Peoria Free Press - Bricklayers Acquire Deron Williams

Peoria Shakes Things Up
Deron Williams Brings A Winning Pedigree To Town

“We suck.” Those were the words muttered by PG Baron Davis following a Week 2 thrashing at the hands of Tokyo. Since the EHBA’s inception in 2007, the Peoria Bricklayers have never finished better than 10th place; posting a .417 winning percentage over this time. After the Peoria Cardinals success in the EHCC this season, losing is no longer considered acceptable. Peoria fans have gotten a taste of what it’s like to be relevant and have already begun calling for an overhaul with its struggling basketball franchise.

The sad thing about Baron’s quote, it was entirely accurate. Fortunate for Davis (as well as Caron Butler and Channing Frye) they have cashed in their bus tickets for the first ride out of Peoria. On Tuesday afternoon, Peoria and struggling Tijuana agreed to swap stars in an effort to jump start each underachieving franchise. As reigning EHBA Champion, Tijuana’s struggles have been a bit of a surprise early into this season. They find themselves in a much easier position to retool and reap the benefits immediately. Caron Butler should instantly provide points, rebounds and leadership to an already solid locker room. Baron Davis early on this season has proven himself to be completely healthy after an injury-plagued 2008. When fully healthy, Davis is capable of filling up the stat sheet every night with the possibilities of 20 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and a few steals. Channing Frye has been a nice surprise thus far in ’09. The big man had excelled in Peoria’s up-tempo offense. While he may not provide the high rebounding numbers typical of a true C, Frye is good for 12-15 points a night with a high percentage and the ability to drain the 3.

Peoria on the other hand knew shortly after the blowout loss to Tokyo that change was imminent. After putting feelers throughout the league, the front office made no secrets that Baron and Caron would be dealt sooner rather than later. After a deal with Golden involving ‘Melo failed to finalize, there were several suitors for the services of both Peoria stars. After hearing ideas for a deal from several owners, GM Dave Grubb found his best trade partner to be 1998 NCAA Champion, Saul Smith, GM of the Tijuana Matadors. Grubb knew that a trade made this season would not be with the goal of making a mad dash for the playoffs this season, but to acquire a stud player worthy of off-season protection. A player to build around. No player fit this mold more than PG Deron Williams. Williams has been a winner at every stop. From leading Illinois to prominence in college, to winning gold as a member of the EHBA’s Team USA, to helping lead Tijuana to the title last season. Williams is exactly the man to help push Peoria’s basketball team into relevancy. (Peoria also picked up double-double candidate Troy Murphy and a 2nd round pick for next season).

Williams will join a Peoria squad with one of the youngest, and potentially one of the most explosive, back courts in all of the EHBA. With time, many experts believe the combination of Williams, Rose, Flynn, and Ty Lawson could put up some very big numbers, while offering very nice upside and depth.

There is no doubt that there will be more trades coming out of Peoria as we continue to cruise through the season. As Baron Davis pointed out, this team sucked and this was a trade that had to be made. Hopefully for Peoria fans, things will start heading in a more positive direction.