CBA Players to Watch!

[CBAfan]

I know it is way too early to make too many predictions, but what team so far looks ahead of the rest of the league. Also, who are the players to watch for each team? Here is a list that I’ve noticed just from scanning the training camp rosters. I know teams are still bringing players in and some of these guys will probably get called up real soon, but hey I’m so excited for the season to start, I want to start talking about it now.

Dakota- Oliver Miller and Dickey Simpkins should be tough inside. Also Billy Thomas and Melvin Sanders looked good in the NBA preseason. I expect PG Billy Keys to have a break out year and former St.John’s star Erick Barkley could look good too. Also Chris Porter and Patrick Okafor had pretty good seasons in the USBL this summer.

Gary- Jamiel Rich and Snap Hunter might be the best backcourt in the league. Jerrod Gee and Shelly Clark should make the front line pretty strong. Center Lonnie Jones could also have a big season.

Great Lakes- Both Jackie Butler and Kasib Powell played well for the TWolves in the preseason. I expect Butler to rip up the league similar to the way Leon Smith has. Other than those two players, no names really stood out, except Willie Simms (if he has any gas left in him?)

Idaho- Britten Johnsen looks like their top player so far. He played 20 games for the Magic last season.

Michigan- Corey Hightower is a great swingman. He should get his points in Michigan. DeAndre Hultett should also get a chance to shine with this young club.

Rockford- They should have a solid and explosive backcourt with Ted Dupay, Ronnie Fields, and Stais Boseman. The only problem is who is going to pass the ball, since Dupay and Fields seem to be shoot first players. I actually think Brian Lubeck is the key to this team.

Sioux Falls- Coach Joeger may have moved the best team in the CBA to South Dakota. All Stars David Jackson and Corlis Edwards are back. Also PG Randy Livingston and CBA defensive player of the year, DeSean Hadley, are in Sioux Falls. BF John Thomas was the last player cut by the TWolves and rookie Rich Melzer could make a big impact right away.

Yakima- Big man Carlos Daniel was the only recognizable name on the roster.

Did I miss anyone, let me know what you guys think. Also their may be a large wave of players coming into the CBA, once the ABA closes its doors and their players have no where to play (haha).

[RonnieFan]

If past Rockford offenses are any indication, they will have a high speed offense that allows Ronnie to score points as needed. I think they do run some plays for him, but he is able to dictate when he needs touches, etc. Also, don't be fooled, Ronnie certainly DOES pass the ball and does it well.

I'm REALLY excited to have Boseman on Rockford. And hopefully the Lightning will be able to find some big guys to have an inside presence. Last year it never seemed like they had too many quality big men. But they're hard to come by, so I don't know true that is. Plus, I didn't see a ton of games so they may have just played poorly when I was there.

I'm sure Rockford will be runnin and gunnin and hopefully creating a lot of points off of turnovers and defense.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Yes, I have video evidence that Ronnie Fields passed the ball a few times last season. Of course, each time he passed the ball there was no one home to catch it. Both times he passed last season the Rockford players assumed he was shooting, so they moved toward the basket to get the rebound. :?

I hope Rockford brings that weak stuff to Gary Saturday, November 20th. Gary needs to start the season off with a victory. Definition of weak stuff: Run 'n' Gun.

Speaking of weak stuff. If you Rockford people want to see televised Steelheads games this year, then you better have friends in Gary. It's back to local public access TV. I just hope all those returning Steelheads players did not return because of last year's television deal. :roll:

[mzracing76]

The Sioux Falls Skyforce have returned as the PREMIER Franchise it was in the Late 90s. When they went to the CBA Finals in 1996, 1998-99. Getting Dave as the coach, something that SIoux Falls Does good at (Stealing all of the good coaches from other teams) has made us the Best team again. I can still remember the days of Flip Saunders (1994-95) and Mo McHOne (1995-1999). Those were the Glory Days of this Franchise. Players such as Henry James (20.8ppg), Corey Beck, Reggie Jordan, Troy Hudson, Darrick Martin, Darryl Dawkins, Stacy King, Reggie Fox, Tony Harris, Jason Sasser, and Devin Gray. Sioux Falls once again has the players to go all the way, and i think the SKYFORCE are the BEST team again this year, averaging 118ppg and 49rpg, and giving up only 100 ppg so far.

I am glad that a former team from the past is re joining our league again. The Albany Patroons were a great franchise winning the CBA Title in 1984 & 1988 as the Patroons, and beating my Skyforce in 1999 as the Connecticut Pride. Yes they were one of the best. I can remember the
50-6 team of 1990-91. that team was awesome. Much like my Skyforce that went 47-9 in 1996-97, although both of them got their ass kicked in the post season.

I hope that Grand Rapids (HOOPS) come back soon and make this league even stronger.

The CBA is definately the best MINOR LEAGUE Basketball League in America today despite all of its troubles in the recent past.

MZ

[WizardFan4Ever]

For Dakota:
I think the stars are Billy Keys, Billy thomas, and Dickey Simpkins. Sean Lampley still isn't how he was before he was injured.

[WizardFan4Ever]

For Dakota:
I think the stars are Billy Keys, Billy thomas, and Dickey Simpkins. Sean Lampley still isn't how he was before he was injured.