SB Nation User Blog: Aisander D

Your favorite project-center, Alexis Ajinca, sent to D-League's Maine Red Claws

Aisander D — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:39:47 -0000

Your favorite project-center, Alexis Ajinca, sent to D-League's Maine Red Claws

Hoping to See Alex in a Bobcat's uni this season? Proably not going to happen anytime soon. Ajinca was sent to the Maine Red Claws for a little D-League action. Hopefully he can blossom in a league most in need of Centers.

Theme for the 2009-2010 D-League: Emo Rockers

Aisander D — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:36:02 -0000

These guys may look douchey, but just wait because the D-League is next.

View full size photo »

Every year in the D-League is a little different. The stand-out players and studs change from week to week, let alone year to year. And with every new batch of players comes new attitudes, personalities, and back stories. One thing that really sets the D-League apart from the NBA is that our players are much more uninhibited in displaying their real personalities and saying/doing crazy things (exceptions: Stephon Marbury and Ron Artest). When you combine all of the new players coming into the D-League this year, you come up with a general theme, a storyline upon which one can predict the craziness of the upcoming season. Take last season's theme as an example: ~~6'9" Left-Handed Chinese Point Guard Dominates D-League~~. Explosive Athletes Almost Make NBA (here's looking at you Marcus Williams, James White, and Derrick Byars).

I say all of that to come to this point. This year's theme is becoming abundantly clear: Emo Rock Band.

Emo Rock Bands are well known as the tight-black-clothing wearing, black-fingernail-painted, ugly-swooping-hair styled, whiny-droning-emotive losers who appeal most to girls between the ages of 11-14. Now my prediction is that certain elements of this style will present themselves in this year's players. If you think I'm crazy and full of BS, just wait.

Hit the Jump for Proof

PROOF:

That's right Robert Swift and Kevin Pittsnogle are headed to the D-League and bringing their considerable Tattoos

These two guys are known for being two things: Dark and tattooed (and semi-sucky at basketball). They will no doubt bring a darker and more emotive edge to the D-League, in the process possibly scoring tons of 11-14 year old fans in places like Tulsa, OK and Bismarck, ND.

But Swift and Pittsnogle are not the only tattooed and brooding D-Leaguers. No, there is another whose attitude and emotional sensibilities cannot be ignored. Yeah, that's right. Will Conroy.

Note: Tattoos, ironic sportsmanship award winner, firey attitude, sometimes brooding = Will Conroy

Oh, you don't see it? Well how about now....

Yeah it's all falling into place, but mark my words, this year's D-League is going to be a lot more sullen and confusing. Conroy, Pittsnogle, and Swift entering the D-League have foreshadowed interesting things to come, now just watch as it unfolds. And try not to cry.

Dakota Wizards Hold Dance Team Tryouts, Local News Gets Awkward Video as Proof

Aisander D — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:12 -0000

Dakota Wizards Hold Dance Team Tryouts, Local News Gets Awkward Video as Proof

I love local news stories. The Dakota Wizards held tryouts for their dance team and the local news showed up to get some clips of girls in skin-tight outfits awkwardly learning dance steps. I hope you enjoy the video as a welcome break from the depressing world of NBA team waivers.

An Interview With Rod Benson....And BOOM goes the dynamite!

Aisander D — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:05:45 -0000

Boom Tho has been spending his summer just chillin'.....wait is that Chase Budinger behind him?

Because people love reading interesting posts, and because Rodrique Benson is the most interesting man in the world, RU would like to bring you the official late-summers-eve interview with Rod Benson, aka Boom Tho. If you don't know who Rodrique Benson is, then I am disappointed in you.

After a great career at University of California, Rod Benson has played for the Austin Toros, Dakota Wizards, and the Reno Bighorns in the NBA Developmental League, and also played for French Pro-A team SLUC Nancy. Which is a team named after a chick named Nancy. Rod is also very well known for his blogging on both his personal website Too Much Rod Benson and for Yahoo's Sports blog Ball Don't Lie.

Aside from that, Rod's just a cool guy. So rather than sling a bunch of cliche questions at him, we're going a little off the wall. In this interview you're going to see a side of Rod Benson that no one else has seen before, other than his friends who pee on each other.

Hit the J-U-M-P for the Boom-Tho-ness.

Are you ready for an interview?

Rod's ready!!!

Aisander D: So recently you released a mixtape of the flyest rap tunes I've ever heard (yes I'm from the mid-90's). But I have one question, what is the weirdest phrase you have rapped in a song? If I had to guess, that lyric would be: "A shout out to all my bloggers man.....You know what I'm saying, you can't forget SCOTT SCHROEDER."

Boom Tho: Naww man, Scott's legit! I had to do something to help him out since I used to take his money in games of Madden 08. I would pretty much say that any lyric in "Anything Is Possible" would qualify as weird. "I'll rotate the tires of a man I don't admire..." Weirdness all day.

AD: A follow up question on your jams. You seem to have a lot of anger towards Europeans, Soccer, and guys named Robert; are you really a seething cauldron underneath your placid exterior? And are you a big fan of Stain'd and Drowning Pool?

Boom Tho: When I was in Bismarck for part of this last season, Carlos English would go around hating on things (to be funny). He would rap about the things he hated. I got the idea from him. Soccer and Robert aren't that bad, but they sure do rhyme and I've never been good at soccer. That angers me.

AD: Someone told me you like to order a "Verginer" from diners. Why do I find that name strangely appetizing, and what the hell is it? Also, is it in anyway related to this guy http://www.verginer.com/ ?

Boom Tho: Another weird lyric from "Anything Is Possible." I took a big pee in the middle of PE at USC and Reggie Bush saw me, so I had to run to a diner and order him vaginer. It was the only way, man.

AD: What's the worst pregame meal? Is it the Vaginer?

Boom Tho: Almost every meal I ate in France while on the road was the worst. Hard bread, boiled eggs, and bubbly water doesn't seem like a healthy pre-game combination.

AD: Who has the best bald head in basketball besides MJ?

Boom Tho: Since I'm not attracted to men, I don't stare at many men's heads. I will say that any bald head that helps the player perform better has got to be helpful. I'd say that Chauncey Billups would probably be slowed by braids, so I'll give him the nod.

AD: What's the worst motivational speech or ploy you've ever heard (use pseudonyms if need be)?

Boom Tho: We had just won and were playing the same team the next night. My coach, who will remain nameless, said this: "That game was like sleeping with your sister. Yea, it was good, but not as good as it should have been." True story. I've never seen more confused faces.

AD: If you were my tour guide, what are the three places you would take me in Bismarck, ND? Would one of them be the Dacotah Raceway?

Boom Tho: Dang, maybe you should be MY tour guide. I assume we would visit BOTH Wal-Marts, since they are on opposite sides of town. That would allow you to see almost everything. Then we'd go to the Zoo. I'm pretty sure there aren't any animals, though.

When Rod and I hang out, we're going to the speedway!

AD: If we're taking a trip to BOTH Wal-marts in the Bis, then what are we buying while we're there?

Boom Tho: 2 of everything. Noah's ark style

AD: What are your favorite NBDL cities to visit?

Boom Tho: In order: Austin, Austin, and Austin.

AD: What do you think of Claw Force One, the Maine Red Claws van? Given the choice of either driving around in your Benz, or this tight-ass van with a giant lobster on it, which would you choose?

Boom Tho: I'm gonna have to go with my whip, but if I had to make a play, I'd drive the Mystery Machine. No, not the Scooby Doo special, but the 10 passenger van in Bismarck. That baby has heart. (Ed. Note: Can be seen HERE at the 2:20 mark, what a POS).

AD: Okay, now for a couple semi-serious questions, you know, like a real interview. You have played in a lot of different situations both here in the States and abroad. How would you compare life as a D-League player to that of a European player? What was the D-League like for you?

Boom Tho: In the D-League, nobody is ever comfortable. The feeling is always around you that there is more out there. Even the guys who are successful don't want to linger.

In Europe, people have lives, families, and careers all in the same town or country. The players are much more comfortable in almost every way. The team dynamics mimic that of NBA teams due to multi-year deals, fan support and following. It puts more pressure on every game, but provides more glory for the champions.

AD: Do you think playing in the D-League brought you more attention from NBA scouts, about the same amount, or less than before you joined the D-League?

Boom Tho: I'd say I was on a few radars, on a minor level, before the D-League. The thing about it was, after leading Cal in scoring and rebounding my Jr year, I got injured and basically erased all my hype. Hype is everything when it comes to attention from scouts. You may not get signed on hype, but you'll get looked at. I had to reclaim my hype in the D-League.

AD: Just about the entire universe is aware that you are an internet sensation. Simply put, you are a fun, intelligent, and charismatic player to follow both as a professional athlete and as a human being. Your blog, youtube videos, and guest spots on multiple sports sites are widely followed. Where do you see your career as a blogger/writer/storyteller going from here and after you finish playing? (No I am not hitting on you).

Boom Tho: I'm glad you're not hitting on me. I hope you weren't expecting me to say "It's going out to dinner and a movie." Seriously, though, I don't have a clear cut answer. Everything I do now I do for fun. I just have a lot of fun and the consequence is that people want to have fun with me. As my skills diminish and my goals change, I hope to be able to still have fun for a living, but there are only a few people on earth who can say that. Who knows if I'll be able to achieve that.

Just to clear things up, Rod and I will not be sharing a candle lit dinner after our slow cruise in his van.

AD: I meant to ask you about Bill Neff, how much is he the bomb? On a scale of 1-10 perhaps?

Boom Tho: Haha. He's an agent. I haven't dealt with anyone else so I have no frame of reference. Still, he's a funny guy. On a scale of 1-10 I would call him "X."

AD: You do a great job of meshing your professional life and your personal life in your stories on TMRB.com. How did you get introduced to the idea of blogging about your personal experiences as an athlete? And how do you think the medium changed since you've started writing?

Boom Tho: Well, unlike most, I was never asked, referred, or recruited to blog. I actually dispised the word "blog." Back then (three years ago) all I knew about a blog was that some track athlete at Cal wrote one called "Why I Hate Rod Benson." I didn't want to be like him. I figured that if I had a whole site with pictures, videos, music, and stories, that I would be considered to have a whole website. Still, it's called a blog, coddammit.

I started it purely out of boredom and to communicate with my friends while I was away from the Bay Area. What you see now is the same thing. Write for the people who want to read it and I do it my way. I spent the last month (when not training) making a mixtape just because I thought it would be fun. That's how I roll.

AD: What upcoming event in your life are you most excited about?

Boom Tho: My first game this next season, wherever that may be, and my first paycheck there too.

AD: Any hints on where this next season may take you? Will be back in the D? In the NBA?

Boom Tho: Not lookin to do the D-League unless it's out of necessity, in transition. For me it's either training camp or get the money overseas.

AD: One last question, because you are a busy man with a life full of beautiful women and extravagant journeys. What has been your absolute favorite experience as a professional athlete to date? Was it a particular game, another player, or just a personal happenstance that led to something interesting?

Boom Tho: I still think that playing first base in a softball game at the old Yankee Stadium with J. Kidd at second and V.C. in center field while wearing my custom "Nets" softball jersey was unbelievable. Even if I had spent my entire career in the NBA, I appreciate the significance of that moment.

Client Keith Brumbaugh to sign with the Denver Nuggets.

Aisander D — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:40:02 -0000

Client Keith Brumbaugh to sign with the Denver Nuggets.

According to Keith Kreiter of Edge Sports' Twitter, Keith Brumbaugh will be signing with the Nuggets for.....the next year? Or just for training camp? Or as an non-guaranteed contract? No idea, but I hope it's the first option, because Keith is very talented and deserving.

Who's Next? A Look at Undrafted Rookies (Part 1)

Aisander D — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:36:27 -0000

Who's acomin' to the League???

Here at RU we're all about finding the next big thing. And no, that's not a Jasper Johnson joke or a dig at Sun Yue. We really do strive to find those players who will shine in the upcoming season, and possibly make a strong push for 10-day contracts or an extended stay with an NBA team. The first place one might look for such up and coming talents would be the pool of undrafted NCAA players who may be more apt to stick with the D-League in hopes of getting a second look (or in some cases third and fourth look) from NBA scouts.

Now think back faithful reader to a time when you ate strictly Ramen Noodles and Microwavable Beddar Cheddar Brats, yes that far back. That's right, you had just graduated from college (or left home, whichever the case may be). You were on your own for the first time, and trying to make your way in the world. Now let's pretend that you had valuable athletic abilities and basketball skills; how much different would your life have been? Very. You certainly wouldn't have spent that six months living on a commune in Iowa if you'd had sick hops coming out of school.

We were all 22 years old at some point - here's to you cheddar brat!

So for the talented young men who didn't get snapped up by the NBA the first time around, let me help you on your path to basketball success with a little advice: play in the D-League. First, the D is the perfect place to build your professional resume; NBA scouts will be watching, and having D-League experience pretty much trumps all minor leagues in terms of competition and talent level. As NBA and D-League agent Bill Neff put it in an interview earlier this month, "The D League is the best formula for preparing a player for the NBA. Very few American players come from Europe to the NBA. If it is your dream, stay here and play..." Nuff said Bill.

Unfortunately, a lot of young men have already either signed overseas, or made enough waves in Summer League to get an NBA camp invite. So for now we'll primarily be focusing on those players who are currently still available. This list may change drastically as we start to see who else signs with international teams and gets NBA training camp invites, but for now lets see who we got.

Hit the J-U-M-P for a list of Undrafted Rookies

Jerel McNeal - Listed as a 6'3" SG from Marquette, he formed a part of the successful backcourt with PG Dominic James over a last few seasons. McNeal played with the Sacramento Kings at the Vegas Summer League averaging an unspectacular 4 points. I like to think of McNeal as a less good version of Ben Gordon, undersized for the SG in the NBA, I suspect he'll need to work on his ball handling and point guard skills.

Dominic James - The other half of the Marquette backcourt, James is a speedy and athletically gifted player who would often exploit his quickness in the college game to get past his opponents and to the rim. Two notable gaps in his game are his shooting and overall efficiency with the ball; which are both essential if you want to stick in the NBA as an under 6 foot PG. James was considered on of the better PGs in the NCAA throughout his four years at Marquette, but slipped considerably in the draft boards after breaking his foot in February of his senior season. Let's hope he considers the D-league to recapture his mojo.

Josh Heytvelt - If you had asked any NBA scout two years ago, they would have told you Josh was a borderline 1st round talent who could be somebody's rebounding/intangibles guy off the bench. But then he took a bit of a tailspin; got arrested for shrooms (I mean c'mon it's Washington state!), injured his foot and was suspended from Gonzaga for a season. Now Josh is healthy, he spent his senior year trying to resurrect his basketball resume from the trip gone bad.

Paul Delaney - Another physically gifted Point Guard out of UAB, Delaney made the first-team at the Portsmouth invitational with his physical play and explosive offensive game. Delaney's main weakness is his shooting, he only made22 3-pointers in 33 games during his senior season and has an ugly looking shot with poor mechanics. His size (6'2" 200lbs) will be an asset, but he's not the only physical yet unrefined 6'2" guard looking to stick in the NBA (Oh, hello DeMarcus Nelson).

Paul Harris - I remember when Harris came out of High school, he was a pure Manchild. Physically gifted and an absolute specimen, Harris was touted by some as the next Carmelo Anthony for Syracuse. Well, let's just say that Harris never quite blossomed to that extent. His skill level and decision making are still considerably raw, given the amount of time he's spent at the college level. Paul's jumpshot is improved from where it was coming in to college, but he still has a long way to go in that area. Paul seems like the perfect candidate for the D-League, he's an absolutely amazing talent that simply needs some developing.

Eric Devendorf - Another 'Cuse guy, Devendorf has had some problems with the law, which has faded his star to some extent. Devendorf is not an overwhelmingly physical gifted player, rather having a nicely polished offensive game that includes a pretty jumpshot. His shooting totals from college are pretty impressive, boasting nearly 40% from behind the arc and shooting nearly 50% from inside the 3-point line. His mention on this list is pretty moot though, as he announced before the draft that he was much more interested in Europe than the D-League.

Curtis Jerrells - Jerrells is yet another point guard looking to make the big show. He played at Baylor for three years before deciding to enter the draft. The story on Curtis' game is that he is an all around solid floor general and ball handler, but can be a bit of a ball hog. His offensive game at Baylor revolved around running the pick-and-roll, with most of his point being scored off of contested jumpshots. Jerrells did help himself a little in the Vegas Summer League with the Mavs, he averages just over 5 points in 5 minutes a game, playing more under control than at Baylor.

Dar Tucker - Having played two seasons at DePaul, monster athlete Dar Tucker decided to try his hand at the NBA. Unfortunately for him, unpolished, athletic two guards come in droves to test the NBA waters. Tucker's game was fairly up and down at DePaul, primarily because of the talent level on that team. Tucker often tried to do too much while at DePaul, relying on a poor jumpshot and limited ball handling ability (read: he has no left hand). He would certainly be a good D-League prospect.

Luke Nevill - Dude is big. 7'1" and 250 lbs big. Luke Nevill is the big center from Australia, by way of Utah. He actually reminds me a little bit of Scott Schroeder's favorite Aussie of all-time: Luke Schenscher. Nevill is very tall, has soft hands and good length, but remains on the slow, unathletic, and seemingly immobile side. He got a look-see from New Orleans at the Vegas Summer League and did fairly well in the one game where he saw more than just a few minutes of action. In 22 minutes against the Timberwolves SL team he posted 12 points, 4 boards, and three blocks.

Man, this is a long post......time for some mid-post intermission

Antonio Anderson - After spending four years on a Memphis team that saw tremendous ups and downs, Anderson has worn many hats within the offensive sets of coach Calipari. The beginning of his career saw him as a hustle and transition player, while in his junior and senior seasons he blossomed into a defensive stopper and, oddly enough, an assists guy out of the two spot. Anderson's best chance at making the NBA will definitely be his defensive abilities. He's never been an explosive scorer, but he has the physical profile (6'6" 215lbs and a long wingspan) to be a solid perimeter defender.

Alade Aminu - Being the older brother of a phenom is hard, just ask Taylor Griffin. Alade's younger brother Al-Farouq Aminu has been the one garnering love from the NBA scouts, but Alade, like Taylor, is no slouch in his own right. The issue Alade has had mainly stem from his unpolished offensive game. Despite playing four years of ACC ball, it appears that he was never really utilized or developed well at Georgia Tech, as he failed to make an impact on even their worst teams. Alade possesses great physical attributes; he's 6-10, 7'3" wingspan and can run the floor with ease. I think some strength training and offensive development might slide him a little further out of his younger brother's shadow.

Wes Matthews - Yeah I know what you're thinking, "But Wes Matthews was already drafted in 1981!" It's not that Wes Matthews. This Wes Matthews is yet another four year player from Marquette (Marquette must be hurting for veteran players by now), who has the size to play Shooting Guard in the NBA, but not really the skill set. He is listed as a college SF, but would need to hone his outside shooting and his ball handling in order to play in the big leagues. During his senior season, he took on much more of the scoring and defensive assignments, pushing his stock farther along the NBA path. Despite this, his glaring weakness is that he has no weakness. Wes does a lot of things well, but nothing great. That coupled with his average athleticism should place him as a solid role player in the NBA should he get the chance.

Luke Zeller - What say you? Shall we find another unheralded older brother? Oh hey Luke Zeller! Zeller attended four years at Notre Dame and is so unappreciated that he didn't even garner a Draft Express page. Poor guy. The general consensus on him is that his lack of explosive athleticism and thin frame are a major setback for him. Unless he can really fill out his body and develop a more consistent jumper, Zeller is not a likely candidate for the NBA. Just in case you didn't know, his younger brother is Tyler Zeller of UNC fame, and he does have a Draft Express page.

Garrett Temple - This LSU product has a lot going for him in terms of height and playmaking ability, but where most NBA scouts get nervous is his lack of true bulk. At nearly 6'6" and 176lbs, Temple is badly in need of a few of those Cheddar Brats I mentioned earlier. He played for the Houston Rockets in the Vegas Summer League, and like most of the other guys on here, didn't do anything too spectacular, averaging around 5 points and little else in 12 minutes of playing time. While he was at LSU, Temple was noted to run the fast break very well and ran the point very efficiently, with nearly a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio. Though a major knock on Temple is his lack of scoring ability and his general passiveness in the halfcourt offense.

Connor Atchley - As of late, every big man with some hops and an unrefined post game has been claiming that they are the next "Birdman" aka Chris Andersen. Usually it's all smoke and mirrors because they aren't very good. In Connor Atchley's case, I think the comparison kind of works. He's 6'10" and 230lbs, and has really nice defensive ability. At Texas he was able to block and alter a lot of shots, but stayed relatively foul free while also battling down low with some of the better big men in the Big-12. Atchley is also known for his smooth jumper, which extends out to at least the college 3-point line. In terms of post moves, they are nonexistent. I'm hoping he'll consider the D-League, which would be a great training ground for the next Birdman.

Diamon Simpson - I don't know what it is about St. Mary's, but they have seemed to produce solid players who I just seem to fall in love with. Add Diamon Simpson to that list. Simpson is what you would call the undersized NBA banger. He measures approximately 6'8" with a wingspan of 7'1", weighing 230lbs. His career at St. Mary's essentially boiled down to him doing a couple things well: Defending, rebounding, and hustle. His offensive game is not great, but he does have decent footwork. He was slotted to play with the Wizards at the Vegas Summer League but sadly got no burn. The things that will get Simpson a second look from the NBA will be his hustle and defensive abilities.

Alonzo Gee - To me, Alabama product Alonzo Gee reminds me of an even more unpolished Paul Harris. He is a physically gifted player who doesn't really know how to play the game. His decision making, shooting, and defensive abilities are not particularly strong, though Gee has been known to show flashes of slashing ability and defensive awareness at times. Also, he only shoots 62% from the foul line, ouch. On the bright side, Gee is a team player, often passing well and feeding teammates for open looks. I'm hopeful that Gee will land in the D-League this season, as SEC players are just drawn to us. Oh and he has a wobbler apparently.

Hang around for Part 2 later this week! More prospects to come!

Welcome a New D-League Mascot: CRUSHER

Aisander D — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:24:08 -0000

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When a new D-League franchise was announced this past spring, the first question that popped into most fans' minds was "What will their Mascot look like?" An understandable query. The Developmental League is known for it's incredible array of eye catching mutated foam animals. From the Wizards cross-eyed goblin Dunkie to the Tulsa 66er's bird-esque creature Routie, the D-League already plays host to some incredible mascots. I love these mascots, primarily because they are so goofy and often bizarre.

Dear Crusher: The D-League Mascot Union would like to welcome you to the league, with shot from the t-shirt gun to the chest.

Well finally, after months of waiting the Maine Red Claws have released their newest media member: Crusher! We've been giving the Red Claws a hard time recently, but it's clear they are merely enthusiastic. Despite painting their entire fan base as slack jawed, 19th century fishermen, I'm sure that the Red Claws have come up with something wholly original for their new mascot.

We have gained access to exclusive behind the scenes photos of Crusher, so hit the JUMP and enjoy!

CRUSHER!

At first I thought this was the new mascot, because a middle aged white guy would fit the Maine demographic. But then I realized it was just team President and GM Jon Jennings.

Next I saw this picture and I thought this was the new Red Claws mascot, but then I realized it's just the Fort Wayne Mad A......wait what? This is Crusher? No way, it looks just like the Mad Ant. You don't believe me, well just look:

They look strikingly similar no? I assume we are able to tell the difference because the Mad Ant is wearing high heels, which carries another set of questions altogether. But I digress. Clearly the Muscular Foam Mascot Suits Inc. was running low on design ideas when this order came through. I can see it now, two guys trying to decide how to make a lobster look friendly. Not easy.

Should Crusher not work out, I do have some other suggestions:

1. A Lobster Roll.

There is no downside to a food-related mascot, just plenty of extra concession dollars rolling in from people being forced to watch geographically relevant food dance around for 2 hours! The Lobster Roll mascot could even have a T-shirt gun shaped like a bottle of relish.

2. A Plank of Cured Wood

Clearly, if we're trying to attract Mainers, we need to appeal to the things they value the most, like self-cured wood planks. Or at least that's what the Red Claws promo video would have me believe. Anyway, pictured below are some of the contestants at a local wood plank mascot tryout.

3. ~~Just Steal Another Mascot~~ A Rock?

The state of Maine has historically been one of the largest granite producers in the U.S. So if you're looking for a real crowd pleaser, why not go with a large export. I don't know about you, but as a kid I had a rock collection and it provided me with at least five minutes of entertainment.

Houston Rockets Fire D-League Head Coach Clay Moser

Aisander D — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:47:06 -0000

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Last night, The Monitor broke the news that Clay Moser has been informed by the Houston Rockets that they have decided not to retain him as the Rio Grande Valley Vipers head coach. Not exactly shocking as we'd been hearing that the Rockets opened Moser's position and were interviewing other candidates since they bought into the Vipers via the hybrid model, but it is disappointing.

Last season, Moser's first as a D-League head coach, ended in a bit of disappointment in the form of a 21-29 season, but it's hard to put the blame on Moser. Smush Parker, Alton Ford and Kendall Dartez - three of the better Vipers to begin the season - all left for more money overseas midseason, leaving Moser to retool without much, well, tools. This was especially evident when the Vipers lost Jared Jordan to injury for a month during the season, but before Jawad Williams joined the team for about a month and a half before being called-up.

As confusing as that was to read, imagine coaching it. Fortunately, Moser was able to find Kurt Looby, who was more than likely the steal of the D-League draft (after a bit of coaching, because he wasn't impressive right out of the gates), or else the season likely would have been worse.

It seems to us, Moser, like Paul Woolpert before him, was given the shaft a bit prematurely, which was probably inevitable once the Rockets took control. I mean, he went 21-29 last season!!! He probably sucks at coaching!! Well, according to the resume, not really.

Moser's career began as an assistant under the legendary Jim Valvano at NC State way back in 1987 (Thankfully the year AFTER Chris Washburn). He's also worked for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Idaho Stampede as General Manager/Basketball Ops and was the head coach of the Great Lakes Storm (All CBA). Plus, he's worked as an assistant/advance scout for the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Orlando Magic. Aside from that, he's also been a head coach in China and was the VP of Business Development for the New Orleans Hornets for a season. Needless to say, he has experience in all facets of the game.

Now that we know who was fired (but still aren't sure why because Moser seems to be qualified), our esteemed colleague Matt Moore over at Hardwood Paroxysm hit on what this might mean for the Rockets. It basically means that the Rockets are looking to spend a lot of money on a coach that, as Rockets GM Daryl Morey says, they found someone more experienced and accomplished, and they were surprised that person became a candidate.

Well, we've only heard two names that are still in the running for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers coaching search. The two rather prominent candidates are former University of Virginia coach Dave Leitao and RJ Adelman, the son of Houston Rockets head coach Rick Adelman.

In Leitao, the Rockets would be getting a coach with no minor league or NBA coaching experience. In RJ Adelman, nepotism an up-and-coming coach that just happens to have a father that is the head coach of the Vipers parent club. Are we looking at a Red Claws situation here?

Hopefully Morey and complany have a third candidate because neither name we've heard is either more experienced OR more accomplished. Apparently the NBA's stance on D-League players (read: not good enough) carries over to D-League coaches as well.

Interview with NBA Agent Bill Neff: The Economic Downturn, Affiliations, and the Direction of the D-League (PART 2)

Aisander D — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:24:59 -0000

If you missed yesterday's post, Part 1 of the interview with Bill Neff, I strongly suggest you go back and read it now. Bill has shared some fascinating insights into the world of player representation, the strength and weaknesses of the D-League, and the general financial outlook of both NBA and D-League franchises. Now without further ado, let's delve into Part 2 with Agent Bill Neff.

AD: This offseason there has been an exodus of successful, former D-league players to European leagues and foreign teams. What advice are other agents giving these guys? Even some of the top tier players from last year, guys many fans had assumed would spend significant time on an NBA roster this year, have taken the plunge and renewed their passports. Is there some nugget of wisdom that suggests that in a down financial market Europe is safer than the D-League? Or is this just a natural progression of of guys outgrowing the D-League setting?

Bill Neff: Most agents chase money. Period. For us, we look at how a situation fits into a player's overall development and career path. Many agents make choices because of their own financial situation. The only thing that matters is what is best for a player's growth. Many top tier D League players took the money and ran because they were not NBA players. In a down market, Europe is not safer, per se. These players may have needed money. Bottom line is if there will not be a lot of callups and the NBA is not looking at you as a feeder system, as it should, then go get paid if a deal suits you. You must be careful with Europe. It is very dicey right now. Because of the lack of support from the NBA, as previously discussed, the D League is weaker and guys are not getting rewarded so they chase money. It is understandable.

Bottom line is if there will not be a lot of callups and the NBA is not looking at you as a feeder system, as it should, then go get paid if a deal suits you. You must be careful with Europe. It is very dicey right now.

AD: Currently you represent some of the most well known current and former D-League players. In your experience, how well does the D-League prepare players for the NBA? Would you think that for a young player the D-League is a better option than playing abroad, or does international competition prepare players in ways that the D-League can't?

Bill Neff: The D League is the best formula for preparing a player for the NBA. Very few American players come from Europe to the NBA. If it is your dream, stay here and play but understand the NBA is not looking at the D League as a feeder system, as it should. If you find the right coach in the D League, a Joerger, a Meyer, a Gates, it will help you develop. The problem is the NBA guys are not looking for replacement players but merely bodies for a 10 day. Really good NBDL players exist to fit a role in the NBA but they are considered not good enough, which is unfortunate.

The D League is the best formula for preparing a player for the NBA. Very few American players come from Europe to the NBA.

AD: Do you think that NBA teams that have "mildly embraced" their D-League partners (i.e. San Antonio, OKC, and Houston), have a more positive view of the D-League than their counterparts with hybrid affiliations? Essentially, do those teams that take better advantage of the D-League view it as a possible training ground for role players and contributors, or do their attitudes also reflect the "lesser than the NBA" ideology?

Bill Neff: In theory, they do, but in practice, a team like Milwaukee utilized the D League way better than San Antonio ever did. I think Oklahoma City hiring two good coaches in Nate Tibbetts and Dale Osbourne will eventually get it right. I think San Antonio has done some good things with Ian Mahinmi, but they should invite their better players to their camp, for instance. LA, with the hiring of Chucky Brown, as a CBA refugee and a D League assistant, will get it right. It would be a great place for their second round pick. Again, it must be looked at as an opportunity, not an unnecessary expense. How about if Walkers/Giddens were around the corner as they are now? Same with Pruitt. That is not Boston's fault but Ainge/Papile are seeing them almost daily instead of watching game film. How much will Jermaine Taylor benefit from Rio Grande Valley? That is Houston's trick.

Time will tell and some have done it right or will but it is early so you cannot give a definitive answer either way. You would think, however, that they will use it better. It is interesting to note that most of this comes from the San Antonio clones--SA, OKC, Cleveland/Erie, though they have not used it well yet, so you hope that these more forward thinking types will continue to be and embrace the D League as a feeder and an equal partner. It would be to their benefit. How good would George Hill be now if he would have spent more time there last year?

Interview with NBA Agent Bill Neff: The Economic Downturn, Affiliations, and the Direction of the D-League (PART 1)

Aisander D — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:57:45 -0000

Recent occurrences in the D-League have made it abundantly clear that we are approaching a difficult time for both the NBA and Developmental League. The financial markets have begun to predicate many of the actions taken by major league and minor league franchises. Bakersfield recently announced their platinum club plan, charging exorbitant prices for D-League games. A quick scan of our transactions list reveals that a lot of well known D-League players are making the jump overseas. Many NBA teams have been cutting staff and signing players very cautiously, in an effort to guard the bottom line. Combined, all of this paints a painful picture, filled with tough decisions ahead.

In order to get a handle on the state of the D-League and the outer forces influencing it, we're going to be interviewing a series of people who can be considered "stakeholders" in the League. GMs, coaches, players, and agents will be the target of this effort, which will essentially try come to some understanding about where the D-League stands in the next year and where we are headed in the future.

Our first interview in the series is with well known agent Bill Neff, who works for Saga Sports and has over 15 years of experience with the CBA, NBA, and D-League. Bill graduated from the University of Michigan in 1980 and has represented mostly minor league players for much of his career. Mr. Neff's current client list includes the likes of well known player/blogger Rod Benson, Gerry McNamara, Jamaal Tatum, Kevin Ollie, Mike Wilks, Jason Hart, and Demetris Nichols. Bill was also representing Mike Taylor when he was the first player drafted from the D-League in the 2008 NBA draft.

Today's post is Part 1 of the interview, followed by Part 2 tomorrow morning.

AD: How long have you been representing players and how long have you been working with the D-League?

Bill Neff: I have been representing players for about 16 years now and have worked with the D League since its inception and the CBA before it. The essence of our firm [Ed. Note: Saga Sports], its DNA, if you will, is minor league players. We believe strongly in it. First, because of the kinds of players we get or try to get, where we do not do anything which violates NCAA or NBPA rules, they will not necessarily get drafted. However, they may be as good as a drafted player but not received the exposure that some of the draftees get. The minor leagues help that. Second, you have to play to get better. Sitting on an NBA bench as a younger guy is a waste of time. See Ramon Sessions. Third, all of my players go through the D League and prior to that, the CBA. It makes them so much better. It is graduate school.

All of my players go through the D League and, prior to that, the CBA. It makes them so much better. It is graduate school.

AD: Generally how have you seen the D-League grow or change over the course of your interactions with the League? What have been some positive and negative changes?

Bill Neff: The D League is a work in progress. Used correctly, it could be a great vehicle, as the Bucks did with a terrific coach in Joey Meyer for Sessions. They were lucky, in that regard. If the NBA sees the D League as an opportunity, it can be that. If you see it as an expense, it is an expense.

If the D League is about development, you can take a late second rounder and turn him into a mid level player. It happened for me with Troy Hudson who, by the way, looks great now that he is healthy. Younger players need to play. If you are like the Jazz and run the same system as the NBA team, that is a good way to go. Or, if you make sure your draft choice goes down and gets to play, it should be helpful.

Or, if you use it to give an incentive for players to come there. For instance, promise the players that they will be on your summer league roster. If you can handle it logistically, attempt to work out with the Players Association, an angle where D League players get practice time benefits, such as money, if they practice with the big club. Add that to the CBA. Tell your Personnel Directors if you find a Kevin Ollie, Mike Wilks or Jason Hart in the minor leagues, we will boost your pay. Have them work like Mark Warkentien (Dahntay Jones) and Carroll Dawson used to with Chucky Brown and Mario Elie and find championship pieces in the minor leagues. They are there.

The problem is too many NBA people look at the NBDL as a lesser place. It is not. Some really good coaches like Phil Jackson and George Karl toiled there [Ed. Note: both coached in the CBA in the mid-80's] and the recent generation of Dave Joerger, now with Memphis, Bryan Gates, now with Sacramento, and Meyer are every bit their equal. The view from the NBA has changed, unfortunately.

In short, the D League has grown because of the assignment aspect of it but it is still hampered by the NBA's/NBDL's lack of creative thinking. Spend a touch more in salaries, which they won't, allow more freedom to go to Europe and you will have a great league. Relax the rules to allow players to choose which team they can go to but what has happened is because of the D League's byzantine rules, you must be very careful when you put your guy into the pool. Also, teams like San Antonio have tinkered with the rules to their advantage. The rules should be simple, allowing for the best players to enter into the League. They do not exist now. Only because I believe in the D League have I pushed my players there. I am in the minority of agents. So, the positive changes are some NBA teams' mild embrace of the league, its greater exposure but the negatives remain which hamper its development: an embrace by the NBA as an equal partner, unclear rules, low salaries, so it will continue to lurch along by fits and starts until it cleans up some of those things.

The problem is too many NBA people look at the NBDL as a lesser place. It is not.

AD: Over the past few seasons, but this season in particular, the global and regional financial outlook has been fairly grim. It's well documented that NBA owners are trimming the pocketbooks and preparing for rough times ahead. How do you think this affects the D-League? Are there fewer opportunities for players to be called up from the D-League, or will NBA teams be seeking more cheap talent than ever?

Bill Neff: The global economy has affected everyone and will affect the D League. There will be fewer callups. I wish it were different. The NBA should be seeking cheap talent but by the way they used the summer leagues and just promote their own players for the most part, they will not be looking to the D League, as they should. They should be encouraging cheap talent. The hybrid teams should attempt to encourage players to come by offering summer league spots but they do not. It is really a waste of a good product to some extent.

Stay tuned for Part 2 with Bill Neff tomorrow morning.