Full Court Press: Mock Draft

The EHBA draft is Sunday and teams will be looking to build their teams up for a run at the EHBA title. Will Derek Rose use what he learned at Memphis to help lead his new team to a EHBA championship? And who will be the lucky winner of his services for years to come?




2008 1st Round Mock Draft
By: Full Court Press Staff

With the 2nd annual EHBA Draft just around the corner, players involved have their bags packed and are awaiting the news of their new home. On the other side of the fence, players that already have their names sewn on the jerseys are eager to add some new bodies to their practice court to prepare for Tuesday's season opener. Who's going where? No one besides the General Managers know for sure, but FCP's team of experts will try their best to predict to first round of Sunday's draft.


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1.) Fitch Foo Fighters
Biggest Holes: PG, C

The Fighters didn't fight all too well last season, finishing last in the league and solidifying the first overall pick in this year's draft pretty easily. They have a lot of holes to fill if they want to compete for a playoff spot in 2008/09, including a better perimeter shooting game and a bigger threat down low than Kendrick Perkins. I really can't see Fitch making a huge run at a playoff spot this season, even with a phenomenal draft. Rumor has it they'll be targeting a solid point guard in the draft, pushing Dwayne Wayne to their SG position. This would be a good move for Fitch, if nothing else to help them with their lack of players putting up good assists numbers. I think the Fighters will take a risk with their first round, hoping for a high reward down the road. Their second round should focus on a big man if possible.

Prediction: Derrick Rose (CHI - PG)

2.) Tijuana Matadors
Biggest Holes: Either F or C

The Matadors can be a bit flexible in their first round draft pick, picking the best player available. Their main concern in the draft itself should be defense however, as they lack the ideal threat in steals and blocks. Currently Tijuana has Chris Bosh and Jermain O'Neil pencilled in as their two starting centers, but either one of them would make a better option in their third forward position. Look for Tijuana to take one of the best available and move their roster around to accommodate.

Prediction: Al Horford (ATL - PF, C)

3.) Peoria Bricklayers
Biggest Holes: SG

Peoria brass as been trying to trade for another big man option this off season, but to no avail. oddly enough, defense is not the Bricklayers' weak point. They currently are without a starting shooting guard, and are in desperate need of a scoring threat. Peoria ownership was very disappointed with last season's performance, as they were expected to put up a good fight for a playoff spot but came nowhere near by season's end. They may have dug themselves a hole that may take some time to come out from, and with that being the case look for Peoria to go young with their first pick.

Prediction: LaMarcus Aldridge (PF, C)

4.) Tokyo Vegans
Biggest Holes: SF, PF

Though both Al Jefferson and Amare Stoudemire could play power forward for the Vegans, look for them to be the team's two big men down low and for Tokyo to fill their need for a small forward and power forward in the draft. Scoring should not be a concern for the Vegan, as all but one of their starting six scored over 1000 points last season. The team should be interested in bring up their assists and steals. With a solid draft, this team should easily be in contention for a playoff spot. Easily the best shot of the non playoff teams from last season at making a run.
Predictions: Richard Jefferson (MIL - SF)

5.) Colorado Bears
Biggest Holes: PF, G

The Bears were one of only two teams (Las Vegas being the other) to make a move this off season, trading away veteran big man Tim Duncan for scoring machine Carmelo Anthony. Melo will give Colorado fans something to cheer about this season, but he'll need some help from this year's draft if the Bears want a shot at a playoff berth. With their starting PG [Gilbert Arenas] and starting SG [Manu Ginobili] expected to be out through the rest of the calender year, and possibly into the next, the Bears might be looking to fill the hole created in the first round of the draft. Michael Redd can always be moved to a F position if/when Colorado's star guards come back from injury.

Prediction: Devan Harris (NJ - PG)

6.) Weymouth Dunpsta Divers
Biggest Holes: PF

The Dumpsta Divers, or "LeBron and Friends" as some fans have dumbed the team, needs a great draft in order to not move backwards this season. They held onto two starting centers this off season, helping them fill the new position created by the league. Unfortunately for the Divers, neither of them are eligible at any other position, giving Weymouth less flexibility than other teams. The team is without a starting power forward, and none of their current players know how to play the position, so look for the Divers to make it a priority in Sunday's draft, but they still might go with the best available player in the first round.

Predictions: Chris Kaman (LAC - C)

7.) Las Vegas Lizards
Biggest Holes: G, F

The Lizards have a pretty flexible roster, and thus their first pick could end up going in various directions. On one hand they lack a three point game past small forward Mike Dunleavy. On the other hand, defense has to be a big concern for Vegas fans consider only Chris Paul stole the ball more than 90 times last season. Vegas brass had a difficult time letting Monta Ellis go in the off season for just that reason, and may be interested in having the back up guard sit on their bench for the first three months of the season. No matter what, look for Vegas to stay young in the draft.

Prediction: Michael Beasley (MIA - PF, SF)

8.) South Carolina Rebels
Biggest Holes: C, G

The first expansion team to select in Sunday's draft should be South Carolina, and they'll be looking to pick up their first starting center with their first pick, as they don't have any player currently on their roster that can play down low. They could also use an extra guard, but it shouldn't be nearly as much of a priority as getting a big man. The Rebels would benefit from trying to move up in the draft, as the top 3 center-eligible players should be taken by time the 8th pick comes around. If not they'll have their choice of the top of the second tier centers available in Sunday's draft.

Prediction: Brad Miller (SAC - C)

9.) Dublin Bar Brawlers
Biggest Holes: C, F

The Brawlers will also be looking to fill a hole at their center position, as only Marcus Camby can play the position for Dublin. Camby put up numbers of two players last season, but fans cannot expect him to carry the load all by himself for a second straight year. With the options at center dwindling by time Dublin comes around to pick, look for the Brawlers to pick the best available player to help them win, and worry about that hole later on in the draft or via trade.
Prediction: Corey Magette (GS - SG, SF)

10.) Bridgewater Phenoms
Biggest Holes: C

The other expansion team in this draft will also need to fill a hole at center in this draft, but don;t expect them to settle for the left overs in the first round. Their roster if very flexible, with many players able to play multiple positions at will. Look for the Phenoms to solidify their outside shoot game with a big name in the first round, worrying about picking up another big man later on in the draft.

Predictions: Ray Allen (BOS - SG)

11.) Rakeville Crows
Biggest Holes: G

The runners up in last year's championship game will be looking for that boost from this year's draft to put them back in the championship in 2008/09. Their down low game is solid enough to not worry about it in the first round, and their perimeter game is more than adequate. Look for the Crows to pick up a player than will help move the ball around more and create more assists and scoring opportunities for their already potent offense.

Prediction: Rajon Rondo (BOS - PG)

12.) Montreal Death Piggys
Biggest Holes: C, F

The champion Death Piggys are in a position already to make another run at the EHBA crown. They're hoping to teach current starting power forward, and last season first overall draft pick, Kevin Garnett to play down low for Montreal in 2008/09 in order to fill that hole on the roster. They have enough flexibility and not that many holes to fill, which gives the Piggys plenty of options with the first pick in Sunday's draft. As with a few teams with a hole at center, don't expect Montreal to worry about picking up the leftovers at the position.

Prediction: Pejas Stojakovic (NO - SG, SF)

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Don't agree with FCP? Post your 1st round mock draft in the comments section.

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Full Court Press: Preseason Report - 2007/08 Playoff Teams

Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson have been hard at work in Montreal. They say they're ready to defend their EHBA championship. The question around the league is whether or not both will be in Canada come the start of the season and who will they will be defending against come playoff time.




EHBA Preseason Report - Last Years' Playoff Teams
By: Courtney Hysocs, Full Court Press

As the EHBA enters its second season, fans are wondering what to expect. The league has already lost two playoff teams to rival leagues. The lack of off season action have left fans bored and wondering if the league will bring some sort of drama to their lives. There was only one trade made this off season and it came within a month after the 2007/08 season came to an end. Since then, EHBA General Managers haven't talked to press all off season, until they had to report the players they did not plan to resign for the new season.

The lack of action taken by EHBA teams isn't bad for everyone. It means reigning champion Montreal should be in a good place entering the 2008/09 season. Since they won the first EHBA championship last Spring, only Colorado and Las Vegas have altered their roster, trying to compete with the champion Death Piggys. Who else will look at challenging the champs this upcoming season? If teams are unwilling to make roster moves before the season, it may all depend on this year's draft, set for Sunday, October 26th.

With that in mind, let's take a look to see how each team stands compared to the champs going into this year's draft.

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Montreal Death Piggys
2007/08 Outcome - 1st place; beat Rakeville in the EHBA Championship

Well, we need to start with the standard set by last year's champs. The Death Piggys set the example last season, leading the league in three of the nine possible categories, the most of any team, and setting weekly records on both sides of the ball (Points Scored and Steals). There's been talk of a shake up going into the 2008/2009 season, with owner Patrick Brown wanting to move up in the draft. Who can blame him as his team is set to pick last in each of the first three rounds on Sunday. No one is quite sure anything will happen before Sunday, but if it does it could help shape the defending champions' 2008/09 season for sure.

Montreal Pre-Draft Roster

PG - Allen Iverson
SG - Tracy McGrady
G - None
SF - Danny Granger
PF - Kevin Garnett
F - Andrei Kirilenko
C - Mehmet Okur
C - None
UTIL - None


Biggest Assets: FT%, REB, ST
Biggest Needs: 3PT, AST, BLK

The Death Piggys should be looking for another guard in this year's draft. Another big man should also be on their radar. Look for Montreal to make a move up in the draft in order to grab a prominent player that will fill these needs.


Rakeville Crows
2007/08 Outcome - 2nd place; lost in EHBA finals to Montreal

Rakeville had a surprisingly positive season in 2007/08, especially since ownership was looking to unload a hefty contract owned to starting point guard Steve Nash before the halfway point in the season. Many critics thought this would weigh heavily on not only Nash during the season, but the entire locker room as well. The team proved otherwise, leaving the Crows to the EHBA finals in their first season. The Crows have their work cut out for them however, as they are set to select 11th in each of the first three rounds of Sunday's draft.

Rakeville Pre-Draft Roster

PG - Steve Nash
SG - Jason Richardson
G - None
SF - Gerald Wallace
PF - Rashard Lewis
F - None
C - Andrew Bogut
C - Samuel Dalembert
UTIL - None

Biggest Assets: 3PT, ST, REB
Biggest Needs: AST, PTS

For whatever reason, Rakeville sent young Al Horford packing prior to the start of the off season. Horford was never invited to training camp or even to the team's summer BBQ. Horford will probably end up being drafted in the top half of the draft on Sunday, and may never wear a Rockets' uniform again. As for the Rockets, look for them to target a back up PG to fill any hole injured Steve Nash may create. A back up PF may also be in their sites as they may want to try to bulk up on blocks and points scored.


Dublin Bar Brawlers
2007/08 Outcome - 4th Place; lost in the semi-final round to Montreal

The only European based team in the EHBA surprised many last season with their ability to talk talented players into playing home games across the Atlantic. The Bar Brawlers won 14 of their 21 games last season, second only to Montreal for most in the league and finished just 1.5 games back from 1st place at the end of the regular season, missing out on a first round playoff Bye to Rakeville by just 1 game. Dublin lead the league in both FT% and 3 Pointers made at the end of the 2007/08 season. The Bar Brawlers look to return to the playoffs this season, with the heart of their roster still in tact.

Dublin Pre-Draft Roster

PG - Chauncy Billups
SG - Kevin Martin
G - Richard Hamilton
SF - Stephen Jackson
PF - Shawn Marion
F - None
C - Marcus Camby
C - None
UTIL - None

Biggest Assets: FT%, 3PTM,
Biggest Needs: REB, BLK, PTS

Even if Marcus Camby has a similar season as he did in 2007/08, the Brawlers will be in need of another big man to bulk up on rebounds and pick up some extra blocks. Look for them to fill their second C position early in the draft, as many teams will be looking to do with the added position the league has imposed for this upcoming season.


Las Vegas Lizards
2007/08 Outcome - 6th Place; lost in first round to Boston

Many thought the Lizards had no place in the playoffs last year. They were out of contention for most of the season, but thanks to a late season surge lead by team MVP Chris Paul, the Lizards snuck into the playoffs and met the Boston Danawolves in the first round. The Lizards found themselves severely out matched, even though Las Vegas had shut out Boston just 3 weeks prior to the playoffs. They lead the league in FG% and posted the only 9-0 victory in the league, but had no shot last year at winning a championship.

PG - Chris Paul
SG - Brandon Roy
G - None
SF - Mike Dunleavy
PF - Paul Gasol
F - None
C - Tim Duncan
C - Greg Oden
UTIL - None

Biggest Assets: FG%, PTS and potentially BLK and REB
Biggest Needs: 3PTM, ST, and AST

Las Vegas' 6-man roster is pretty even, though, besides Dunleavy, they really lack the threat of a 3-Point attack. The Lizards traded team leading scored Carmelo Anthony for big man Tim Duncan at the start of the off season to give the team a much needed boost down low, and with Greg Oden starting his career after a season ending injury last year, their presence should be felt across the league. Look for the Lizards to help their attack from behind the arc by going after a F who gets some steals along with 3PTM in the draft. I also wouldn't be surprised if they look to solidify another big man in the top 3 rounds.

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BridgeH2O: Boston Moves To Bridgewater

An EHBA team made multiple changes in this off-season, including a change in cities. Kobe Bryant (pictured here at a Phenoms practice) is waiting in anticipation for the up coming season to show what he and his new look team can do.








Boston Moves To Bridgewater
By Stevie Miller, BridgeH2O Today

With low attendance and little excitement about having an EHBA team in their town, Boston is losing their team to the city of Bridgewater. Former owner Dana Jennings, due to a huge financial loss which the team was costing him, had to sell the team. “I didn’t have much of a choice, with incredibly high price contracts & costs and not enough profits I just couldn’t afford it anymore.” The Danawolves had a good season last year with a 15-6 record and finishing in 3rd place. Even with a good team, Boston fans did not show. The Danawolves had the lowest attendance in the entire EHBA, even lower than the Rakeville Crows whose arena only holds 6,000 fans. “With the record we had and a superstar like Kobe (Bryant), we should have brought in a (expletive) load of fans” said Jennings.

New owner Mike Claffey bought the team to make changes, and changes he made. He moved the team to Bridgewater and changed the team name to the Phenoms. “Bridgewater is a great sports town with dedicated fans who won’t give up on their teams. I’m sure we won’t have an attendance problem in this city” said the new owner. Claffey didn’t stop there though. He revamped the entire organization, from GM to players. “I thought the Phenoms needed a fresh start all around when we made the move out of Boston.”

Claffey hired Dana Barros as their GM & Head of basketball operations and Vin Baker as assistant GM. It was up to Barros and Baker to make the decisions about coaching staff and players. For the head coach position they brought in Coach Ken Carter. Carter was the former Richmond high school coach and current Slam Ball coach. Coach Carter is excited for the upcoming season, “I was a little hesitant in leaving a great Slam Ball team like the Rambles, but when you get an opportunity to coach in the EHBA with a talented staff like we have, I had to take it.” The rest of that staff includes Assistant Coach Jesus Shuttlesworth, Defensive Coach Gary Payton, Shooting Coach Walter McCarty, and Head Scout Rick Fox.

As for the players, Barros decided cut all but three players from the roster. Kobe Bryant, Andre Igoudala, and Emeka Okafor were the only players that were resigned in the off-season. “We decided to keep the best and get rid of the rest” said Barros. The Phenoms also signed free agents David West, Vince Carter, and Andre Miller in the off-season. Now they are looking forward to the upcoming draft on Sunday. “I’m seeing some great talents out there that can really help our team if we can get them” said Fox.

There have been rumors that the only reason that Claffey hired Barros was due to the fact that he actually lives in Rakeville, Bridgewater’s rival town for sports. When asked about it, Claffey said “um yeah, of course that is the reason I hired him. Nothing better than to watch Rakeville get destroyed by their arch nemesis while the guy from their hometown is the reason for that ass kicking. It’s a beautiful thing. Why else would I hire Dana Barros, all he does is smoke weed everyday.”

The Phenoms will start their season against the Fitch Foo Fighters, and they can’t wait. “I just want to get this started so we can make our run towards a championship” said Bryant. One thing is for certain, The Sandy South Arena will be rocking all season long.

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Expansion team finds Rival

The EHBA held their expansion draft today. Bridgewater and South Carolina made their selections, with stars such as Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki finding new homes. After the draft, South Carolina President Matt Austin was contacted by Peoria Bricklayers GM Dave Grubb. Austin, speaking about his need to fill the void at Center, inquired about the availability of Yao Ming. Unfortunately, he was met with a great deal of resistance, which escalated to a full scale outburst and the development of a rivalry. Grubb said he'd be willing to part with any of his players outside his top 3, Austin pointed out that even Grubb wasn't sure who he was keeping (due to their lack of talent).

Mr. Grubb was anything but respectful to the new member of the league, ending the conversation with "you're going down b*tch". Welcome to the EHBA South Carolina... And for David Allen Grubb, watch yourself in Week 7 when you come down South. The raucous Fort Sumter crowd will be pumped up for your inevitable defeat.

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