Returning or Moving On? – Will Conroy

Possibly part of the biggest trade in Vipers history, the Will Conroy acquisition turned out to be quite a steal. Nothing against Kurt Looby, who really failed to take that huge step forward that could have had him in the NBA by February, but I don't know that the Vipers win the Championship without Conroy. Of course, you can probably say that about a number of individual players, but there's no doubt in my mind that Conroy made everyone on the Vipers better. Yeah, they were 10-3 before acquiring Conroy, but five regular season triple-doubles and two GATORADE Call-Ups don't exactly say complimentary part. Heck, he had another triple-double in the game one Finals win at Tulsa, not to mention the half-court shot that swung all of the momentum and the lead towards the Vipers.

Conroy could do a lot of things, but I think his biggest asset was making guys better, including Mike Harris, who was really good before the first GATORADE Call-Up, but brought his game to an incomparable level once teamed up with Conroy.

Statistically speaking, it's hard to argue that this was Conroy's best season based on the gaudy numbers he put up in Albuquerque last year (26.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 44.7 minutes per game), but I intend to make that argument.

During the 2008-09 season, Conroy was told to do it all for the Thunderbirds. He wasn't selfish, he was just executing the game plan. Coach Finch had a better game plan for Conroy, and therefore better results. Conroy finished with 16.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game. The points were down but the shooting percentage was up in all three categories, meaning Conroy was taking fewer shots, but better shots. The rebounds were up because the Vipers took a lot of three points and also didn't have a true center for much of the season. The biggest thing is the assists were up because Conroy was making all of his teammates better.

Conroy also had to play against better competition this year. I think that's the thing that really sticks out to me about Conroy throughout his career.

Think about it. This was Conroy's fifth season in the NBA Development League. He's always been one of the best point guards in the league, but he has gotten a little better every year. That is incredibly difficult to do considering the talent of the league has gotten exponentially better every year. Had the talent level remained the same, Conroy would either be averaging 50 points per game or he would have become stagnant. Instead, Conroy has risen to the challenge to keep up with the competition.

What that says to me is that, given the chance, Conroy can be a capable NBA player.

During his career, Conroy has earned four GATORADE Call-Ups, but he's never had a serious chance to play. No extended minutes, just end of the bench rotation minutes.

Conroy's a good person. Great to have around the community and a natural leader on and off the court. There are a number of teams that could use him. He's probably held back by the fact he's a point guard. He's the guy that has to know all of the plays. Playing for the Vipers, when he went up to the Rockets he already knew all of the plays and could step in easily during Kyle Lowry's absence, but still didn't get big minutes. To be fair, during the minutes he did get, Conroy did not play very well. My point is, though, why would a team give him minutes if he's not familiar with their play already? Most teams want to have two established points guards who have been there all year, which is why I think, if Conroy does not break NBA Training Camp with an NBA team, he's going to look overseas.

I do think Conroy will be with someone during October. But if he doesn't parlay that into a contract, I have a feeling that's it. Remember, he had no intention of going back to Albuquerque this year. He tried to make a team in China, but didn't make the cut (Chinese teams have a limit of how many out of country players they can sign, I think it's two, and they usually save those spots for big men). Certainly there are plenty of European destinations for Conroy, though, and I'm sure Coach Finch could help him find one.

Conroy was willing to come back to the NBA Development League only to play for the Vipers because the Rockets had interest in bringing him up. Would he do it again for the promise of two 10-day contracts? I don't know. We'll have to see what happens with the Lowry free agent situation (the Rockets have said they intend to bring him back) and whether or not the Rockets are the team to invite him to camp.

One interesting possibility is the New Jersey Nets. I wrote a while back I thought they should call up Conroy. I still think he'd be a major upgrade for their point guard situation. Now that they're likely out of the John Wall sweepstakes by not getting the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, maybe Conroy can become an option to play with Devin Harris?

Post #99 – People are Taking Notice

And I don't just mean of this blog (although, they/you are, and I really appreciate your readership... that's an incredible number on the counter at the bottom of the page).

Actually, I was referring to the corndogs the local minor league baseball teams. Anyone else see the Fox 2 Cable 6 DTV 48.3 News at 9 last night? The sports segment (again anchored by the incomparable ADB) had a sound byte so great, that years from now when they're thinking of man's greatest accomplishments, they'll remember:

The invention of the wheel

The discovery of fire

The Flint Michigan Mega Bowl

and this sound byte.

(Note: In case you couldn't tell after this latest reference, the corndogs was a reference to the movie Semi Pro, and not a veiled slap at the teams... I would never do that, especially since I work for one of them).

It's at the :50 mark:

"We want to end up doing what the Vipers did this year."

-Edinburg Roadrunners manager Vince Moore

The buzz surrounding the Vipers' championship is still quite palpable. Last night at a meet the team party for the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings in Harlingen, everyone came over to me and congratulated me on the Championship (I'm entering my fourth season as the play-by-play broadcaster and Director of Communications for the team). When we were introducing the front office staff to our fans, General Manager Cory Dirksen made sure to tell everyone that I also work for the Vipers and that he hopes I can bring some of the Vipers magic to the WhiteWings.

I often wear the NBADL Champions hat and t-shirt around the Valley, and it always causes people to look. Some people even start talking to me, having no idea that I work for the team, but understanding that I support the Vipers, about how incredible The Shot Heard 'Round the Valley was and the atmosphere of the Championship game and how awesome Mike Harris is... etc.

There is a buzz in the air unlike anything I have ever experienced. Everywhere I go I see Vipers stickers on cars. I still stop and stare at the trophy every time I walk into the Vipers Pro Shop.

One month ago today Craig Winder took the greatest charge in the history of Western Civilization... propelling the Vipers past Austin and into the Finals. Who knew that that wasn't even going to be his biggest contribution to the Vipers' Championship Run?

To quote ADB, "Oh how sweet it is!"

True Neutrality!

My other favorite thing about the Showcase coming to South Padre Island? They will all be neutral site games! No more awkward things like Idaho wearing road uniforms at home because it's the Showcase. Sure, there will still be a "home" team and a "road" team, but that's just to decide who's wearing what uniform and sitting on which bench.

For stat people like me, who keep track of home, road and neutral site records, this is a very welcome development.

The Ultimate Beach Bash

The worst kept secret in the Valley over the last couple of days was officially announced today – the Showcase is coming to South Padre Island.

This is a major change for the NBA Development League as it is the first time the Showcase will be hosted by an organization other than one of it's own teams in a building where one of it's teams doesn't play. However, I think that's a good thing, and here's why:

Expand the Brand
Having the Showcase on South Padre Island helps to expand the NBA Development League Brand to a new set of fans. Yes, the Vipers already have some presence there... Vipers Beach Bash in November 2009 (one day of Training Camp and an exhibition game) plus a couple of corporate partners and season ticket holders, but this is something that not only helps the Vipers' marketing, but the League as a whole. South Padre Island not only attracts Rio Grande Valley natives, but Winter Texans and vacationers, meaning you might just be reaching fans all over the country in person.

Location, Location, Location
South Padre Island is beautiful and a great resort destination. The showcase already attracts hundreds of NBA and International Brass. They'll probably attract more than usual in a place that people want to go in January (no offense to Boise, Idaho, I understand it's a beautiful area and I love the blue turf of Boise State, but snow vs. beach in January... well... no contest).

They've Done it Before
Every year you can find a prestigious college basketball tournament and a prestigious high school basketball tournament at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. They've hosted a Vipers pre-season game. They know what they're doing and their hospitality is through the roof.

It's the Economy, Stupid
January is typically a slower month for South Padre Island. The basketball tournaments are at the end of November and beginning of December. Spring Break doesn't hit full tilt until March. There are actually businesses that are only open at certain times of year on South Padre Island. This will create such economic opportunity on the Island and the lower valley as a whole.

No Ties Allowed
There are no ties allowed on South Padre Island. I don't know about you, but I always feel more relaxed in a polo or Hawaiian shirt. The Showcase can be a stressful time for players and coaches. It's early enough in the season that they're not necessarily freaking out about playoff position, but the eyes of the basketball world are on them. Don't screw up. Luckily, South Padre Island is such a relaxing atmosphere that it should help to ease away the stress.

Rest for the Weary
Even though the Showcase is the NBA Development League's show, the host team typically has a big role in helping to make it work. Not to say that the Vipers won't have any roll. I imagine that our Community Relations Director Liana Cisneros, myself and ADB will all have significant roles. However, I hope that the rest of our front office will be able to stay in the office and focus on their regular job of packing our home games. We have some incredibly hard working sales people on staff, who also handle game operations, etc. And certainly, if there's a front office that can handle the Showcase, it's ours... We proved that during RGV Rocket Launch 2009 and will do so again this year... but it's nice to think that maybe, just maybe, they can get a little respite from the extra stress/work associated with hosting the Showcase.

I'm stoked.

--

A big congratulations to Dwayne Killings on his new job. The now former-Manager of Basketball Operations for the NBA Development League was hired as an assistant coach at the greatest school in the history of time – Boston University.

Returning or Moving On? – Mike Harris

The NBA Development League's Most Valuable Player, Mike Harris had an incredible season, among the leaders in scoring, rebounding and shooting. He earned three GATORADE Call-Ups and was the leader both on and off the court. Harris was a huge part of the community and a fan favorite.

I was buying some blank DVDs on Friday while wearing a Vipers polo. The guy at the counter started going on about how much he loves Mike Harris and what a great player he is. When I told him Harris is a good person too, he reacted in utter awe that I know Mike Harris. The woman at the register next to him started going on about how great the Vipers and Harris are too.

Don't tell me fans don't know who the players are.

I've written at length many times about Harris' credentials, and if you're reading this blog, there's a pretty good chance that you know them too.

Harris was recruited by the Rockets to play for the Vipers during Autumn. Harris came because he thought this might be his last/best chance to make it to the NBA. Harris played for the Rockets for 17 games in 2008 and three in the playoffs. He didn't make out the team out of Training Camp and had been overseas since.

This year Harris earned three GATORADE Call-Ups, two to the Rockets and one to the Wizards. Mysteriously, Washington didn't give Harris playing time, although they were more than willing to give plenty to Austin's Alonzo Gee right after letting Harris go.

Harris held his own in his final stint with the Rockets and I know their brass wants him to succeed, but can he fit into the Rockets plans? Considering they run all the same stuff as the Vipers, I see no reason why not. If one person says anything about Harris only being 6-6 I might explode.

It's true, Harris is more of a scorer than a defender, and you have to do both in the NBA.

So what does his future hold?

Well, we do know that Harris is going to Training Camp with the Rockets, but his contract for next season is not guaranteed, so he can be cut without any financial penalty.

If he is cut, Harris can then choose to come back to the Vipers (he really enjoyed his time in Rio Grande Valley), giving him a great chance of getting back to the Rockets or just the NBA in general, or he can go for the money overseas (which my guess is he's already earned a fair amount of). It is interesting to note that Harris has a house in the Houston area and a lot of family outside Dallas. So where will he go?

Well, the thought here is that Harris won't have to make that decision. I think he's going to make the Rockets and stick. I think Harris will show the ability to be a solid cog in the wheel in addition to being a good teammate and a big part of the community.

Returning or Moving On? – Craig Winder

I almost feel dirty already writing this post. It was just half a month ago that Craig Winder hit the greatest shot in the history of mankind and sent the Vipers to the NBA Development League Championship. I still haven't come off that cloud (if you're wondering why that audio from the game-winning shot still welcomes you to rgvipers.com... I'm the webmaster).

Still, I guess it's time to start thinking about what next year's roster will look like.

The NBA Draft isn't until June 24, so we're still a little ways away about thinking about possible NBA-assignees or allocation players and we're an even longer way away from the NBA D-League Draft. However, we can look at players from this year's roster and try to answer the age old question – returning or moving on?

There will not be a single player with a cut and dry answer. It's not as simple as, he had a great season, of course he's coming back. There are a lot of factors. Development, age, past GATORADE Call-Ups, how close is he to the NBA? Do the Vipers want him back? Does he want to come back? Might he go overseas? Has he been invited to free agent mini-camps or Summer League? Is there a lot of interest in the NBA? Might he break camp with an NBA team? Those are just some of the questions we have to ask, and we can't necessarily answer them all. Despite that, I will endeavor to do a player by player breakdown over the next few weeks. This not only includes players on the active roster, but players who the Vipers still have the D-League rights to who were waived due to injury or are currently in the NBA.

With that said, I start at the only place that makes sense, with the man who hit the shot – Craig Winder.

Winder is an original Viper. He was invited to the training camp in 2007 out of a local tryout. The University of Texas graduate had only been a role player at the DI level, and that was the role he served for two seasons. He was a serviceable and inconsistent 10th man. With the league's talent improving exponentially every year (at least since the Vipers joined the league), what place did Winder have with the suddenly hybrid Vipers? I'm not sure if he wasn't invited to training camp or if he just chose not to come, but Winder opened the season in Syria, likely making a bit more money than he was making in the NBA D-League. I spoke with Craig when he came back... it seemed like he had enjoyed the experience (in fact, he's in Qatar for their playoff run), but he made no mistake about it... he was thrilled to have the opportunity to come back.

Winder came back around the same time Mike Harris got his first GATORADE Call-Up of the season, and you know what? The Vipers didn't miss a beat. Winder hit the scene with a fury like none of us had ever seen before. Was this really the same Craig Winder?

You know how the story ends, but long before that shot Winder proved his incredible worth to the team. He was easily the best sixth man in the league (the only competition is the Vipers' fan base).

Winder truly developed this year. Part of it was the Rockets' system and the great coaching, part of it was Winder's work ethic and determination. After a season like this, he can certainly make a lot of money overseas next year. I mean, think about it, if he'd put up these numbers two years ago, or last year, that would have been pretty good, but to make a big leap in a year in which the league was better than it's ever been? That's not just impressive, that's incredible.

Winder averaged 14.3 points per game and 16.0 in the playoffs! He was 7.9 and 8.9 points in each of his first two years. All of his stats were up, but how about the shooting percentage? .503 He was at .441 last year and .383 the year before. .371 from behind the arc (.295 last year, .357 the year before).

I fully expect Winder to get an invite to NBA Summer League, which will give him the opportunity to earn an invited to NBA Training Camp. Someone's gotta give him a chance after a year like this. So let's say he ends up in NBA Training Camp and doesn't make the team. Then what?

He could take the money and run. After all, he's 26 years old and has already spent three years in the NBA D-League. He has to make his big money while he still can. But, at the same time, if he's that close to the NBA, doesn't it behoove him to give it one more try in the NBA D-League and continue to work hard to prove it was no fluke and earn a GATORADE Call-Up? He could stick around through the Showcase, and if he doesn't earn a Call-Up, head overseas for the money. But what if he's having a good season at that point? Wouldn't it then behoove him to stick around to see if he can get one later in the season like Garrett Temple and Antonio Anderson? But what if it doesn't come? Then wouldn't Winder have just given up a year where he could've earned more money overseas?

If you ask me, it'd be worth it. You can't put a price on chasing your dream. Is Winder's dream to play in the NBA? Or can he be happy simply playing basketball, regardless of where? I'm not sure.

Still, it's a tough decision.

So... will Winder be back with the Vipers to defend the title? I say yes.

I'm not sure that he's NBA-ready yet. If he's not, he's close. I think he'll give it one more shot. He's not like a regular guy who's been in the NBA D-League for three years. I really don't count his first two years. He's a completely different player now. I think he's got one more chance at it.

From Houston to SPI to Tulsa to Houston?

I was catching up on my Ridiculous Upside today, and saw something interesting from this My Fox Houston Report. Tulsa 66ers power forward Latavious Williams worked out for the Houston Rockets.

The 66ers' first round draft choice (16th overall) was the first NBA Development League player to come straight from high school. Christian Life Academy, to be exact. You know, in Houston? No, Williams isn't from the home of the Vipers' parent club. He's from Starkville, Mississippi. However, he has the connections. While attending high school in Houston, he had the opportunity to take part in the South Padre Island Basketball Beach Bonanza. Christian Life is an annual participant and contender. There's the Rio Grande Valley connection. The NBA Development League connection is obvious – playing with Tulsa and losing to the Vipers in the Finals. Williams played very well in the Finals, prompting me and ADB to suggest the Thunder had better be careful because the Rockets might scoop him up. Talk about prognostications!

Of course, it's not that easy. We'll have to see where the chips fall in the NBA Draft. Hard to say if Williams will get drafted or not. He may have played his way in at the end of the season and the playoffs, but if not, I still expect him to end up in Summer League and NBA Training Camp.

And if the Rockets do grab Williams but don't think he's ready for the NBA yet? He'll still have two years of NBA D-League eligibility left.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Do you know how the Vipers front office celebrated winning the NBA Development League Championship? Less than 36 hours later, we were right back out there in the community trying to help make a difference.

Brian Michael Cooper, Shu Muthyala, Michael Esparza and I participated in a one mile walk against domestic violence against women on the campus of STC. Men were given heels and flip-flops (for those of us who have feet that are too big for heels) along with pink t-shirts to wear.

It was a great event. Plenty of businessmen participated... including some in jackets and ties... We auctioned off an autographed basketball.

It is such an important cause. When Liana Cisneros, the best community relations director in the league (with no offense intended towards her colleagues), informed us about the event, we immediately signed up. When we got the Finals schedule, and saw that there was a chance that this event could be on the morning of a decisive Game 3, it didn't matter. All that meant is, if the series did go the distance, we'd better make sure to work late on the off-day to get everything done so we could do the walk. Luckily, it didn't come to that and the Vipers took care of business.

I'm just glad we didn't have to carry the Championship Trophy around during the walk. That thing is heavy!

I had the honor of holding it when the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court honored us on Tuesday. It was quite a workout. Gave me another excuse not to go to the gym (although I did go today and plan to go tomorrow at The Gym at Uptown).

Speaking of the Court, here's what the proclamation says:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the NBA Development League (NBA D-League), the National Basketball Association’s official minor league basketball organization, was founded in 2001 and began with eight teams ; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, the league welcomed the Rio Grande Valley Vipers as one of the fourteen teams in the league; and

WHEREAS, for the past three years the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have brought enjoyment to sports enthusiasts across the Valley; and

WHEREAS, under the direction of Head Coach Chris Finch, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers earned the title of Western Conference Champions with a record of 34-16, earning them a spot in the NBA D-League Finals; and

WHEREAS, most recently, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers defeated the Tulsa 66’s earning them the title of National Champions; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court hereby recognizes the Rio Grande Vipers and their coaches for their outstanding accomplishments this season and furthermore urge the residents of Hidalgo County to continue supporting their hometown team in seasons to come.

Approved this 4^th day of  May, 2010.

_________________________

RENE A. RAMIREZ

County Judge

_________________________                                                          ________________________

A.C. CUELLAR, JR.                                                                           HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS

County Commissioner, Pct. 1                                                              County Commissioner, Pct. 2

_________________________                                                          ________________________

JOE M. FLORES                                                                                  OSCAR L. GARZA, JR.

County Commissioner, Pct. 3                                                               County Commissioner, Pct. 4

     Attest:

_________________________

ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.

                                                                       County Clerk

The Big Resource

The news came out yesterday that Vipers assistant coach Paul Mokeski is joining Vipers head coach Chris Finch on the bench of the British National Team.

No surprise here. The first time I heard Finch talk about Mokeski, he called him "The Big Resource." Mostly referring to Mokeski's NBA Development League experience, sure, but Mokeski is a heck of a coach.

He understands game situations and is big on defense and trying to get players to improve on any problems they might have.

Putting him and Finch together has worked out incredibly well, and when you throw Jai Steadman into the mix, watch out.

ADB put it best the other day on the final episode of Inside the Vipers Nest. You've got a basketball office with one guy with a ton of International Experience (Finch), one guy with a ton of NBA experience (Mokeski) and one guy with a ton of College Experience (Steadman). You get the best of all worlds.

Mokeski is a very relaxed and fun person to be around. One of my co-workers remarked the other day it's hard to imagine him yelling (unless you've been around for it). A very nice guy... willing to do whatever you need... similar to Finch in that way.

Despite their similarities, they've had a lot of opportunity to learn from each other. I think Mokeski has the ability to be an NBA D-League head coach or NBA assistant coach right now, and his resume has certainly been enhanced by his time here. That's why everyone wants to hire him. In a few weeks Mokeski will leave for the Jamaican National Team before heading to Great Britain.

I wonder if any of the other coaches Mokeski has worked for have called him The Big Resource. Betchya they have.