2008 Austin Toros training camp roster

[ChumpDumper]

Mohamed Abukar F 6-10 220 San Diego State
Serge Angounou F 6-8 236 Arizona State
Marshall Brown F 6-6 205 Missouri
Kris Collins G 6-2 190 New Mexico
Eric Dawson F 6-9 235 Midwestern State
Isaiah Fox F 6-9 270 Arizona
Andrew Francis F 6-7 205 UTSA
Charles Gaines F 6-9 223 Southern Mississippi
Malik Hairston F 6-6 220 Oregon
Carldell Johnson G 5-10 180 Alabama-Birmingham
Robert McKiver G 6-3 195 Houston
O'Neal Mims F 6-9 235 Angelo State
Tack Minor G 6-0 196 LSU
Michael Sturns G 6-5 200 Holy Family
Jahmar Thorpe G 6-6 215 Houston
Ezra Williams G 6-4 205 Georgia
Marcus Williams F 6-7 205 Arizona

I'll just go ahead and make a guess at the lineup to start the season (starters underlined):

PG
Carldell Johnson
Robert McKiver

SG/SF
Kris Collins
Malik Hairston
Ezra Williams
Marcus Williams

PF/C
Serge Angounou
Eric Dawson
Charles Gaines
O'Neal Mims

I guess I'm reaching with Mims' making the team, but most of the big men in the draft after the top three were pretty unimpressive and it would be nice to have two shot blockers on an otherwise size-challenged team.

Sturns probably has a chance at taking one of the backup SG spots from Ezra Williams of Kris Collins as well.

The Toros should get most of their scoring from spots 1-3, and Gaines will be the main post scorer. The team looks like it's going to be a lot more perimeter oriented that last season.

[galvatron3000]

who broadcasts these games, I'd like to see a few?

[ChumpDumper]

You should be able to see them all online on the D-League site.

[timvp]

I need to go back and look at the draft. I skimmed it earlier and was underwhelmed with the choices. Then the parent team started to sink and I forgot about it.

Let's see here . . .

[ChumpDumper]

Every team seemed to panic-pick a big man or two. Anyone over 6'9" and/or 250 lbs. had a shot at being picked in the first two rounds.

I think the McKiver pick was solid, as were the Collins and Ezra Williams picks. The Toros definitely got their best players outside of the draft, but picked up some good pieces in it. They're pretty much up there with Albuquerque in the SW division race on paper.

[ChumpDumper]

November 20: AUSTIN
Waived G Michael Sturns, F Isaiah Fox, F Marshall Brown, F Andrew Francis. Waived F Mohammed Abukar due to injury.

http://www.nba.com/dleague/dleague/transactions.html

Abukar was their first round pick, but he didn't seem too special they have enough decent big men to compensate. The Toros also get the first shot at getting him back when he's healthy if they wish.

I was surprised that Collins got the start at point guard Thursday, we'll see how the minutes are distributed between him, McKiver and Squeaky Johnson in the next game.

The roster now stands at 12. I'm still sticking with my opening night roster listed above unless I see something significant tomorrow. If you happen to be around south Austin, the game is at Bowie High @ 6PM and admission is free -- though a donation to Bowie's athletic booster club would be appreciated.

[ChumpDumper]

Toros down 53 44 at the half. Ball movement stinks when Squeaky is not in. George Hill is here.

[mystargtr34]

Good stuff Chump, its good to have an insider on this stuff - i find it interesting.

[duncan228]

Good stuff Chump, its good to have an insider on this stuff - i find it interesting.

:tu

I had passing interest in the D-League before I got to ST. After I started reading ChumpDumper's stuff my interest, and knowledge, has grown. It's been a fun ride.

It's one of the best things about this site. There's some incredibly knowledgeable people posting.

[mystargtr34]

How does Mahimni look?

27 mins
5 fouls
7 points
1 rebound
1 block
3-3 FG

Struggling looks like, although im not sure why hes only taken 3 shots in nearly 30 minutes, maybe the new guys cant get him the ball.

Hairston on the other hand, is leading all scorers with 17

[ChumpDumper]

Ian with five fouls, still playing.. Toros down 62 72.

[boutons_]

There He Goes Again, excessive fouling

[ChumpDumper]

Tons of ice on both ankles for Ian. Pretty stiff. Don't expect him on the Spurs soon.

[tav1]

Tons of ice on both ankles for Ian. Pretty stiff. Don't expect him on the Spurs soon.

Thanks, man.

[timvp]

Tons of ice on both ankles for Ian. Pretty stiff. Don't expect him on the Spurs soon.

:depressed

[vy65]

Ian Mahinmi: 4-4 From the Field, 9 Pts, 2 Boards, 5PF in about 23 minutes.

By no means awful, but if he's the savior, a game like that is going to make me think about switching religions.

[m33p0]

5 fouls in 23 minutes???

[SpursFan0728]

Just for curiosity, how much do these d-league players make?

Whats the min/max? is there a salary cap for the teams?

[Kori Ellis]

Just for curiosity, how much do these d-league players make?

Whats the min/max? is there a salary cap for the teams?

They get paid between $12,000 and $24,000 for the season. They get their rent paid and they get $30 a day for food while on the road.

[Kori Ellis]

I think I'm wrong about the $24K - I think that was raised to $30K this season. I believe in the 2007 season, there were three levels of pay - $12K, $18K or $24K. I know that got up'd and I think the max is $30K now.

[DPG21920]

I think I'm wrong about the $24K - I think that was raised to $30K this season. I believe in the 2007 season, there were three levels of pay - $12K, $18K or $24K. I know that got up'd and I think the max is $30K now.

That is correct. In the D-League they have players ranked into 3 tiers (A,B,C or I, II, III). You get paid according to your classification.

[sexinthatsx]

wow... that's not a lot of money but I guess if you love playing basketball, you're willing to take a mediocre paycheck to do it, unless these d-leaguers have other jobs on the side

[DPG21920]

wow... that's not a lot of money but I guess if you love playing basketball, you're willing to take a mediocre paycheck to do it, unless these d-leaguers have other jobs on the side

Just depends. Many just live modestly. Share an apartment, split bills...That is the main reason why people play overseas instead of the D-League. They get more money. But the D-League is working towards paying more, it is just tough right now with the economy.

Many of these D-League players eat so poorly, it is kind of sad, lol!

[sexinthatsx]

Just depends. Many just live modestly. Share an apartment, split bills...That is the main reason why people play overseas instead of the D-League. They get more money. But the D-League is working towards paying more, it is just tough right now with the economy.

Many of these D-League players eat so poorly, it is kind of sad, lol!

With 30 dollars a day on road trips, alongside the fact that their metabolisms require them to eat 5-6 times a day, I don't see how 5 dollars a meal will suffice for any healthier alternatives other than fast food

[ducks]

30k is alot of money for the hours
$20 an hour 40 hours a week is 30k a year

[DPG21920]

With 30 dollars a day on road trips, alongside the fact that their metabolisms require them to eat 5-6 times a day, I don't see how 5 dollars a meal will suffice for any healthier alternatives other than fast food

That is one of the things that has been brought to light. They are athletes required to perform yet they have to eat like crap. I am sure once the league starts making money (if ever) that it will change.

It is just in infancy stage right now and that is how it is.

[ducks]

I eat on less then 30 day

[ducks]

bumb

[Bruno]

I hope Ian will find his rhythm back soon because I'm really curious and impatient to see what he can do at the NBA level.

ChumpDumper, what are your thoughts on James Mays?

[ChumpDumper]

Mays is a classic tweener. Needs either more bulk or better perimeter skills. I'll post more when I'm not at work.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030438.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030455.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030485.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030492.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030497-1.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030531-1.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030541-1.jpg

[tonylongoriafan]

solid pics

[timvp]

Thanks for the pics. Does Mahinmi look bigger compared to last season? Based on how he looked health-wise, what's your guess at a timetable in which the Spurs will bring him up and give him a shot?

It sounded like the Spurs may have just wanted him there for training camp but now he might stay longer since he doesn't appear to be healthy . . .

[ChumpDumper]

Messed up with one of them. Replaced with Ian's dunk pic.

[T Park]

think the team could've sprang for a little bit better chairs for the team to sit on? dang.

[tonylongoriafan]

he looks pretty huge in the pic...crazy

[tonylongoriafan]

think the team could've sprang for a little bit better chairs for the team to sit on? dang.

i think those are the same chairs i saw on sale at Sam's Club...where do they play the games at?

[ChumpDumper]

This game was at Bowie High School. The regular season games are at the Austin Convention Center where the players have the standard cushioned metal chairs.

[duncan228]

Nice pics. Thanks.

[ChumpDumper]

I knew I had one of Hairston somewhere:

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/tasteoflog/08-11-22%20Toros-14ers/P1030465.jpg

[T Park]

Hopefully no other teams pick him up.

[ChumpDumper]

Thanks for the pics. Does Mahinmi look bigger compared to last season? Based on how he looked health-wise, what's your guess at a timetable in which the Spurs will bring him up and give him a shot?

It sounded like the Spurs may have just wanted him there for training camp but now he might stay longer since he doesn't appear to be healthy . . .They had Ian's playing time limit in mind from the start; that's why they left him in with five fouls in the third. The 14ers have a great swarming defense and Ian isn't mobile enough to counter stuff like being doubled without the ball yet. I can see his being with the Toros for two or three weeks, but I could be wrong.

[mystargtr34]

Those rims dont look 10 feet. And the free throw line in the second pic looks like its about 10 feet from the rim.

Must be me.

[dbestpro]

It stands to reason that an exhibition D-league game in a high school gym that is designed to help an injured player start to get into shape would not illicit the greatest stat numbers, effort or show of flexibility. Give Ian a break and let's see what he looks like after 5-7 real games at 30 plus mpg.

[ChumpDumper]

November 26: AUSTIN
Waived G Jahmar Thrope

I believe that got the roster down to 11, not counting Ian. Looks like they are still trying to decide which point guard to keep out of Robert McKiver and Tack Minor.

Mohammed Abukar was still with the team at the last preseason game, so his injury might not be severe and he could replace one of the big men when he's healthy - either Mims or Dawson.

[timvp]

Has McKiver been that bad that he can could from first round pick to waived?

[ChumpDumper]

They both looked pretty lost Saturday, but Minor made a lot of his shots at least. Whichever one they keep, I could see Kris Collins backing up the point before either of these guys.

[BlackBellamy]

Can you get Austin Toros Jerseys anywhere? The Logo is pretty slick and the originality/humor of owning one has some appeal as well. Anyone know?

Oh, and who the hell is wearing 21? Seems a bit strange t'me.

[ChumpDumper]

I've only replicas for sale at games. The Spurs Shop only had T-shirts when I was last there, and there are only tees and sweatshirts online. You might be able to call their office to see if you can get one or I could pick one up for you.

[ChumpDumper]

Oh, and who the hell is wearing 21? Seems a bit strange t'me.That's Serge Angounou. He wore 53 last year. so who knows? The numbered jerseys and shirts have 21 and 9 on them; maybe the staff is trying to make more of a tie-in with those numbers to actual players.

[BlackBellamy]

I've only replicas for sale at games. The Spurs Shop only had T-shirts when I was last there, and there are only tees and sweatshirts online. You might be able to call their office to see if you can get one or I could pick one up for you.

Thanks for the info. And I thank you for the offer to grab a jersey. Really, I just need ta' just check out the Toros schedule and drive my ass up to Austin. Intimate game followed by copious amounts of drink at one of A-train's many fine, spirit purveying establishments? Win or lose I win!

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Yea, I would definitely wear a Toros jersey.

[ChumpDumper]

Sure, I didn't know where you live.

If anyone is thinking of coming up, there are three Saturdays when the Spurs aren't playing.

Dec. 13 vs. Albuquerque
Jan. 10 vs. Colorado
Apr. 4 vs. Iowa

[BlackBellamy]

Sure, I didn't know where you live.

If anyone is thinking of coming up, there are three Saturdays when the Spurs aren't playing.

Dec. 13 vs. Albuquerque
Jan. 10 vs. Colorado
Apr. 4 vs. Iowa

I'm not sure the quality of these games as I haven't kept up with D-league. However, I would like to see a game that we could compete and possibly (probably) win. So with that in mind, which game would you recommend?

[ChumpDumper]

On paper, the Toros have a pretty solid roster. Albuquerque and Colorado have a lot of talent as well, so those games should be competitive. Iowa looks a little weak, but it's hard to tell with so many new players, and impossible to predict the team look anything like it does now in April.

[duncan228]

Toros' first task of season: getting to know each other (http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/toros/11/28/1128toros.html)
Many new faces dot Austin roster.
By Blake Hurtik

Quin Snyder isn't thinking about a return trip to the NBA Development League finals.

He's more concerned about getting his players acquainted with one another.

The second-year coach of the Austin Toros led the team to its first finals appearance last season, but he has only a handful of players returning from that team.

Such is the nature of minor-league basketball, where everyone wants to take the next step.

"In order to get out of here, you've got to be here," Snyder said. "We have a whole new staff, which is a real compliment to the organization. (Former assistant coach) Roy Rogers is (an NBA assistant) in New Jersey now. Even our volunteer video guy got a job with the Milwaukee Bucks."

So while players like Marcus Williams and Ian Mahinmi will start the season with Austin, the question is how long they might be around . The Toros open the 2008-09 season tonight against Utah.

"The key thing for us has been that we've had a group of core guys that can help teach the new guys what we're doing on the court," Snyder said.

Williams wasn't a part of the team's playoff run after getting called up by the Los Angeles Clippers in March, and he hopes to be back in the NBA soon.

"When I get another opportunity, I'm going to take advantage of it," said Williams, who starred at Arizona and was a second-round draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs, the Toros' NBA affiliate. "But I'm here now, and I'm definitely focused on the team and winning games."

The Toros weren't supposed to have Mahinmi, who made the Spurs' roster but was sent down to Austin to rehab a sprained right ankle.

"I feel like it's a great chance to get back in shape and to get my rhythm back," said Mahinmi, who averaged 17.1 points and 8.2 rebounds last season for Austin in 45 games.

Snyder built his 2007-08 squad around the 6-foot-11-inch French import and said Mahinmi carried the team during its run to the finals. Along with Williams, the team had lost its leading scorer in Keith Langford, Andre Barrett (Clippers) and DerMarr Johnson (Spurs).

"But we had Ian," Snyder said. "Having a guy that's the best big man in the league — he anchored the team. That was the stabilizing force for us throughout the year."

But Snyder is no stranger to seeing fresh faces in the gym, and this season he has some talented newcomers .

Malik Houston, a 6-6 forward out of Oregon , will see plenty of playing time. Traded to San Antonio after Phoenix made him a 2008 second-round pick, he attended the Spurs' training camp and was the last player cut .

" Malik and Marcus should give us two really good wings," Snyder said. "They both have a pretty good feel for what we're doing offensively and from a communication standpoint."

Houston will benefit from having already spent time with Snyder and Toros assistant coach Wendell Alexis during summer league play.

"It was great experience," said Hairston, who scored 20 points in the Toros' preseason finale. "We already have a great relationship, and I already knew some of the guys here."

Guard Robert McKiver, the Toros' first pick in the D-League draft, gives the team an outside scoring threat. A two-time first-team All-Conference USA pick at Houston, McKiver averaged 21.4 points per game in two seasons with the Cougars.

The Toros lost both of their preseason games , committing 30 turnovers in a 120-104 loss to the Colorado 14ers on Nov. 22.

"I feel like we've practiced better than we've played," Snyder said. "Some of it is just getting familiar with each other and for me, too, learning different guys' strengths."

Said Hairston, "We can't treat it like it's the D-League. We all have to come to an agreement that we have to work hard and sacrifice some to get where we want to be."

[ChumpDumper]

Looks like they went ahead and cut O'Neal Mims and kept McKiver and Minor. Not a bad plan considering they will have Ian for a few weeks. Too bad for Mims though.

[benefactor]

Sounds like Hairston is OK with being there. Hopefully he works hard and earns a call from the Spurs later this season.

[mrspurs]

So does this all mean Ian is gonna have his jersery retired in Austin? Or is he gonna play for the Spurs in the near future?

[ChumpDumper]

So does this all mean Ian is gonna have his jersery retired in Austin? Or is he gonna play for the Spurs in the near future?How could you tell if I answered, douchebag? You have me on ignore.

[Brazil]

How could you tell if I answered, douchebag? You have me on ignore.
:rollin

[Bruno]

Ian is injured again. :depressed

edit: false alert, he is back in the game but he isn't healthy at all.

[usckk]

What?!?!?! How?

[objective]

i've been having terrible buffering, mostly only audio.

But I saw Mahinmi on the bench making faces like he was in pain and it seemed like he had a trainer in front of him, this was after he had come back into the game after leaving for the lockerrooms and running back, I thought he just needed to the restroom. Anyway, after being back in he clanked a shot and got called for a moving screen, then when I got it working again he was on the bench grimacing.

[objective]

---------

still only audio, but Mahinmi is back in the game

[Spurs Brazil]

Ian 20 minutes 4pts 1rebs
Malik 12pts 11rebs
Williams 27pts 10rebs

I think it'll take a while for Ian to be back. I think he's not healthy



Game tie in OT

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Damn it.
Come on Ian, we're gonna need you.

[Spurs Brazil]

Malik tie the game at the line

I think it'll go to a 2nd OT

[tp2021]

A player that can't stay on the court is of no use to anyone. Come on, Ian.
He has the potential to put the Spurs over the top. They would be stupid good.

[ChumpDumper]

A player that can't stay on the court is of no use to anyone.That's why he's not with the Spurs.

He's got a tight lid on his minutes. He's pretty gunshy out there. I think something may have felt funny during the moves he used in the first few minutes. He went back with the trainer but came out fairly quickly and played his 20 and then iced up. Just another rehab day -- we're going to have to just see how he's moving these next few games. The stats don't mean anything at this point.

[Blackjack]

That's why he's not with the Spurs.

He's got a tight lid on his minutes. He's pretty gunshy out there. I think something may have felt funny during the moves he used in the first few minutes. He went back with the trainer but came out fairly quickly and played his 20 and then iced up. Just another rehab day -- we're going to have to just see how he's moving these next few games. The stats don't mean anything at this point.

Thanks for the updates Chump.:toast

You've got to wonder how much Ian has it his head to just go out there, get his minutes, and do everything possible to try an avoid another set-back. I can't say I'd blame him if that were the case, but that's usually the kind of mindframe that leaves you vulnerable to injury.

Chump, what kind of defense is being played on Ian? I mean, is he basically getting treated as a D-League Duncan, where defenses are devised to contain him, or is it pretty standard individual post-defense?

[Obstructed_View]

The stats don't mean anything at this point.

But the volume shooting by Marcus is slightly alarming.

[Darkwaters]

Ian literally went down on the first play of the game and then went back to the locker room. I was pissed.