The Price is Right have moved to 3-0 after their last victory against the Dream Team 59-49.
The team has previous wins over against Winking Lizard 52-39 and Boston Road 62-59.
So what have you missed over the past three games?
Ryan Stuver hit a game winning shot; despite the 3-0 start, the team is shooting 29% from beyond the arc; and the team will have some roster battles to deal with over the course of the rest of the year.
Ryan Stuver (2.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg - 3 games played) was one reason why the PiR moved to 2-0 earlier this season. With the game in doubt against the Boston Road Stuver hit the go ahead bucket with under 10 seconds to play to push the team to the 62-59 victory.
With top scorer Brandon Hunter (20.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg) being forced into tough shots, only connecting on 6 of his 18 total tosses, the team needed to find scoring elsewhere and turn up the intensity on the defensive end.
Enter Kyle Komer.
Komer, a recent signing this season after appearing in a few games in the fall, stepped in to fill the void on the offensive side of the ball. With 25 points, making all 7 of his threes, a big one coming in overtime, really gave the team an added boost on that side of the ball.
"I felt good, comfortable, and in a groove offensively," he said after the contest. "I had open looks. I had looks that I took in rhythm. It's good to come in and help the team get a big win."
Komer is averaging more than 14 points and 4 rebounds in the five total games this season.
Boston Road has been a thorn in the side of the PiR organization. They are the team last winter season that ended up defeating the then named Mailmen in the Championship game.
"A huge win for us," coach Jason Hunter said afterward, "especially against these guys. Hopefully it gives us a lot of confidence going forward."
The other members of the Price is Right are filing in right where they left off last season. Big man Kerry Hunter is topping 10 rebounds per game and has been the linchpin underneath. Andy Kempf is down in rebounding this year at 8.2 per contest, but that may be due to Hunter taking some of those boards from him. Coach Hunter is averaging 9 and 3 in points and rebounds respectively and has upped his defensive effort this season. Mike Petrilli (2 points, 2 rebounds per game) is still looking to find the range that the team signed him for this past year.
Brent Hunter also performed in his first and likely final game of the season against the Dream Team, topping 23 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. He is playing overseas for the Czech Republic and was given one reprieve game for the holidays.
With the offensive struggles, it shines hope on the season with the 3-0 start. If the team can begin to find the bottom of the net more regularly, especially from beyond the arc, the wins will come easier, especially with their defense getting better and better with each coming game.
The team has yet to suit up Rob Cruise as he is also involved in the same Czech Republic team that Brent is playing for. Yet his contract overseas makes it easier for Cruise to join and play more regularly with the PiR, he has missed the 5 games of the year.
Kyle Komer has also recently signed a pro deal with a team Germany, the same team Andy Kempf was playing for in the fall. The PiR organization gives all of their athletes free reign on where they want to play, especially if it aids their careers in anyway.
Komer may miss most, if not all, Monday contests from now on.
All of this, in turn, shows the need for scoring to come from the leaders of the old offense, brothers Jason and Brandon Hunter, while getting everyone else easy layups or shots in rhythm. The two leading scorers in the organization must improve their 21 and 33 percent shooting from three point range, especially when the roster is limited in scorers.
Here is to hoping Santa delivered a hot hand for both as the season progresses.
The team will continue play next Sunday the 6th at 6:25 against Wacky Waver, a team still looking for their first victory in the regular season.
Happy holidays.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Preseason Basketball
The Price is Right have done well this preseason leading up to the Winter League in the BMRL.
Finishing a spotless 2-0 after Sunday's win, the team is looking strong heading into the regular season. The PiR defeated Darice and Fancus, totaling 154 points in the two combined efforts.
The team is also shooting much better than where it ended in the Fall League this past season. The PiR shot 42% and 32% from the floor and beyond the three point line respectively during the Fall, but is shot 51% and 38% so far this Winter. Leading scorer Brandon Hunter has seemed to worked out the kinks during the fall season, raising his shooting average from beyond the arc from 32% to 48% so far.
"The last few months have been a struggle," Brandon said, "I think it not only hurt my game, but the team as well. I've found a groove right now where everything feels good. I like the confidence I can bring to the floor when I am shooting well, it shows."
The younger of the Hunters is averaging 29 points in two games this winter.
The roster has undergone some minor changes from the fall until now. Kyle Knapik, who played in only two games during the fall, was waived. Andy Kempf (6.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg) was given his full release from Germany and will now be with the team full time along with fellow forward Ryan Stuver (6 rpg). Big man Rob Cruise will be vying for a spot in the rotation as well, after playing in three of the six games during the fall, he has been jumping from the regular roster and the D-league roster over the past month or so.
The regulars from the fall have carried over. We spoke of Brandon Hunter, and his family counterparts Jason (12.5 ppg, 60% FG), and Kerry (58% FG, 11 ppg, 10 rpg) join him. Kyle Komer (13 ppg, 64% FG, 75% 3p) and Mike Petrilli will be the other guards, along with Kempf, Stuver, and Cruise.
The winter schedule has yet to be released, but the good guys will likely be slated in Division 2 for the third year in a row. The team was bounced from the playoffs in the middle rounds two years ago, then lost in the championship game last year after losing early in the double elimination tournament and fighting to the final game.
Finishing a spotless 2-0 after Sunday's win, the team is looking strong heading into the regular season. The PiR defeated Darice and Fancus, totaling 154 points in the two combined efforts.
The team is also shooting much better than where it ended in the Fall League this past season. The PiR shot 42% and 32% from the floor and beyond the three point line respectively during the Fall, but is shot 51% and 38% so far this Winter. Leading scorer Brandon Hunter has seemed to worked out the kinks during the fall season, raising his shooting average from beyond the arc from 32% to 48% so far.
"The last few months have been a struggle," Brandon said, "I think it not only hurt my game, but the team as well. I've found a groove right now where everything feels good. I like the confidence I can bring to the floor when I am shooting well, it shows."
The younger of the Hunters is averaging 29 points in two games this winter.
The roster has undergone some minor changes from the fall until now. Kyle Knapik, who played in only two games during the fall, was waived. Andy Kempf (6.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg) was given his full release from Germany and will now be with the team full time along with fellow forward Ryan Stuver (6 rpg). Big man Rob Cruise will be vying for a spot in the rotation as well, after playing in three of the six games during the fall, he has been jumping from the regular roster and the D-league roster over the past month or so.
The regulars from the fall have carried over. We spoke of Brandon Hunter, and his family counterparts Jason (12.5 ppg, 60% FG), and Kerry (58% FG, 11 ppg, 10 rpg) join him. Kyle Komer (13 ppg, 64% FG, 75% 3p) and Mike Petrilli will be the other guards, along with Kempf, Stuver, and Cruise.
The winter schedule has yet to be released, but the good guys will likely be slated in Division 2 for the third year in a row. The team was bounced from the playoffs in the middle rounds two years ago, then lost in the championship game last year after losing early in the double elimination tournament and fighting to the final game.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Some Good, Bad, and Ugly as RiR move to 3-2
Since we last spoke, the Price is Right has won one and lost one in their shortened Fall series in Brunswick.
Where should we start?
The Good
- The team is shooting 35% from three point range in 5 games which is one of the highest marks in team history. Leading the way is coach/captain Jason Hunter who is hitting a staggering 54% of his chucks from back there. He has been around a 30% shooter from deep over the past few years.
- Brandon Hunter is finally starting to find his game. B. Hunter was 5/8 from inside the arc in the loss this week vs. Old and Slow. He had 25 points and again made all of his free throws. He is shooting 73% from the line this season and the team again is shooting a team record high 64%. Hunter has also begun to slowly find some range from deep as he has increased his 3P% this year from the mid-20s to 32% over the past few games.
- Kyle Komer has been a great add. Komer has been running the point more often than not and also adding speed and quickness to the top of the 2-3 zone. With Pat Cripple being out for the near and long future, Komer has not only filled his shoes, but added another dynamic which the team has never had: the ability to get to the bucket and run an offense. Komer is shooting 50% from inside of three and has made 12/18 free throw attempts while averaging over 10 points a game (10.5).
- Andy Kempf returned...briefly. Andy Kempf saw his first action with the team this past Monday and started where he left off last year, grabbing 12 boards and adding 6 points. He will help solidify the inside of the 2-3 zone moving forward and provides a great body for screens on the offensive end.
- The team beat its bitter rival Boston Road last Monday 64-63. Boston Road has been the team that has always put the stop to PiR's winning ways, but the team found a way to win last week. The team had a team high 20 free throws and made 15 of them (75%) which really helped control the offensive end. Always undersized, Jason Hunter ended up playing the post position in the 2-3 zone and recorded 5 rebounds. The 2-3 zone again did its job and kept the opposition out of the key and caused turnovers and fast breaks. It was a great rebound win after losing to Boston Road in the championship last season
The Bad
- The team did lose this past Monday to Old and Slow 70-58 as injuries again have become a mainstay as the teams weakness. Not only was the team without Ryan Stuver (D-league stint), Mike Petrilli (illness), Rob Cruise (illness), and Kyle Knapik (D-league stint), but Kyle Komer had suffered and broken thumb in the game against Boston Road and was battling injured all night long. The PiR signed a 10-dayer to help fill the void, but it was not enough down the stretch. Team chemistry becomes and issue at these points.
The Ugly
- Big man Kerry Hunter's finger. During the loss this Monday, not only did Kerry bang his head after a "possession charge-block" no-call, he also tore ligaments in his middle finger, leaving it awkwardly bent during the second half. The team has now official listed him as "out" and has around a 6-8 week recovery coming up leaving the team even smaller than it was before. The team plans on calling up Ryan Stuver this week to play in the game Monday but is still determining if they want Kyle Knapik as well. The team is still also monitoring Petrilli and Cruise as they recover from their illnesses.
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The team will host The Metro Stars who they were defeated by earlier this season at 9:10 this coming Monday. It will be the final game of the Fall season before the league is broadened to the 14 team Winter league. The PiR will likely battle again for the Division II crown, where they came up one game short of winning the championship last season.
Where should we start?
The Good
- The team is shooting 35% from three point range in 5 games which is one of the highest marks in team history. Leading the way is coach/captain Jason Hunter who is hitting a staggering 54% of his chucks from back there. He has been around a 30% shooter from deep over the past few years.
- Brandon Hunter is finally starting to find his game. B. Hunter was 5/8 from inside the arc in the loss this week vs. Old and Slow. He had 25 points and again made all of his free throws. He is shooting 73% from the line this season and the team again is shooting a team record high 64%. Hunter has also begun to slowly find some range from deep as he has increased his 3P% this year from the mid-20s to 32% over the past few games.
- Kyle Komer has been a great add. Komer has been running the point more often than not and also adding speed and quickness to the top of the 2-3 zone. With Pat Cripple being out for the near and long future, Komer has not only filled his shoes, but added another dynamic which the team has never had: the ability to get to the bucket and run an offense. Komer is shooting 50% from inside of three and has made 12/18 free throw attempts while averaging over 10 points a game (10.5).
- Andy Kempf returned...briefly. Andy Kempf saw his first action with the team this past Monday and started where he left off last year, grabbing 12 boards and adding 6 points. He will help solidify the inside of the 2-3 zone moving forward and provides a great body for screens on the offensive end.
- The team beat its bitter rival Boston Road last Monday 64-63. Boston Road has been the team that has always put the stop to PiR's winning ways, but the team found a way to win last week. The team had a team high 20 free throws and made 15 of them (75%) which really helped control the offensive end. Always undersized, Jason Hunter ended up playing the post position in the 2-3 zone and recorded 5 rebounds. The 2-3 zone again did its job and kept the opposition out of the key and caused turnovers and fast breaks. It was a great rebound win after losing to Boston Road in the championship last season
The Bad
- The team did lose this past Monday to Old and Slow 70-58 as injuries again have become a mainstay as the teams weakness. Not only was the team without Ryan Stuver (D-league stint), Mike Petrilli (illness), Rob Cruise (illness), and Kyle Knapik (D-league stint), but Kyle Komer had suffered and broken thumb in the game against Boston Road and was battling injured all night long. The PiR signed a 10-dayer to help fill the void, but it was not enough down the stretch. Team chemistry becomes and issue at these points.
The Ugly
- Big man Kerry Hunter's finger. During the loss this Monday, not only did Kerry bang his head after a "possession charge-block" no-call, he also tore ligaments in his middle finger, leaving it awkwardly bent during the second half. The team has now official listed him as "out" and has around a 6-8 week recovery coming up leaving the team even smaller than it was before. The team plans on calling up Ryan Stuver this week to play in the game Monday but is still determining if they want Kyle Knapik as well. The team is still also monitoring Petrilli and Cruise as they recover from their illnesses.
---
The team will host The Metro Stars who they were defeated by earlier this season at 9:10 this coming Monday. It will be the final game of the Fall season before the league is broadened to the 14 team Winter league. The PiR will likely battle again for the Division II crown, where they came up one game short of winning the championship last season.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
An Offensive Onslaught as The Price is Right moves to 2-1
Last week we highlighted the ordeal that was the poor offensive side of the basketball for the PiR.
Not a lot of complaints this week.
The PiR scored 68 points on 51% shooting to beat the Ballers by 4 this past Monday. The 51% is the highest percentage team shooting wise in the organizations short 3 year history. Another stat to add, the team shot 56% from beyond the arc. The last time they did this? March 5th, 2012. Finally, one more to add with your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The last time the team shot over 60% from the free throw line while taking 10 or more free throws? You'd have to go back to the 30th of January of this year to find a stat like that. The PiR hit on 18 of the 22 attempts they took from the line Monday.
The hits just keep on coming. After stalling offensively the first two games of the season, Brandon Hunter finally found his range going 5 of 10 from three, making 7 of 15 shots from the field and totaled a team high 12 free throws (making 10). He scored 29 points, added 9 rebounds, and controlled the pace from the beginning.
Going on, coach and captain Jason Hunter (18 points, 7 rebounds) has been shooting right around 30% from beyond the arc in these two plus years in the organization. He is shooting 61% on the year (11/18) and is right around 50% for a total mark this season.
"After last week, this was a great showing for us. Everything really came together," coach Hunter said after, "We battled all night and kept returning punch for punch, almost figuratively."
The game did turn into quite a physical battle against the Ballers. Battling inside, for loose balls, and taking the ball to the basket, no one left this game unscathed. Recently acquired guard Kyle Komer (9 points, 3 rebounds) has left both games bloodied. A sight that wasn't normal last season.
"You do what you have to do to win the game," Kyle said at his locker after, "I can see where these guys are coming from with how we have to play to win and what kind of respect we get from other teams. It feels great to win a game like this."
The PiR dressed only six players on this particular night. Ryan Stuver and Kyle Knapik were out for undisclosed reasons and Andy Kempf is still in a legal battle overseas. Rob Cruise started at the other big man position and gave the Price is Right something that they usually don't have inside: size over the other team.
The game went back and forth throughout.
A "momentum" type play happened with only 0.5 seconds to go in the first half, the game tied at 35. Inbounding from the near sideline, Jason Hunter slipped away and was seemingly uncovered as he took a pass running towards the basket. With no time to dribble the captain, caught, turned and fired a shot about five feet from beyond the three point line. It was nothing but net heading into halftime.
"We drew that up perfectly" Jason laughed.
Brandon elbowed his way into the ring of reporters, "Yea, he's wide open because they knew they should be doubling me!"
The Price is Right will face Boston Road next Monday at 7:25 EST. They were 1-1 as of this writing.
Not a lot of complaints this week.
The PiR scored 68 points on 51% shooting to beat the Ballers by 4 this past Monday. The 51% is the highest percentage team shooting wise in the organizations short 3 year history. Another stat to add, the team shot 56% from beyond the arc. The last time they did this? March 5th, 2012. Finally, one more to add with your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The last time the team shot over 60% from the free throw line while taking 10 or more free throws? You'd have to go back to the 30th of January of this year to find a stat like that. The PiR hit on 18 of the 22 attempts they took from the line Monday.
The hits just keep on coming. After stalling offensively the first two games of the season, Brandon Hunter finally found his range going 5 of 10 from three, making 7 of 15 shots from the field and totaled a team high 12 free throws (making 10). He scored 29 points, added 9 rebounds, and controlled the pace from the beginning.
Going on, coach and captain Jason Hunter (18 points, 7 rebounds) has been shooting right around 30% from beyond the arc in these two plus years in the organization. He is shooting 61% on the year (11/18) and is right around 50% for a total mark this season.
"After last week, this was a great showing for us. Everything really came together," coach Hunter said after, "We battled all night and kept returning punch for punch, almost figuratively."
The game did turn into quite a physical battle against the Ballers. Battling inside, for loose balls, and taking the ball to the basket, no one left this game unscathed. Recently acquired guard Kyle Komer (9 points, 3 rebounds) has left both games bloodied. A sight that wasn't normal last season.
"You do what you have to do to win the game," Kyle said at his locker after, "I can see where these guys are coming from with how we have to play to win and what kind of respect we get from other teams. It feels great to win a game like this."
The PiR dressed only six players on this particular night. Ryan Stuver and Kyle Knapik were out for undisclosed reasons and Andy Kempf is still in a legal battle overseas. Rob Cruise started at the other big man position and gave the Price is Right something that they usually don't have inside: size over the other team.
The game went back and forth throughout.
A "momentum" type play happened with only 0.5 seconds to go in the first half, the game tied at 35. Inbounding from the near sideline, Jason Hunter slipped away and was seemingly uncovered as he took a pass running towards the basket. With no time to dribble the captain, caught, turned and fired a shot about five feet from beyond the three point line. It was nothing but net heading into halftime.
"We drew that up perfectly" Jason laughed.
Brandon elbowed his way into the ring of reporters, "Yea, he's wide open because they knew they should be doubling me!"
The Price is Right will face Boston Road next Monday at 7:25 EST. They were 1-1 as of this writing.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Price is Right Notches First Victory
The PiR defeated Wilson Group this past Monday 53-35 to achieve their first win of the season. Even though they are still not playing the kind of basketball they would like to, especially on the offensive end.
The new faces may have something to do with the inconsistency so far this season. The team also added free agent guard Kyle Komer this past weekend ($3m/yr) to help fill a need at the point guard position.
The lack of offense does not seem to bother coach and captain Jason however.
"You know that will come," he said on the teams phone interview Tuesday morning, "we won last night and we were in the game the night before even without our best offense, so that has to account for something."
The team shot only 24% from three last game after shooting nearly 33% from there in their first contest. The team did only shoot 31% from three in all of last season, but they still want to be better than that. Leading scorer from last season Brandon Hunter has struggled mightily in the first two contests, hitting on only 4 of his 19 three point attempts (21%).
Brandon could only shake his head when asked about it, "It sucks. That's pretty much what I have to say about it. Guys look for me to put the ball in the basket and I'm just not doing that right now."
"It sucks."
Newly acquired Kyle Komer worked into the team nicely, helping control the pace on both ends of the floor. Komer had 8 points and 6 rebounds in his first game as a member of the Price is Right and solidified the top end of their 2-3 zone which forced the Wilson Group to work harder on each offensive possession.
"I felt good, comfortable," the newly signed guard said yesterday, "I think I know my role with these guys. It went well."
Team defense is something that the PiR is not lacking, a staple from the teams previous seasons. The defense put on a show Monday holding Wilson Group to 35 points and creating fast break baskets on the other end.
"If we can play this well defensively night in and night out, we will have a chance to win every night we step on the floor," big man Kerry Hunter (11 points, 7 rebounds) said last night.
"It's what we do," he continued, "play great D and win the second half."
The good guys play Ballers next Monday at 6:30.
The new faces may have something to do with the inconsistency so far this season. The team also added free agent guard Kyle Komer this past weekend ($3m/yr) to help fill a need at the point guard position.
The lack of offense does not seem to bother coach and captain Jason however.
"You know that will come," he said on the teams phone interview Tuesday morning, "we won last night and we were in the game the night before even without our best offense, so that has to account for something."
The team shot only 24% from three last game after shooting nearly 33% from there in their first contest. The team did only shoot 31% from three in all of last season, but they still want to be better than that. Leading scorer from last season Brandon Hunter has struggled mightily in the first two contests, hitting on only 4 of his 19 three point attempts (21%).
Brandon could only shake his head when asked about it, "It sucks. That's pretty much what I have to say about it. Guys look for me to put the ball in the basket and I'm just not doing that right now."
"It sucks."
Newly acquired Kyle Komer worked into the team nicely, helping control the pace on both ends of the floor. Komer had 8 points and 6 rebounds in his first game as a member of the Price is Right and solidified the top end of their 2-3 zone which forced the Wilson Group to work harder on each offensive possession.
"I felt good, comfortable," the newly signed guard said yesterday, "I think I know my role with these guys. It went well."
Team defense is something that the PiR is not lacking, a staple from the teams previous seasons. The defense put on a show Monday holding Wilson Group to 35 points and creating fast break baskets on the other end.
"If we can play this well defensively night in and night out, we will have a chance to win every night we step on the floor," big man Kerry Hunter (11 points, 7 rebounds) said last night.
"It's what we do," he continued, "play great D and win the second half."
The good guys play Ballers next Monday at 6:30.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
New Look
There is a new look in the Brunswick Men's Rec Basketball League this year and it goes something like this:
Wrinkles aside, that is the new look for the old/new team The Price is Right.
You know some of the faces:
Brandon Hunter - coming off a near 21/8 season, leading the team ($8m this season, FA 2013)
Jason Hunter - coach and captain, who shot 43% from inside of 3 last season ($3.67m next 3 years)
Kerry Hunter (Z)- over 7 points and 8 rebounds per game (resigned - $1.45m/yr)
Andy Kempf - team leading 9.4 rebounds per game last season ($2m/2012, $3m, 2013)
Some past faces:
Mike Petrilli - 3 point technician (resigned, $2m/yr)
Ryan Stuver - resigned after some time overseas ($1.45m/yr)
And some new faces:
Rob Cruise - newly signed big-man to add to the middle ($1.37m/yr)
Kyle Knapik - another forward brought up from the Developmental League ($1.05m/yr)
These 8 make up your roster for the upcoming, though short, 6 week season this fall.
The season began yesterday albeit, a loss, to Metro Stars 59-67.
The PiR were down 34-24 at half and as their games usually go, battled back to a 47-47 tie near the middle of the second half of play. Coach Jason Hunter found his stroke early, hitting on three of his five threes in the first 20 minutes.
"It was good to come out of the gates this year and play well. I struggled last year shooting from three. We went over some tape in the summer, changed up my form and technique for this year. It's working so far."
The second oldest Hunter was 5 for 8 from three in this contest and totaled a team high 20 points.
It was for not however, as the Metro Stars found ways to aggravate the PiR ball handlers all night. Jason and Brandon Hunter found their pockets picked on several occasions and a few costly turnovers in the second half led to their demise.
"It was frustrating," Brandon Hunter said afterword, "you think you were by them and all of a sudden they were going the other way with it."
Brandon and veteran big man Kerry Hunter got into it a little on the court during the game after a stolen dribble. Both seemed to brush off the on court altercation.
"Oh that's no big problem," Kerry said, "it's heated because we were both frustrated. When you want to play well and we aren't, that's going to happen. We do this once a game, it's nothing new and we are fine."
Brandon simply smiled, "We get into it off the court too, it's how we are, that's our relationship. There is no ill will on either side."
The PiR was without leading rebounder Andy Kempf tonight and may be without him for a few other games. He played summer ball with a German national team and they are unwilling to let him out of his contract as of now. We will keep you updated on any further ongoings of this situation as it unfolds.
In his place, Rob Cruise and Kyle Knapik got their feet wet totaling 4 points and 10 rebounds between the two of them in sparse play.
"They played well," Coach Hunter said, "when you have new guys, and new older guys trying to get back into the flow of what's been going on here it can be an adjustment at first. We had some slight miscommunication on both sides. I ran into Brandon twice on offense. It's the first game, we will get better as a team."
The Price is Right will host Wilson Group next Monday at 6:30.
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Where is Crip?
Pat Cripple was viewed by most as the team's second best player, and even best player on some nights, last season. Reporters wondered, where was he?
Word from the organization is Cripple, along with Andy Kempf both had opportunities to play overseas in the summer, and took them. Both now are struggling with their teams in contract situations trying to get back home to play.
Kempf may get to see some action this fall season as negotiations with the German national team seem to be moving along. Crip's other team, the Chinese national team, has held stern on when and where Pat can play in 2012. We have been told he will likely miss all of the fall season and his missed playing time could also leak into the winter.
In 2011, Pat was signed to a $3.5 million dollar, 2 year deal. He would lose a portion of his US paycheck if he misses all of the 2012 fall season.
Wrinkles aside, that is the new look for the old/new team The Price is Right.
You know some of the faces:
Brandon Hunter - coming off a near 21/8 season, leading the team ($8m this season, FA 2013)
Jason Hunter - coach and captain, who shot 43% from inside of 3 last season ($3.67m next 3 years)
Kerry Hunter (Z)- over 7 points and 8 rebounds per game (resigned - $1.45m/yr)
Andy Kempf - team leading 9.4 rebounds per game last season ($2m/2012, $3m, 2013)
Some past faces:
Mike Petrilli - 3 point technician (resigned, $2m/yr)
Ryan Stuver - resigned after some time overseas ($1.45m/yr)
And some new faces:
Rob Cruise - newly signed big-man to add to the middle ($1.37m/yr)
Kyle Knapik - another forward brought up from the Developmental League ($1.05m/yr)
These 8 make up your roster for the upcoming, though short, 6 week season this fall.
The season began yesterday albeit, a loss, to Metro Stars 59-67.
The PiR were down 34-24 at half and as their games usually go, battled back to a 47-47 tie near the middle of the second half of play. Coach Jason Hunter found his stroke early, hitting on three of his five threes in the first 20 minutes.
"It was good to come out of the gates this year and play well. I struggled last year shooting from three. We went over some tape in the summer, changed up my form and technique for this year. It's working so far."
The second oldest Hunter was 5 for 8 from three in this contest and totaled a team high 20 points.
It was for not however, as the Metro Stars found ways to aggravate the PiR ball handlers all night. Jason and Brandon Hunter found their pockets picked on several occasions and a few costly turnovers in the second half led to their demise.
"It was frustrating," Brandon Hunter said afterword, "you think you were by them and all of a sudden they were going the other way with it."
Brandon and veteran big man Kerry Hunter got into it a little on the court during the game after a stolen dribble. Both seemed to brush off the on court altercation.
"Oh that's no big problem," Kerry said, "it's heated because we were both frustrated. When you want to play well and we aren't, that's going to happen. We do this once a game, it's nothing new and we are fine."
Brandon simply smiled, "We get into it off the court too, it's how we are, that's our relationship. There is no ill will on either side."
The PiR was without leading rebounder Andy Kempf tonight and may be without him for a few other games. He played summer ball with a German national team and they are unwilling to let him out of his contract as of now. We will keep you updated on any further ongoings of this situation as it unfolds.
In his place, Rob Cruise and Kyle Knapik got their feet wet totaling 4 points and 10 rebounds between the two of them in sparse play.
"They played well," Coach Hunter said, "when you have new guys, and new older guys trying to get back into the flow of what's been going on here it can be an adjustment at first. We had some slight miscommunication on both sides. I ran into Brandon twice on offense. It's the first game, we will get better as a team."
The Price is Right will host Wilson Group next Monday at 6:30.
--------
Where is Crip?
Pat Cripple was viewed by most as the team's second best player, and even best player on some nights, last season. Reporters wondered, where was he?
Word from the organization is Cripple, along with Andy Kempf both had opportunities to play overseas in the summer, and took them. Both now are struggling with their teams in contract situations trying to get back home to play.
Kempf may get to see some action this fall season as negotiations with the German national team seem to be moving along. Crip's other team, the Chinese national team, has held stern on when and where Pat can play in 2012. We have been told he will likely miss all of the fall season and his missed playing time could also leak into the winter.
In 2011, Pat was signed to a $3.5 million dollar, 2 year deal. He would lose a portion of his US paycheck if he misses all of the 2012 fall season.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
To Mr. James
Hey LeBron,
Remember us? Cleveland? You know us right...that team, that city, you walked away from back in good ole 2010, leaving our NBA franchise out to dry.
Well we seem to be doing OK now, not playoffs OK, but up-and-coming OK, then maybe .500 basketball OK next year, then probably playoff basketball OK in two years and.....and then....
....and then.....
that leaves us, well right around the 2014 mark.
The year where, you sir, can opt out of your contract with your current team, the Miami Heat.
Sure things are great there, went to the championship game last year, deep in the playoffs so far this season. Paces giving you quite a run and quite a scare right now though? Without the 3rd of the Big Three Chris Bosh out (who knew??), you guys seem to be faltering a bit coming down the stretch. No worries. I know you'll probably pull this game out tonight and head to the Eastern Conference Finals...
...but maybe not.
You know reports came out a little ways back about your camp, and yourself, not being entirely happy with your new Miami home. Something about the management not being to forthcoming with a lot of the treatment you received here, you're real home state of Ohio.
Interesting.
You know I know we made a big stink, me included, about you ditching town, throwing the economy of downtown Cleveland into one of those steaming, off-putting sewers that fill the streets. You know, embarrassed us on national television, no heads up, no warning, just a sneaky, "don't want my wife to know I'm coming back home at 4am" kind of way.
No big deal.
I thought to myself today, "Self, it's been over two years. Sure you'll remember that day when Mr. James left for the rest of your life. You'll remember where you were (my mom and step dads house), where you were sitting (on the couch in their smaller living room), and what you were doing (eating dinner with the extended family). But we have to least forgive, right?"
"Sure."
"Self, maybe it's time to put it all in the past. He' a grown man, I'm sure there are plenty of people in this town who may have done the same thing. Well, maybe not quite the same thing. But you get the gist of what I'm saying right?"
Wait...confusing myself if I'm still talking to myself or at myself...
Let us get back to it.
Right now, at this very moment, you are preparing to battle the Indiana Pacers, looking for a second straight trip, with your new team, to the Eastern Conference Finals. Maybe you get there. Maybe you get to the Championship...
Maybe....just maybe....you win the whole thing.
But as I pointed out before, before last game, you guys seem to be struggling without the presence of the Predator at the 4 spot. You know maybe you come up short tonight...then in game 7. Or maybe you take the series tonight, go on to face your bitter nemesis the Boston Celtics...
...remember when?
I know, we know you do.
Wasn't it fun? Look at that smile. You don't see that smile anymore LBJ. Where did it go?
You had everything here in C-Town. Everything.
When the Cavs failed in the Finals against the Spurs, then against Orlando...we didn't blame you. You had to deal with the Eric Snow's and Devin Brown's of the world. You might have took the NBAs worst looking roster ever to the Finals. There was Boston...something looked different in Boston, it didn't feel right.
Maybe you felt it too.
Maybe your mind was made up already. That happens. We all find ourselves at a job we don't want anymore and maybe a new job is on the way. So we check out. Mentally, physically...emotionally. It happens. Sure the people at the old job might not like us, the way we leave, the way we make our exit. But hey! Look! Here comes the new guy to the new job and the new town and everyone is just JACKED to have you here.
Maybe.
Good luck to you tonight. Good luck to you over the next two years. Maybe you get your ring this year, I'd bet against it. It looks like, in my opinion, the trophy stays out West for another year, but maybe. Or maybe next year, you guys add some more depth on the bench, a steady big man, you have your health and that's when you grab your first ring. Well if not then, well maybe 2013-2014.
Maybe.
To be honest, I don't want you to win a ring.
Not yet.
Maybe after the 2014 season, four failed attempts at a Championship with the Big Three, you're more homesick than ever.
You see Kyrie Irving, possibly the best true point guard in the game in 2014 pushing the Cavs farther and farther each year. Maybe in 2014 they make the playoffs. Maybe they even face your Miami Heat. Do we beat you? I would bet against that. Two years from now I don't see us having the potential to beat you guys if you all maintain your health, your chemistry improves along with your bench...
...but maybe.
Do I not want you to win a ring because I am bitter? Maybe. Do I not want to win a ring because I hate you? no.
The reason sir, I do not want you to win a ring down there in Miami...
...is because I want you to win your first one here. Your home.
Just think. It's 2014. You're 30 years old.
Ringless.
You have to want it more than ever right? Maybe Kobe gets one more before he retires. Maybe Durant has his ring, maybe he has two...or three. Maybe the New York Knicks finally figure it out and steal one.
What then?
You look at the Cavs roster. You see Irving, now a two-time All-Star and getting better every year. Tristan Thompson, who maybe can't shoot it like Bosh does, but who will out-rebound him, block shots (NBA Defensive Team), and run the floor with you. Maybe your buddy Varejao is still there, doing the dirty work that no one likes to do. Hell, maybe your boy Boobie is still around....maybe.
But besides those guys you see that we added another scorer at the 2 (James Harden? Eric Gordon? OJ Mayo?)...maybe a legit 7 footer (Andre Drummond from UConn, Fab Melo from Syracuse). We have bench depth with Alonzo Gee, Bradley Beal from Florida....and you think to yourself...
"I can do this."
And you can...and you should.
You could be that missing piece. Instead of us trying to fit pieces around you, why not you come back, be that missing piece for Cleveland? Be that missing piece...that sends us to a NBA Championship.
Hell if the fans show Mr. Dan Gilbert that we would welcome you back, you don't think he would? He would. Dan loves this city and its people. Yea he may have stepped a little over the line...I loved that he stuck up for his town. Who wouldn't love a guy like that? You guys can patch things up, its been over four years right? Sure, maybe his letter to the city was right, maybe you didn't win that ring yet and maybe we do win one before you...
...but maybe you help us do it.
Would I like to think that we can do it without you? Certainly. I don't want the fate of the Cleveland Cavaliers to fall on you coming back home in 2014 or 2015. The way I laid it out for you, we are in the playoffs in 2014. Maybe in 2015 we find that right piece (that maybe isn't you) and we bring one home for the good guys. I am more on board with the Cavs than I ever was. Maybe because of you. Maybe because I felt the team needed fan support more than ever now. But they are young, they are hungry, and we will be a team to beat in a few years.
But can you imagine it? I can. You know you hate being a villain out there in South Beach. You are booed everywhere you play. And really, when you look up at those seats in the American Airlines Arena, those empty red seats just staring out at you...do you enjoy that? Wouldn't you rather be at the Q, 20,000 fans...adoring, loving fans...rocking the place, deafening cheers....for you, for your old team...
...your hometown.
I am on board the 2014 LeBron James comes back to Cleveland bandwagon. Maybe I'm the only one, maybe I'm driving it, starting to pick up Clevelanders here and there...but soon enough we will be fill up. Soon enough it won't be bandwagon fans...they'll be your fans again.
Maybe you're there October 27, 2014/2015, at the Q, back in your maroon and gold...listening to the announcers fill the arena with the names of the opposition...then you hear this...
...and highlights of you being drafted, your Rookie Season, All-Star games, the playoff battles against Washington and Detroit, the dunks over Damon Jones, Tim Duncan, KG play on the big screen....
...then Ahmaad takes over, doing what he does best Kyrieee Irrrrvingggg!..."The Wild Thing" Andersonnn Varejaoowwwww!...Tristaaan Thompsonnnn....!
...starting at the other forward, from St. Vincent St Mary, number 23, lets welcome him back home! LeBrooooon Jaaaaaaaaames!!!....
And the crowd erupts...just loses it and they stand...they stand when you score your first basket, they stand through the entire first quarter, they erupt when you finally getting a breather after scoring 15 in the first...
...maybe?
This is where you belong. You know that, I know that...the people of Cleveland know that, or they will.
Your Legacy and a city, reborn.
Your image, untarnished.
The Q, hanging with banners.
Your fingers...in gold.
Think about it.
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