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Pio: "Everyone here? Good! We're on this Zoom call because I didn't want to drag you guys out on your day off. This will be quick. Results from last night are in. At the power forward, Guevara and Czagala played to a draw. Nick, don't get cocky, that could have gone either way. Gyozo, you almost had him; keep grinding. At the small forward, there was no doubt. Daniil Kamp is the new starter at small forward. Paul, you're with the second unit for now. Kamp, you get the first $10,000 bonus. Now the question is can you keep the gig and earn the 2nd bonus. Paul, we know what you're capable of. Time to get in that bagof yours and pull out something wonderful like you do. I want to be clear about something here: Paul did not play a bad game. Daniil was just very good. Now, Daniil, you have to do it against the other team's starters now. Any questions? No? Okay then, see you at practice tomorrow."

SUNDAY SHAW MEMORIAL GYM TRAINING FACILITY 9 AM

Coach Stephenson: Okay let me have it, how bad is it?

Gordon Long: Two Weeks

Coach Stephenson: I like Evengios but he can be a hack! I want a second opinion

Gordon Long: That was the second opinion

Coach Stephenson: God daggone nabbit! (banging his desk)

Gordon Long: Look its not that bad

Coach Stephenson: Gordo you just confirmed for me that my best hybrid defender in my 2nd unit is going to be out right on the eve of us taking on the 2nd best team in the league! How is that not bad!

Gordon Long: Technically they're the fourth best team.

Coach Stephenson: Yeah Yeah. Look based on my rankings they're 2nd.

Gordon Long: While we're on second. Secondly you have a Hall of Fame veteran war horse sitting in your barn. Use him.

Coach Stephenson: You know Parrish has lost a step and he can't defend inside and out. Mac can't rebound and Manley isn't ready yet

Gordon Long: Tercero can handle it. We'll have Marquez back by the end of All Star Weekend

Coach Stephenson: (sighs) Okay now that's out of the way. Back to Project Polish Bison, where should we bring the
hammer?

Gordon Long: In many ways they are similar to the Hustlas. A potential three man inside outside attack the primary danger beng the SG Sapiras ...

Coach Stephenson: They've gored us the last two meetings. We gotta change that Gordo

Gordon Long: We could abandon the big picture and assure a win

Coach Stephenson: Hell no. I want both, the win and the playoffs. Keep going

Gordon Long: Like I was saying, the Brain Trust thinks it all starts with Sapiras and then ...


Last edited by Coach Stephenson at 12/12/2022 1:02:07 PM

Day 11 (Saturday 10 December 2022) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Motor City Waddupdoe 71 - Lion Rebels 100
Sweaty Socks 113 - BOBBBSBURGS 76
The Philadelphia Spartans 66 - Linndale 101
Hustlas 77 - San Dominica Warriors 114
Żubr Białystok 83 - Carolina Rebels 101
The Ashkickers 96 - Philly Dribble 90
The Beer Bellys 97 - 209’s MostWanted 99
Miami Cleo 140 - BKDogs 87

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 140 : Miami Cleo
Rebounds : 63 : Miami Cleo
Assists : 41 : Miami Cleo
Steals : 12 : Carolina Rebels, Żubr Białystok
Block Shots : 15 : Miami Cleo

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 39 : J. Glicas (Philly Dribble)
Rebounds : 17 : G. Locus (Miami Cleo), L. McKnight (Lion Rebels), S. Klin (Hustlas)
Assists : 11 : W. Graf (Miami Cleo)
Steals : 4 : G. Locus (Miami Cleo), F. Brasilino (BKDogs)
Block Shots : 6 : P. Cheatle (Miami Cleo)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : W. Graf (Miami Cleo) (27 Points, 6 Rebounds, 11 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 34
Shooting Guard : A. Varpukevicius (Miami Cleo) (30 Points, 9 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 39
Small Forward : J. Glicas (Philly Dribble) (39 Points, 6 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 42
Power Forward : P. Cheatle (Miami Cleo) (20 Points, 11 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals, 6 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 32
Center : T. Armstead (Lion Rebels) (30 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 0 Steals, 3 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 47

MVP of the evening
T. Armstead (Lion Rebels) (30 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 0 Steals, 3 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 47

The bad performance of the evening
A. Llanos (The Philadelphia Spartans) (6 Points, 3 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : -6

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : M. Grimm (Żubr Białystok) : 7 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : R. Raich (209’s MostWanted), G. Cappilli (The Philadelphia Spartans), F. Taylor (The Philadelphia Spartans), H. Quindós (Żubr Białystok), Y. Delagnès (Żubr Białystok) : 5 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : G. Locus (Miami Cleo), G. Ricker (Motor City Waddupdoe), P. Matkowski (BKDogs), M. Köhler (BKDogs), F. Brasilino (BKDogs) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : T. Hewitt (BOBBBSBURGS) : 6 Three points

The best performer : T. Armstead (Lion Rebels) : Rating : 20.5

The worst performer : J. Moore (BOBBBSBURGS) : Rating : 2.0

Pio: "I've been brought up to speed on things by Coach and our GM. My apologies for being out of communication; I simply forgot to charge my phone last night. So I'm told everyone here is on board with the adjustments and you all have been made aware of how this affects the bonuses. Any questions?"

Silence.

"On to the adjustments. Harrison, you're on the second unit tonight. Gyozo, you're starting at the 4. Harrison, you're the 5 on the second unit. Nick, you've got the 4. Datler, through no fault of your own you're 3rd string tonight. These moves are about trying to find a win against Hustlas. Last season's nailbiter was their last hurrah before changes took over. If you didn't know better, you would have thought they lost the game. At any rate, I know we need guard help. We might get it and we might not. The guard help we seek might be internal. We'll see. I want Brown, Teti, Lutz and Nick in my office. Kevin, Datler, and the rookies, in my office first thing tomorrow morning. We're gonna try something we've been wanting for awhile, and we just got the go ahead for it."

Later in Pio's office...

Lutz: "You wanted to see us?"

Pio: " Offensively, the second unit guard play has been abysmal. If the offense is not going to improve, the defense must. We've already made changes that should boost the offensive output and improve degense on the second unit. Brown and Teti, you guys have to work on your offense. No excuses. Paul, I need you to up your perimeter defense. If you can match Teti's level, there's a move waiting to be made. Teti, if you can improve your defense and up your offense, there's another move. Nick, your move is contingent on Paul. If he can get his defense up and takes over as the backup point guard, you're moving from the 4 back to the 3. Mann and Datler will likely have the 4 and 5 spots on the second unit. If that happens AND Teti improves his defense before Brown can improve his offense, Teti will be taking over at the backup 2. I know it sounds like a lot, and requires more than one thing to happen, but we've got to find our improvements and start playing the kind of basketball I believe you can play. I think you are the improvements. I want to have starter quality backups at each position. Make it happen."

"Coach P, we want to know, are we gonna run" asked Lutz.

"You gotta walk before you can run. I need the bench to produce before we can think about running."

"Fair enough". replied Teti, "Datler, you ready?"

"Let's go. Yo, new guy," Dalter calls out as he walks out the office, "Let's talk..."

"So, tonight's game plan. Who is playing?" asked John Walton.

"Well, Llibert Senserrich, our pf, is about to play his first game," said Coach Boone.

"Is that a good idea, having him start, with no gameplay, or game time?" asked one of the Asst. Coaches.

"No, it isn't, but we will be doing it anyway. We have to get him started, get him acclimated quickly," said John Walton.

"Keep an eye on Mauro and Esposito. Jovanoska also. I want to make sure these guys are playing, not just coasting, and not just throwing up threes. Talk to Nick Williams as well," said Coach Boone to all the coaches. "We need offense. And we need it now. This is a big game, just like the last three. We do not want a four-game losing streak. And we need to beat one of these top teams. We are supposed to be a top team ourselves. Show it. Linndale gave us a scare last season. Tonight, no scare. Just beat them. Just punish them. Just play defense. Just get the ball in the basket. Easy game. Do not complicate it."

"Boone is right," said John Walton. Earn your spot on this team."

"And, everyone, have fun. Enjoy this," said Coach Boone.

...in the Linndale locker room...

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!? KYLE, YOU'RE SINGLE HANDEDLY SHOOTING US OUT THE GAME!!! NO ONE CAN GET THEIR OWN SHOT! YA'LL ACTING LIKE YA'LL ARE ALLERGIC TO DEFENSE!!! WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS?"

The locker room was in a state of shock. Nothing the coach has tried to ram through the team's mindset has gotten through.

"Maybe we ought to start the young guys and just develop them the rest of the season since none of you veterans seem to want to play. I can at least let the kids learn through their mistakes. You veterans have no excuse!" With that, Pio walked out the locker room.

"Coach", the GM asks, "he can't be serious, can he?"

"Pio is extremely serious right now, if they don't get their act together", Coach replies.

***Hustlas locker room***

"Now that's what I'm talking about. You guys came to play today," shouted Coach Boone.

"We are now playing for keeps. This is what I meant all along. Start big and go small. Work inside out. We have their defense confused. We are playing like one of the best today. Welcome back team."

The team laughs and shouts at this. "That new pf is playing some D. We'll get his name someday. But today, he is the pf. And his defense is solid," said some team members.

"Klin is balling out," said another. "The guards are playing under control," says an assistant coach to Coach Boone. "And that is what's helping us. This is our game. Up 15 at halftime. And we will keep playing hard. I won't be surprised if Linndale's coach is acting like I was last couple of games when losing. It finally feels good to be back on the other side."

Another assistant coach comes into the locker room and heads straight for Coach Boone. He whispers in the coach's ear.

"WHAAAAAAT!" shouts Boone.


Last edited by Reece at 12/14/2022 1:09:36 AM

Coach Boone storms into Bobby Sparks' office. "He transferred Jovanoski? The one offensive guy that is untouchable, he transferred him?" John Walton was sitting in the seat in front of Bobby Sparks' desk. And Bobby was sitting behind it. John Walton looked upset, and so did Bobby.

"Yes, I transferred him," said John. "I never meant for him to be on the transfer list. Now we have a team full of bigs and is one wing short."

"And a point guard John. Don't forget about that either," said Coach Boone.

"And a point guard," said John. "I am sorry. But it's done. I am looking at others, and hope to have a replacement soon."

"But none will be as good as he was," said Bobby Sparks. "But hopefully, Nick Williams steps up. And the bigs play big. We may have a shot after all. Though the fans knew and were not happy. We had bad attendance that game. Our next game is easy, but the league game after that will be a test."

"All of these test. The men came together today, and played like men. The PF came off injured reserve today and the team played like a team. And then you transfer three players, one of which was untouchable," said Boone. "Forgive me if I'm not in a testing mode. I'm pissed off. Find me players, or find a new coach."

Boone stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

"Well, that went better than expected," said John Walton, tentatively.

Bobby Sparks just flared at him.

"I'll do my best," said John. "Because I know what will happen if I don't."

Bobby nods at John as John gets up, opens the door, and leaves.

...inside Pio Reina's office...

Pio: "Coach, I don't need the tape. I don't need numbers. I don't need a pep talk."

Pio was still seething after the lackluster team effort. To call this embarrassing would be an understatement. Coach said nothing. "All I hear is 'we want to run and play fast' but they can't even play slow decently. Individually, a collection of some pretty good talent. As a team, they absolutely stink this season. I can't figure them out. All I know is that the bigshave given the improvement I asked of them; there's more to be had, but it's coming, and the group is young. The wings right now look like a prisoner of the guards. The guards can't get untracked and they won't get out the way of the wings. The defense is just porous as hell,and neither one of us can figure it out this season."

Coach: " I don't hear any lies so far..."

Pio: "I don't have the answer to this puzzle, Coach."

Coach: "Yes you do. Trust yourself. You don't need data, you don't need to see the tape. And you don't need a damn pity party. You need to remember, this is your season to learn. So what have you learned?"

Pio: "I'm not having fun. The team isn't playing well or having fun."

Coach: "Sounds like a good place to start. Let's get back to having fun and competing. Just make sure you do it your way."

Coach walks out and stops by the GM office.

"Pio's fine. He just forgot two things. How much he hates not having fun, and how much he loves competing. The team isn't doing much of either, but I expect that to change. He knows we're not winning the league title, or the conference title. Heck, he doesn't think the playoffs are set in stone. I think he's figured out what he needs to do."

Coach walks out. The GM smiles.

"OK, Pio. Let's see what you got now; it's your team whether you admit it or not. Run it", he thinks to himself.

Pio startles him with a knock on the door.

"Boss, you got a minute? Let's talk strategy..."

Day 12 (Tuesday 13 December 2022) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Lion Rebels 115 - Sweaty Socks 68
BOBBBSBURGS 40 - The Philadelphia Spartans 123
Linndale 76 - Hustlas 100
San Dominica Warriors 85 - Żubr Białystok 73
Carolina Rebels 77 - The Ashkickers 111
Philly Dribble 88 - The Beer Bellys 107
209’s MostWanted 69 - Miami Cleo 89
BKDogs 74 - Motor City Waddupdoe 96

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 123 : The Philadelphia Spartans
Rebounds : 70 : The Philadelphia Spartans
Assists : 36 : The Philadelphia Spartans
Steals : 12 : Philly Dribble
Block Shots : 16 : The Philadelphia Spartans

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 30 : G. Gattoni (The Ashkickers)
Rebounds : 23 : P. Cater (Motor City Waddupdoe)
Assists : 11 : A. Llanos (The Philadelphia Spartans)
Steals : 4 : D. Santana (Miami Cleo)
Block Shots : 8 : H. Waffi (Lion Rebels)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : M. Smalls (Motor City Waddupdoe) (14 Points, 8 Rebounds, 8 Assists, 3 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 25
Shooting Guard : J. Medina (Motor City Waddupdoe) (20 Points, 3 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 0 Steals, 2 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 23
Small Forward : H. Waffi (Lion Rebels) (22 Points, 8 Rebounds, 8 Assists, 2 Steals, 8 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 37
Power Forward : F. Taylor (The Philadelphia Spartans) (20 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 35
Center : P. Cater (Motor City Waddupdoe) (17 Points, 23 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Block Shots), S. Asulin (The Philadelphia Spartans) (22 Points, 14 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 39

MVP of the evening
P. Cater (Motor City Waddupdoe) (17 Points, 23 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Block Shots), S. Asulin (The Philadelphia Spartans) (22 Points, 14 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 39

The bad performance of the evening
T. Hewitt (BOBBBSBURGS) (5 Points, 2 Rebounds, 0 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots), : Efficiency : -10

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : M. Granja (San Dominica Warriors), S. Hatch (Żubr Białystok), J. Segovia (The Beer Bellys) : 5 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : I. Gamón (Motor City Waddupdoe), F. Brasilino (BKDogs) : 6 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : A. Gallucci (Miami Cleo), A. Bueno (Sweaty Socks), H. Waffi (Lion Rebels), S. Hatch (Żubr Białystok) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : J. Dotson (Sweaty Socks) : 4 Three points

The best performer : S. Klin (Hustlas) : Rating : 16.5

The worst performer : K. Porter (Sweaty Socks) : Rating : 1.5

"Happy Ourer with Pio Reina after tonight's BBM victory, and Coach, I gotta ask you, what was the difference between last nights' loss and tonight's win?"

Pio: "You mean besides the scoreboard, the style of play, the effort, the accountability, and the fear of coming back to the locker after another loss? Absolutely nothing."

Happy: "Is there anything going on with Nick Guevara? we've noticed him coming off the bench the last two games."

Pio: "We will do whatever is necessary to improve the team. To be clear, Nick hasn't lost the starting power forward job. Nick is coming off the bench because his scoring ability is more important off the bench. As far as other moves go, no Lutz hasn't lost the starting job at small forward. Yes, things are fluid rotation wise. Yes, other moves may be coming. No, we're not done yet."

Happy: "Coach, it seems that you've answered my next few questions. Any chance you'll be looking at the rookies and young bucks on the roster?"

Pio: " Yes. Primarily that'll be what the scrimmages are for. If we can sneak them into a regular season game, we'll try if the matchups appear amenable. As to the question about our age, Happy, we have 3 26 year olds and 4 25 year olds. The other 7 guys on the roster range from 19 to 22 years old. They are ALL young bucks on our roster."

Happy: "There you have it, folks! Coach, thank you for your time. We'll be back on WINO radio with the Linndale Basketball Report after a word from our sponsors."