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Players look to be a part of the Boom in 2009

January 12, 2009 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Snohomish County Explosion News Release


MONROE, Wash. - January 9th, 2009 - Coach Weakley and the Explosion hit the yearly open player tryouts with a bang on Sunday afternoon in Monroe. The Explosion get a jump on the IBL 2009 season with the first open team tryout of any team in the Western Conference. Weakley started his no-nonsense coaching style with a set of drills and intensive running before even picking up the ball to begin scrimmage. This workout quickly weeded out some hopefuls but got the group down to 16 key guys.

Weakley many times had to instruct players exactly what he wanted. The new coach and style was a stark contrast from the last two years under Redwine. "If your going to play over seas or for me you need to be in shape", yelled Weakley during one of the many huddles he had with the guys. "My team will never have a halftime let down."

Third quarter let downs were something that the Explosion struggled with last year and was the cause of them exiting the IBL playoffs sooner than expected.

Owner Nathan Mumm, and GM Brad Sturlaugson sat on the side of the court watching the players and pointing to select players that were standing out from the others on the court. "Some players here look really raw on talent but the attitude is exactly what we are looking for." commented Sturlaugson. "This is why we have a team" owner Mumm said with a smile "Players want to be a part of a good system and a good team coach Weakley today showed us the commitment to being the best."

Likely prospect Sanjey Noriega from Las Vegas who played professionally in Mexico during a stop in the action commented that "Coach is working players real good like in the Pro's this is a serious try out we may only finish with a few players but that's ok." One veteran was on hand during the tryouts, center Mike Jones who was in playing shape earlier then most seasons. "Coach Weakley has a different approach and the players have a bit more grace then previous seasons during scrimmage."

Weakley is looking to have a squad of 10 key players, planning to do away with the open door rotating policy of the last two years. The game plan according to Weakley is to develop team chemistry with a consistent roster throughout the year, much like the IBL national champion Bellingham Slam followed last season.



International Basketball League Stories from January 12, 2009


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