The Yakima Sun Kings situation

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Bill Bayno is contemplating quitting mid-season because of the Sun Kings' losing streak. Maybe someone should remind Bill that it's all about quarters won in the CBA, not games won. Grand Rapids won their conference championship last season with a losing record.

On the other hand (and hindsight is always 20/20), maybe Yakima should have invested more time in recruiting ACTUAL pro basketball players instead of holding those free agent camps from coast to coast. It also may have helped if Yakima began their training camp on time instead of a week later than the other CBA teams.

[not so fast]

Ken, I agree with one point, he should have started training camp on time. It sounds like just burnout with Bayno. This coaching and all of the things that go along with it takes it tolls after awhile, certainly in minorleague hoops. Coaches wear many hats, and at some point I think a person can just say enough is enough.

Also, Ken I saw you at the Gary/Sioux Falls game, which was a good game. I was sitting directly behind the Gary bench. I'll say one thing, the ticket takers at Gary are aggresive, and will make sure you get to the right seat.

Jemeil Rich is truly outstanding, he makes that team go. I cannot imagine Gary winning much without him. When hes not getting the assist he is putting such pressure on the defense by always attacking and he pushes the ball up the floor so quickly on every posession.

Galen Young played great and competes so hard.

Rockford/Gary game should be interesting Tuesday.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Not so fast, I heard you were at that game. Did you notice that the players were slipping and falling left and right because it was so warm and humid that night in the arena? Did you notice that Leon Smith can't seem to focus back on the CBA since 'almost' being called-up by the Knicks? Most importantly though, did you notice the "basketball groupies" sitting by the basket near your end of the court? I did. Noticing almost got me in trouble.

I was supposed to go to the game with my buddy that night, but he couldn't make it so I took my wife instead (as usual). Guess I had brain-fade for a moment and forgot who I was sitting next to, but fortunately caught myself before completely shouting, "WILL YOU CHECK OUT THE MINI-SKIRT AND LEGS ON THAT BABE!?!" LOL

[not so fast]

I don't know if the Knicks situation effected Leon, I think Leon is just being Leon. And by the way your wife is beautiful, so you are a lucky man. I hope you were not talking about one of the cheerleaders, they were not worth you getting in trouble for. But in the audience there are a lot of beautiul ladies in the stands.

Finally, I understand you are a bigshot in Gary. It will be an honor to meet you.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

:lol: :lol: I'm a BIG fan of minor league sports in Gary is all. No, I wasn't talking about the Steelhearts dance team, but they are definitely looking and dancing better this year. Their new coach is a 23 year old former Indiana Pacers cheerleader. She's done a great job with them.

Doh! I was talking about the two 'civilian' ladies on the other side of the basket. You ARE from out of town, aren't you? :) Never mind! 'People watching' while at the games is a relaxing activity for me for sure. There isn't much else to do in Gary.

Thanks, I'll pass your compliment on to Mrs. Steelheads fan though.

Real Basketball talk

This is the year for Jemeil Rich. Either he gets a call-up to the NBA this year, or it's not going to happen at all. If he finds a little more consistency on his mid-range jumper, then it will happen this year. He has already improved greatly since last season on actually scoring on his drives to the basket.

I hope Leon Smith snaps out of 'it' soon. The Steelheads need his presence in the middle.

Immanuel McElroy is filling the void Brian Notree left behind. McElroy has some serious 'hops', plays great defense, and moves well without the ball to position himself for countless lay-ins. No wonder he has such a high shooting average. If he doesn't get a call-up, I hope he is with the Steelheads again next year.

The Yakima Situation:

Winning and losing tends to occur in streaks. Didn't Yakima win six straight early in the season? Well, if Bill Bayno is going to quit as coach, then he needs to do it soon for the sake of team harmony. I wonder how the losing streak will effect ticket sales for the all*star game on the 20th of January. It's not like a lot of people from the midwest are going to make the trek to Washington state for the game. Yakima fans are going to have to carry the load. Of course, the all*star game could be a great marketing opportunity for the new Bellevue, WA franchise...which brings up a point. I haven't seen any press releases lately from either of the two new CBA franchises. You would think they would make a few announcements while fans are in a basketball frame of mind. Announcements like season ticket sales, name the mascot, or civic contributions to name a few.