The Idaho Stampede tryouts came and went last Saturday and Sunday. Nearly 80 guys from around the northwest tried out for a shot at the D-league team's roster. The feel and structure was different from year's past with new head coach Bob MacKinnon running the show. There was more game like action and it looks like the play will be more uptempo compared to Bryan Gates' defensive emphasis.
In action at the tryout were former Boise State Broncos Reggie Larry, Aaron Garner, Booker Nabors and Jamar Greene.
For Oregon Duck fans who enjoyed seeing Luke Jackson play for the Stampede, another former Duck, Ray Schafer was also at the tryout. The 7-0 center played last season in Japan's second league where he averaged 14.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.8 bpg.
I've enjoyed the few NBA preseason games that I've been able to stomach. Not because the play has been amazing or that the teams are gelling. More because the replacement refs have been entertaining. All sarcasm aside, I'm trying to find a silver lining to the idea that the league may have inadequate officials on opening night (next Tuesday, October 28). The effect will be fans will get a worse product. And closer to home, what if the lockout doesn't end before the D-league season starts? Right now, NBA games are being officiated by current D-league refs. If they are doing NBA games, whose is going to officiate the Stampede-Reno game on November 28?
But back to the silver lining. Notable players are not geting the Jordan calls; officials are trying to call the game equally crapy on both sides. The "hero calls" are getting more and more creative. And with the additional fouls that are being called, players may be able to improve their free throw percentages and we might see Shaq make it through an entire season (he hasn't played more than 75 games since 1999-2000).
And, welcome to the world Bella! You might just be the cutest thing I've ever seen.
