Roberto Gurgone addressed the room. “Gentlemen, thank you all for coming. Everyone in this room is here because I wanted you to hear it from me, and I want to be crystal clear about things. First, Coach Reina knew about efforts to acquire another wing, but he was not involved in the process. He was busy coaching you guys up. Rolland, you’re not going anywhere yet, but it’s up to you to make a case for staying here. Damian, you are still going to get work in a variety of spots with the idea of improving your shooting. You are a key component to what we want to do. Marshall, are you happy now? You get another toy. Byron, Damian will be floating through all position groups. Air, continue working with Damian on his shot. I’ll now turn the floor over to Coach Reina.”
Pio stood and spoke. “Our GM has acquired a small forward, and I an introducing you to your newest teammate, Midas Kops. This is all about collecting weapons for the new season. This season, we didn’t have enough offensive firepower or defensive help at times. That has just changed. We didn’t have enough ball handling ability and some of you were forced to too much at times. Mr. Kops here will help take some of the burden off you. Now, we have some positional flexibility and depth.”
“We have a battle at point guard. We have a battle at shooting guard. Rolland, Damian, I’m installing Midas as the starter at small forward. Rolland, you have things we need you to work on. Damian, we’ve already had that conversation. We have plans for you. Up front, MacNeur and Koncki are starters until Pemwieser and Damian can take their spots. Mr. McCain, your job, your only job is to find a way to impact the depth and rotation. I have full faith in your ability to do so.”
Roberto spoke. “Our coaching staff will return intact. As for the playing roster, there will always be the specter of change. That is the business of basketball. If you do not get better, we will replace you.
We’d rather coach you up, so I advise you listen to your coaches. Gentlemen, anything you want to add?”
Byron Helm spoke first. “Damian, do not forget you are still listed as a center. Know that it is on you to keep your skills sharp. Your skill set means you have much responsibility to live up to. Pemwieser, we’ve talked. You know what I want. Koncki and MacNeur, I want to see which one of you wants to dominate more. There is only one way to show me. Go and dominate.”
Marshall Richards spoke. “Midas, welcome aboard. I don’t have much to say as I’ve already said what I needed to individuals. Midas, I would just say I’ve seen the tape and the scouting reports. I want to get to know you so we can figure out what you need from us to be the best you that you can be.”
Air Allnite spoke. “Cerri, range. Farley, last night was nice. Do it when it counts. Shooter, play defense. Mantas, play offense. We have 4 guards. 2 of you need to take starting jobs. Shooter, you’ve shown quite well you are productive off the bench. Show me you can start by taking the job.”
Pio Reina spoke. “Any questions?”
Midas Kops asked, “when is practice? Are we practicing today? Is anyone here ready to hit the practice courts right now with me?”