For starters

[psbf]

The opening of the regular season is less than 2 weeks away. The first games are; Pgh. at Albany; Indiana at Butte; Minot at Utah and Great Falls at Yakima. Any thoughts?

[Chuck the Writer]

I'm thinking that there might be a nice rivalry between Albany and Pittsburgh. Will Kevin Pittsnogle be able to shut down the scoring threat of TJ Thompson? Can Albany's signing of NBA veteran Sean Higghs counterbalance Pittsburgh's veterans Coleco Buie and Armon Gilliam? Will last year's dynamic Jamario Moon be able to drop his dunks at will against the Pittsburgh defense? and can Albany sign a strong center to replace the loss of James Thomas?

These questions and more will be anwered in less than two weeks.

[psbf]

Yes, since Albany is the closest to us(here in Pgh.), it could be a good rivarly.
As far as Pittsnogle, his offense is known and I hope that carries over to the pro level, to help the Xplosion(I'm sure it will). He and Bryant McAllister are a potential threat in themselves. But the defense will have to be prepared also.
The Patroons are a bit light on the road, as I read in an article. If they start that way, it could be to our advantage. But it's wait and see.
I would pick Minot to win their opener, due to their success in San Jose.