Gary Steelheads

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The Elkhart Express had a good run. Need I say more? :D
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/08/02/sports/top_sports/docb86fe4bf7598b0278625732b00047ea5.txt

Duane Ticknor is back into professional coaching, but I don't know if NBADL coaches can do double duty. Another former Steelheads coach, Jaren Jackson, is available too.

[BreakersFan]

As with Bellingham, this is a win for both the Steelheads and the IBL...

[winds55]

[QUOTE=Ken, Steelheads fan;59261]The Elkhart Express had a good run. Need I say more? :D
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/08/02/sports/top_sports/docb86fe4bf7598b0278625732b00047ea5.txt

We look forward to seeing you at North Side - just hop on the toll road, south at exit 92. Could be a good rivalry - how close to a South Shore terminal is the Steelhead venue? :cool:

[mammal]

Another great addition to the IBL. First Bellingham, now Gary. The IBL is a very well run league. The ABA, USBL and WBA are a joke. The PBL, IBL and CBA look to be the most stable of the minor leagues. (Besides the D-League)

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

We look forward to seeing you at North Side - just hop on the toll road, south at exit 92. Could be a good rivalry - how close to a South Shore terminal is the Steelhead venue? :cool:

Funny you should ask because the Genesis Center (where the Steelheads play) is right across the street from the Gary South Shore stop http://www.nlfan.com/gary/photos/train_station.jpg. The South Shore is directly next to the toll road which has an exit (exit 14B) a block from the Genesis Center. http://www.nlfan.com/gary/photos/broadway_exit.jpghttp://www.nlfan.com/gary/photos/genesis_center.jpg

[MJHankel]

Like Ken said, it is directly accross the street.

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/2826/genesiscenterlocationwv1.png

As you can see from this (terribly labled) map. The two are parrallel. Infact that little rectangular building between the two on the left is a parking Garage. Which both buildings are connected to. So in theory, you never have to go outside (accept when you exit the train).

[winds55]

I've seen the hamster tunnels from the train. Only thing missing is the schedule. Thanks for the info - hope to see you next year.

[sportsnut2000]

Looks like Gary will be joining the IBL for the 2008 season

[winds55]

I saw the announcement in the Truth today. Welcome, Gary Steelheads. Hope you have a great season.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Hopefully, the Steelheads will do well enough in the IBL so the Trinity Group people and this current version of the CBA stay out of Gary for good. I have little confidence in Trinity and the CBA at this time.

The following are a few links to the Steelheads/IBL story:
http://www.post-trib.com/sports/649182,steelies.article

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/11/14/sports/top_sports/docbdec4ce652c3b3768625739300105acb.txt

[ChumpDumper]

Duane Ticknor is back into professional coaching, but I don't know if NBADL coaches can do double duty.I know that Dale Osborne was an assistant in Austin and a head coach in Dodge City.

The IBL should be a good fit for Gary. I think the travel issue might be keeping the Kansas and Oklahoma USBL teams out of the IBL. I know they met with officials from the Texas-based UBL, but didn't hear if anything came from that. I'll see if I can find anything out at the UBL exhibition game this weekend.

[MJHankel]

So seeing as how it was released about two weeks ago that the "Steelheads' '08 schedule includes IBL's best (http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3559584)," has the actual complete IBL schedule been released? For that matter have the finalized expansion? How has the Steelheads schedule been determined already if the league still hasn't released or finalized things?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

So seeing as how it was released about two weeks ago that the "Steelheads' '08 schedule includes IBL's best (http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3559584)," has the actual complete IBL schedule been released? For that matter have the finalized expansion? How has the Steelheads schedule been determined already if the league still hasn't released or finalized things?

That "IBL's best" statement obviously refers to the IBL All*Star game. The Steelheads schedule was probably bumped-up as a condition for the Steelheads to join the league. Last year in the USBL things were rather last minute. Certain sponsors need the extra planning time an early schedule provides.

[MJHankel]

I noticed that the Schedules are out on the league site now.


Gary's can be found here (http://www.iblhoopsonline.com/teamGary.asp)

Friday March 14 7:00pm USA All Stars* @ Gary Steelheads

Sunday March 16 5:00pm USA All Stars* @ Gary Steelheads

Thursday March 20 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Battle Creek Knights

Saturday March 22 7:15pm Elkhart Express @ Gary Steelheads

Friday March 28 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Holland Blast

Friday April 4 7:15pm Holland Blast @ Gary Steelheads

Friday April 11 7:15pm Battle Creek Knights @ Gary Steelheads

Friday April 18 7:15pm Windy City Soldiers @ Gary Steelheads

Sunday April 20 5:00pm Grand Rapids Flight @ Gary Steelheads

Friday April 25 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Los Angeles Lightning

Saturday April 26 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Los Angeles Lightning

Friday May 2 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Grand Rapids Flight

Saturday May 3 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Windy City Soldiers

Friday May 9 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Elkhart Express

Saturday May 17 7:15pm Elkhart Express @ Gary Steelheads

Friday May 23 7:15pm Battle Creek Knights @ Gary Steelheads

Saturday May 24 7:15pm Windy City Soldiers @ Gary Steelheads

Saturday May 31 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Elkhart Express

Friday June 13 7:15pm Los Angeles Lightning @ Gary Steelheads

Friday June 20 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Holland Blast

Saturday June 21 7:15pm Gary Steelheads @ Grand Rapids Flight

Sunday June 22 5:00pm Holland Blast @ Gary Steelheads

My question is, who are these "USA All Stars?"

Upon further digging, I found this note listed on the Windy City Soldiers and the Grand Rapids Flight page:

* The ‘USA All Stars’ is a non-IBL opponent. Each IBL team in the 2008 season is allowed to play two non-IBL opponents that count on their win-loss record. These two away games will be played in Gary Indiana at the Genesis Center Convention Center & Arena. Come root on your Windy City Soldiers!

* The ‘USA All Stars’ are non-IBL opponents. Each IBL team in the 2008 season is allowed to play 2 non-IBL opponents that count on their win-loss record. These games will be played in Gary Indiana at the Genesis Center Convention Center & Arena.

So they are not an IBL opponent and there games against the Windy City Soldiers and Grand Rapids Flight will be played in Gary? peculiar. Who are they?

A few other teams play them:

On the Eugene Chargers page it says:

* The ‘USA All Stars’ is a non-IBL opponent. Each IBL team in the 2008 season is allowed to play two non-IBL opponents that count on their win-loss record. These two games will be played at Life Christian School in Aloha, Oregon.

The Jazz of Tacoma page states:

* The ‘USA All Stars’ is a non-IBL opponent. Each IBL team in the 2008 season is allowed to play two non-IBL opponents that count on their win-loss record. The first game will be played away, in Portland; however, the second such game on Sunday, March 30 will be played as a home game. Come out and support your Jazz of Tacoma professional basketball team!

The Vancouver Valcanoes page says:

* The ‘USA All Stars’ is a non-IBL opponent. Each IBL team in the 2008 season is allowed to play two non-IBL opponents that count on their win-loss record. These two games will be played as away games/neutral site type games- at Life Christian School in Aloha, Oregon.


So they aren't restricted to the Chicago area.

Does anybody know who they are?

Also just a note, it appears that all the schedules are out except for the Las Vegas Stars and the Washington Raptors.

[one way]

I am sure that they are a bunch of local players from the local YMCA. I am sure that they do not travel but are from the area of the IBL team, thus saving the team travel expenses. This system sums up what the IBL is all about, rec league at best. It is just a shame, the once proud Gary Steelheads have been reduced to this. Why would anyone buy a ticket to see this garbage.

[TheSportsLogoPundit]

I love how Gary starts in early March while the Los Angeles Lightning don't start until April 14th, one month later. What normal league does that kind of thing? Ridiculous.

MJ - I can't promise anything, but I'll probably go to the Lightning vs. Steelheads game when they come to Thousand Oaks. Hopefully, I'll post some pics. Just a heads up for you.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I am sure that they are a bunch of local players from the local YMCA. I am sure that they do not travel but are from the area of the IBL team, thus saving the team travel expenses. This system sums up what the IBL is all about, rec league at best. It is just a shame, the once proud Gary Steelheads have been reduced to this. Why would anyone buy a ticket to see this garbage.

I'll buy a ticket to see this garbage. Actually, I'll buy more than one ticket to see it.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I love how Gary starts in early March while the Los Angeles Lightning don't start until April 14th, one month later. What normal league does that kind of thing? Ridiculous.

MJ - I can't promise anything, but I'll probably go to the Lightning vs. Steelheads game when they come to Thousand Oaks. Hopefully, I'll post some pics. Just a heads up for you.

Gary starts in March for almost the same reason they started early while in the USBL. The Steelheads don't want as many conflicting dates with Gary's minor/independent league baseball team (which starts in May).

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

My question is, who are these "USA All Stars?"

So they are not an IBL opponent and there games against the Windy City Soldiers and Grand Rapids Flight will be played in Gary? peculiar. Who are they?

Does anybody know who they are?


Someone explained it to me last weekend. The games against the USA All Stars are Combines and players will be signed as a result. No, it's not a traveling team. Rec league quality?!? I don't know. The USBL isn't around anymore, so someone has to pick-up the slack (high quality available talent).

[MJHankel]

Someone explained it to me last weekend. The games against the USA All Stars are Combines and players will be signed as a result. No, it's not a traveling team. Rec league quality?!? I don't know. The USBL isn't around anymore, so someone has to pick-up the slack (high quality available talent).

That would explain why the games they are scheduled to play, against all the various teams, all take place towards the start of the season.

[besl]

Also just a note, it appears that all the schedules are out except for the Las Vegas Stars and the Washington Raptors.

I can't find the Washington Raptors on any of the other teams' schedules, so I imagine they have called it quits. It's not a suprise to me; they drew small crowds and played in a pretty podunk area.

Las Vegas, on the other hand, does appear on other schedules, so they should be good to go. One could probably piece together their schedule by looking at all the other teams.

[MJHankel]

I am sure that they are a bunch of local players from the local YMCA. I am sure that they do not travel but are from the area of the IBL team, thus saving the team travel expenses. This system sums up what the IBL is all about, rec league at best. It is just a shame, the once proud Gary Steelheads have been reduced to this. Why would anyone buy a ticket to see this garbage.

From my understanding, the IBL ranges in quallity from team to team. This primarily due to the fact that it is up to the ownership group to determine how much they want to put into their team. Some teams may play in rec centers while others play in arenas or large gyms. They do appear to be able to pull off seasons with minimal drama. Which will be nice after a crazy USBL season.

The Steelheads ownership will make their team the best possible, if other teams do not follow suit, than the Steelheads will be ahead of the game. It would appear that some teams like the Raptors or the Soldiers are a bit sub-par by professional standards. On the other hand there are teams like the Explosion and the Express that look good by most standards. Both the good and the not so good teams make their games. There are consistent rules throughout the league.

It seams that the IBL is all in what the franchises owners want to make it to be for their team. There are bare minimums that some franchises chose to operate at while others go above and beyond.

I will take this season at face value. I believe, at best, it will be, night and day, better than the USBL season last year. I do not claim to know everything in regards to this league but I am open to see how it goes. The highlights and games I have watched online from other IBL teams don't actually look half bad.

[MJHankel]

I can't find the Washington Raptors on any of the other teams' schedules, so I imagine they have called it quits. It's not a suprise to me; they drew small crowds and played in a pretty podunk area.

I hadn't noticed their absence from the other teams' schedules. I would agree from what I watched online, the Raptors were not the greatest operation.

[bballnut]

Now that the schedule is out, I see Gary opens with Battle Creek. I have noticed reading these threads that Battle Creek does not get much respect. Even though Gary has played in the CBA and USBL, I hope we don't look down on some of these IBL teams. If I am not mistaken there coaching staff has much experience, and they have been one of the best teams in the league. I also understand they have outstanding ownership as well.

[sportsnut2000]

Has Gary signed any players yet for the upcoming season.

[Mr Hurley]

The Elkhart Express had a good run. Need I say more? :D
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/08/02/sports/top_sports/docb86fe4bf7598b0278625732b00047ea5.txt

Duane Ticknor is back into professional coaching, but I don't know if NBADL coaches can do double duty. Another former Steelheads coach, Jaren Jackson, is available too.

Last I look Mr Jackson was heading out west with the Mad Ants as thier coach. Not sure if he can coach both.Fort Wayne Mad Ants if you need to know

[MJHankel]

While it would have been hard, Jackson could have coached both teams. It is a moot point now though. The Steelheads already signed there coach for this season.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Rob Spon, USBL Steelheads assistant coach will be the Steelheads IBL head coach.

The season starts March 14 and no one from the Steelheads organization has yet to ask me for a dime. What's up with that? I guess I'll call them today and ask what my damage will be.

[bballnut]

There is no way Jaren could have coached both teams. He is a very smart man, and would not divide his time between teams. He is 100% into the Mad Ants, and that is where he needs to focus. You will see him coaching in the NBA in the near future.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

There is no way Jaren could have coached both teams. He is a very smart man, and would not divide his time between teams. He is 100% into the Mad Ants, and that is where he needs to focus. You will see him coaching in the NBA in the near future.

Jaren Jackson is 100% into advancing his career--which is a good thing. While he coached Gary, he stressed several times that he did not want lifetime CBA players on his team (Ronnie Fields wouldn't make it as a Steelheads player). He only wanted players hungry to get to the next level--like himself.

[bballnut]

I kind of wonder why Gary did'nt take a look at Dale Osbourn for the Head job? He is coaching in the D-League and also coached in the WNBA. His teams were very successful in the USBL.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I kind of wonder why Gary did'nt take a look at Dale Osbourn for the Head job? He is coaching in the D-League and also coached in the WNBA. His teams were very successful in the USBL.

Dale became head coach for the Steelheads when Duane Ticknor got sick and Dale had to take over. Dale was put into a bad situation and got blamed for many of the team's failures that year. Rob Spon was already in the system (assistant coach), so there you have it. Last year's coach was also promoted from within the system--assistant to Jaren Jackson.

[bballnut]

Thanks for the info on Dale. He was one of the nicest people I have ever been around in Basketball. There were some players on that team he took over, that had some bad attitudes. Owners put the blame on the wrong person. He is in the D-League with Utah, and they love him out there. Is Shelly Clarks name going to pop up there in Gary?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Thanks for the info on Dale. He was one of the nicest people I have ever been around in Basketball. There were some players on that team he took over, that had some bad attitudes. Owners put the blame on the wrong person. He is in the D-League with Utah, and they love him out there. Is Shelly Clarks name going to pop up there in Gary?

Shelly pops-up in Gary every three years or so (so that means it's time to see him again, lol). He's a fan favorite and has lots of family in the Chicago/Gary area. However, Shelly is getting a little long in the tooth now.

It will be interesting to see the make-up of the team by mid-season.

[bballnut]

It will be interesting, maybe even J. Rich will pop up too. Anyway it goes, it looks like they are putting one heck of a team together. D. Bowden was one of the best players in the league last year. Look, what Howard is doing in the D-League. Gary is setting the bar. Does anybody know what they will be paying there players? I am sure they will have the highest player budget in the league. Again, with that being said. Paying guys top $ is how you get top players. You win with those horses. Generally the teams with the biggest payroll win in these leagues..

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

It will be interesting, maybe even J. Rich will pop up too. Anyway it goes, it looks like they are putting one heck of a team together. D. Bowden was one of the best players in the league last year. Look, what Howard is doing in the D-League. Gary is setting the bar. Does anybody know what they will be paying there players? I am sure they will have the highest player budget in the league. Again, with that being said. Paying guys top $ is how you get top players. You win with those horses. Generally the teams with the biggest payroll win in these leagues..

I saw Jemeil Rich in street clothes at at least one of the USBL Steelheads games last season. He may be interested, but he's getting a little long in the tooth too.

Well, if enough people pay the courtside season ticket prices, then the Steelheads should have plenty of money to pay for top players. 8)

[MJHankel]

Any pics from todays games at the Genesis Center? I am curious what Gary's uniforms look like this season. I am also curious about what the court looks like now. I wish I could have been there.

Incidentally, I wish the teams website was updated better. It has been really lacking. At the beginning of last season they had it much better updated. They need a good intern or something. There are still alot of dead links that were never fixed from last season too.

Does anybody know if they are going to have a webcast on sportsjuice this year like they have in past seasons? I really wish I could listen to them here.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Any pics from todays games at the Genesis Center? I am curious what Gary's uniforms look like this season. I am also curious about what the court looks like now. I wish I could have been there.

Incidentally, I wish the teams website was updated better. It has been really lacking. At the beginning of last season they had it much better updated. They need a good intern or something. There are still alot of dead links that were never fixed from last season too.

Does anybody know if they are going to have a webcast on sportsjuice this year like they have in past seasons? I really wish I could listen to them here.

Funny you should ask...
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0565.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0569.jpg
The new Gary uniforms are blue and gold (University of Michigan colors?!?). The USA All*Stars wore yellow and burgundy. The court is the same though...and yeah, Gary won. I didn't watch the earlier games.

[MJHankel]

Thanks for the pics. Well, that is deffinitely a wierd color change, I wonder why. Also I am kinda confused. I thought the IBL played with a NCAA three point line. How does this work seeing as they still have the NBA line, not to mention as seen in your second pic they are using the NBA lines for the free throws too. I am confused.

[winds55]

Blue and Gold are also Elkhart's colors. Elkhart looked good in their intra-squad game today, by the way. Can't wait for the real season to begin - will see you Saturday!

[bballnut]

Looks like Gary will be off to a nice start. Thay should have no problem with Battle Creek. As I said before, we have not heard much about Battle Creeks team. I understand that most of there guys from last year won't be on the team this year. They almost beat Elkhart in the semi's. It appears Grand Rapids and Holland have more talent then Battle Creek. Looks like Gary and Elkhart and then the remaining teams. Go get um Gary. I think I will try and drive up there for the game.

[winds55]

I think that should read Elkhart and Gary, bballnut. :-) It should be a great game Saturday and a great season. I do hope Gary gets a huge turnout for the All-Star game. The more fans show up for games in this part of the country, the better the chances of more special games, like the All-Star games, and Championship games, here instead of out west, right?

Go Express!

[bballnut]

Right, I know the All Star game was out here, but I thought the Championship game was out west. We are lucky to have both. It is always fun watching Damion's teams. He is one of the reason's they have back to back Championships. This league is very lucky to have him coaching in it. I am sure they know that. Look what he has done with China. Wow. I would have thought they would have played Elkhart's first game at home. They should be handing out rings on Saturday. Sorry, friends in Gary. They did win the Chip.

[winds55]

You're right, the Championship game is scheduled to be out west this year. I think if the east teams have great turnouts, the league will have to take notice and keep sending the special games here, too.

I'm sure the first home game in Elkhart will be very special with the trophy presentation before the game.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Thanks for the pics. Well, that is deffinitely a wierd color change, I wonder why. Also I am kinda confused. I thought the IBL played with a NCAA three point line. How does this work seeing as they still have the NBA line, not to mention as seen in your second pic they are using the NBA lines for the free throws too. I am confused.

I believe this article addresses the three-point arc debate:
http://www.etruth.com/Know/Sports/Story.aspx?ID=443438

While Elkhart has played primarily on 84-foot courts with high school 3-point lines the last couple years -- including at home -- the Genesis Center features a 94-foot court, like that used in the NBA. Gary's 3-point arc is from 22 feet to 23 feet, 9 inches away from the basket, just like those in the NBA, while the Express' home arc is 19 feet, 9 inches away from the basket.

It appears that the arc is what it is depending on where the game is played.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Here are a few pics from Gary's IBL home opener, Saturday March 22. Gary is in the dark blue and gold...and yes, Gary lost to Elkhart. The attendance was close to 3000 and some change. If this was the CBA and if the home opening crowd was only 1700, then I could say Great Crowd (like so many CBA posters are likely to proclaim) :roll:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0590.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0591.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0586.jpg

[bballnut]

If the IBL is a development league, they need to be consistant. At least the three point line. They are also considering going back to 5 fouls a game per player. These are pro's, there is much contact under the glass. I understand wanting to get the games over, but not at the integrity of the game. This league only gives one time out per qtr. Can't they add a 30 second time out, to help these young players grow. Those 30 second time outs don't extend the game that much.

By the way, great win for Damion and Elkhart. Can Battle Creek stay with in 20 points of the Express this year. This looks like his best team ever. This guy flat gets it done. Look out teams out west. Looks like the Champ will be coming out of the east again.

[mammal]

Elkhart and Gary are the class of the East, no doubt. Both on and off the court. Do not count out SnoCo. They are loaded. Bellingham is good as well. Portland returns four or five of their best players from last year. I am really interested in the roster for LA. Tryouts will be in April. I expect a few big names to pop up. Maybe they will be like Santa Barbara was last season

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

If the IBL is a development league, they need to be consistant. At least the three point line. They are also considering going back to 5 fouls a game per player. These are pro's, there is much contact under the glass. I understand wanting to get the games over, but not at the integrity of the game. This league only gives one time out per qtr. Can't they add a 30 second time out, to help these young players grow. Those 30 second time outs don't extend the game that much.

By the way, great win for Damion and Elkhart. Can Battle Creek stay with in 20 points of the Express this year. This looks like his best team ever. This guy flat gets it done. Look out teams out west. Looks like the Champ will be coming out of the east again.

The funny thing is that the grand total of three IBL games I've attended have been no shorter in duration than the CBA games I've attended (with all the timeouts to win quarter points). I'm still in the parking lot at approximately 9:35pm after the game.

sidenote:
The Gary/Elkhart game was much closer than the final score indicated. Gary needed Kenyon Gamble and some of their other players that haven't reported yet.

Another sidenote:
My understanding is that the IBL is not supposed to be a developmental league. Maybe that explains the inconsistencies.

[winds55]

Gary's fans seemed a bit reserved in the first half, although they did get more vocal in the 3rd quarter when Gary got ahead. It was a great game, both teams should be contenders. I hope you'll come to Elkhart for the rematch, Ken. We don't have shrimp, but we do have some great bbq sandwiches. And North Side is a straight shot from the Toll Road exit, just a couple miles south.

[bballnut]

Did anybody see the Gary vs Battle Creek game? Does Battle Creek have a chance this week-end with Elkhart? I understand the Gary and Battle Creek game was a battle.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Gary's fans seemed a bit reserved in the first half, although they did get more vocal in the 3rd quarter when Gary got ahead. It was a great game, both teams should be contenders. I hope you'll come to Elkhart for the rematch, Ken. We don't have shrimp, but we do have some great bbq sandwiches. And North Side is a straight shot from the Toll Road exit, just a couple miles south.


It seems only fair since so many Elkhart fans came to Gary. May 9th?!? Hmmmmm. Don't do the meat thing, but will there be any beer? I tend to follow the suds. I already know I will have to send a couple of proxies to the May 17th rematch back in Gary. A Baseball game will be going on down the street and Railcats baseball trumps all. 8)

[winds55]

Don't do the meat thing, but will there be any beer? I tend to follow the suds.

Sorry, Ken. North Side is a school gym (that seats 12,000 I think), so no beer at the game. Plenty of places between the toll road and the gym (or the gym and the toll road after the game) to down a glass, though.

[bballnut]

I will say this. Gary had better strap them up real good when they go to Elkhart, cause DB's teams are very tough to beat at home. I think Ron had better look at getting this team better. Even with more talent, he still has to coach against the leagues best coach. Damion knows the game and his player are as tough as he is. Looks like another Championship for The Express.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Steelie in the new road gold uniform:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0599.jpg

The food court at the Genesis Center:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0600.jpg

View of the blue side:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0601.jpg

View of the red side:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0604.jpg

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Here is also a link to an article on that game:
http://www.post-trib.com/sports/879109,steelies.article

Another view of Steelie the mascot and the red section:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0606.jpg

[MJHankel]

I gotta say, I really don't like that color change it doesn't go at all with the former colors. I mean the navy blue isn't bad but the yellow (gold?) just completely clashes and doesn't make sense. It doesn't match steelies body colors at all I mean the light blue just doesn't work with it. The uniforms look good the color changes just isn't welcome to me. Is there a reason they couldn't keep the Black, grey, navy blue, and light blue color scheme?

What colors does Bellingham have this season? They had pretty much the same as the Steelheads. Does the IBL's uniform provider not have the capabilities of baby blue?

I gotta say though the IBL is seemingly much better then the USBL and the name IBL was already part of the Steelheads history so it works.

[MJHankel]

On the upside it looks like the team's chemistry is getting better. Hopefully the next meeting with Elkhart will have a better outcome now.

While the attendance numbers aren't great it is nice to see that they appear to be drawing better than last season in the USBL. I was also wondering what the change in game play was gonna do for attendance. The faster pace seems like it would attract a few more people. I don't know I just hope they don't resort back to giving away tickets like they did in the CBA. If this is paid attendance now in the IBL it seems like at least they got back the key fanbase. Spring is looking up for the Steelheads

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The following are a couple of pics from the April 11, 2008 game vs. Battle Creek. Of course, the Gary Genesis Center is the Venue:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0624.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0626.jpg

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Steelheads win by 46 points against a vastly improved Windy City team. Here is a link to The Times of Northwest Indiana's article on Gary's Kenyon Gamble:
http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2008/04/18/sports/top_sports/docd497f15a3e0820c48625742e00731b91.txt
Gamble has had NBA workouts with the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics, and he was the last free agent cut on the Pacers' summer league squad in 2007. An impressive IBL season and he's bound to earn more looks.


...well, at least I think lots of talent can be found in the IBL.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0628.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0627.jpg

[CHris902]

Wow, that place looks empty. What was announced attendance?

Did the Steelheads end up signing Akeem Clark or Brian Silverhorn?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Wow, that place looks empty. What was announced attendance?

Did the Steelheads end up signing Akeem Clark or Brian Silverhorn?

The Steelheads signed Gary native Akeem Clark and he played Friday April 11th and Friday April 18th, tonight. No Brian Silverhorn to my knowledge. The announced attendance was 2,070.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Robert Griffin suited-up for the Steelheads for the first time since he broke his arm early last season with the USBL Steelheads.

Look! I may be your best customer, but Down in front, Beer Man.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0629.jpg

Darn it! DOWN IN FRONT!!!!!! LOL
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0632.jpg

[MJHankel]

Seriously 91-83? Against Elgin? What the heck happened?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Seriously 91-83? Against Elgin? What the heck happened?

Shaun Fountain has briefly left the team to play in the Dominican Republic. Robert Griffin is back, but he was JUST back from his stint with the Mad Ants in the NBADL. He was ice cold and wasn't doing any slashing to the basket. Sam Mack was back in the lineup, but he was cold too. Elgin has improved their team somewhat and as always, Keith Gayden (#44 for Elgin) was a beast down low and high scorer of the day.

I like competitive games like this one. Friday's more than 40 point blowout of Windy City was on the boring side.

[MJHankel]

I agree that blow-outs aren't the most intensely entertaining games to watch. I just found it strange that the first double digit final score for the Steelheads came against the Racers. I guess it is nice to see that Elgin is getting more competitive.

[bballnut]

Has Ron Howard joined the team? Can this team take over the top spot and replace Elkhart? I am still not sure that Holland team is for real.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Has Ron Howard joined the team? Can this team take over the top spot and replace Elkhart? I am still not sure that Holland team is for real.

Ron Howard hasn't joined the Steelheads yet. I think Gary can now take the top spot from Elkhart because Gary is much improved since Gary and Elkhart last played. Can Gary defeat Elkhart @ Elkhart? I don't know about that, but just like I said. Gary is much improved since they played last. :wink:

[MJHankel]

So the Steelheads are still broadcasted on public access cable? I just wish they would stream them live on the internet. I just found their production company online where you can buy their games on DVD. http://www.aandmvideo.com/2008%20Steelheads.htm

[bballnut]

Can they continue to play like a team, with all the guys that can score for them. Will everyone need to "get there's"? I am also wondering about Holland. They still look pretty good, cause they can shoot the ball, and play as a team. No ego's up there. I still feel DB and the fella's from Elkhart are the team to beat. He has talent, and he can coach the heck out of this game.

[winds55]

I think Gary can now take the top spot from Elkhart because Gary is much improved since Gary and Elkhart last played. Can Gary defeat Elkhart @ Elkhart? I don't know about that, but just like I said. Gary is much improved since they played last. :wink:

Gary may be improved, but I don't think they can beat Elkhart, especially not at Elkhart. And the Express has no intention of handing over the top spot. Add all the players you want - Elkhart has a solid core and the bench to back them up. I'm impressed by how well the new players have fit in and how quickly they all learned to work together and support each other's strengths.

[MJHankel]

A couple of those players that they added are Gary veterans. They are not some random new guys they are trying out. The rest of the Steelheads seem to be melding nicely now. They may just have what it takes to at least down the Express in Gary.

[MJHankel]

http://www.post-trib.com/sports/918007,steelies.article

So when the Steelheads left for L.A., Schaper forgot his game shorts. The thing I like about that is, he wasn't allowed to play in practice shorts.

Schaper, who was told at halftime he couldn't wearing practice shorts, traded shorts with Aaron Spears

Now that is interesting, considering all the uniform problems this past winter minor league season. I just like how he was NOT ALLOWED to wear some other shorts.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Normally on days like today when Gary's baseball team AND basketball teams are playing at approximately the same time, I would send someone in my place to the basketball game and send MY body to the ballpark. The Gary/Elkhart rivalry has peaked my interest though. No proxies will be needed. I'll catch 90 minutes or so of the baseball game, then high-step it over to the Genesis Center for most of the basketball game.

I've been waiting on this game for a long time. 8)

[winds55]

Normally on days like today when Gary's baseball team AND basketball teams are playing at approximately the same time, I would send someone in my place to the basketball game and send MY body to the ballpark. The Gary/Elkhart rivalry has peaked my interest though. No proxies will be needed. I'll catch 90 minutes or so of the baseball game, then high-step it over to the Genesis Center for most of the basketball game.

I've been waiting on this game for a long time. 8)

Well, it was one heck of a game, that's for sure. Congrats to the Steelers. I'm looking forward to the rematch in Elkhart in a couple of weeks.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Well, it was one heck of a game, that's for sure. Congrats to the Steelers. I'm looking forward to the rematch in Elkhart in a couple of weeks.

I didn't say it sooner because I didn't want to jinx anybody (not that I believe in jinx's and bad luck), but Gary should have won the first game also. The Steelheads were quite shorthanded the first time around. Kenyon Gamble was out, Adam Schaper was overseas, and Robert Griffin was still playing in the NBADL (not that Robert had much of an impact during THIS game).

I'm looking forward to another rematch too. Winning on the road in Elkhart will be rough. I'm wondering if I can make the trip. Here's a pic from the game. Gary is wearing the home gold for the first time at home. Makes sense to me to wear the gold at home all the time. The gold uniforms say Steelheads while the dark blue uniforms say Gary.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0643.jpg

What's up with Elkhart's international flavor all of a sudden? Those new Express players are from the team from China, right?

[winds55]

What's up with Elkhart's international flavor all of a sudden? Those new Express players are from the team from China, right?

The four Chinese players came to the States with the team when they returned from their China trip in April. Coach Beathea is affiliated with the Shanghai Sharks; these players are on the Sharks team. They've played in a couple games so far and once they got settled in, looked good. I can't find the article to post a link, but I believe Coach Beathea is working with the Sharks as a part-time assistant, with an emphasis on defense.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The four Chinese players came to the States with the team when they returned from their China trip in April. Coach Beathea is affiliated with the Shanghai Sharks; these players are on the Sharks team. They've played in a couple games so far and once they got settled in, looked good. I can't find the article to post a link, but I believe Coach Beathea is working with the Sharks as a part-time assistant, with an emphasis on defense.

I couldn't find the article either. I wanted to see the Chinese players play, but they didn't get in the game against the Steelheads.

[winds55]

I couldn't find the article either. I wanted to see the Chinese players play, but they didn't get in the game against the Steelheads.

You might try getting to Elkhart on June 13th or 14th. Games in the middle of a '4 games in 5 days' stretch - they'll probably be substituting a lot to counteract the fatigue factor. Chances are they won't get that far down the bench on May 31st. :)

[not so fast]

i saw elkhart now twice on tv play, and if they dont improve thier roster, they wont beat gary. Gary has a better team. Cedric moodie is the only real quality player on elkhart roster. The big guys are stiffs, and the rest are a bunch of retreads.

I know you elkhart fans dont want to hear that, but you better step back and take a good look at your team.

[winds55]

Steelie is a fish, not me. And I ain't takin' that bait.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The Steelheads wore home gold again while the knights wore dark blue.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0663.jpg

A view of one of skyboxes (Second floor, to the right).

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0664.jpg

[winds55]

I don't understand the allure of the skybox. The location is lousy if you're interested in the game - far from the action, behind and to the side of goals. The seats may be cushier, but it looks like you'd have to stand up and stay close to the windows to see anything anyways. Is 'not having to mingle with the unwashed masses' worth the negatives to someone? (Is anyone at a Midwest IBL game really that famous that getting bombarded by fans the whole game really that much of a problem?)

[not so fast]

Actually it is more of a status thing with the sky box, no different that at the united center.

Also, its closer to the food, and Genesis normaly has great food and you can watch the game and sit at a table.

I am impressed with how well Gary is playing, but of course the league does lack depth in talent. There are some good players just not enough of them.

But I am glad for Jewel harris the owner of the steelheads, he may win his first ever championship, because elkhart cannot, and will not beat the steelheads, as the rosters stand today.

Battle creek has a lot of selfish players on their roster, I know a lot of those guys, they will not win with that group. A very bad mix!

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I don't understand the allure of the skybox. The location is lousy if you're interested in the game - far from the action, behind and to the side of goals. The seats may be cushier, but it looks like you'd have to stand up and stay close to the windows to see anything anyways. Is 'not having to mingle with the unwashed masses' worth the negatives to someone? (Is anyone at a Midwest IBL game really that famous that getting bombarded by fans the whole game really that much of a problem?)

I would also add that the windows need to be removable on the Genesis Center skyboxes (which are actually conference rooms). That would bring the skybox inhabitants closer to the action. Of course, the skybox doors on both sides of the food court deck open onto the food court deck--which is a compromise. The Genesis Center needs better skyboxes.

What is the allure of the skybox? Additional revenue, from a team's point of view. Status (a chance to entertain clients, employees, friends, and family), from a fan's point of view. The skybox in the photo and the adjacent food court deck need to be marketed better, IMO.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Actually it is more of a status thing with the sky box, no different that at the united center.

Also, its closer to the food, and Genesis normaly has great food and you can watch the game and sit at a table.

I am impressed with how well Gary is playing, but of course the league does lack depth in talent. There are some good players just not enough of them.

But I am glad for Jewel harris the owner of the steelheads, he may win his first ever championship, because elkhart cannot, and will not beat the steelheads, as the rosters stand today.

Battle creek has a lot of selfish players on their roster, I know a lot of those guys, they will not win with that group. A very bad mix!

I must admit that the league (at least the east, because I know nothing about the west) lacks overall depth. However, I feel the IBL all*star rosters will be comparable to the CBA all*star rosters. The talent may not be spread evenly, but the talent is there.

Royce was hilarious all night:
http://www.post-trib.com/sports/968467,steelies.article

"Yeah, we came in without a lot of focus so we knew we had to come in here and make it up tonight," said guard Royce Parron. "We were busy worrying about the pre-game meal so we knew we messed up so we knew we had to improve our situation tonight."

Hustling, Royce crashed into courtside fans at one point. The fans scattered and beer went flying everywhere. He collected himself and frantically motioned to the Steelheads bench and shouted to "Get another drink over here--FAST!". Well, I thought it was funny. 8)

[winds55]

because elkhart cannot, and will not beat the steelheads, as the rosters stand today.

So you're going to be there Saturday to watch the Express reel in the Steelheads? Or would you rather eat your words in private?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Barry Bradford looked sharper for Windy City this time around. As a matter of fact, Windy City looked sharper against Gary than their first meeting. Same results though. A Steelheads victory.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0669.jpg

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

This is why the Steelheads shouldn't entertain ANY thoughts of going to a more expensive league:
http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2008/05/25/sports/pro_sports/doc935ef02ecc6634ae8625745400117960.txt

Keeping the players in the loop usually avoids such episodes.

[not so fast]

I bet you got your Marketing and public relations check ken. Maybe you should take a pay cut.

Also, it was lot worse than this article is telling. I recieved a lot of calls about this. Jewel Harris, who I always publicly supported, has to do a better job of explaining this, because this lack of paying players was actually over a month in some cases.

Kudos to Barry Bradford and the Windy City team, who actually convinced the Steelhead players to play the game.


What has happened to minorleague basketball, or maybe its just more teams all over now, which makes the problems seem worse.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

I bet you got your Marketing and public relations check ken. Maybe you should take a pay cut.

Also, it was lot worse than this article is telling. I recieved a lot of calls about this. Jewel Harris, who I always publicly supported, has to do a better job of explaining this, because this lack of paying players was actually over a month in some cases.

Kudos to Barry Bradford and the Windy City team, who actually convinced the Steelhead players to play the game.


What has happened to minorleague basketball, or maybe its just more teams all over now, which makes the problems seem worse.

Situations like this are always worse than what appears in the newspapers. How much worse is the question? That's why it was important to lease-out that remaining skybox and rent-out the food court deck as much as possible. That skybox actually belongs to the Genesis Center administration during games, but those people can sit somewhere else as far as I'm concerned. The extra revenue is needed. The Steelheads have a business to run.

What has happened to minorleague basketball?!? Well, I don't think it has anything to do with the number of teams around to give the appearance that the situation is worse. The situation IS worse. I just don't think the general public is interested in professional basketball anymore (minor or major). Less interest, less sales. That's why I was saying what I said about the new Detroit franchise in the PBL forums. Detroit is nothing more than a BIG Gary, Indiana. Same problems. That's why it's so important to keep costs down (but not to miss payroll, geez!). The residents of Gary/Detroit have different priorities. Those priorities don't seem to include purchasing basketball tickets. Thank goodness there are a lot of IBL teams in the Great Lakes Region with fans willing to travel to Gary (and spend money). BTW, the lousy state of the economy hasn't helped minor league hoops over the years either.

Other than that, attendance is up over last season (the USBL year) and up from the Steelheads' last season in the CBA. However, a lot of those sales are because of sponsorship packages. "NIPSCO sponsors the following school groups blah, blah, blah...".

[not so fast]

Well stated ken, you are right about the economy, in fact I have blown off going to three ibl games, even though i really wanted to see them, because the gas prices are too high.

it takes me a little over an hour to get to gary or elgin, or windy city home games in kankakee, but that would be about 30 dollars in gas. then ticket pices and food. thats 50 bucks easy to see the elgin racers? I dont think so. I am sure to some of you 50 dollars isnt much but to me it is. thats my lunch money for work.

I need to win the lottery, then i can buy my own team. Ken you are my GM when that happens.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The Steelheads defeated the Holland Blast by another huge margin. Both teams wore gold (but of course, the Steelheads are in blue trim).

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0008.jpg

A brief, but intense thunderstorm knocked-out the main arena lights during play for 15-20 minutes.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0012.jpg

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

http://www.post-trib.com/sports/1019325,steelies.article

The sparse crowd, officially listed as 1,000 but appearing to be considerably smaller, apparently did not include any of the team's owners.

The owners weren't just absent. It was an owners protest. The owners skybox was completely empty and the majority owner's mom was not present and in her usual seat. I don't recall her EVER missing a game in eight seasons. If I'm reading my Gary, Indiana politics correctly then the Genesis Center just took over the team.

[Pounder]

Words I'm not sure I want to hear.

Brown, who was reluctant to discuss specific concerns, was happy on another score. When they take the court again, the Steelheads will have back in uniform Kenny Lowe and Shaun Fountain. Both missed Sunday's game to take part in a tryout in Columbus, Ohio, for a French pro team.

"They're back (Friday)," Spon said. "Trust me, I talked to both of them."


Trust me? Those two words are usually a cry for help.

Not that you don't want players trying to go to France (nor do you want to stop them, unless you can pay more). Just that you can HEAR the panic in that comment.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

The blame game?!?
http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2008/07/08/sports/pro_sports/doc5a49b9071c185081862574800008fa72.txt

"There is no more minor-league American business like there used to be," Duilio said from his home in Portland. "Those days are over. So for teams to continue playing minor-league basketball, they have to do it differently.

"And the way they have to do it is they have to save all that money they were spending on coaches and players -- like it or not -- and simply use it for marketing to get fans in the stands and try to survive."

No argument here, but you have to spend a little money if you want to compete with Elkhart. Northwest Indiana (Region) residents demand it.

"Yes, we still would've wanted to join the IBL, but I would've pushed for a change in the format," Harris said. "If we couldn't do that, then at least I would've liked to have known (to us) there was no benefit to competing in their tournament.

"You don't get to host a playoff game, so you can't make any money on the playoffs. Not one dime is to be made on the IBL playoffs. We guaranteed fans to play 10 (home) dates at the Genesis Center, put the best product we could on the floor, and we did that."

...oh, okay. I can agree somewhat. Steelheads fans are generally a bunch of front-runners and don't start showing-up in numbers until the playoffs run. Maybe Jewell didn't know he wouldn't be hosting a playoff game because it was also explained to me last year that the top teams DID indeed host playoff games.

"We didn't let our fans down," Harris said.

Well, I wouldn't go THAT far.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

You can tell I love photographs. Why? Because photos speak volumes. This pic is from the 2006 CBA finals vs. Yakama. Trust me. Crowds like this one only began showing up when the Steelheads made their playoffs run.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/kennethap/DSCI0027.jpg

Duilio AND Harris made good points. Middle ground needs to be found.

[Elkhart_Fan]

Ken - Are you kidding me? To even suggest that Dulio is correct...that a team shouldn't need to pay players or coaches, that they should take that money and spend it on marketing, is silly.

You showed a picture in a post above, and a part of your post really stuck out at me....you said the picture was from the 2006 FINALS vs Yakama.

Ken, I'm going to take some of what I am about to say from the president of arguably the best run team in the IBL -- the Elkhart Express.....you need to run it like a business, and as such need to "put butts in the seats". To do that -- you need a great product (aka TEAM). To have a great team, you need to pay players and coaches....and play your games.

So, to follow Dulios line of thinking...as long as you market your team, people will just show up even if your team stinks. Something is way-wrong with that logic....because no one could build a business with a sucky product.

So, before we start with thinking that Dulio is some sort of genius, let's think again and this time use some basic business sense....

[winds55]

You missed one of the more questionable quotes..

Among the keys, Duilio said, was not hiring reputable coaches and players who demand the big money.


I don't know how much Elkhart pays it's players, even with all the "Elkhart pays sooo much more than anyone else can afford to" comments that are on here all the time, but no one is going to pay a player who can't bring in the fans. And I doubt any of them are getting rich off IBL basketball.

Don't hire reputable coaches?!? What are you supposed to do - hire some yahoo off the street who will draw meaningless x's and o's on a board and just let the players and the 'in it for the ego' owner do whatever they want?

Good basketball is your best marketing tool. If the team gets the community behind it, there's a lot of marketing to be had at no cost - 'meet the players' nights, player profiles in the newspaper, local TV news covering the games with the sports highlights.

If the West is doing so well, as Dulio claims, why all the complaining from that side of the country? The attendance he's bragging about isn't any better than a lot of the East games. It sounds to me like Dulio is trying to cover his backside in case the East teams decide to get together and demand some stability and respect from the league office. There are smart owners and coaches in the East, and the fan base is there - they could easily make it as their own league with the right leadership and business plan.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

You missed one of the more questionable quotes..


No, I didn't miss that quote. I intentionally left it out because it was such a dumb thing for him to say publicly.

Elkhart_Fan,
Gary put together an excellent basketball team. Honestly, I believe the Steelheads were a better team than the Express and would have represented the East in the finals (and that's not just homer talk). However, we'll never know now because the Steelheads didn't use their available resources to market the team. Yes, I think Duilio made some very good points in the article. He needs to learn tact, but I certainly agree with most of what he was saying. I also agree with some of what Jewell Harris was saying. He was expecting a surge in ticket sales (as it always happens in Gary) by hosting a playoff game. However, he never bothered to perform simple and inexpensive marketing such as: placing ads above urinals (everybody's got to go eventually), tagging cars, and most importantly--advertising on the video scoreboard. It never happened...and he never actually asked past season ticket holders if they wanted to renew their season tickets. BIG MISTAKE!

Somewhere between Duilio's rantings and Harris' confusion is the answer.

[winds55]

He was expecting a surge in ticket sales (as it always happens in Gary) by hosting a playoff game.

One game can't make a season. Gary got the All-Star game - with some proper marketing, it could have been a lot better attended than it was.

he never actually asked past season ticket holders if they wanted to renew their season tickets. BIG MISTAKE!

This just boggles the mind. Did he need a losing business to offset some capital gains for his tax returns or something?

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

One game can't make a season. Gary got the All-Star game - with some proper marketing, it could have been a lot better attended than it was.



This just boggles the mind. Did he need a losing business to offset some capital gains for his tax returns or something?


Oh yeah! I forgot about the all*star game. Elkhart brought plenty of fans for their games with Gary, Elgin brought fans, Windy City, and I believe the Michigan teams brought fans too. Great opportunities to advertise the all*star game at no extra cost to the Steelheads. All wasted. Problem is that the Steelheads were counting on the city to help with advertising as the city has done in the past. The city didn't come through and the Steelheads obviously didn't have a sound back-up plan in place. Actually, the city has done its share. Years ago Gary bought that million dollar scoreboard for the Genesis Center at the bequest of the Steelheads. Bottom line is that no one in the ownership group took on the role of general manager. Boggles my mind also. Especially, since I know much more could have been done to market the team at minimal costs.