Interview with Commissioner Mikal Duilio

[MJHankel]

I don't know if anybody else has heard this but I just noticed it on the Chill page on the IBL website.

It is pretty good and I like the explanations he gives.

http://iblhoopsonline.com/downloads/Michael_Dulio_IBL.mp3

[mammal]

I interviewd Mikal Duilio a few years ago and was impressed with his honesty and candor. Best minor league commish hands down.

[SignGuyDino]

He's been threatening to pull the 22 second shot clock for two years now.

Other than that, nothing I can disagree with. I'd like to see some IBL games on the Fox Regionals myself. Anything that can shame the NBA to speed up the game is fine with me.

[bballnut]

I would like to see the league extend the 3 point line. This will help the players develop for the next level. I would also like to see the defensive 3 second rule.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I would like to see the league extend the 3 point line. This will help the players develop for the next level. I would also like to see the defensive 3 second rule.

Depending on the home court, the three-point line is already extended. 8)

If you mean a uniform three-point line, then you're talking about raising costs. Helping the players rise to the next level is great, but the owners have to keep costs down. If owners can't survive in this business, then nothing else matters.

[bballnut]

I have only seen one team with the line extended and thats Gary. Moving the line is a one time expense. If this truly is an international league, then at least use the international line. I support the owners 100%, but to me if this expense is going to put them over the edge, should they really own a team? That is the bigeest problem I see with basketball at this level is people see an opportunity to live a dream, and do so. Wow, I could own my own team. I don't think they really look into it has much as they should. I think it is wonderful that there are a couple of teams that are competative and are not getting paid. However; being competative and winning a Chamionship are two different things. I don't know many teams that don't win that draw good crowds. The game itself does not provide enough entertainment if your team is not winning. There is only one time out per qtr, per team, so you don't have that many opportunities to entertain with other fun activities for the fans. Winning is a must, if you are going to be successful. An example might be the NBDL. Look at the last couple of years. Those teams that have been most successful, are the same teams that were successful in the old CBA. Dakota, Sioux Falls and Idaho. Those teams have huge budgets. There players get paid the most, so they are successful. Same thing in the IBL. Elkhart and Battle Creek have have been the Champions in the IBL the three years the league has been around. These teams treat there players very well. Looks like Gary is doing the same thing.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Every dollar saved is a dollar earned. Besides, Gary's NBA-style three point line is a great home court advantage.

I'm certain various teams have various court lengths too, but I also don't see that as a problem because you'll find the same issues in indoor football and minor league hockey. These organizations are making the best of what they've got to work with.

[besl]

Every dollar saved is a dollar earned. Besides, Gary's NBA-style three point line is a great home court advantage.

I'm certain various teams have various court lengths too, but I also don't see that as a problem because you'll find the same issues in indoor football and minor league hockey. These organizations are making the best of what they've got to work with.

For what it's worth, Edmonton uses the FIBA three-point line, but that's only six inches (I think) further out than the college line. I believe Edmonton and Gary are the only IBL teams with venues that have non-NCAA three-point lines. It wouldn't be too hard for these teams to buy some rolls of court tape and mark off the proper three-point distance if they really wanted to. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see which direction the IBL goes next season as both the NCAA and FIBA are changing their 3-point line distances.

As far as court length goes, it seems (at least to me) that the pro length court is actually the non-standard size in the IBL. I'm not sure how it is back east, but in the Northwest, only Edmonton and Bellingham play on pro-size courts while everyone else plays on high school courts. Heck, Portland plays some of their games at a middle school!

[TEN]

Costs about five bucks to buy some court tape...Anybody in minor league basketball has taped their fair share of courts...

[Paul S]

Well for five bucks any IBL team could get a franchise over in the ABA.