WEB OR GO HOME!

After several seasons as a blogger in the PBL and another couple of seasons in the NBL of Canada without any financial support or advertising, I have come to a turning point where I must choose between two paths, folding and say it was fun, but I will focus on something else, or go forward to a new exciting project.

For some time I feel that my dedication to my beloved blog is being inconsistent with my personal life, at least in the present circumstances. I like being a freelance journalist, a blogger from the NBL of Canada, is incredible, but the league is growing at a very high level and this requires more effort on my part. I can not offer much time working in a totally amateur to my blog. I have these thoughts from last Christmas and I knew that after the season had to decide what to do with the blog. I have projects in mind, but I only and from Spain is very difficult to carry out. My project is to create a website of opinion, information and analysis of statistics on the NBL of Canada. There is an interesting group of tweeters and bloggers on the NBL of Canada that have much to say, review and analyze (and criticize).

My goal is to get them all in one place and that any fan of the league have, in one click, all information (reports compiled), currents of opinion and analysis of statistics to satisfy the curiosity of the fan on the NBL of Canada. There are teams that have excellent media coverage as or Halifax Rainmen London Lightning, but there are other teams that there is little information on the internet. I want to want to Windsor Express fan knows the last of his team, but also the other teams in the league. Create a reference site for the NBL of Canada. It is very difficult, if not make it, but there I throw my proposal, who can help me?

If this proposal finally don't comes to fruition, most likely because of a side step and others will catch my witness. It was nice while it lasted.

THANKS by Francisco Javier Martín (Frank Mart)

"There isn’t a team in the league that wouldn’t like to whip Richardson and the Lightning" Richardson said

LIGHTNING FACEBOOK / 2012-13 BACK TO WIN

NBL SEASON 2 REVIEW

Intro

This past weekend the NBL of Canada lowered the curtain on his second season after the conclusion of the successful All Stars Weekend in Saint John. London Lightning won their second title, retaining his reign, strike twice, re-peat, etc. London Lightning to again demonstrated that dominate the league and they are the best team in the two years of the league. Congratulations to owner Vito Frijia, GM Taylor Brown and Lord of the Rings, Head-coach Michael Ray Richardson, who already has a ring for the fingers of one hand (two CBA titles, one title of the PBL and 2 titles the NBL). Of course, for fans of London. From the years I started to follow the Canadian teams in the PBL, is definitely in this second season of the NBL of Canada where they have concurred a higher amount of players and talent. The NBL of Canada has been very competitive this season (except Montreal) and I must admit that increasing the number of playoff team (of 4-5 teams) has helped competitiveness. The end of the regular season was amazing.

Despite the talent of the players, to the high competitiveness of the league, a dizzying playoffs or showman as Michael Ray Richardson celebrating the title, the league has some things to improve. The NBA in Canada has had some attendance problems, except Budweiser Gardens of London Lightning and some franchise that has improved its crowds in court, attendance at the NBL of Canada has declined or stagnated as is the case of franchises with a large mass of fans (Saint John and Halifax). Particularly serious is the case of Montreal, Oshawa and Windsor with only a few hundred fans in court.

It is said that a team is only as strong as the worst of his players, applying this to the league and its franchises, so that the NBL is strong should stop operating in Montreal and Oshawa and seeking alternatives to this (new owners, folded , moved).

The NBL of Canada urgently needs a TV deal, it is easy to say and hard to do, but the league should look for an alternative such as a broadcasting of the games via streaming. The NBL should provide ofall broadcasting streaming games and with acceptable quality to sell and export the NBL games worldwide. For example, could see the final games (Rogers TV / Eastlink TV) in Ottawa and Brampton for tv? If the answer is no, the only option was sportlive.ca. Congratulate sportlive.ca to cover London Lightning games and the final, hopefully all teams have that coverage.

A difficult problem to solve is the NBL crazy schedule. Each franchise signs a lease agreement with the respective venue and in most cases this basketballs games scheduled in subordination to the availability of the court due to the preference of hockey. No doubt these are the least bad lease agreements, but these events cause such disparate situations as they are cases that between a home game and the next game at home more than a month has elapsed. This is nonsense! so it is impossible to get attract more fans. Another case of crazy, is that a franchise has waited 10 days after the end of your schedule to see if it has reached the play-offs. In Europe this would not understand anyone. Probably in a summer league had more availability of the court in better days and times, but at this point you have pressed on bone (and talk about this issue in a future article if I continue with the blog).

The league should rethink the Canadian rule, the rule of 3 current minimum Canadian system is not functioning. I have launched a series of proposals in previous alrtículos but the league should be able to improve that Canadian presence in court. Most Canadians are being relegated to trash time.

The NBL official site should significantly improve its ability to provide information to the fan, but also should provide journalists. Not doing enough. Fans and journalists require accurate information about the affairs of the league and its franchises without finding response from the league leading to speculation. It was almost impossible to get the assistance of all franchises, many releases, signings and player suspensions are omitted without explanation.

Finally, although I think it will be too late for the next draft, we need a Draft-CIS NBL agreement. There were many complaints from journalists to lack of information from the negotiations held in the days before the draft. The league should explain how it will be draft format due to the inclusion of at least 2 franchises (Ottawa and Brampton). By the way, the league should provide extensive and thorough information of the players attending the combine and should encourage franchises to provide their protected list on a deadline, so that this information becomes public.

#8 MONTREAL JAZZ (with music elsewhere?)

Montreal Jazz was urgent solution to the serious problem caused by Quebec Kebs. Montreal's only goal was to complete the schedule of 42 games. Montreal in two weeks built a competitive team to win the Elite LBQ (Quebec Basketball League Elite), but the NBL is another competitive level. Record losing streak 0-17, 2-40 worst record in the league, just 100 fans at Centre Pierre Charbonneu. Little positive can be said of the Montreal season except the rediscovery of Sheray Thomas or the emergence of Terry Licorish. Both players have shown they can be eligible for this league players. Many people think that Montreal should fold, there is much uncertainty on the Future of the franchise and very little information. The latest news comes from an interview of Pascal Leblanc (LaPresse) on his blog to Montreal GM Pascal Jobin (link).

http://blogues.lapresse.ca/basket/2013/03/11/entretien-avec-le-chef-dorchestre-du-jazz/

#7 OSHAWA POWER (recharge with milk... and players, owner, money and crowd in General Motors Centre)

Oshawa was the second franchise operated by the league. All my acknowledgments to Larry Blunt head coach and his players, you can get more performance with less money and no ability to access the market. The Durham franchise was competitive while gasoline lasted and was losing valuable pieces by the way, if almost replace option. They lost to Amani Daanish (her great draft pick) to overseas and injured his best men on board, Jushay Rockett and Bo Harris. Oshawa Power is very unfair standings keep in mind that they were much of the season as #3. Perhaps the most positive thing has been discovering a head coach like Larry Blunt and his capacity for performance and competitiveness to a short-roster with little money. I hope Larry Blunt and his group of players like Nick Okorie, Papa Oppong, Bo Harris, Juashay Rockett find place in the NBL Canada next season in Oshawa or another franchise. Durham has turned his back on his professional basketball team, just 200 fans gather at General Motors Centre. Future uncertain.

#6 HALIFAX RAINMEN (NBLC 1st Agency Management players)

This season have come (and gone) through the revolving door of Nova Scotia the largest group of talented players ever seen (from the ABA, PBL and NBLC) providing the worst possible performance. 

Look at the list, guards; Oliver McNally (camp), Nick Okorie (camp), Darren Duncan (traded to Express), Josiah Turner (released and signed by Storm) Eddie Smith (released and signed by Express) Joey Haywood, Cedric Moodie, Trayvon Lathan, forwards; Brandon Robinson (released and signed by Storm), Eric Frederick (released and signed by Jazz) Akeem Wright, Tyrone Levett, Quinnel Brown; centres, Antoine Tisby (released and signed by Storm). Wow.

Undoubtedly, the Halifax Rainmen season has been the most disappointing in its history, being runners-up of the season 11/12, not to access the playoffs in the season 12/13. Errors in planning, destroying the team roster runner, having no alternative in the post of head coach after the departure of Pep Clarós (Cliff Levingston sources a kind of transition coach) and the fiercest of revolving doors. Of the more than 20 players (training camp / Regular season) could have built 2 teams of maximum guarantees. Not many coaches whose knowledge and experience in the NBL of Canada. Renaissance options are re-signing Rob Spon or see other options as Joseph Salerno or Larry Blunt. I bet by giving a second chance to Rob Spon and build a team from the combine. Andre Levingston must make an extra effort to make your Rainmen a championship team again. In fact, they go out of post season has given them more time for reflection and reconstruction. Much work to do.

#5 MONCTON MIRACLES (the curious case of waiting 10 days at home to check for play-offs)

Moncton Miracles was a cream puff last season (0-11 losing streak), which has been joking with Montreal Jazz season. This season they have planned more time, but again fall into the same errors. For the second consecutive year have fired their head coach (Norris Bell / Ricky Benitez) in a year that would rank very irregular, however, have been successful with the signing of a veteran coach like Dennis Truax. Truax has managed to make a competitive team led by Devin Sweetney and Isaac Butts and escorted by McNally, Wonge and Watkins. However poorly planned with short-playoff roster, released (inexplicably) a Jeffrey Ferguson before playoffs staying with only 9 players rosters, including Matt Robertson (only 8 players). Then Sylvania Watkins was injured ...

#4 SAINT JOHN MILL RATS (more tha just a shooters team)

The Saint John Mill Rats are the second biggest disappointment of the season. Maybe I demand too to GM Ian McCarthy and his franchise, but after a few years in the PBL and 2 seasons in franchise NBLC Harbour Station has failed to become a championship team. Maybe I can be considered a success that the franchise of New Brunswik has accessed the play-offs for the second year in a row, but in my opinion, they have lengthened the season only three more games. The Mill Rats fail to make the leap to championship team perhaps because they have not gotten a stable roster for much of the season. Some bets have been misconceived as Antonio Anderson or James Reaves. Finally, Anthony Anderson got a contract overseas and Julius Hodge was just a shooting star. Ian must build his new team around the two stars Anthony Anderson and Kenny Jones and bring in players around him like Crouch, Council, DeLuca, Kevin Francis or Sheray Thomas.

#3 WINDSOR EXPRESS (Bill Jones & Darren Duncan starring "UNSTOPPABLE")

The second part of the season of Windsor Express was amazing, amost nobody bet a dollar for them to reach the play-offs and eventually reaching # 3 (7 winning streak) and forcing the fifth game in the semifinals against Summerside Storm. Head-coach Bill Jones changed the direction of his team on time and managed to build a competitive team with excellent market movements acquiring players like Darren Duncan, Eddie Smith and Chris Commons more Greg Surmacz recovering from injury. We consider the inaugural season of the franchise in Windsor as excellent except for two aspects. The first aspect is that the team building at the start of the season was far from the expectations for the level of competitiveness of the league, in fact started with a 2-6 record. Furthermore, the assistance of the WFCU center crowds have been below the most pessimistic expectations around 500 or 700 people. n my opinion it will be easier to rebuild a new competitive team after knowing the potential of the NBL (starting by re-signing head coach Bill Jones), but will be more difficult to attract a wider audience to WFCU center or other place where Windsor Express play their home games. Express owner Dartis Willis has much work.

#2 SUMMERSIDE STORM (THE PERFECT STORM)

Joseph Salerno, coach of the year with Michael Ray Richardson (LondonLightning), has done an outstanding job this season in Summerside. Owners Darren McKay and Duncan Shaw decided to give a year younger confidence Vermont head coach and continuity of the Storm project has given a great performance this season. No doubt this has been the most talented players that fans of the Storm has been and perhaps will for a long time in the same roster. A Al Stewart, Greg Plummer and Antonio Ballard (Newcomer of the Year with Isaac Butts) joined them as a potential NBA draft pick as Josiah Turner, a scorer as Brandon Robinson and a center like Antoine Tisby. All three players came in the form of gift from Halifax, incredible. 

However, the Storm is facing two very important issues. The first issue refers to the Location of play for the next few years once finished the lease agreement with the Credit Union Place in Summerside. Summerside has created a sizeable pool of very passionate fans around the team, but it is also true that the good performance of the team has not been a significant increase away fans with an average of 2000 people per night. The income accounts do not balance, and balance make the rules, unfortunately. Storm faces remain in Summerside tirade or pursue other options, in my opinion out of PEI. A better lease agreement in Summerside PEI or exit (toward New Brunswik or New Scotia) may be the only options. I wish to remain in Summerside in the best possible economic condiones, fans deserve this team. 

http://www.journalpioneer.com/News/Local/2013-04-16/article-3220893/Storm-contract-with-city-ends/1

http://www.journalpioneer.com/Sports/2013-04-17/article-3222282/Storm-moving-in...-or-out...-or-not/1

The second aspect is to re-build a championship team. The fact challenging the Summerside permanecia not favor the reconstruction because this issue will delay the negotiations to re-sign Joe Salerno and delay its release to attract the best players possible. Salerno should be re-signed yesterday better than today, that other franchises can get ahead. However, I think it will be difficult to return to see in Summerside (or wherever) one roster as talented as the Summerside Storm 12/13. For now, Al "The Teacher" Stewart is very doubtful if it remains full-time teacher in Chicago, Josiah Turner thinks of entering the NBA ...

#1 LONDON LIGHTNING (Iron Maiden song chorus; "lightning, lightning, strike twice!")

I wrote it on twitter and I say it again now, the best that made London Lightning owner and GM Vito Frijia Tayor Brown was Michael Ray Richardson signing a couple of years ago. I said it at the time and would have kept him but did not win any championships, it is very difficult to start a franchise from scratch and Michael Ray Richardson took a giant step. He brought his experience as a coach, his 3 rings (2 of the CBA and 1 of the PBL), now is 5 rings, knowledge of market players across the border and his group of players confidence. Two years later and two rings later, London Lightning have been a team incontestable, the best no doubt, but the NBL is becoming more competitive and more difficult to retain the title. Although in the end London Lightning has won his second championship with some credit (he won the final series 3-1 Summerside Storm) there were moments in the play-offs where London Lightning gave signs of vulnerability. Not surprisingly, Michael Ray Richardson complained bitterly of his perimeter defense and his team suffered from some match-up problems for big guys (Miracles center Isaac Butts, and Storm Antoine Tisby). The truth is that, perhaps, Richardson did not quite find their starting five, first his MVP Gabe Freeman got a contract overseas and left a big hole to be filled. Jermaine Blackburn he failed again in their day as Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry (PBL), Elvin Mims a great player, but not Freeman. They have not had an experienced point guard at the end Moss and Bowden had to play together, from Ellis to SF spot or Buford entered as starting, losing scoring off the bench, another demand Richardson. In the painting they have not had a true center, DeAndre Thomas has not met expectations. In the painting they have not had a true center, DeAndre Thomas has not met expectations. Jeremy Williams occupied the centre position in the starting five, at the beginning of the season, but after his injury have not been to a good level of defense and scoring and lost his position to Marvin Phillips, who is really a power forward and very talented. The more difficult still, to Michael Ray Richardson, who re-signed for two years more, will get the three-peat who did not get the Los Angeles Lakers. In the CBA, PBL or NBLC, Bowden, Ellis, Mims, Phillips have been Richardson guys those who have to join Adrian Moss (he has won) and Rodney Buford. How many of them back? only he knows, maybe Gabe Freeman back, I do not know. What is certain is that "he's going to be looking for a true center, At least one experienced point guard and a real scorer to come off the bench" (extract of lfp.com).

Negative side of Michael Ray Richardson on the franchise of London has been the subject of Canadian players. After many Canadian players confined to the depths of the bench, guard Antwi Atuahene have has managed to significant presence in court. I am very optimistic that Atuahene will be in London Lightning training camp. Good news. Hope it's not something transient.

Lightning links:

http://www.lfpress.com/2013/04/12/bolts-had-ice-blood-in-their-veins

http://www.lfpress.com/2013/04/16/free-advice-on-how-to-save-the-national-basketball-league-of-canada

http://www.lfpress.com/2013/04/16/lightning-aim-to-add-youth-athleticism

ONTARIO BASKETBALL LEAGUE OF CANADA

The NBL reaches the most decisive moment of the season, the final between the favorites to win the title, the defending champion and the top candidate to snatch the ring. London Lightning vs. Summerside Storm.

However, the league must continue to work in the future and in the short-term growth ahead of the third season of the league. In this regard, there are several issues to address, first try to resolve any problems encountered with some franchises, second, the league expanded with the arrival of new expansion franchises. Regarding the first point, 3 of the current franchises must solve his immediate future, Montreal Jazz, Oshawa Power and surprisingly Summerside Storm. 

Power & Le Jazz; teams operated by the league

Montreal Jazz (or Le Jazz de Montreal) has generated many rumors about their survival in the league. The Montreal franchise, operated by the league, could have new owner could move to the Atlantic division and even says that could move to Kitchener (ON) as reported by the journalist Morris DallaCosta (this last fact denied by league sources). The NBL should get rid of this franchise in the current circumstances, it is not good for the image of the league, has not been a competitive franchise (2-38). In short, the NBL can not operate another year to any franchise, or enters a new owner to make viable the Montreal team, or move to another city or folded. There is no reliable information on the situation of Montreal, because the official site of the NBL does not report this. It was not until the owners meeting in Toronto. Meanwhile, in a newspaper article of Durhamregion.com, an official source Oshawa Power (John Wiggins) announced that the team would continue for another season and the Oshawa General Motors Centre. 

"a member of the Power's management team confirmed the squad will return to Oshawa and the General Motors Centre next season. The announcement was somewhat of a surprise solely based on the sparse crowds in attendance at home games this season." "Despite the tepid fan response, John Wiggins, general manager and vice-president of operations, noted the lights won't go out on the Power."

Big surprise, my information (not quote the source) betting on the arrival of a new owner (not not quote their name) and a probable relocation to another city undisclosed. However, it seems that events have changed and Durham team, operated by the league this season, seems to have a new owner and explore new options for next season. Other information I talk about a possible relocation in Mississauga (ON) Durham's franchise. However, Oshawa Power has a year lease with General Motors Centre venue. Let's wait, there is no confirmation of anything, anything can still happen. As with Montreal, the NBL should leave the matter resolved for Today better than yesterday. To this day not bet for anything, not what will happen to Oshawa Power. I only say that Larry Blunt must coach there or at another franchise and that group of players should have no place in this league.

Summerside issue vol.2

Despite the successful campaign of Summerside Storm owners handle options for the franchise financially viable. The Storm has a multitude of fans around the team, but the affluence of public is still below the expected keep in mind the excellent performance of the franchise. The owners moved to PEI arise due to the weather conditions of the area (re-scheduling) and more propitious facilities for hockey (the video scoreboard just two digits per team). In addition, the lease agreement with the Credit Union Place expires at the end of the season, so they can consider other locations. Since last season there was talk of this issue and the possible move to Charlottetown, but the Civic Centre not meet the minimum requirements to take the team there. Later or earlier, the Storm can leave the island despite having settled a lot of fans, but maybe Storm can not grow on the island and must migrate. Shaw & McKay Hope you find the best solution.

ottawacitizen.com / Owner Gus Takkale & Ottawa SkyHawks

Expansion franchises

In a recent interview with Deputy Commissioner Susan Gordon said the league does not arise expand into western Canada at this time. In recent times, the market expansion of the NBL to revolved around Ontario (excepting the case of Montreal Jazz for obvious reasons) Windsor in 2012 and Ottawa and Brampton in 2013. At the dawn of the birth of the league league names arose Sydney (NS) or Fredericton (NB), but it seems that the market in the Maritimes is depleted. In fact, part of Ottawa and Brampton (ON) and confirmed, the other rumors of new franchises are still looking to expand Ontario (Kitchener, Mississauga ...). I do not know the truth of the rumors that talk that the franchise moved from Montreal to Kitchener, Durham franchise to Mississauga or even that Mississauga will be an expansion franchise in 2014. What I think is that we are heading towards an unbalanced league whose hub is moved from the Maritimes to Ontario. Clearly. The league could open the solution to relocate to Montreal to the Atlantic Division, to return the balance of teams between the two divisions with five teams each. In addition, the NBL could use a schedule pondering, we may change the # of games each team plays a division opponent or non division opponent. So explain to me a source of the league:

"For example may you play the most closest team, then number of games. Played games goes down as next team is farther away until you play the farthest team only 1 home 1 away. We may have to split say Montreal and Ottawa but they are close so even different divisions would still play each other the most for rivalry and save travel costs.

Nothing is final, but it seems to be a league of 10 teams and two divisions, they rule out the possibility of three divisions (two in Ontario), so it seems it Mississauga (ON) will have to wait, although it is a possibility that is evaluated.

Compilation of expansion franchises links and situations of current franchises:

http://www.lfpress.com/2013/03/12/nbl-teams-could-see-changes

http://www.durhamregion.com/sports/article/1592587--oshawa-power-drop-home-hoops-finale-to-st-john

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2013/03/14/pei-summerside-storm-money-shaw-584.html

http://www.bramptonguardian.com/sports/article/1599607--pro-basketball-team-planned-for-brampton

http://sportsbusinesscanada.com/qa-susan-gordon-deputy-commissioner-nbl-canada/

http://news.sportslogos.net/2013/04/03/brampton-as-set-to-join-nbl-canada/

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/sports/After+first+choice+franchise+name+with+controversy+Ottawa/8197597/story.html

http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/04/04/new-ottawa-pro-basketball-team-named-skyhawks

CAN A CANADIAN ROSTER ONLY WIN A NBLC TITLE?

lacote.ch / former Kebs & Jazz RICKY VOLCY

I've always liked the romantic idea of building a team with Canadian players only and was competitive. The experiment in Montreal this season, failed dismally for various reasons, did not preseason, the team built in 15 days, brought players Quebec area only (in addition, these local players are losing games for his work).

If we make a selection from among all Canadians who have played in the league for two seasons could make a very competitive roster capable of reaching the playoffs, anyway. It is clear that you can not bring Andy Rautins (D-League and NBA prospect), Levon Kendall (ACB Spain) and Carl English (ACB Spain) to mention some names, nor look even remotely to the NBA, but you can make a very interesting team.

At the point guard position could be former Oshawa Power Tut Ruach (although it would be difficult, he triumphs in Sweden), the other point guard would be former London Lightning Osvaldo Jeanty. Both players have professional experience in Europe offering excellent performance. Ruach is outstanding out in Sweden this season and Osvaldo has a solid career in Germany. Other points guards who have played in the league have not had much presence on the court so it would be a bit short staffed this position in principle.

In the shooting guard position would have to Halifax Rainmen star, Joey Haywood. No doubt he would be one of the team's franchise player and a scorer reference. As a shooting guard backup player we could sign the Oshawa Power Papa Oppong, one of the best canadian players this season and sharpshooter from beyond the arc. To be deep at the guard position and bolstered roster, we needed fifth guard, will have to look for him in the market. Maybe another option for Manix Auriantal PG position is if he is at 100% of their time with the team. Keep in mind to Antwi Atuahene if he makes a good playoffs with London.

If the guard positions we short staffed, by contrast, are spoiled for choice in forward positions. The starter small forward position would be for Kevin Francis, the last season was immeasurable in Saint John Mill Rats, he can play in the SF and PF positions. He was a starter in Oshawa Power and Saint John Mill Rats, offers versatility. Another of my betting would bring back to the NBL of Canada to forward Yannick Anzuluni 6'8''. He has a great wingspan, can play SF and PF, is very athletic and can progress as he did in the Kebs as backup Jermaine Blackburn. He is playing in lower divisions in Germany, he can aspire to the next level and why not here?. Of course, on my roster keep in mind to swingman Kevin Loiselle Windsor Express. He can also play as SF and PF and is an excelso rebounder and is very strong. This kind of players are always needed on a team. Haywood has improved his 3-point release, we also have to Oppong, but never enough to have another triple jumper, so it is necessary to include Chris Cayole. Chris is a 6'7'' small forward shooter with experience in the league, and this season has not missed many games through injury.

In inside positions, too much talent, my big bet is undoubtedly Ricky Volcy. In my opinion he was the best Canadian last season, Ricky Volcy have much pro experience in Europe (including Spain, Calpe), he is a PF with good touch from beyond the arc. It would also be a wink to the Francophone community. The former star of the University of Windsor Greg Surmacz, one of the best power forwards in the league this season (including U.S.) would share with Volcy PF position and could even play together. Greg has pro experience in Poland and is one of Canada's most talented this season. Sheray Thomas has been one of the revelations of the season with Loiselle and Oppong. He has played as a power forward and center this season averaging good numbers in points and rebounds. He is not a legitimate center, has a 6'8'' PF, but can play in that position in this league and do it with good performance.

The NBL of Canada it's a guards league, not bet on having two true centers of 7'0'' (except you find a canadian Isaac Butts), would suffice for that position one player. And rooting for the national team member Jeffrey Ferguson, he is a 6'11'' very intimidating presence in the paint, can block shots and rebound solidly. he played a couple of seasons in Saint John Mill Rats (PBL) in good yield. In addition he has pro experience in Japan recently (BJ League/JBL2). Juan Mendez is a PF (6'8'') who has played as a center, many minutes in Montreal. He has a great body, pro experience and a nice touch from beyond the arc. Teammate Terry Licorish Montreal (6'9'') is another player in size, he can be place in the team.

There are other players that have been part of some of the current NBL teams of Canada and Jermaine Anderson, Garry Gallimore, Jevhon Shepherd, Troy Gottselig (Rainmen), which may be very difficult to return because they have better options overseas. Denham Brown made the preseason with Oshawa Power (also Shepherd) last season, announced his signing even though he went to Argentina before starting the season. Not if he is in range of the NBL of Canada. There are other Canadians who play in spring in Edmonton Energy (IBL), like Jermaine Bucknor, Stephen Sir among the others.

The other key is whether a franchise can pay these Canadian players, do not know, appears to correspond to the budget, do not know that salary have each of these players mentioned. The league operates under a salary cap of $ 150,000 and the average salary per player is usually about $ 3,000 per month for five months of competition, from November to March (the end has games in early April). The accounts are clear, 5 months $ 3,000 for 10-player roster = $ 150,000. According to sources in the league, the minimum salary per week is $ 400 that, is around $ 1,600 per month, and highest salary is probably about $ 5,000. In all honesty, the NBL of Canada has very low wages and can not compete with other leagues overseas or even with the D-League (where not paid much). According to my sources, the D-League offers three levels of contracts, A level players have a salary of $ 4,000 ($ 24,000 for 6 months), the B level players have a salary of 3000 "per month ($ 12,000) , C level players have a salary of $ 2,000 ($ 12,000). Apart players sent from the NBA that has his own contract with the NBA franchise. In a quick search on google on the wonderful Wikipedia (link below), the homonymous league in Australia, NBL, has a salary cap for the season 12/13 for $ 1 Million Dollars ($ 1,000,000), almost all of the Canadian teams. WOW. In Spain there is not a salary cap, but each team must have a minimum budget of € 3.2 million €, which change are about 4.16 million dollars (unless my mistake). If the NBL of Canada publishes the salaries of their players would get out of doubt and we would know if the dream of a strictly Canadian team might not be a dream to a reality (if only on paper).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_League_(Australasia)#Salary_cap

http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/730254-minor-pro-hoopsters-struggle-to-balance-job-family-demands

"Players in the Canadian loop earn an average of $3,000 a month from November into April in a league whose teams operate with a $150,000 salary cap. Most will try to pad their income by landing another gig in a spring-summer league once the NBL season ends."

What franchise could host the Canadian dream team? any existing franchises, except Oshawa Power or any of the possible expansion franchises as Ottawa or other as the rumored Brampton or Kitchener, which start without any player. Who bet for them?

CAN ON THE COURT

streetballin.net / Canadian talent guard Joey Haywood

Beforehand my proposal is to promote basketball talent over the country of birth as in the NBA, where only room for the best. However, I agree with the fact that the NBL of Canada was designed to develop basketball in Canada and offer the opportunity for Canadian players have a professional career in Canada as well as in overseas.

The diatribe that should be asked fans, owners and others is whether to offer a entertaiment sports event alternative to hockey or they just want to see the stars Canadian University (CIS) league play professionally in Canada. That is, if the NBLC is a Canadian developmental league, or a purely professional league. My opinion is that the league is trending to the second option, a purely professional league, unless the league adopts protectionist measures on the Canadian player, since it is evident that there is much market for talent in the U.S. than in Canada. The league has a short path still is not well known in the world of the orange ball and still is building a solid foundation for further growth.

So far, the NBL of Canada proposed a minimum of 2 Canadian in a 10 player-roster last season, and this season the rule amended to increase the minimum number of Canadian players per team to 3, so yes, also allowed to have 12 players-roster. However, in the first mid-season report and in the final report, and data, numbers and graphics that add, show that this rule is insufficient for the purpose sought by the league. With few exceptions, most Canadians have a very minor role in different franchises, is, as I tweeted, 4 of the 5 Canadians are less minutes on the court are the best teams in the league, Lightning (Murray & Smith) and Storm (Manigat & McKinney).

This final report will try this case from three sections; proposals to improve the Canadian presence on the court, conclusions of the regular season and most outstanding Canadian players (and disappointments).

Regular season conclusions (graphs below)

Made the report and statistics of games played, games started, total minutes, and minutes per game I have come to my mind a number of conclusions:

In the inaugural season had 4 players can consider as starters, Kevin Francis (Power / Mill Rats), Joey Haywood (Rainmen), Tut Ruch (Power) and Ricky Volcy (Kebs) of 27 canadians. In the current season, we can consider as starters a Joey Haywood (Rainmen), Papa Oppong (Power), Terry Licorish (Le Jazz) and Greg Surmacz / Kevin Loiselle (Express). Sheray Thomas lost his status as a starter after Kevin Francis & Kenny Jones arrivals. Thus, there has been no improvement. No Canadian can consider, absolutely, a team's franchise player (as Anthony Anderson, Sweetney, Mims or Robinson, among the others), Joey Haywood is the closer you are to achieve it.

In the inaugural season the average Canadian player on the court was of 15.38 mpg, 13 of the 27 players averaged less than 15 mpg on the court, only 2 players averged more than 30 mpg. While in the current season has been of 15.917 mpg, 21 of the 42 players averaged less than 15 mpg on the court, only 2 players averaged more than 30 mpg. Approximately half of Canadian players who have played in the NBL of Canada in their two seasons has a residual role. The most alarming statistic is that only 4 CANADIAN players have averaged more than 30 mpg, Tut Ruach (Power) and Kevin Francis (Power/Mill Rats) last season and Papa Oppong (Power) and Greg Surmacz (Express) current season, keep in mind that Greg only played 24 games due to an injured.

Per teams, you can not make a comparison between the last team this season and has changed because the number of teams and games temporda. However, the franchise Francophone (Kebs or Le Jazz) and Oshawa Power are the most minute offer Canadians on court. On the other hand, at the bottom of the ranking, London Lightning offers very few minutes (garbage time), less than 400 mpg last season and less than 600 mpg this season. Certainly in London, the Canadian presence on the court is unfinished business.

Canadian outstanding players (and disappointments)

When we talk about the most outstanding Canadian players come to mind me 6 names for different reasons. When we talk about talent, we must mention the season Joey Haywood confirmed as one of the stars of the league and why pay a ticket at the Halifax Metro Centre. On the other hand, come talk Polish talent such as Greg Surmacz, a pleasant surprise. I hope to be back next season and have a year without injury.

If we talk about players more improved, no doubt, you must comment on the excellent season of shooter G/F Papa Oppong and rebounder forward Kevin Loiselle. Papa Oppong has been a starter in Oshawa and a threat beyond the 3-point line, although in his debut in Halifax was unobserved. Kevin Loiselle went from being cut without ever debuted last season to be a beast of rebound in the middle despite his 6'6''.

Eyes on Terry Licorish and Sheray Thomas, maybe they have a chance to finally explode next season. Terry Licorish was drafted and cut by Moncton, but he has had a solid individual season in Montreal, a team to forget. Meanwhile, Sheray Thomas shined at the beginning of the season in Montreal, which earned him his move to Saint John Mill Rats, however, after Francis & Jones arrivals, he has lost presence on the court. I'd bet on them as solid bench players, at least.

If we talked about the side of the coin, now have to talk about the cross currency. There were 4 players on which I had certain expectations that have not been covered finally. In chronological order, the first disappointment was the non-signing of Jesse Young. I knew Jesse was almost retired by injuries, but their presence in Oshawa could attract more audience to Gneral Motor Center, because he is a former member of Canada's national team with a prolific career in Europe. No more was heard of him.

Another great Canadian hope, with European career (Germany), was Osvaldo Jeanty, but after 13 games he decided to return to Germany. Olsvaldo not provide enough confidence to Michael Ray Richardson to play more than 14 mpg. Undoubtedly, Osvaldo was the most talented Canadian who has played in London. He failed the MRR test. 

Juan Mendez was the first member of the national team to play in the NBLC (the second was Jeffrey Ferguson, a seen and unseen), but he had no downtime and Montreal was a franchise propitious to show his best level. In my opinion, I think he was not in his best shape when he arrived in Montreal and his performance has been below expectations, because talent and experience he has in abundance. I have appreciation for Juan Mendez and would like to again have the opportunity to demonstrate good player who is in a stable franchise. 

Finally, another disappointment is undoubtedly Isaac Kuon. Not in vain, Windsor Express traded their # 1 pick in the Draft for the rights of Isaac Kuon (Saint John Mill Rats), who played at the University of Windsor, so a local star. Isaac Kuon, which had a final season with Saint John Mill Rats very encouraging, was the image of the expansion franchise in the preseason, although he is a player who plays on the defensive. However, Isaac Kuon was losing presence on the court and was relegated to a residual role until he was cut after 29 games and only 11 mpg. Not know the internal causes to cut Isaac Kuon, but in the offseason, Windsor bet big on him and left by the back door. 

Proposals to improve the appearance in court

The NBL of Canada must strengthen the presence of the most talented Canadian players on the court. The current rule of three Canadian players minimum per team has not achieved the intended outcome, at least it shows the data and statistics.

The last season was increased from 2 to 3 the minimum number of Canadian players, but also helped to increase the minimum roster of 10 to 12 players, so many Canadians occupied the position 11 and 12 in the rotation roster. The problem is that talented Canadian players with a career overseas have a contract high, while there is a huge market for American players on the other side of the border. Coaches looking for their players confidence and are reluctant to bet on young Canadians and also due to poor knowledge of the Canadian market players.

In the mid-season report proposed the rule of a minimum of 3 Canadian players on a 10 player roster and allowed-have a 12-player roster with a minimum of 5 Canadian players. So now you can build a roster with 9 players, look for some Canadian talent and the other 2 canadians players to complete practices. With this rule would avoid this situation, you can not compete in a league with a schedule of 42 games with only 7 or 8 players so you must sign Canadian talent. If there is a rule change that will suppose in this sense.

- A minimum of 3 canadians on a 10 players-roster, and allow roster of 11 or 12 players with 4 or 5 Canadian, respectively.

Another proposal is that the league allow an exception to the salary cap to sign a true Canadian talent. It is an interesting option, but it is essential to economic esbabilidad franchises and this rule could jeopardize this stability.

- NBLC allows teams to have one unlimited salary cap (or exception to salary cap) to retain Top Canadian Player.

Another option is to adopt a rule used in the Turkish TBL in which there must be a national player on the court. Thus, teams must have the best Canadian players they can sign. The franchise should have several good players that will be important in Canadians team. It would be a rule to study.

- Turkey TBL rule, always a one Canadian player on court. 

Dates, graphs and stats by NBL of Canada official stats.

JAMES NAISMITH MVP FINALS

lightningbasketball.ca / My MVP Tim "Spider" Ellis

These awards are not official, respond to official statistics, but does not have to match the official awards of NBL of Canada or usbasket. These awards have a special name, my MVP Final award is named James Naismith in honor of the inventor of the beloved game of basketball.

NBA.com evaluates all players based on the efficiency formula: ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)).

All pictures by NBLC.com and usbasket.com

NBLC BLOG AWARDS

court-side.com / LIGHTNING F ELVIN MIMS

Introdution

These awards are not official, respond to official statistics, but does not have to match the official awards of NBL of Canada or usbasket. These awards have a special name, my MVP award is named John The Franchise Strickland in honor of former player of the Rainmen sadly died. My Canadian MVP award is named Steve Nash in honor of the best Canadian player. Finally, my Six Man of the Year Award is named Sam Carey, in honor of former player of the Mill Rats and Kebs died in a traffic accident.

NBA.com evaluates all players based on the efficiency formula: ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)). We all agree that the statistics do not reflect all what happens in court and the box score does not reflect the so-called intangibles. Therefore, this efficiency formula in one of many tools to measure the performance of players in an unbiased manner. Obviously, this formula we define the player with better stats, more efficient player, which does not have to match the player to both coaches and the NBL designated as NBLC official MVP of the league.

NBLC site / MILL RATS GUARD ANTHONY ANDERSON

JOHN STRICKLAND MVP 

Consistently with this MVP Ranking the player more efficient and with better statistics has been Saint John Mill Rats guard Anthony Anderson who has averaged in 31 games, 21 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 double-doubles and 20'097 of efficiency. Although, there are people who think that an MVP can not be someone who has left the league and also other variables, apart from purely statistical, such as leadership, victories that clinched his team ultimately be a player franchise, a decisive player in the league. My MVP ranking has caused some controversy and I totally respect that each person or fan has its own MVP. I remember my MVP is unofficial and I have relied on official statistics as far as formula, although the formula is not ideal, it is true that it is impartial and does not introduce totaly subjective assessments. The purpose of my blog is to comment on the league, therefore, in my opinion, the MVP of the NBL of Canada is the London Lightning forward Elvin Mims. Besides his good stats: 15 ppg, 9 rpg, and 15 double-doubles, highlighted his constancy in the game all season without sweating is a very reliable player, plus his experience to lead the best team in the league. In fact Elvin Mims and was MVP in the 2010/11 season in the PBL. Other commentators, fans and others propose to Brandon Robinson, or the league's leading scorer Devin Sweetney. Probably had chosen Brandon Robinson if only value their season in Summerside, but their first games in Halifax he had not much luck. No doubt the potential scorer Brandon, amply demonstrated, and that he is the franchise player in Summerside with Greg Plummer and Omari Johnson. Also there are many arguments in favor of the option of Devin Sweetney, in fact many commentators will define him as the best player in the NBLC. Devin is the franchise player in Moncton, the leading scorer in the league with 25 ppg and has starred most spectacular individual performance on a court by scoring 56 points against Montreal, historical record in the league. If he had better shooting percentages would be in the NBA or Euroleague team.

Guard of the Year: Anthony Anderson (Mill Rats).

Honarable mention: Tim Ellis (Lightning), Greg Plummer (Storm), Jerice Crouch (Mill Rats), Nick Okorie (Power), Oliver McNally (Miracles).

Forward of the Year: Elvin Mims (Lightning).

Honarable mention: Brandon Robinson (Storm), Quinnel Brown (Rainmen), Devin Sweetney (Miracles), Antonio Ballard (Storm). 

Center of the Year: Isaac Butts (Miracles).

Honarable mention: Omari Johnson (Storm), Jushay Rockett (Power), Bo Harris (Power), Chris Commons (Express). 

blog.windsorstars.com / EXPRESS FORWARD GREG SURMACZ

STEVE NASH MVP

The best Canadian player in efficiency values ​​and better statistics has been Windsor Express power forward Greg Surmacz, averaged in 23 games: 11 ppg and 8 rpg and final efficiency 13'083. Greg has been without doubt one of the biggest surprises in the league, probably the most talented Canadian player with Joey Haywood, able to be on many teams starting five in the league. I always say that a team has a talented Canadian player and capable of being a starting five on your team can be the key to building a championship team. 

blog.windsorstars.com / EXPRESS FORWARD KEVIN LOISELLE

However, even though Greg is the Canadian player (along with Haywood) most talented and experienced in Europe (Poland), only played 23 games due to an untimely injury, so I would give the award to another player. In my opinion, the season of his teammate Kevin Loiselle has been fascinating. Kevin was an undrafted inaugural Moncton and released last season and this season has averaged 10 ppg and 8 rpg and regular in the starting five of Windsor. Immeasurable, huge development and progression of Kevin, deserves to be proposed as the best Canadian player. I can not ignore the excellent season of Oshawa Power sharpshooter Papa Oppong almost 13 ppg and 5 rpg. Oppong had little opportunity for the team that selected him in the inaugural draft, Halifax, and was sent to Oshawa last season. Oshawa Power and matched bet for him, Papa Oppong has had a great season, unfortunately he will not be in the playoffs, but should go to a championship team next season. The favorite to become the best Canadian player, Joey Haywood has been the best of his team. Levingston not bet on him at first, and the overall season has been disappointing Halifax, has not favored him. However, solid numbers, I hope to return to the league.

cbc.ca / Joseph Salerno Storm coach

COACH OF THE YEAR

All season I've been in the diatribe of deciding who would be, in my opinion, the head coach of the year, between Joseph Salerno, Summerside Storm head coach, or Larry Blunt, Head Coach of Oshawa Power. Both have great arguments for nomination. Larry Blunt has led to the third position (for much of the season) for a franchise with little money to make a competitive roster with many players released by other teams and without much capacity strengthened. However, the injuries came of his best men, Jushay Rockett and Bo Harris, and everything was thrown overboard. Joseph Salerno has managed to develop a team that was sixth and out of play-offs (just past the worst Moncton Miracles), last season, to build a real championship team and real alternative to succeed London Lightning as champions NBL of Canada. For me there is no doubt, Joseph Salerno is the head coach of the year.

123rf.com / Rodney "Sgeriff" Buford

SAM CAREY 6TH MAN AWARD

Rodney "The Sheriff" Buford, former NBA is definitely better with excellent sixth man off the bench stats: 13 ppg and almost 4 rpg, a real microwave, a player who can change the game off the bench and destroying rival behind the triple line. The veteran player has adapted to his new role, being important off the bench, keep in mind that he is the player with the best career (far away) from all NBLC.

NBLC FINALS RANKINGS:

http://frankmartminors.blogspot.com.es/2011/11/nblc-mvp-ranking.html