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It's Uncle Jeff - Archive
Topic Started: Jul 7 2007, 07:04 AM (1,039 Views)
Bada Bing
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El Crack
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02 july better late than never...................


Yes, I’ve finally arisen from my slumber and crashed my oh so delicate fingers through a keyboard or two to put together some musings on events since Super Sunday (April 29th when despite what The Heat fans might think, The Eagles finally won a trophy last season and it was the one everyone coverts most, the Play-Offs). Don’t believe me then ask the players and coaches around the league!

Perhaps it’s an American thing but “last man standing” seems to be the common reason and also the fact that it’s the final trophy of the season and sends you in to the post-season in good heart? Certainly the feel-good factor around The Eagles camp on the day and the day’s following the win were testament to how important the win was.

At this point I guess I should put in a health alert particularly to the Basque “Knowledge” Separatist – READING ON FROM HERE COULD SERIOUSLY COST YOU LOTS OF LIFE TIME!! Those who know me or have read my ramblings know they’re exactly that ramblings and given the length of time I haven’t blogged/contributed for, this will probably be way too long!!

So where do I start? Well, I’ll give my feelings on the current “official” happenings in the BBL. I don’t deal in rumours as there are times I know a little bit more about those rumours or whether the rumours are fact and I can’t betray trusts except to say that I can confirm that Kobe will not be signing for the Eagles


Worst Kept Secret No. 1 – Thorsten leaves the Rocks! All play-off weekend the rumours grew and grew but in all honesty they weren’t rumours and they were confirmed two days after the Rocks’ losing final when he went back to Giessen. He did a very, very creditable job in his season in Scotland but a return to his home land/former club and a higher standard of Basketball(?) couldn’t be turned down. Knowing several Rocks’ fans well I know they are/were disappointed.


After a few weeks of speculation (30 days in fact) Sterl was named as player/coach. A bit of a surprise I think and I’m sure he’ll rely heavily on help from Ross “The Kilt” Hutton and one of the BBL’s finest, Rob Yanders. It’s an interesting appointment and when it was made it was supposedly to try and help bring back as many of last season’s Rocks as possible. To date no-one else has been announced so I guess its watch this space. My spies North of the Border inform me that the majority of fans are not unhappy with the appointment and will give him full support. A player/coach needs that!

Worst Kept Secret No. 2 – Nigel’s back! Actually I’m not sure that this was a badly kept secret or not? All I can say is that It didn’t come as a surprise to me nor did the appointment of Clive Allen/Paul Douglas to support him. No players have yet to be announced so you can’t say yet how things will pan out but I think this was a sensible appointment from a club looking to re-build bridges in the Second City. Nice to see Bada’s exclusive video interview with Nigel who as usual spoke complete common sense and put the Dorsey rumours to bed……….or did he?

Worst Kept Secrets No. 3 & 4 – Lions end Hancock Hour & Macaulay back in charge! Anyone who was at The Arena when the Lions visited late in the season and then in the play-offs could have seen this one coming a mile off. The Lions had a great start under Uncle Tom but didn’t maintain it and in reality when you look at their roster they probably should have done better. Certainly that’s the way Vince seems to have seen it. Problem, to me seems to be, that once Hancock had gone Vince had to take over as so many of the Lions appear to be on two-year contracts and I guess had he appointed someone else then there could have been problems.

The Lions fans seem to be sad to see Hancock go but, seem to have bowed to the inevitable. Will Vince be successful? Again time will tell but if that veteran roster couldn’t deliver last season then I can’t see it doing it this. Perhaps it’s a one-year sabbatical for the Lions and they are preparing the way for next season already?

The next thing to happen I’m not sure how much of a secret it was or not so I haven’t numbered it No. 5! I knew before it hit the streets but when it did it seem to be a bit of a surprise. I refer to the arrival of London Capitals. I think people were expecting Towers to return but no, at least not yet? Our second first city team next year will be the Caps. Worrying though that the announcement was made on the 10th May and then silence. Now, I’m all for working hard behind the scenes but it was very quiet until last week.


Yep, this one was one that I didn’t know but was happy to hear. Not only has work being going on behind the scenes but bang, quite a high profile appointment as their coach. Steve Bucknell is a British basketball living legend. Whether or not he can coach is unknown but there’s no doubting his vast knowledge and credentials within the game and it’s great that not only do we have another “Capital” team and addition to the BBL but, its being fronted by a high profile appointment. Lets hope last years newspaper stories about Buck are well behind him!

And then we have Guildford who have absolutely dominated the “official” news. First up was the re-signing of joint league MVP Brian Dux. Quite a coup considering the supposed offers he had to go elsewhere. He’ll once again be The Heat’s on-court leader and whilst he turned down offers to go to Europe, we all know that he’ll still be playing in Europe next year but, I’ll come to that later.

Then, The Heat are awarded Sport England Clubmark Level 4. More congratulations to them. Boy, do they seem to be doing things right?!?! I had though heard a rumour or two about things behind the scenes but, they were only rumours and things seem to be going so well, they couldn’t be true, could they? We’ll return to Guildford later.

A definite surprise was the resignation of Josh Cooprider at Worcester. He’ll still be involved but won’t be at the helm and after taking Wolves up I was surprised to see him not continuing to front them. His reasons though seem very valid and at least he’ll be around to help out whoever is the next coach. That will be an interesting appointment and yes I’ve heard the rumours about a certain BBL veteran moving in to a player/coach role (is this the new fad or what?) but as it’s a rumour I won’t speculate on it!

I suppose I should mention the Mallin Report but I won’t! Well, yes I know I have but that’s all I’m going to say. I think it’s been debated to death elsewhere and to be honest I can’t really be bothered with the politics of it all although the BBL appearing to not having being consulted seems a bit bizarre?

Ok, by now we know that “Mr Guildford”, Mike Davies is no longer “Mr Guildford”. I suspect the real reasons for this may never come out but is The Heat’s loss, the BBL’s gain? Since I got to know Mike I’ve a lot of time and admiration for him and I’m delighted that he’s now part of the BBL’s hierarchy as he always, always seems to see the bigger picture and put the sport first. Funny though that his departure was never really an “official” announcement, or was it?



But, it doesn’t seem to affect The Heat as they announce Danny Gilbert as a returnee and not long after Dean Williams as well. Certainly appears to be a continuity on the court for The Heat. Of course by now we’ve all heard the rumours about ULEB Cup entry but, and I know we know the answer, they are still just gathering rumours in the basketball fraternity although I dare say there are a few who already knew the reality.

But now we’re back to the BBL and its membership. First we get the goodish news that after talks and consideration Brighton won’t be joining us this year but will be next year! The goodish bit being the latter part of the statement and not the former. Delighted to see them return next year and further evidence that the BBL is moving forward and then bang, two days later, brilliant news and you’ll see what I mean about rumours.

Liverpool had long been rumoured to be joining the BBL. Indeed some were saying it was a “done” deal. Well, they were all wrong but only technically as in fact it was Everton and not Liverpool!! We’ve already had some of the debate about whether they should have been called Merseyside, Everpool or Liverton but hey, the BBL stretches to 13 (yes, 13 as the next announcement will explain!). A very, very intriguing announcement this as no doubt linking them to the Footy club seems to give them a strong starting point. Also reading the press release seems to indicate that they have an awful lot of good things already in place. Player announcements will be very interesting from this club methinks! As for being called Everton and alienating Liverpool fans? Surely, if you’re a basketball fan you can live with that? Mmmmm!!

Yes, 13 because whilst the TCS Chester Jets may be no more the BiG Storage ChesHIRE Jets are! Playing out of the Northgate Arena at Chester too. Ok, ok, we all know that it’s still the Jets but to have them saved and again with what appears to be a solid backing was further good news. Not least because of the word plays on BiG Storage and Billy Singleton!
Now being a Billy fan as much as because I’m about the same size width wise my sympathies are with him. However, if the good old rumour mill is to be believed the BiG Storage Unit will not be required as it appears, at present, that Billy may not be in the pilot’s seat at ChesHIRE. A player/coach is the rumour with a certain BBL veteran’s name coming up in the equation, or am I confusing myself with the Wolves post?

You see, rumours are dangerous!


And now it’s time for Worst Kept Secret No. 5, Guildford in Europe! Four days before the draw is announced and it’s The Heat who’ll take up the ULEB Cup spot. Now I know we all already knew this but it was nice to see it in print. Naturally this sparked off a huge debate on the boards as to the merits/terms etc. of the official notification. Everybody has had their two’pennorth and here’s mine. I hope I’m wrong but I wonder if The Heat are going to be ready for this? Please, please don’t take this in any way shape or form as an indication that they shouldn’t do it.

I’m delighted that the BBL are back in Europe and after last year there’s no doubt that Guildford deserved the spot. I’ll also have no problem in hoping (and praying?) that they are at the very least competitive in the venture. I want a successful BBL Club in Europe, we need it for the game to go forward and it’s about time. I’m just concerned that they might not be ready for it and it could all end in tears. I hope not and I also hope that all BBL Clubs and supporters support them in their endeavours. It’s a bold and brave move!

So, then I saw their draw. A Sully-less Joventut no less! What a plumb side to draw. Ricky Rubio in the UK, a special moment for all especially Bada who’ll no doubt continue his stalking of the child prodigy or is it the other way round. Sad that Sully is no longer part of Badalona as it would have been good to see him play but then again, would he have been given any court time and there my friends shows you the enormity of The Heat’s task! They have to take on a team that the BBL MVP of 2006 could only get very limited minutes for.

Still, it’s not all bad news as Bundesliga powerhouses Alba Berlin will be pushovers wouldn’t they!!! Don’t know much (actually nothing!) about Turk TeleKom but I do know that KK Siauliai of Lithuania and KK Bosna of Sarajevo could hardly be threats given that neither country has much of a reputation for their basketball!!!! Gosh it’s a tough draw but what an exciting one and I guess we may even find the phone lines to the offices of Badaball Tours Ltd being busy!




Oh and by the way, Guildford also managed another “official” announcement in between the acceptance of their place in ULEB and their draw! One of the most improved players in the BBL last season was Dan Wardrope and he’s coming back to the Spectrum. One wonders who’ll be the next? Given that they are now in Europe I guess their last permit spot and Mike Martin’s position will be very crucial.

Not much left now to comment on! I see “The Cat’s” back at Plymouth. Good player in my opinion and one that is well though of at Raiders. Beasley always impressed me as one of those players who gives you a bit of everything and I’m sure that Gary Stronach is pleased to have him back. Raiders had vast continuity last season and many think it contributed to their success. They are hoping for the same this year so will “Big C” be back? And what about Mr Lasker? Time will tell I guess…………..

And finally the BBL Competitions Format for 2007/08. Well I guess it didn’t take a genius to work out that 13 teams was going to mean big changes to the format. I have to say that I like the Trophy format and I think the Group winners are very difficult to call in all cases. Whoever finishes top of the pile in their group will certainly deserve it as there are some tough matchups.

As for the league makeup I have to be PC here and say to all and sundry let’s see how it goes and don’t start using it as an excuse for the reasons why your team won’t win the league before a ball is tipped. Yes, they might not play them and they might not have to go there and they might have to go there twice but only there once and they might get them twice at home but them only once! Let’s celebrate the fact that when the season ended we only had an “official” guarantee of 10 teams in the league and now we’ve got 13 with another to come next season. Surely that’s more important than worrying about who plays who and where and when?

I started by saying that I only deal in facts and not rumours. Well, I’m not sure when this will be published but as I type it, there has been no official announcement but, I already can’t wait for The Eagles first game of the season on Friday 21st September. What a way to start! An absolute blockbuster! Hopefully by the time you read this, you’ll know what I mean!!!

Eagles “news” next article methinks or perhaps “What Pointy Did Next”! After the season ended up to now!

At least for now I’m back!
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07 july what i did next


In time honoured fashion no blogs/articles for weeks then two in two days!

My post/pre-season did not begin after the wondrous Olu Babalola Play-Off victory which I don’t think anyone saw coming least of all Thorsten and The Rocks! No, I still had The Eagles End of Season Awards Ceremony/Party to organise/compere. Mind you having the Play-Off Trophy on display was certainly a boost for the night and the mood was one of celebration and reflection.

Yes, we hadn’t defended all four trophies or perhaps better said we didn’t retain all four trophies but let’s just reflect. We finished third in the league, Trophy runners-up, Cup semi-finalists and finally Play-Off winners. If it hadn’t been for the previous season’s Clean Swoop this term would have been considered a successful one and I’m fairly certain that an awful lot of Clubs would have swapped their end results with us.

Individual honours given out by the supporters were :-

Most Improved Player – Tom “King” Sherlock

No contest. We didn’t even know him when he walked in to our trials session in pre-season. He ended the season in the starting five! An astonishing climb from nowhere to potentially one of the best British rookies in the League. Only problem is now that he’s made those advances I guess so will his wage demands!

Team Player of the Year – Fab Flournoy

A closer run result than the previous award but Fab took this category by a reasonable distance and I think anyone who has ever seen him play, and not just Eagles fans, would have to agree that it’s team first and individual thoughts second. There doesn’t seem an argument that he is team through and through although I’m sure someone out there in BBL Land will beg to differ!

MVP – Tony “Dynamite” Dorsey

Slightly more controversial and a very close run thing. I will never divulge the exact results but there was little in the final votes between Tony and Fab. Tony’s undeniably fantastic end to the season swung the vote his way or perhaps it was because he had the coolest boots in the BBL! There were many who thought that over the full season Fab was more deserving. However, it’s Tony’s award and quite a turnaround when you consider he almost never made it beyond Christmas with The Eagles!

So, that was wrapped up and as ever the night was a final chance to thank the players for their efforts and vice versa and to wish them all good luck in the future wherever that may be. You can never be too sure in this game!


We now of course know that Shawan will definitely not be back having signed for Thorsten and his’46ers. Certainly a quick decision on the part of both parties. There’s no denying Shawan’s offensive capabilities and I suspect that we didn’t quite see the best of him in the BBL. Perhaps Germany will but one thing I’m pleased about is that I got the chance at our “do” to say good-bye and although he’ll no doubt not take a rat’s ar** bit of notice about my parting words “don’t waste your talent” I wish him all the best!

Now, most of you know I don’t deal in rumours but as well as hearing plenty I also do, occasionally, find out how much truth are in those rumours. The amount that have been flying around in Eagleland are many and sometimes I wish I could just tell some people what I know but, I guess when you’ve reached a position of trust in an organisation you mustn’t abuse it.

Suffice to say that there are some very exciting times and announcements ahead for Eagles fans. Oh lordy, what rumours will that spin off.

Back to the plot though! A couple of days or so went by and suddenly I realised that, yes, that was it the season was over! The e-mails from Eagles HQ dried up there just didn’t seem as much to do or indeed anything!

El Supremo and better half were about to embark on a well earned break, as was I. However, time for one last job and a biggie at that. Mr Blake began forwarding various e-mails from various agents about various players to “an accomplice” and myself. We’d been asked to research said players and advise Fab if we thought they were worth a second look.

I have to say this is the sort of thing I thrive on and I spent quite some time compiling dossiers and information on the players offered. As I did so it made me realise just how many players are out there and the various standards. Now obviously I’m not going to let you in to any secrets or give you any indication of the players’ qualities but it was certainly an interesting exercise.

As was my next task which started with the simple question from Mr B. “How easy would it be to draw up a list of senior forwards and guards coming out of college this year?” My accomplice and I set about this task and the day before I disappeared off on my first break of the summer I delivered two hefty folders filled with seniors for Fab to look at.

Even better when I arrived in the office Fab was actually in. The look on his face when I delivered the folders was priceless. Well, if a jobs worth doing………. I only hope that if/when he picked up the folders it didn’t aggravate his elbow/shoulder injury!

And that’s been about it on the Eagles front for me. Or at least as much as I can tell you! I’m not sure whether my folders helped or hindered the player search and I guess until I hear something more concrete I’ll not know. I have had some discussions with Mr B about players/team makeup but once again they remain confidential. Oh, what a tease I am!

So, what about facts? Well, there are not a lot I can say! And to risk this becoming an exercise in futility I’ll not go any further on Eagles matters other than to say………….. Nothing!

So, what has taken up my time thus far in the close season? Well, somehow after not playing or attending practise/games since Christmas I managed to find myself appointed Chairman of Zorbas Basketball. My predecessor Craig and his much better half and also Treasurer, Claire, have been blessed with parenthood and both stood down to concentrate on that.

Phil “The Terminator/Codheed” Smith was installed as Treasurer and I ended up as Chair.


’m guessing that’s because a) no-one else wanted it and b) the “powers that be” in the Club wanted someone who wouldn’t block their proposals. I was ratified at the AGM and although perhaps it’s nothing to write home about it makes for a nice entry on my CV!

At the time of writing my fellow Zorbas have swelled our ranks considerably and we are actually going to enter two teams in the TyneMet Senior Men’s Division III next season. Coaches have been appointed and battle lines for players drawn up. However, the main issue seems to be the naming of both sides. Zorbas Alpha and Zorbas Beta were the original thought. But, we have a lot of smart Alec’s in the camp and they feel they may be able to come up with something better.

I have to say that Bada has come up with or at least is championing Zorbalona and Zorbainathkos (spelling probably horribly wrong!). Personally I couldn’t give a fig! Whatever we are called I only hope we always uphold the Zorba tradition. Perhaps though as Chair I might even have the casting vote. Now there’s a thought.

So, have I had a break from Basketball? Well, no! In fact the opposite thanks to “El Pequino” (my son Luke). His game seems to be coming on leaps and bounds! He’s been appointed Captain of the U-14 North East Regional Squad that will be going down to Lillieshall in Oct


tober for the National Championships.

This means training every Saturday morning in addition to the Tuesday/Thursday night sessions he currently does for his Club.
He’s also going on a week long camp to Italy with the Club and despite being only 12 will be playing for the Under 15’s against European opposition. You see Newcastle still managed to get in to Europe before The Heat!

Now, ignoring the fact that this is all costing me an arm and a leg it’s also meant that he’s had games virtually every weekend since the season ended and there have been times that I’ve been glad the BBL season is over as I wouldn’t have been able to fit in all his sessions/games.

He goes to Italy on July 14th which means I get a full week and two weekends off but don’t tell anyone!

Last weekend he trained with the Regional’s from 10 – 11.30 on Saturday morning before attending “The Summer Classic” in the afternoon when the u-15 Italy side played four games in a tournament against u-16 sides. This took up most of the afternoon. Mind you I was joined in my parent watching son duties by Eagles Assistant Coach Billy Spragg and we managed to talk rubbish most of the afternoon!

On Sunday he had a one-off coaching session with no less a mortal than ex-Badalona, ex-Eagle and current GB International Captain Andrew Sullivan. Sully has returned “home” for a break before he jets out to Florida with the GB squad. He got in touch with Zorbas “Beta” Head Coach Paul Honourdopolus and offered to do some “elite” coaching sessions. Paul asked Luke to be part of this and what an honour that was.

I mean can you really see John Terry offering to do the same? It was great to catch up with Sully and have a bit of a craic. He certainly doesn’t seem fazed by his experiences at Badalona and is very optimistic about his future. As to where that lies well, he said he was leaving that to his agent but didn’t really want to think about it until “GB Boot Camp” and the qualifiers was over.

This brings me to the end of my craic! I finally got round to booking my tickets for Birmingham and a family room in the Travelodge on Broad Street for £15 as well as booking my tickets for Meadowbank yesterday so that’s something else to look forward to!

By the time I get through post/pre-season, all Luke’s training, games and Italy trip and the GB season I’ll be ready for the BBL season and a break!!

Keep the faith!

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7 july draft blowing in the nba

DRAFT BLOWING IN TO THE NBA

Having first got in to basketball in the early 80’s via the NBA and at the time Boston being the team I have followed The C’s ever since and since the greatest ever starting five of 1985/86 the years have been pretty lean since. Very, very lean in the last few years.

To digress slightly there’s a book I’d recommend for any C’s/NBA supporter called “The Last Banner” about the 85/86 which is well worth a read. In fact I used to have a copy but it seems to have disappeared from my shelves never to return. Shame, because I could have lent it to you!

Anyway, the 85/6 C’s had the greatest starting five ever with the front line of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish virtually unbeatable. How much would they be worth now? Probably too much to get them all in one team! The back court of Danny Ainge and Dennis “DJ” Johnson complemented this front line superbly. There are some that say they weren’t superstar guards as individuals but as a pair they were excellent and it was one of the saddest moments of last season when DJ passed away.

When they appointed Danny Ainge to the front office I thought the return to the glory years was just around the corner. After all who better than Ainge to get the C’s back on track? After all he knows the history and culture of ball in BeanTown and surely would get the team back amongst the elite?

The signing of Doc Rivers to coach looked a masterstroke. But, some three or so years down the line we’ve just had the worst season imaginable and they only consolation I could take was that they had a better than even chance of landing a very high draft pick. It didn’t look like #1 but #2 was a massive possibility and the thought of Kevin Durrant arriving, as mouth watering as the Tapas/Greek menu on a Saturday night in Simply Greek, Bigg Market, Newcastle!

Then we had the lottery and without doubt it couldn’t have been worse! The lowest pick The C’s could get was #5 and guess what? That’s what they got! So, in the weeks leading up to the draft I scanned the boards almost daily to see who Boston would take and as I did and we got ever closer the trade rumours grew and grew. It seemed that Ainge was prepared to forgo his pick if he could land a superstar in exchange.

The Big Ticket was the target and looked a real possibility but for some reason turned down the chance to become a Boston player. Jermaine O’Neal was mentioned quite strongly as he had been last year and Shawn Marion’s name also loomed large in the frame. Both made it quite clear that they didn’t fancy the move.

So, as Draft Day arrived, I had to content myself that the #5 pick was better than #6 downwards. The smart money seemed to be on Jeff Green from Georgetown with Corey Brewer of Florida a distinct possibility. There was even some money on Yi Jianlian the 6’11” Chinese centre from Guandond South Tigers. My money was on Green as The C’s needed someone who could contribute straight away and he looked the best bet.

The morning after the draft I couldn’t wait to get to work, which is very unusual for me, and login to find out the results. Oden & Durrant went 1 & 2 as expected. But my eyes went to #5 where it clearly said Green had been the pick but for Seattle! My initial thoughts were Ainge has gone for Rashad Lewis but imagine my surprise and reserved delight when I discovered Ray Allen was coming to BeanTown.

Allen is one of my favourite players in the NBA and now he’s going to play with my favourite team and player, Paul “The Truth” Pierce. I was delighted although the reserve I put on it was his possible injury scenario and his age, 32. Ray has come out and said he’ll be fit and is looking forward to the challenge.
That’ll do for me! All right his “D” isn’t great either but I’ll take him as a short term fix.

After all the C’s have plenty of young talent in Big Al, G Money, Perk, Powe and Rondo for him to work with. I then went deeper down the draft and found “we’d” taken Gabe Pruitt from Southern Cal and perhaps one of the steals of the draft way down at #35 Glen “Big Baby” Davis from LSU.

Time will tell if trading the #5 pick, Wally and Delonte was good business or not but on the face of it, it looks good and is certainly exciting. If it doesn’t work out I expect both Ainge and Rivers to be gone before too long.

Having studied the draft to see where my C’s future lay I noticed a couple of other interesting, well they are to me, snippets. It also gives me something to do as I’m at a bit of a loose end at work at the moment as we rocket towards the summer holidays and less and less work!

You should all know by now that I am a Bada convert to the ACB having gone to Malaga to see Unicaja take on Joventut and took in the Copa del Rey last year and had such a fantastic time. At the Copa I spent some time with the Utah Jazz Head International Scout and he gave me one or two views on the players he’d seen.

Rudy Fernandez he felt was a nice player but not ready for the NBA. Well, he was taken at #24 by Phoenix who immediately traded him to Portland. Now Portland have had a tremendous time in the draft with the deals they’ve made so I don’t expect to see Rudy leave the ACB just yet but, who knows!

My friend from Utah felt that Tiago Splitter was not good enough to make it in the NBA. The Spurs seem to think otherwise taking him at #28. However, when I investigated this further it seems that Tiago will stay in the ACB but…………., the one player who most scouts do think is NBA quality, Luis Scola will arrive next season.

The San Antonio “Argentinian” Spurs have his rights and look like they’ve decided he’s ready. From what I’ve seen they could well be right. Scola is a very, very talented player who some say is the best NBA player not playing in the NBA. So, will the ACB’s loss be the NBA’s gain?

Then, who did I see pop-up at #48? None other than Pau’s younger brother Marc who was drafted by The Lakers. Now, there is a suggestion that it’s a commercial move aimed at extending the Lakers quest for global dominance and also ensuring a few more shirt sales abroad? Whatever the reason I was quite surprised as although I think young Gasol is a decent player I think he’s someway from NBA standard, from what I’ve seen.

I know Filipe Reyes was not declared for the draft but I would have thought he’d have been a good pickup and project for some one to look at? Perhaps he’ll be taken somewhere along the line at some later stage?

The other player attracting a bit of attention and certainly gaining a bit of respect amongst the scouts was none other than Juan Carlos Navarro of Barca. However, most of the feeling was that he’d not leave Spain as he was so well paid at Barca and why should he want to give up his superstar status in Europe to try his luck in the NBA? Well, it seems the lure of the NBA is magical in all basketball circles as I’ve just read that the Washington Wizards who hold Navarro’s rights have been successful in persuading both Barca and the player that he’ll make it stateside.

Having seen hi in action I think he’s good enough and it’s certainly another interesting development/move that is worth watching.

In truth there were lots and lots of interesting snippets in the NBA draft but I’m looking at it from “a my interest pointy view” so I’ll leave you with my last couple of thoughts and views.

Quite some time ago I picked up on an unheralded guard from a smallish NCAA Div 1 college, Marist. His name is Jared Jordan. For the last two seasons he’s led the country in assists and although his shooting stats and scoring don’t necessarily measure up big he seemed like a player who will lead and play his role. I actually mentioned him to Eagles Supremo, Paul Blake. Mr Blake did indeed like what he saw.

Well, hold the front page as “my boy” Jared is headed out west to LA and the Clippers. Keep an eye on him. I don’t think he’ll ever be a superstar but I think he could be one of those players in years to come who commentators say is a good role player and does a solid job. I think he could well be a solid NBA bench player for years to come.

And finally, what about my “amigo” Albert from the Jazz? Well, at #55 The Jazz took Herbert Hill a 6’10” forward/centre from Providence and immediately swapped him for Philadelphia’s #38 pick, Kryrylo Fesenko, a 7’0” centre from the Ukraine. Now Albert was very happy to tell me that most of the talent in Eastern Europe was a better bet than that of Western Europe. He felt their fundamentals were better and their hunger to succeed higher.

So, have the Jazz pulled off a bit of a coup? Well, from what Albert told me about the miles he does and countries he visits he’ll certainly have seen young Kryrylo so I’ll be watching!

Jeff “Pointy” King
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20 july poland is a green and leafy land



I’ve picked up the cudgel and pledged my colours to the mast and despite my tendencies being black and white I find myself supporting the red, green and white of one of Poland’s finest. ASCO SLASK WROCLAW the “Kosynierzy” no less and yes, I don’t know what it means either, at the moment!

When Bada issued the challenge to a few of us to follow an “obscure” European team, having already chosen his own, he obviously picked his victims well. In my case any way. He knows me and he knows my love of the great Non-League football world as opposed to the much saner, more exciting, and better quality glamour filled world of the Premiership. The world where I first cut my sports journalistic tendencies.

He also knows that I am a mad keen devotee of St. Mirren Football Club, a former fanzine contributor to AC Parma Football Club and a follower of Dutch “Superboerers” De Graafschaap. He also knows of my love for the twin powers of Boston, the mighty Red Sox and my beloved Celtics.

He also knows my penchant for Rugby League and how I’ve bucked the tradition of ease and not followed your Wigans, St. Helens’ or Leeds’. No, Castleford are my team as well as the (not) so mighty Gateshead Thunder. I’ve even managed over the years to report on Thunder games as well. One memorable 64 – 4 home defeat against York City Knights saw the game finish at 5:00 pm and me still being in the stadium at 8:15 pm writing my tenth report on the same game including one for the Yorkshire Post!

And of course there’s the ACB and the mighty Unicaja Malaga. So, I guess he knew what he was doing when he challenged me!

But why Slask and why Poland and what’s the title of this piece mean? As ever with me the answers to those questions will be ever so slowly revealed!

Having accepted the challenge I decamped to Eurobasket and considered the lands of Kosovo, Macedonia, Cyprus, Albania and other such Bball powers but as I was considering my decision I began to really start thinking and believe you me that’s quite something for me.

What if I really got in to this and my interest grew and grew? What if I decided enough was enough and I had to somehow go and see my chosen team? What countries/cities can I get to from Newcastle? You know how it goes.

So, after scanning airlines and destinations I found myself strangely drawn to Krakow to and from which Easyjet flies to Newcastle. There must be a team in Krakow I thought? Well, there is and they play in the lower reaches of Poland’s third tier of Bball. Not good enough I’m afraid. Surely, there’s a team close to Krakow? Perhaps an e-mail to Michal Falkowski, one of Eurobasket’s Polish contributors might tell me?

Amazingly enough Michal actually replied and he crushed my dreams by informing me that there are no really big teams close to Krakow. But, he did offer up some viable alternatives along with the fabulous offer of helping me out! How could I refuse?

I did some research and with a little additional help from fellow hoops fan, Badaball Hall of Famer and well renowned international jet setter Steve Irving I settled on Slask.



Now, if you go on Eurobasket and bring the team up you’ll see they are a reasonably successful outfit having gone 18 – 8 last season to finish 3rd in the league and getting to the play-off semi-finals. They will also be playing in the ULEB Cup next year.



















They’re in Group G along with Asvel from Lyon, Gran Canaria whom I saw at the Copa last season, the wonderfully named ENBW Ludwigsburg from Germany, Panionios from Athens whose footy team the Toon beat a couple of season back or was it Middlesbro’? and BC Kalev of Tallinn. How exciting is that?

They also possess in Andrej Urlep, their Slovakian Coach, one of the scariest looking men I’ve ever seen. I’d certainly think twice before questioning any of his plays. Check out his photo!
So, that’s my team for the season. An e-mail has today winged its way to Michal thanking him for his help, informing him of my decision and hopefully setting up a regular flow of information. You see, I’m even doing my bit for cultural relations!

Oh, and the title of the article? It comes from one of the greatest chat-up lines I ever heard. Picture the scene. Our representative cricket side from Newcastle have just been soundly trashed somewhere in the depths of London. But, somehow we managed to consol ourselves and drag ourselves out in to the London nightlife. A good night had by all we roll back to our hotel.

In the bar of the hotel well after 11:00 pm the lads decide to have a nightcap. Of course this had nothing to do with the sparklingly good looking Polish barmaid, did it? She was certainly a character and managed to keep pace with most of the lads’ cheeky chatter. However, Big Mick decided to take it a step forward and made amorous advances.

The young lady however was not impressed and decided even if we were all staying up she wasn’t, she had a home to go to. Big Mick made one last effort, looked our hostess in the eyes and said “you know a lot of people have this impression of Poland as a grey, soulless place but I happen to know it is actually a green and leafy land”. Priceless!

Did his last effort work? Sort of, our hostess smiled nicely at us all, said her goodbyes and left but somehow forgot to switch off all the beer pumps and lock the bar! Nuff said!

Follow Kosynierzy with me during the season and find out if Poland is indeed a green and leafy land.

Jeff “Pointywicz” King
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21 sep BACK ON THE HOME FRONT

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN !!

And I don’t mean that it’s time for another ramble from The Land of Pointy! No, I type this one day away from the start of the 2007/08 BBL season and whatever you think and whatever your views as genuine lovers of all things British you have to be excited!

I checked out my last little ditty and noticed that although SLASK NEWSKI has now hit Bulletin No. 6 I had neglected my duties from a British point of view although a lot of this article may be taken up talking about non-British nationalities!

Let’s start with the BBL and a quick (yea right!) look around the league and what we can and can’t expect. Seems like most pundits have it down as a two-horse race for the honours and indeed Guildford have already bagged a trophy at the expense of Plymouth. I’m certainly not going to stick my neck out for chopping by bigging up The Eagles, however strong we look.

Guildford certainly look strong but with all those games to play they’ll need to be. Goodness only knows how they’ll cope when they start travelling in to Europe! Having just come back from a relatively easy trip to Norway and knowing how tired I felt the next day, it’ll certainly not be easy. Cheap charter flights don’t even offer this 5’11 & ¾ (always quote that as a reminder to all those folk who as I was growing up kept saying he’s going to be a 6ft+ er for sure!) frame a lot of room.

But at least they sorted their team out early, have everyone in and some solid practise behind them as well as two very competitive games. Difficult to see them finishing outside the four or indeed the top two? There’s no doubting they’ll be there or there abouts.

As should and I think will be Plymouth. They’ll be disappointed to lose Gavin Love for a long time and despite all his attributes I’m not sure that Antony “Speedy Gonzalez” Martin is a true PG who can run an offence like Love? But, Raiders have made progress each season and will certainly be aiming for top 4. They certainly have the team chemistry and solid look to make that spot.


Also I’m reading that Gary is about to further strengthen his back court with an American who has a British passport. He seems very happy with the signing and is certainly saying some good things about him. Perhaps by the time I get to the end of this article I’ll know who it is?!?! I fully expect the Raiders to make the top four.

Who’ll be with them? That’s a more difficult question but as I’ve asked myself it I’ll try and answer it but perhaps not commit myself fully! If I’ve now decided on three of my top four I need one more. Yes, I know, if you’re still following this I’ve only named two but surely you all know who my unnamed definite top 3 tip is?!?!?!

I’m going to cheat a little and group together a bunch of teams that should have genuine top four aspirations and may well be disappointed if they don’t make it. Starting with our friends North of the Border.

Rocks have managed to get a good core of a good side back and will give anyone a game. Not sure at the moment if they are deep enough but they do have some quality performers. For me the keys to their season are many. How will they cope without the Thorsten Factor? As a coach I think he was responsible for pulling the team together and conjured up a few wins. Sterl has certainly got a job on his hands taking on a dual role.

How fit and committed is JJ? On his day there are few better in the BBL but trouble is he didn’t seem to have his day often enough last season. The Rocks need him to come up big style this season. They also, IMHO, need at least one more signing. If they get one more quality recruit in, and they have room to do that, they’ll be very competitive. If they don’t they look just a tad short especially if they get an injury or foul trouble rears its head. Definitely top 8 and possibly top 4!

Will this be the season that the Lions finally roar? On paper no-one looks stronger or better placed for a top four finish but, WARNING – OLD JOKE COMING, we all know the game’s not played on paper!
The Lions started strongly last year but faded badly and although they made the play-offs their performance at Newcastle was shocking and they looked like a team in disarray.

With the same personnel back and another year older have they got enough in their legs to go a full season? They didn’t have last year so its got to be a big ? The signing of Yorick certainly adds to their strength and Heizer who showed lots of promise in a short season will be better this for his experiences.

If Vince can keep his own cool and the lid on a possible boiling pot of players and their legs all hold out then they could well be in the mix. If not then top 8 is the best they can hope for. One thing’s for sure though I don’t expect any dull moments/games with the personnel they have!

Its really difficult to rule the Sharks out of top four contention based purely on their traditions, history and standing in the BBL. Also they have a solid back room staff who demand the best and in Scants a coach who knows as well as anyone what is required in this league. However, the loss of their top four players from last year plus Todd who may have even been their 5th best player was devastating to their plans.

They’ve made a recovery of sorts and pulled together a squad at the very least that gets them a start. Speaking with Scants at the GB game (what a name-dropper!) he seemed pretty relaxed and said they still had a couple more to come in. That said an OT defeat to Team USA Select, the same team the Eagles had beaten by 40, was not an auspicious start. An awful lot of unknowns hang around them and we know this is not the roster Scants was planning on having but …………., they are Sheffield and that might be enough?????????????

The dark horses (or even Tigers) have to be Everton. They’ve gone about their recruiting business with a no-nonsense well thought out plan and seem to have delivered the roster they wanted. The Two Tony’s look very solid experienced players, Chris Haslam is a current GB international, Calvin, if fit, has always been a quality player in this league, as has Delme. It’s certainly a solid looking roster and one I don’t expect to struggle.

They also seem as if they’ve done their homework off the court as well and are already building on the Toxteth community programme plus their venue may well turn up to be one of the more intimidating to visit in the league if they get off to a good start. They kept a relatively low profile run-in to the season but, when they announced it was impressive. I expect them to be in the top half of the league and feel they have a genuine shot at top 4.

So, if I’m saying my final top four place will come from one of the above I guess that also means I’ve got seven of the top eight sorted!!!!!! Who else makes the play-offs then? That might well be the most interesting and exciting race of all!

I really, really want the Jets to do well. It’s fantastic that they survived in the first place and then managing to land T J was a major coup as well. Everyone knows exactly what he’s all about in this league. He’s a winner, through and through. He never settles for second best, sets high standards and demands sets high goals. All of this I believe means he’ll be a successful coach. Will it be this year?

Perhaps not but, he’s made some interesting signings and will bring fresh blood to the BBL. Another coach who knows what it takes to play in this league I’m sure his signings will be well thought out. With Paul Smith to back him up and being able to pick and chose his own minutes, T J’s team will be tough. Right now I’d have them in 8th but, there’s one other team I have to consider.

Surprisingly enough it’s last year’s whipping boys, the Wolves! When we went to Worcester last year they ran a great operation off the court and were very friendly and accommodating. Unfortunately on the court so was the team! But, I’m a great believer in building the whole picture and I think what the Wolves did last season was to consolidate and make sure they’d be around comfortably this season.

With that done they then went about looking more closely at the team this year. They were in the market for T J but when he went elsewhere they went out and got someone who, again, knows the BBL. The return of Mr Harker certainly raised a few eyebrows in this part of the world! Some would say he’s not the best of coaches but, he certainly is a passionate one!

Two things he does bring though are a playing credibility and a recruiting nose! Mr Harker can certainly play in this league and in the past has done a good job of bringing players in, Jeff Bonds anyone?!?! Already his team look stronger than last year and he’s made some interesting signings. This could well be a solid year for the Wolves and one in which they make the next step up into the top 8?

Which leaves me with three? The key to Leicester’s season is undoubtedly their two West Carolinians! Having played together in the past they bring some immediate chemistry to the Riders. Add in Chad McKnight, Rod Wellington and the Lithuanian “MD” and they have a solid base. However, if the two WC’s don’t gel and settle and “MD” is closed down it could be a tough old season for the Riders.

Having said that its another success story that they are at least still around and look to have secured a better future outlook? It may well be a tough season for them but, they also have the Sandford factor on their side. A tough place to go and play if their new team and coach settle to their surroundings they can certainly spring a few surprises.

Just this morning Capitals finally announced something. We all knew Wes Miller was coming but he’ll now be joined in the backcourt by another 5’11” guard in Anthony Anderson. Anderson in particular comes with decent numbers behind him at a solid college programme whilst Miller finished his college career as NC’s starting guard in their elite eight loss to Georgetown last season. Everyone in Bball knows the strength of the NC programme and for Miller to have had four years there means he’ll be no mug!

But, the rest of their projected line up does not look at present. They failed to sign Bryant Feggins who would have been a solid addition and have had to switch their attentions elsewhere. The other names mentioned may well have played in the BBL but not necessarily at the highest standard. A lot will depend on what “Buck” can conjure up. Personally, I’m just glad to see them finally announce something as I was beginning to wonder…………………..!!!!!

Which leaves me finally with Panthers and whilst I’d like to say “and last but not least” I’m not sure I can! They’ve already had to send a player home, they currently have not confirmed their home court for sure and they’ve had to postpone their opening home game. Nigel Lloyd has openly admitted it’s been a tough few months and his spirits, reading between the lines, don’t appear high.

Let’s hope for all our sakes, the BBL’s and basketball in this country that they do produce a roster capable of competing and consolidate their return to the league. If basketball is to be successful in this country we need a competing club in the second city. I’m sure Nigel will move heaven and earth to achieve that and we all wish him the very best but, at the moment, it looks like a tough, tough old season for the Panthers.

And finally, for this article I turn to The Eagles. Am I “saving the best till last”? Am I brave enough to say that? No, I’m not!!!! But, I do know Fab, I do know the players, I do know the organisation and I have seen them both in practise and on the court and all I can say, Northern Rock aside!, is the signs are very, very positive.

Ok, so we didn’t get T J back but GB’s starting PG was hardly a shoddy replacement! Not sure how much Midge will feature early on as he’s only just got here but having seen him play for GB there’s no doubting his quality. How quickly he picks up our systems and fits in with Fab’s ethics is his key but he seems a genuine guy who’s determined to put his career back on track.

Lynard has already slotted in seamlessly. It feels as if he’s been around for years and we’ve already seen his quality in the three warm up games. He looks fit and ready and when you’ve already won over your coach before you even get here, you know you’ve got a head start.

The Prince has also returned and after a year in Spain looking sleeker, fitter and as smooth as ever. J-Hi is in early and has a solid pre-season behind him. He seems to be saying the right things and taking on his role without T J with relish. Captain Bridgey has taken to his new responsibility like a giant Norwegian gold fish to bread and unless my eyes deceive me looks a lot stronger than last year. Olu turned down a huge offer from a Greek club to stay in Newcastle and the BBL and is promising more performances like last season’s Play-Off final.
“King” Tom Sherlock has a year’s experience behind him and is looking to make the next step up. Brian “Clark Kent” McCotter is back also with another year’s experience and then their’s Double-D Defoe approaches his fourth BBL season at the tender age of 22 with 7 winner’s medals already in his bag.

And then of course there’s Fab!!!! Not giving too much away but he won’t have Flournoy on the back of his shirt and he’ll be hoping that his team live up the name he will be displaying on his back!

I’m not about to start shouting the odds or making predications where The Eagles will finish and what they should be setting their sights on but, if I was a supporter of any other side in the BBL I know where I think my main opposition is coming from!!!!!

And, then he was gone but like those buses I already feel another article coming on even if it’s just to update you on my beloved son Luke, The Mighty Zorbas or how interesting the League of Nations that the BBL is becoming will be! But I’m in to my fourth page already so, enough’s enough!!


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Pointy King's fame is spreading- he's now the BBL Traveller

See the BBL Newsletter for his adventures following the Eagles round the BBL, every week (I think!)
Feel the (Huddersfield)Heat !

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05 oct true blood gerodies amongst other things


Yes indeedy! We’ve now had two weeks of BBL action and Sheffield, The Lions and Guildford are still sitting pretty with 100% records.

But, with the Heat going in to the Lions Den tonight and the Sharks entering the furnace tomorrow that’s all got to change. No predictions from me, that’s elsewhere on this wondrous site, but if the Heat emerge from this weekend with their 100% record intact one will have to start wondering how they can be stopped!

Perhaps the most intriguing fixture of the weekend takes place at the Pavilions with the first appearance in the BBL of the Everton Tigers. We all know how tough a place Plymouth is to go to and it’s perhaps not the start the new boys would have like but…………………you never know!!

The Rock Steady Eagles don’t have a game this weekend and for me that’s probably just as well but, more of that later. Flashback a week and we got our first W of the season against a Capital side that may well take one or two more beatings until Buck gets them sorted out.

Their guards, Wes Miller and Anthony Anderson are good but they are fast finding out that they alone will not be enough. They need some inside strength and presence and it’ll be interesting to see who they finally end up with in a few weeks time. But, as I say Miller and Anderson impressed and are well worth a look at.

For the Eagles, Super Midge was excellent 26-pts, 11 assists, 5 boards and 2 steals in just over 28 ½ minutes. He’d obviously put in a good week’s practise and deserved his starting place. If this is the level he’s going to maintain then Eagles fans will be delirious and the rest of the BBL had better watch out. There’s still that knee though!!! Big L was very solid as well, 17-pts and no less than 6 block shots.

I always thought Lynard was a quality player but perhaps I never realised just how athletic he is and what he brings to the party at both ends of the court. Bridgey is clearly revelling in his Captain’s role. Another high energy game of hustle and good shot selection brought him a double-double of 15-pts and 10 boards. He’s even smiling all the time now!

But perhaps the highlight of the night was the introduction off the bench of Aaron Neilsen and Will Spragg. Two true blood Geordies who’ve come through the ranks of local basketball clubs and earned their place on the Eagles bench. BBL debuts for both and certainly the biggest roar of the night came when Aaron hit nothing but net with his first touch in the L swishing a trey. A great moment for North East basketball.

But, I don’t intend rambling on and on about the BBL and giving a weekly preview or round-up but, I guess there’s merit in putting a few thoughts down!

And yes, following last week’s musings, I did notice another couple of additions to the BBL of Nations. We now have a “Great” Dane at Rocks in Bilal Clarance whom the Rocks organisation and fans seem happy and excited about and we have also have a big Czech bouncing in the L!

As the Capital starting five ran out last week from their bench a lot of people were asking “who’s that No. 11?” Turns out it’s Jaromir Fohler a 6’11” centre who spent last season in Spain’s 4th Division, the EBA, with Granca’s reserve side! Not that he was much of a factor but, he had just flown in the previous day!

It’s certainly an exciting time right across Europe as league action starts in all four corners and in the middle as well! A lot of the Badaball bloggers are gearing up for the season with their chosen ones in whatever land as well as those following the ACB. My boys ASCO Slask Wroclaw start next week and this week there’s not been much news coming out other than the game day and season ticket prices!

One thing I did notice was Sully’s debut for Mons in Belgium. Finchy’s boys started with a fine 81 – 75 road win at Aalstar with Sully starting, playing 30 ½ minutes and contributing 5-pts and 7 boards. GB’s other boys Mike Lenzly and Nate Reinking also had good games. Does someone not fancy covering Mons for Badaball?
Mind you someone probably already is! I wouldn’t know as I’ve not managed to get my PC up and running at home yet and therefore haven’t been on the best Bball site in the whole of Europe all week!!

So, the Eagles haven’t got a game this weekend. I guess that means I’ll get a weekend off Bball? Well, apart from tomorrow morning when Luke has North East Regional Boy’s training followed by supporting the Eagles School of Excellence Under-18’s in their first ever league in the afternoon. Incidentally Fab’s actually got the job of coaching the Under-18’s tomorrow.

After that game El Pequino is off for a meal with his under-15 School of Excellence team mates before we all finish Saturday by going to watch MC Greg Modzelewski’s Team Northumbria playing at 6:00pm. This is a team bonding “sort of” session as on Sunday we’re off to York for the under-15’s debut in National League!

Just as well the Eagles’ haven’t got a game. How would I fit it in?!?!?! Especially as I’m off out with the family tonight for a meal!!!

And finally, coming to a venue near you very soon, it’s the BBL Traveller. Starting with Rocks next Wednesday my article will change focus and I will be giving my thought of life on the road. So, be gentle with me when I arrive and remember a little bit of bribery always gets you good publicity!!!!!
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27 DEC A NON-FESTIVE BLOG
Today I was supposed to be at work but my father-in-law took ill and meant he and the mother-in-law couldn’t look after “El Pequino” and Niamh. This meant one of us had to take the day off and as I have the most leave it’s me!!

Now, I’ve done the dishes, tidied up a bit, been across to the shops and paid the bills, took the daughter to the Pet Shop, and now I’m back home and have fed and watered the offspring.

So, what to do, I’m figuring you’ve already guessed it!!! Daughter is now watching Disney Channel and the unmovable object known as Luke is upstairs on playstation/psp/watching DVD’s or something like that!

Honestly you’d think he’d shrivel up if he stepped outside. Niamh wanted to go for a walk but he didn’t and I couldn’t be bothered to referee another argument. Don’t you just love the Christmas holidays? That’s a bit unfair actually as they’ve both been pretty good and we’ve all enjoyed Christmas.

Did you? Did you get everything you wanted? I’m guessing Dave F aka The Basque Separatist didn’t as here I am typing away!!!

My Christmas got off to a good start on Friday night with a win over Panthers and an entertaining game. Report filed I even had time to buy Ekka and Billy a Christmas drink.

Fast forward to Sunday morning and a message from one of my Polish sources bringing me up to date about Slask goings on. So I posted an article.

Interesting times in Poland, well, I’m interested at least! I even got to watch Gran Canaria v Badalona via Spanish TV station Castilla Leon and the internet and a very good game it was too! The wonders of the internet never cease to amaze me!

Since then it’s almost been basketball free save from a couple of messages from folks who may or not be going to Everton tomorrow and need tickets.

Still, it’s woken me up and I thought it’s time to step up to the plate again and download some thoughts. Well, it’ll pass an hour or two till Mrs Pointy Eagle comes home.

Before I get to my blog and my traditional format I do want to mention one present that I got. My musical tastes have never embarrassed me and I don’t even apologise for the tenuous basketball links it sometimes throws up.

What am I on about? Well, I got The Eagles new CD “Long Road Out Of Eden”. Now honestly I do like them and not just because of their name!!

And guess what? Track 3 on CD1 is called “Busy Being Fabulous”! You couldn’t make it up!! Real life is sometimes stranger than fiction, no doubt!!

Now I don’t know how many of you subscribe to The BBL Newsletter? Well, if you do, some of this about to follow will be duplicated, so apologies for that! Let’s start with The Eagles, the Bball team and not the group! It’s been a very good season so far despite the two little blips that have occurred since I last wrote.

Blip number 1 came at Braehead in the league and a 19-pt thrashing. We were simply awful that day and it didn’t bode well for the BBL Cup Semi-Final did it? Especially as blip number 2 occurred just before that event. The loss at Rocks had everybody scratching their heads. I mean you know you’re not going to go all season unbeaten but to lose by 19!!!!

We seem to steady the ship straight after with back-to-back wins at home against Riders and then away at Capital. But, it still didn’t seem quite right and certain things in particular didn’t seem to be going the right way. So, it was no surprise to me when the news broke unofficially a couple of days before it hit the streets.

Yes, our top scorer and supposed superstar was on his way! Now, with a little trip to Everton coming up tomorrow I’m not going to diss the guy and anyway he did nothing to me to make me feel any animosity towards him. I’m also not going to lie and say it was a shock he wanted to move on. It wasn’t!

What was a shock was the timing and the destination. I mean to leave a Club four days before their biggest game of the season and leave your team mates in the lurch, particularly when you know another one was probably out of the semi-final was a bit strange.

But, I’m guessing such was the state of Richard’s mind that he couldn’t see any other way out. So, gone he was and personally I found the whole thing a little sad to say the least. I only hope that the decision and the parting of the ways proves beneficial for all concerned in The Long Run (another Eagles track!).

I firmly believe he would have gone in January and thought he’d be off to Europe. But by then I thought he’d have played his part in helping us land the BBL Cup and seeing us through the Trophy Pool. Now, we are going to have to do it without him and against him!!

I’ll deal with the Everton game in a minute but I want to return first and foremost to the semi-final. Blip number 1 was well and truly rectified down in Crawley. What a superb performance from virtually half a team! No Midgley was compounded when we got on the bus and knew Jeremy wasn’t going to play.




Darius and Lynard both had bad backs too and Fab’s groin was a concern! But, still we won and I couldn’t have been more proud of the guys either. It was an Eagles performance full of passion, heart, commitment, togetherness and flat-out Fab “D”!! Perhaps it was the sort of performance that we needed but what is very certain is that everything that conspired against us was actually turned to our advantage and how!

Now, for blip number 2! It’s the day before the trip to Everton and I have to confess to being worried! Not least of which is because I can only keep fingers crossed that all the guys reported back from their various excursions safely and ready to play. I guess I’ll know when I get on the bus tomorrow!

This is a game that worries me greatly. I’m expecting Richard to have a big game and probably hit 25+ on us but, can we contain the rest of the Tigers and grab enough points of our own to get the W. It’s a close one to call. But we have Fab and his principles! I remember going to London Towers a few years ago when Jerry Williams was destroying everyone.

Fab said “let him score, we’ll take care of the rest”. Result, Eagles win (by about 3 I think!) and Jerry Williams scores 43-pts and NO ASSISTS!!!! Wonder what he’s got in store for Midge?? Don’t think it hasn’t dominated Fab’s thoughts over Christmas!!!!

Personally it won’t surprise me which ever way the result goes and I’ll be the first one to stand up and say well done to the Tigers if it doesn’t go the way I hope. One thing I am looking forward to is meeting up with Chris Haslam. Chris is a top bloke and we always have a good craic. I guess I should say read all about it in the next instalment of the BBL Traveller.

Oh, and I suppose I shouldn’t end this portion without at least mentioning our search for Midgley’s replacement. Some names have been made public and some haven’t but if anyone is wondering who and when it’ll be you’re not alone. Suffice to say that at 11:10pm on Friday 21st December Paul and Fab were en-route to the office to check some more players out!

To Eagles fans I say, be patient and to other BBL fans across the league I say be afraid, be very afraid!!!!

Ok, that’s things Eagles dealt with or at least it is as far as the senior team is concerned what of my boy!! Well, after going 3 – 0 they came back down to earth with a bump. I’ve already told you in a previous article about their loss at the hands of The Junior Sharks. Well, they followed this up with 2 more losses against York and Leeds both of whom they’d beaten earlier in the season.

So, it was a 3 – 3 record going in to their last game before Christmas. A lot of soul searching and hard practise was put in and I was particularly proud of Luke as he decided to write his own thoughts down and mail them to his coach after the third defeat. Not sure what Coach Heath thought of them but he did mention it in a training session.

Now, he didn’t give away the identity of the player involved but I just have!!! As I say it’s because I was proud that Luke took it upon himself to try and right his own personal wrongs at the tender age of 13.

It seemed to do the trick for him as he responded with one of his best games to date and so did his team mates as they trashed East Riding and moved to 4 – 3 which keeps them in second pace in the Conference and still in a play-off place with 5 games to go.

This under-15 team may not be the best in the country but I doubt one is so much together. This was demonstrated fully in a great Christmas party at one of the parents houses where they all “Secret Santa’d” each other. Much merriment and Mickey taking! These boys are certainly growing up fast!

On to things Slask now! Well, actually no it’s not. All I’ll say is that it’s fast becoming an obsession and in the words of Dave F, “boy don’t we know it”! Hopefully some of you are still reading about the Boys from Wroclaw and even if you’re not “am I bovvered?”

Zorbas has to be next! It’s been a bit topsy-turvy to say the least! We had the return league fixture between the two sides which I’m going to skip over very quickly in cause I find myself up in court. Thetas won in overtime and it was close throughout and that’s all I’m going to say!!

We then had the honour of closing the first part of the season with the All-Zorba Division 3 Cup Final where Coach Honour’s Thetas made it 3 – 0 against their counterparts who are now coached by none other than Bada Bing himself! The good thing about this game, it was a blow-out result wise, was that the Zorba Nation survived and marches on to better and more amicable days, we all hope!

And what of me? Well, I haven’t ref’d this month owing to Eagles duties and I haven’t yet returned to the gym. One of them is about to change and possibly very, very soon! I’ll leave you to guess which one it’s going to be, and you’ll be wrong!!

Anyway enough of this drivel I haven’t had a choccie for at least an hour so it’s time to go and before I do I’d like to say Congrats to Bada and The Missus, Dizzy Frizz. Apparently he asked, she accepted and now she’s going to live “ova the brush” as we like to say up here!!! God help her!!!

(ED - THAT IS NOT A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL BY THE WAY.... JUST CO-HABITATION)

So, a trip to Everton, another home game against the Rocks and a little trip to Worcester before the Cup Final against Lions and then the return Trophy fixtures against Tigers and Rocks, who said January was dull?!?!?

Oh and BTW it’s only 42 days to go before Copa del Rey 2008 in Vitoria now that is some travelling and blogging to look forward to!!!!

23 DEC A PROMISED STORY

When I started following ASCO Slask Wroclaw I did it because I was asked by Bada and I wondered just how far my interest would go. In truth I thought I’d probably last a few weeks and then the interest would fizzle out. How wrong I was! It’s become an obsession that even BBL Refs comment on!

Mind you they are probably the only ones. The rest of you are probably getting bored with the whole thing and a few weeks ago I did wonder myself if I wanted to carry on. However, with having my own personal MiP I decided to carry on and on and on………………….

I even asked for a Polish/English dictionary for Christmas but Mrs Pointy Eagle I think has forgotten, let’s hope Santa hasn’t!! Still with the promise of my wallet being replenished at Crimbo I might even buy one myself that’s if I can get the moths out of their comfort zone and fit the money in!

But in truth when the ULEB Cup started and MiP started replying I realised I was in this for the season and continued on posting. I started doing stats and it became a daily ritual to check out the Eurobasket site for Polish news. I even have the Dominet Bank Ekstraliga website post marked even though it’s completely in Polish. Just like Geordie really only harder to speak!

And no, I still haven’t made it to The Globe yet!

So, I continued on my Merry Slask Way and then that PM arrived. It was from bballgirlie complementing me on my posts and thanking me for keeping her up to date with the goings on in Wroclaw. Now, with my knowledge of several of the WhatsBev posters and Badaball contributors I naturally thought this was some one taking the Michael.

Drawing me in to believe some one was interested in my posts, getting me to comment on them and then outing me as a gullible sad loser! Not a bit of it as I took the bait. I PM’s bballgirlie back with my e-mail address (also available to all Badaball contributors and readers from Bada!!) and waited in anticipation for a reply.


And boy, oh boy, what a reply! It turned out to be 100% genuine and after I apologised for doubting her in the first place we struck up an e-mail friendship and yes, she does know what I look like and that I’m married!! And that’s where things turned out tricky and where you have to trust me.

Cos, she’s married as well and if you are ahead of me and several of you usually are you’ll have worked it out. She’s only the wife of one of the players!!!!!!!

I’ve promised I won’t reveal which one as The Slask Club have that nasty habit of not liking peeps to get any information out of Wroclaw, particularly info that might be seen as negative but she is genuine and does want to keep in touch.

I’ve been getting some good insights in to the Slask mentality and updates after the games. Most of which sadly I can’t print as that would give away her husband’s identity and she’s worried that he could get in to trouble. After all if she can find me then the Slask officials could!! Bit of Eastern European espionage thrown in there!

However, she has revealed to me that Coach Urlep might just not have been as bad as MiP made out. Seems that most of the players liked him and thought he was a good coach even if he could be a bit severe at times. Some of them were really shocked when he was sacked. It seems to be the Slask Way!!

The new Coach is still very inexperienced and it appears that whilst results and performances have improved it’s as much down to the players pulling together and sorting things out as it was the coach.

In Britain and I guess across the world January is known as the start of the sales. Seems in Bball it might just be the same.
My WaiP (Wife almost in Poland) seems to think that there may be even more changes afoot in Slask even though things have improved and they have a decent chance of qualifying for the next stage of the ULEB.

She’s going to try and find out more for me but as I said we have to be careful but what an exclusive that might be! I just wonder if anyone really thinks that the Slask Politburo read Badaball? I can just imagine a dark corner office in the Hala Orbita where a couple of eager young work experience students scan the internet for all things Slask!!! Now, there’s a thought!!!!!

So, until then I’ll sign out knowing that I must now be so far ahead in the competition that it’s a one-horse race and yes, I’ve explained that to WaiP as well and she’s happy for me to pile up the points as long as I don’t reveal her identity!!!!






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04 JAN THE EAGLES HAS LANDED - OR HAS HE?







We’d just left Hartside Services en-route to Greenbank Academy and a date with Everton Tigers and all the powers-that-be had been informed of our travel disruption and estimated time of late arrival when my phone rang.

It was none other than Mr Bada Bing himself and his opening gambit was “you couldn’t make it up could you?” As all of you regulars to this site now know, not only did the Eagles coach lose its windscreen wipers but the same fate befell The Knowledgemobile and resulted in the quite frankly hilarious “Midgley Wants A Bungalow Tour” video that you have all no doubt watched.

Well, fast forward a week, well almost a week and I’ve just phoned Mr Bing who, like most Eagles supporters, is looking forward to the arrival of Bryan Defares. My opening gambit? You couldn’t make it up could you?” Why?

Well, one of the things I seem to enjoy doing is picking players up from airports and bringing them in to the Arena. After much debate it was decided I should be dispatched to Newcastle Airport this very morning to pick up Bryan who was due in at 11:00am (This being Thursday 3rd January).

The following sequence of events has so far ensued :-

Thursday 3rd January 2008

06:30am – From the comfort of home looked outside saw lots of snow on ground decided to check Newcastle Airport website for flight arrivals.

06:45am – After several attempts to access the website gave up as the server supplying it was down! A sign of things to come?

07:45am – At work tried to access website again, no luck!

08:15am – I try again and I’m successful and despite snow hammering down outside the website reports the flight is on time (11:00am)

08:30am – Still on time.

08:45am and regular 15 minute intervals until 10:15am – Still on time

10:15am – Flight now expected at 11:09am

10:40am – Still 11:09am so I set off via a petrol station and then as I turn on to the Airport road (A696) I’m met be an absolute blizzard and only one lane of the dual carriage way open. Things are looking dodgy?!?!

11:10am – Turn in to snowbound car park narrowly avoiding the 3-car pile-up that has occurred at the entrance to the Airport and park the car in 5 inches of snow in the short term car park. Chaos all around as the snow bleaches down.

11:15am – Inside the terminal and check the arrivals board and there it is flight AF5851 from Paris Charles De Gaulle with the information that it’s being held overhead!!!

11:40am – After wandering around the airport checking out the air hostess’, well you gotta have a hobby, I arrive back at the arrivals board. AF5851 still being helf overhead.

11:45am – Arrive at Air France information desk, lovely blonde BTW, who assures me that the flight is still circling and will land as soon as the runway is cleared.

11:55am – Arrivals board changes dramatically to “flight diverted”. I hot-foot back to Air France. Unfortunately blondie is busy but a more mumsy figure assures me the flight is still overhead. I inform her what the board says. She says “oh” and picks up a phone. “Is that Kenny?” she says and it must have been! “What’s the status of the Air France flight?” A few nods and grunts and the phone is put down.

“You’re right”, says Mumsy! “It’s been diverted to Edinburgh to re-fuel and then it’s coming back. It’ll probably be about two hours!” Back to work then!

12:00pm – Insert parking ticket into machine. It’s rejected and I’m told to contact cashier. I press the red button explain my predicament and am told to proceed to the exit.

12:05pm – Paul Blake is unavailable so I phone wife Sam and explain what’s happened. After she stops laughing she thanks me for my efforts and I say I’ll phone her when I get back to the office!

12:10pm – I am afforded free exit from the Car park after I reach the exit and explain the situation.

12:15pm – Driving, rather slowly, back down A696, BBC Radio Newcastle informs me that it’s traffic chaos and the A1 north of Gosforth Park has been closed!

12:30pm – Arrive back at office and phone Bada with the immortal line “you couldn’t make it up, could you?”

12:45pm – Paul Blake phones and asks where I am. I ask him if he’s spoken to Sam, he hasn’t. I explain the position. “Are you okay to go back?” he asks. “I guess so!” say I. Conversation ended I bring up the Airport website. All it says is flight AF5851 is diverted. There’s an information number and a Customer Services number. I try both.

12:45pm – 13:00pm – After several attempts to say AF5851 to an automated service I give up. The closest I got in reply was BF5851 which surprisingly enough there was no flight for. Trying A for Alpha F for Foxtrot gets my an answer “you have asked for information on flight AU555FLQ815 is this correct? No. its bloody not!!

13:00 – 13:15pm – Dial Customer Services, surprisingly no-one answers!

13:15pm – 13:45pm – Type this rubbish!!!

13:45pm – Check website, flight still diverted but others are landing so I’m guessing Bryan’s on his way back from Edinburgh?!!?

13:47pm – E-mail the story so far to Bada, updates to follow!!!

14:00pm – The London Heathrow flight that was due-in at 10:50 but was diverted has now landed at 13:57! Flight AF5851 is still shown as diverted!

14:05pm – Try Customer Services again. Information is that flight is at Edinburgh. The plane will either be re-fuelled and sent back to Newcastle or………..they may send the passengers down by coach. It is suggested that I try and ring them again in half an hour!

14:10pm – Spoke with Paul Blake who’d been on the phone to Fab who’d been on the phone to Bryan!!! I updated him with the events of 14:05pm. Paul advised that Bryan had told Fab that he was wandering around Edinburgh Airport not knowing what to do! Fab had told him to sit tight until we phoned back.

14:15pm – Fab phoned me “Life in the BBL” was his first comment. However, he had two numbers that Bryan had phoned him from. Fab asked if I could try and sort it out with either of the two numbers. Rang the first one it was a chef at Edinburgh Airport who’d lent Bryan a phone! The Chef had told Bryan to go to the information desk to sort things out and he thought that he had. He said he hadn’t seen Bryan to confirm.



14:20pm – Phoned the second number and got a “young lady” she said she could pass me to Bryan who was sitting next to her. Spoke with Bryan who informed me that he was in a taxi with the young lady en-route to Newcastle Airport!! Bryan, understandably sounding a bit dazed, didn’t know when he would be back but said he’d phone me when he was nearly at the Airport and rang off!!! How’s he going to phone me without my number as I used my works phone that doesn’t register!!

14:25pm – Spoke with Paul Blake and advised him. After he picked himself off the floor he asked if I could phone the “young lady” back and try to ascertain who was paying for the taxi! I tried phoning back but no-one answered and I didn’t get an ansaphone! Customer Services at Newcastle Airport next, methinks!

14:35pm – Ekka, Eagles Team Manager, phones me and asks if Bryan’s arrived!!!! I start relaying the story but am interrupted as Fab phones my mobile! I bring Fab up to date and I can almost see him shaking his head chuckling!! I tell him I’ll keep him updated and he rings off!

14:45 – Try ringing Customer Services at Newcastle. You should try this someday for a laugh, it’s incredible where it leads you. The one place you never get is the one you want! I got flight information, security and the switchboard before finally I was passed back to the switchboard and then back to information who gave me the Air France direct number after 23 minutes!!!!

15:09pm – Tried Air France, you guessed it, no answer!!!!

15:15pm – Decided that Mrs King needed to be taken home from work before anything else is done!!!

15:40pm – Home now and Paul Blake phones as I arrive for an update so I give him one, an update that is! I then try Air France again but no reply. So, I try the phone number that is now stored in my phone as Lady, Young!! She answers!! Bryan is put on and he informs me via the taxi driver that he’s about 40 mins away from the airport.

15:45pm – Phone Fab and tell him the latest, he asks me to bring Bryan to the Arena once I’ve picked him up.

16:10 – Set off for Airport from Cramlington assuring Mrs King I won’t take the back roads because of the weather. Guess what? Yep, I took the back roads and a bit hairy it was too but, I arrive safely and drop-in to the Drop-in Car Park where the first ten minutes are free!

16:30pm - No sign of Bryan so I dodge in to the airport where there’s also no sign of him. Dodge back out to car, still no sign and my ten minutes are nearly up. Phone Lady, Young, Bryan answers! They are about 4km away, what’s that in miles!!!

16:38pm – Save Club £2 by dodging out of car park and driving around block as I do so my phone rings. He’s here so I dodge back in to car park.

16:43pm – Yep, there he is standing right next to a gorgeous young lady who turns out to be Lady, Young, have I really got her phone number? I will delete it, I promise!!!! We finally exchange handshakes and a hug and as for Bryan…………………Only joking!!! Surprisingly enough he doesn’t look 6’4” but then again he is in flip-flops and white socks, perfect for the weather.

16:50pm – He’s in the car, bags as well and off we go to the Arena. He’s a really nice guy and we have a good chat. His English naturally is perfect and he seems to understand Geordie. An excellent start! He says lots of right things about defence being his key and that he’s a team player looking to win things and also find a home so he can stay somewhere for more than half a season (no Midgley bungalow jokes please!!). He knows about NUFC and Alan Shearer and Michael Owen. He also knows about Newcastle being a party city!!!

17:10pm – We arrive at the Arena and I take him to the office, Mandy and Peter are there but no Fab! Mandy and Peter make his acquaintance as I nip back to the car and get my phone. I get back to the office, still no Fab! I take B or BD as he likes to be known for a whistle stop tour around the arena. There’s some ice hockey practice on so we stand and watch. Bryan says he likes the feel of the place and the people already.

17:30pm – Back in the office. Mandy has gone home and just as Pete does in walks Fab, on the phone as usual. He comes off and greets his new recruit and his phone rings again. It’s young Dan from The Journal and Fab gives his pre-match interview as I show Bryan round the office and make sure he sees the BBL Play-Off Trophy. He’s impressed!

17:55pm – Fab asks me to take Bryan up to practise so I do! Bryan is asking all the right questions about the team and despite being awake now for going on 30 hours he’s very talkative. He recaps his experiences and says his wife won’t believe him, sorry girls! It also turns out he’s got a daughter that was one-year old on the 20th December. We chat about his time in Rhodes and Spain. Seems to know his stuff!

18:10pm – We walk through the door of practice. B has been told he just has to watch so he meets Big Bill and then Bridgey and has a jaw. We sit down and he asks me who the players are and I give him the round-down as Mr Forrester enters the gym. Dave, naturally has been to Idaho where Bryan flew in from via Paris, Edinburgh and a taxi ride. Bryan is still looking ok.

18:15pm – Fab turns up. “bring it in fellows” I nudge B and tell him that includes him. “First up fellows this is Bryan, Bryan this is the fellows!!!” and practice starts for real. For those aficionados among you, Jeremy was training!!! Bryan sits down and advises me he has no shoes to play in and will he get some. I just shrug and say it’s not my department. Fab has disappeared.

18:55pm – Fab returns with the BBL Cup semi-final DVD which I gather is going to be the after training film! Fab now goes to work as does Bada Bing who has turned up and immediately gets Bryan on video for badaball.com. You know, I even let him have the exclusive!!

19:15pm – Having watched some training Dave, Paul and I have a date with Gateshead leisure centre and a game of basketball. Olu can’t quite believe this pointing at me and saying “are you serious? You gonna play?” When I confirm this unlikely fact he just laughs and says something about his foot being off!!

19:25pm – Forrester and I have gone to my car and got all Bryan’s bags out and brought them in to the gym only to be greeted by Bada with Fab’s car keys and a request to put the bags in Fab’s car which is only in the car park next to mine where we’ve just come from!!

19:30pm – Bryan’s bags safely packed in Fab’s car and with practice still on I say goodbye to B for the night and have to say he still looks a bit bewildered. I promise him Fab will look after him and we shake hands ready to resume our new friendship tomorrow night at the game.

19:35pm – What a day, “you couldn’t make it up” !!! Absolutely as I speed towards Gateshead Leisure Centre for my Bball debut for the North East Press Basketball team. I’ll leave that one for Bada or another day. Can’t wait for tomorrow although can’t see B getting any court time. Oh and BTW I forgot to tell you somewhere along the line that he didn’t believe me when I told him we were playing Friday, Saturday, Friday, Sunday and it was a Cup Final and then Tuesday following. Welcome to the BBL B!!!

“Uncle” Jeff King
EuroLeague Women because women's basketball is the most important thing in life after family and good health!
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