What?!? Rockford Clinches Playoff Berth in Gary?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

How sickening! I actually thought I was going to be physically ill...although it could have been the pizza and the two dollar Budweisers.

The Rockford fans were in full force at the Genesis Center last night. That was bad enough. The Gary fans had to suffer 48 minutes of watching their 7'3" center shoot 18 foot jumpers while hitting none. The same 7'3" center that Rockford got rid of earlier this season. The same 7'3" center that was recently quoted as saying he thinks he has a shot at getting back into the NBA. Sigh! :roll:

[not so fast]

There are some real strange things happening in Gary. Where is Shelly Clark?

This 7-3 center was quoted as saying he liked playing for osborne because he can talk to him. I wonder, is these long jump shots ever discussed while osborne is mentoring this mental case?

Maybe its now time for jewel harris to make Daleo an offer, because this franchise is in a state of disaster.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Shelly was suspended by the coach for breaking undisclosed team rules. He will miss the remainder of the season.

The current Steelheads coach was placed in a difficult position this season. The real problem is with the owner's unwillingness (or inability) to hire more full-time front office staff to help with marketing.

Hopefully, the Steelheads saved enough money this season not having televised broadcasts, not having as many full-time staffers, and practically not advertising to do all of the beforementioned next season.

I will believe Daleo is a great coach when he advances in the playoffs--especially, if he can do it against Great Lakes (in my opinion, the best team in the CBA). Until then, never having won the CBA championship and having advanced only once in the playoffs in a four team division (actually, fourth seed in only a seven team league last year) does not make you a great coach.

[not so fast]

pretty harsh critique, well tell me this, what does this make the Gary coaching staff that will have the worst record in the league this season? Not to mention they had 4 all stars (that Daleo started and coached to an all star win)?

Also, are you telling me the lack of marketing has something to do with the way the team played on the floor?

Osborne was the assistant under ticknor long enough, also, he was a usbl coach of the year. He is plenty experienced, and he knew exactly what he was getting into. The question is, did jewell harris know what he was getting?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

It's not just a lack of marketing that affected the team on the floor, but an entire front office in disarray.

I too, thought there would be more of a disconnect between front office problems and the team on the floor. However, I have to defer to a friend of mine who has been there and done it in sports. He told me the Steelheads would have a lousy season.

[not so fast]

what happens in Gary now after a disaster of a year like this? Will there be a whole new coaching staff? Will Jemiel rich continue to stay and play for an organization that seems to be lacking leadership and direction?

gary has great potential, but its time they step up and hire the right people to run this franchise. I mean, in spite of everything that has happened, they still get great coverage in the local press, great support from the mayor of gary. Loyal fans (like ken stellheads fan), great facility.
jewell needs to take his time and hire the right person to run his team.

rumor has it the new coach next year will be ricky benitez.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Funny that you mentioned Ricky Benitez. He was a Steelheads assistant coach during the franchise's second season.

At least the Steelheads didn't finish last in the CBA. They finished tied for last. :P

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I will believe Daleo is a great coach when he advances in the playoffs--especially, if he can do it against Great Lakes (in my opinion, the best team in the CBA). Until then, never having won the CBA championship and having advanced only once in the playoffs in a four team division (actually, fourth seed in only a seven team league last year) does not make you a great coach.

Did Great Lakes actually defeat Rockford with only six players dressing for Great Lakes? :shock:

I included my own quote above because I want to go on record as saying that Great Lakes will win the CBA championship this year.

[not so fast]

well game one was an overtime win, and in game two, Rockford had a 11 point lead in the second half, did not quite get it done. But that stands to reason to think the outcome might be different in Rockford. if great lakes were a clear cut better team, then they should not have to take an overtime game at home to win. Lets see after two games in Rockford.

By the way, how did Gary do in the playoffs? Oops, how dumb of me, there not in the playoffs.