typo infested releases) and teach players what to say and what not to say to the media. This only improves the impression of a team, league and player.
Monday, December 29, 2008
The ceremonial first post.........
Well, I guess I had to do this eventually. Yes folks, the wayward writer/sportscaster/blogger is now tormenting the internet as we know it. Sorry Al Gore, I know you invented the web and all, but it is now mine to take over so THERE!!!
Now, I will of course be ranting and raving about anything that pops into my three brain celled head. Some have asked when I will resurface, so after getting laid off from the "real job", here I am again. Now for questions from the audience:
Joe Newman: "Why is some unethical, immoral twit allowed to write whatever in the world he wants? I mean really, you could be providing fan friendly and affordable entertainment to the masses and you are doing this??"
Me: "Joe, stop trashing minor league basketball and run your excuse for a league. NEXT!!!"
My editors: "Chris, will you be doing something to make actual money, or is this all you are going to do?"
Me: Nope, I have a honey-do list to work on and a kitten to babysit. Other than that, bring it all on."
Anonymous: "Chris, just how bad is the ABA"?
Me: Does the term "trainwreck" mean anything to you? I mean seriously, 230 teams in seven years??? My six year old niece can run the ABA better than Joe can.
Joe Newman: "Don't you have hobbies? Why do you have to trash my beloved league"?
Me: Good Lord Joe, because with all of the antics you and your owners have pulled, it is GREAT comedy!! People think the stuff I write is fiction, but this trainwreck is larger than life!! I need a laugh and I thank you for providing Chris friendly and affordable entertainment.
Ok, questions are over, here is the real scoop: I just moved to Jacksonville, FL from Vermont and am loving every second of it. The weather is great, there are two for one drink specials, and darnit, the weather is great.
I am the former Sports Director for ESPN Radio Vermont and used to jock at WOKO in Burlington. I have written for Our Sports Central, US Basket, Varsity Magazine, the Vermont Times, Vermont Guardian and d3football.com. Up until last week I was doing customer service for a mortgage company but got the boot because the company over-hired. Oh well, life goes on.
Currently, I am still writing and broadcast University of North Florida basketball for the Atlantic Sun conference. Before basketball I did soccer and volleyball for the school.
Now why do I do what I do for a living? Darnit, it is flat out fun. Being able to broadcast and write about sports isn't working, it is just a blast. I meet great people, I get to polish my craft and my office is courtside, rinkside, or at the 50 yard line. I mean seriously, does it get any better than that???
What am I doing now? After being back in corporate America, I am convinced I would rather be eaten by lions and am trying to find a full-time media gig. UNF is awesome to freelance for, hopefully I will be working with the Premier Basketball League, and there may be another gig in the works with a minor league football franchise and another with the newly formed USBA. (Duane, you had better be reading this...........I need a job!!!)
Other than that, I am making sure the kitten doesn't eat the bird........More later.
Now, I will of course be ranting and raving about anything that pops into my three brain celled head. Some have asked when I will resurface, so after getting laid off from the "real job", here I am again. Now for questions from the audience:
Joe Newman: "Why is some unethical, immoral twit allowed to write whatever in the world he wants? I mean really, you could be providing fan friendly and affordable entertainment to the masses and you are doing this??"
Me: "Joe, stop trashing minor league basketball and run your excuse for a league. NEXT!!!"
My editors: "Chris, will you be doing something to make actual money, or is this all you are going to do?"
Me: Nope, I have a honey-do list to work on and a kitten to babysit. Other than that, bring it all on."
Anonymous: "Chris, just how bad is the ABA"?
Me: Does the term "trainwreck" mean anything to you? I mean seriously, 230 teams in seven years??? My six year old niece can run the ABA better than Joe can.
Joe Newman: "Don't you have hobbies? Why do you have to trash my beloved league"?
Me: Good Lord Joe, because with all of the antics you and your owners have pulled, it is GREAT comedy!! People think the stuff I write is fiction, but this trainwreck is larger than life!! I need a laugh and I thank you for providing Chris friendly and affordable entertainment.
Ok, questions are over, here is the real scoop: I just moved to Jacksonville, FL from Vermont and am loving every second of it. The weather is great, there are two for one drink specials, and darnit, the weather is great.
I am the former Sports Director for ESPN Radio Vermont and used to jock at WOKO in Burlington. I have written for Our Sports Central, US Basket, Varsity Magazine, the Vermont Times, Vermont Guardian and d3football.com. Up until last week I was doing customer service for a mortgage company but got the boot because the company over-hired. Oh well, life goes on.
Currently, I am still writing and broadcast University of North Florida basketball for the Atlantic Sun conference. Before basketball I did soccer and volleyball for the school.
Now why do I do what I do for a living? Darnit, it is flat out fun. Being able to broadcast and write about sports isn't working, it is just a blast. I meet great people, I get to polish my craft and my office is courtside, rinkside, or at the 50 yard line. I mean seriously, does it get any better than that???
What am I doing now? After being back in corporate America, I am convinced I would rather be eaten by lions and am trying to find a full-time media gig. UNF is awesome to freelance for, hopefully I will be working with the Premier Basketball League, and there may be another gig in the works with a minor league football franchise and another with the newly formed USBA. (Duane, you had better be reading this...........I need a job!!!)
Other than that, I am making sure the kitten doesn't eat the bird........More later.
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