Carolina Thunder

[asm342]

I have something to say about the thunder all I have read is every one in this form talking smack about the thunder and not recognizing the one and I mean one good player they have on the team. Brett Harper #48 that boy is nice. He just started playing with the thunder but I think they need to cut some guys and build the team around him. He got a verticle out of this world. Even though they lost to Nashville last game he had 27pts and was killing them on D the second half. The games that he has played he has made a significant impact in the game and on making some of the other guys step up to the plate. Some of the thunder's so called ex NBA players aren't doing anything. He has got in there and made an impact. It just to bad he is on a team that doesn't step up. Watch #48!

[Sam Hill]

Hi, Brett!

[asm342]

No I am not Brett but a fan. Been following his career since he has been at North Carolina Central University to overseas and then ABA. The boy is good and never got his props! Like I said watch him!

[Houston Caldwell]

Most of the teams in the ABA have some very good players, and Brett Harper is one of them. The ABA's problems stem from unqualified ownership and management groups, not from the quality of the players or the overall level of play in the games themselves. These players deserve a larger fan base, but they are not getting it in most ABA cities because the teams are not competently promoted.
Most "smack" talked about Carolina has come about because of the team's "no-show" for a road game against the Arkansas Rimrockers, supposedly prompted by non-payment of the players. It is my hope that this is an isolated circumstance and that the Thunder will complete their season. However, usually this type of situation is a harbinger of problems to come.
However, most "smack" I see talked on this board about the ABA is usually directed at ownership groups, not players or coaches.

[asm342]

Thanks for bringing that point up. I was never too interested in minor league basketball until I attended a CBA game and realized all the talent in these leagues. I also did not realize that there is so much shady management in these leagues. The ABA is another story on it’s own at this point, especially the Carolina Thunder. I am not so sure they are going to make it. But I guess we will see....
I would like to see Brett playing on another team at this point. As it is (at least when I have been to the games) he gets looked off a lot. I believe he would fare better on a team with a point guard that can distribute the ball not take a lot of shots. He is not a selfish player he will pass but he could use some more work on defense consistancy. I will go as far to say that I would like to see Brett at the point (sometimes). He can handle the ball, pass and he demonstrates leadership capablities. Weather or not his team can complete when he passes is another story in itself. They need to start playing as a team and understand their roles in the game. Chemsitry is KEY.
The carolina team seems to think that they have a lot of superstars. there can only be one star and his side kick (not in a bad way) on a team (i.e.; Donte Jones and Adam Soon). Both of these guys are great players it is to bad Adam broke his foot. That is why Nashville is so good the players jell and know and understand their roles. I really enjoy watching them play. All in all I do hope they make it I hope the ABA makes it for that matter.

[Houston Caldwell]

The loss of Adam Sonn (and Jason Harrell) takes away the 2 tallest Rhythm players (both were 6 foot 9); Dontae will now be the tallest player on the Rhythm at 6-7. Adam was a BEAST on the boards, a good passer and inside/outside scorer (plus being the Rhythm's best free-throw shooter, a great attribute for a post player).
Watch out for one of the replacements,though, Odell Bradley. Odell is a 6-4, 240 lb poor man's Charles Barkley who averaged 23 points and 8.5 boards as a Senior on a very good IUPUI team. I went back and checked his stats against Vanderbilt last year; Odell got 11 boards (along with 25 points) against a Vandy sweet 16 team that had players that were 6-10,6-11,6-9, and 7-2 in their post rotation. Odell is quick, athletic, an excellent shooter, and uses his linebacker physique down low to make up for his lack of height. I also watched him play against Kentucky in an NCAA tournament game when he was a junior. He gave Kentucky FITS. He is, like Sonn, a former mid-major player the high profile leagues should have looked at. Or, as you say, like Brett Harper.

[asm342]

Sounds like Coach Mcheinly picked a winner. I will look out for him the next time they play at Carolina. Hopefully there will be a next time...