Austin Toros News

[wildbill2u]

I caught a Toros game on cable the other night and thought it might be interesting if we had some regular news on our D league affiliate posted every week. Chuck Dumper keeps up with them in Austin and there is also a blog.

http://www.torosnation.com/

Regarding the game on the D league showcase, the announcers were pretty high on the Toros since they are leading the D league. Kept mentioning the association with the Spurs and how their team was given the same good management.

Interesting players:

Jusin Dentmon PG might be worth a look since we are down a PG. Although only 6' he's looked very quick and is a scorer (34 pts) as well as a pretty good assist man (8)

Cory Joseph couldn't hit the side of a barn on his jumper. He shot two balls that were so far off-line they hit the corner formed by the backboard and the hoop. He will need a lot of work with Chip to get into a Spurs rotation, but he's young.

Lance Thomas came back from a short stint with the Hornes and looked pretty smooth. One of those skinny forwards that moves well and seems to wind up in the right spot at the right time.

Eric Dawson is a 6'9" PF who looks like a bruiser that works inside and rebounds. Average shooter.

DaSean Butler: I had lost track of him and didn't realize he was with the Toros. He got really good elevation on one jumper so maybe his rehab on that knee is working out.

These are the type of guys who may or may not develop into bench NBA players. I suppose they aren't ready or the Spurs might have pulled them up to the home club.

[ChumpDumper]

Eric Dawson is a 6'9" PF who looks like a bruiser that works inside and rebounds. Average shooter.I'd characterize him as a 6'9" center. Very strong but I think his conditioning leaves a lot to be desired. Calling him an average shooter is an improvement though. He's hitting regularly from the key this season.

I like Lance Thomas. Would think about calling him up if Malcom Thomas hadn't been.

I'll give Butler some more time to truly get into shape, but he also has a knack for making plays.

As LJ said elsewhere, Dentmon is probably this season's Anthony Grundy, who won't do anything when he's called up -- but it's not going to hurt to find this out quickly.

They'll play Thursday at noon on NBAtv. The Toros are having a watch party at Big Daddy's Burgers at Research and Burnet.

[wildbill2u]

I was rooting for DeSean Butler and like you said, he was making some nice plays--but once I saw him running back on defense and it seemed like he was sorta dragging that injured leg. He has it wrapped above and below the knee so maybe the bandage support is hampering him a little.

He would be a great comeback story if he can make it back to where he was or even close. That scene in the NCAA playoffs where he's lying on the floor with the WV coach cradling his head to comfort him is indelibly stamped into my memory.

I know they have a high draft pick investment in Joseph, but I'd still bring up Dentmon at this point instead of Joseph.

[ChuckD]

I was rooting for DeSean Butler and like you said, he was making some nice plays--but once I saw him running back on defense and it seemed like he was sorta dragging that injured leg. He has it wrapped above and below the knee so maybe the bandage support is hampering him a little.

He would be a great comeback story if he can make it back to where he was or even close. That scene in the NCAA playoffs where he's lying on the floor with the WV coach cradling his head to comfort him is indelibly stamped into my memory.

I know they have a high draft pick investment in Joseph, but I'd still bring up Dentmon at this point instead of Joseph.

Too late. They've already called up Joseph. To call up Dentmon, they'd have to add his salary. Joseph is a sunk cost, salary wise.

[ace3g]

Didn't want to start a new thread for this:

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA

(http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)Spurs hired Ken McDonald as head coach of Austin in D-League, sources tell Y! He had been an assistant with Austin since leaving Western Ky.

[dylankerouac]

They just won the title last season right? What happened to the old coach?

[ChumpDumper]

They won the title the season before last; made the semis this season. Taylor Jenkins went to Atlanta.

[wildbill2u]

Any hot news for the upcoming season?

[ChumpDumper]

Any hot news for the upcoming season?
Nah. Not much happens til nba training camp is over and all the players make themselves available.

[ChumpDumper]

Anthony Carter is now an assistant coach for the Toros.

http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/austin_toros_add_anthony_carte_2013_09_30.html

[Budkin]

I live in Cedar Park and FINALLY plan on going to some games this season. Chump do you go to all the games?

[ChumpDumper]

Not a season ticket holder anymore but will go to several.

[ace3g]

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
(http://twitter.com/ShamsCharania)Forward Eric Dawson, Atlanta's last camp release, will head back to D-League's Austin Toros for shot at NBA call-up, source tells RealGM.

[TXstbobcat]

Reading this thread is making me miss living in North Austin.

[Spurs Brazil]

danmccarneysaen
Flip Murray sighting! MT austintoros Toros announc names of nine invitees headed to the 2013-14 training camp. pic.twitter.com/ytinMnNepe

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BX7zW9GCcAANaqZ.png:large

[benefactor]

Flip Murray from the Sonics back in the day?

[ChumpDumper]

Flip Murray from the Sonics back in the day?Yep.

Draft is tomorrow at 6.

Potentially some decent size for the team this season.

Of note: no Cousin.

[SpursDynasty21]

Does Kabongo have a future with the Spurs?

[Darkwaters]

Does Kabongo have a future with the Spurs?

That question is pretty much why he was brought to camp and then put on the Toros.

So I'd say that's a resounding "maybe".

[ace3g]

Toros Select Kyle Hunt in First Round
of the 2013 NBA D-League Drafthttp://www.nba.us/dleague/austin/toros_select_kyle_hunt_in_draft_2013_11_01.html

[ABC]

Toros Select Kyle Hunt in First Round
of the 2013 NBA D-League Draft

http://www.nba.us/dleague/austin/toros_select_kyle_hunt_in_draft_2013_11_01.html

I see that he tore up Uruguay's top league.

[Budkin]

Then they drafted a dude named Chief Kickingstallionsims. No shit.

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Chief-Kickingstallionsims/Summary/14590

[ABC]

Then they drafted a dude named Chief Kickingstallionsims. No shit.

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Chief-Kickingstallionsims/Summary/14590

:lol

I hope he makes the team just so I can see the back of his jersey.

[Darkwaters]

:lol

I hope he makes the team just so I can see the back of his jersey.

I think he needs to get called up to the bigs just so we can have that jersey sitting on the bench...

[ABC]

I think he needs to get called up to the bigs just so we can have that jersey sitting on the bench...

The Toros couldn't even get his name right. They have Kickingstallionisms instead of Kickingstallionsims.

Regardless, if the point of drafting him was to drum up interest in the Toros, I think it's working.

[ChumpDumper]

So the Toros drafted players from three schools i never knew existed this season. They might just be trolling.

[benefactor]

Then they drafted a dude named Chief Kickingstallionsims. No shit.

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Chief-Kickingstallionsims/Summary/14590
That's incredible. Quite possibly the best basketball name ever.

[benefactor]

He played for Romania last season.

http://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Chief_Kickingstallionsims/BC_Timba_Timisoara/91896

[Kyuui-Musikq]

Anthony Carter is now an assistant coach for the Toros.

http://www.nba.com/dleague/austin/austin_toros_add_anthony_carte_2013_09_30.html

You know, I think this really bodes well for us in the long run concerning veteran players we're interested in off the waiver wire or free agency.

To be able to show and say, "we take care of our own like no one else". "Once your in our organization staff, you are being cultivated in the best environment for the nxt stage of your career and are immediately touted as someone with a future in lead roles in organizations throughout the NBA thanks to our pedigree". Ira Newble, Anthony Carter, Sean Marks, Ime Udoka, Jacque Vaughn.

[Kyuui-Musikq]

I hope he makes the team just so I can see the back of his jersey.

Yes!!! This definitely has Linsanity potential in it.

[ace3g]

The D-League, for the first time, is banning a defensive team from calling timeout during an inbounds play if the offense previously called a timeout to set up that play. In other words: no consecutive timeouts. The rule applies for the entire game, not just crunch time, Reed says.


Some other rule changes for NBDL

http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/81883/how-the-nba-is-using-the-d-league-to-experiment-with-shorter-games

[ace3g]

http://cdn.jockular.com/assets/images/2012/05/4fa2837f5d43c.png


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IED4aG4VTQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTGdywGpa4Y

[Strategic]

Chief doesn't look anything like Robert Parrish.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BY5ig5PCAAAubBj.jpg:large

Texas BS Report ‏@TexasBS_Report (https://twitter.com/TexasBS_Report) 15m (https://twitter.com/TexasBS_Report/status/400365734838009856) Chief Kickingstallionsims and his amazing name pic.twitter.com/350QhdtVTy (http://t.co/350QhdtVTy)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BY5iM1ZCIAEeazT.jpg:large

Texas BS Report ‏@TexasBS_Report (https://twitter.com/TexasBS_Report) 17m (https://twitter.com/TexasBS_Report/status/400365389676158976)
Austin Toros Media Day pic.twitter.com/wF95YBq1qx (http://t.co/wF95YBq1qx)

[ChumpDumper]

Open scrimmage and canned food drive tonight at 6:30 in Cedar Park.

[ElNono]

That Chief has some last name... jeez

[Gagnrath]

Hey lets call him up for about a 10 day during Splitters typical twice a season 2 weeks off for a strained hangnail.

[Biggems]

Look at this guy acting like Wilt Chamberlain and dunking all over us small ass whiteys. He may posterize us pasties, but can he do that to the brothas......If so, then we may have us a real low post prospect on our hands.

[look_at_g_shred]

So anyone think we call-up Howard post All-Star break?

[DapDaGenius]

Oh man...please don't be another Ryan Richards.

[Budkin]

Really wish they sold Toros jerseys.

[ace3g]

Austin Toros (0-0)


field goalsrebounds



pos
min
fgm-a
3pm-a
ftm-a
+/-
off
def
tot
ast
pf
st
to
bs
ba
pts


T. Kelley (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/tre_kelley/)
G
32:37
4-10
1-5
2-3
+1
1
3
4
5
2
1
3
0
1
11



J. Howard (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/josh_howard/)

F
28:08
4-15
0-3
4-7
-1
4
7
11
1
3
2
1
0
2
12



C. Fells (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/courtney_fells/)
G
30:17
4-7
1-4
2-2
-19
0
0
0
2
0
2
6
1
0
11


R. Murray (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/ronald_murray/)
G
32:18
5-13
3-5
3-4
-1
0
1
1
2
1
1
4
1
2
16


E. Dawson (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/eric_dawson/)
F
32:58
7-16
0-0
4-6
0
7
10
17
4
3
1
3
3
2
18


T. Woodbury (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/terrance_woodbury/)

26:44
6-13
2-3
8-8
-11
4
2
6
1
3
0
5
0
2
22


K. Hunt (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/kyle_hunt/)

18:37
3-9
0-0
4-6
-7
2
3
5
0
5
2
1
0
1
10


M. Sturns (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/michael_sturns/)

11:58
0-1
0-0
3-4
+14
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
0
0
3


C. Bennerman (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/tmp_cameron_bennerman/)

16:13
2-4
0-1
2-4
-5
1
2
3
2
3
2
0
1
0
6


J. Cowan (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/jazwyn_cowan/)

10:10
0-3
0-0
2-2
-6
2
2
4
1
1
0
0
0
1
2


K. Chamberlain (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/keith_chamberlain/)
DNP - Coach's Decision


G. Gantt (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/greg_gantt/)
DNP - Coach's Decision


M. Kabongo (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/myck_kabongo/)
DNP - Coach's Decision


C. Kickingstallionsims (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/chief_kickingstallionsims/)
DNP - Coach's Decision


Y. Moukoury (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/yan_moukoury/)
DNP - Coach's Decision


J. Simmons (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/jonathan_simmons/)
DNP - Coach's Decision


B. Thompson (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/blake_thompson/)
DNP - Coach's Decision




http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20131114/AUSRGV/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore

[ChumpDumper]

Small ball PF.

Would have to see who he was matched up against.

[ace3g]

Small ball PF.

Would have to see who he was matched up against.

Toros playing another game right now against Texas Legends, but no live stats; I'll post the box score later on today.

[Strategic]

Where might a person buy a Kickingstallionsims jersey?

[ace3g]

http://distilleryimage11.ak.instagram.com/921b8548436111e3a1e322000a9e0853_8.jpg

http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/6f75d2e24e5011e38ccc125105f263a4_8.jpg

http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/4b2455ac4e5111e3b08012f0cbd14b88_8.jpg

[ChumpDumper]

http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/4b2455ac4e5111e3b08012f0cbd14b88_8.jpgI was hoping we would draft Paul Sturgess just for the lulz. Makes it look like he's playing children.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/581980_10152733181391002_987477850_n.jpg

Will settle for Kickingstallionsims tho.

[ace3g]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfgzxtbsPKw

[ace3g]

Josh Howard looking forward to starting over with Toros -

See more at: http://www.torosnation.com/2013/11/josh-howard-looking-forward-to-starting-over-with-toros/#sthash.QJmqQMNe.dpuf


Forced to rehab on his own, Howard is more determined than ever to prove he isn’t done yet. At 33 years old, he’s excited for the opportunity.

“I’m proving to myself that I can come back from another injury and getting the opportunity to play in the NBA to further my career is the thing I’m really enjoying. It’s going to be my eleventh year, and I’m right back in it like it’s my first,” said Howard.

The Spurs waived Howard a day after signing him, then invited him to the Austin Toros training camp. Howard knows San Antonio believes in him and is grateful that he gets to stay in a Texas.

“It speaks a lot, what they think about me and what I think about them for them to continue to give me the opportunity; the last two years they actually wanted me to come down and play for them and unfortunately I didn’t take that chance but for them to still consider me one of the top players out there, and I still know they’re one of the top organizations, and to get this opportunity, it’s been a great experience for me,” Howard said.

- See more at: http://www.torosnation.com/2013/11/josh-howard-looking-forward-to-starting-over-with-toros/#sthash.QJmqQMNe.dpuf

[ace3g]

Toros play their first reg season game tomorrow, get first look at Josh Howard.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XANyO2wlUIg

[TheGoldStandard]

Rooting for Josh Howard, hated how well he played against us when he was with Dallas but he could be a solid bench guy if he has anything left.

[DesignatedT]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opo2rPF_Fg4

[ace3g]

Howard in the post quite a bit so far.

[ace3g]

His lateral movement is a bit off (smaller players got by him easily), but looks in good shape.

[ace3g]

Fells looks good tonight; mixing it up on the court

[ace3g]

Woodbury reminds me of a poor man's Harrison Barnes

[ace3g]

Seth did his Steph impersonation tonight

[ace3g]

No Chief or Kabongo tonight

[ace3g]

Austin Toros (0-1)


field goalsrebounds



pos
min
fgm-a
3pm-a
ftm-a
+/-
off
def
tot
ast
pf
st
to
bs
ba
pts


J. Howard (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/josh_howard/)
F
31:25
6-11
2-5
2-3
-15
0
2
2
1
3
1
3
2
0
16


T. Woodbury (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/terrance_woodbury/)
G, F
29:24
7-12
1-1
1-4
+8
0
3
3
1
5
0
3
1
0
16


E. Dawson (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/eric_dawson/)
F
32:46
5-9
0-0
2-3
-3
2
10
12
4
3
2
3
1
2
12


R. Murray (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/ronald_murray/)
G
28:21
4-8
0-1
2-5
-1
2
3
5
5
2
1
2
1
0
10


T. Kelley (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/tre_kelley/)
G
42:08
8-16
3-4
0-0
-25
0
4
4
7
3
3
2
0
0
19


C. Fells (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/courtney_fells/)

27:24
6-10
1-2
6-6
-14
1
3
4
4
2
0
1
0
0
19


J. Cowan (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/jazwyn_cowan/)

16:05
2-3
0-0
2-2
-17
0
1
1
1
2
0
1
0
0
6


K. Hunt (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/kyle_hunt/)

09:10
0-2
0-0
0-0
-12
1
1
2
1
1
0
1
0
0
0


J. Simmons (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/jonathan_simmons/)

23:17
2-7
0-1
0-0
-16
2
1
3
2
4
1
2
1
0
4



http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20131122/AUSSCW/gameinfo.html

[ace3g]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHCivy-iMIo


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqqO-eI2Dp0

[ace3g]

2nd game for the Toros, starts in about 4 min


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3WTbh_KgKU

[elemento]

Thanks ace ! I'll watch it !

[Bruno]

Looking at Toros stats, it seems that there isn't a player really standing out. I guess Dawson could still be a solid deep end of the bench player but nothing more.

If Spurs start to have some injuries which would open active roster spots, they should give a try at some D-League forwards. Devin Ebanks put good stats in the first couple of games and Malcolm Thomas started with a 36/18 game.

[exstatic]

Looking at Toros stats, it seems that there isn't a player really standing out. I guess Dawson could still be a solid deep end of the bench player but nothing more.

If Spurs start to have some injuries which would open active roster spots, they should give a try at some D-League forwards. Devin Ebanks put good stats in the first couple of games and Malcolm Thomas started with a 36/18 game.
Not a complete shock. Almost any time the Spurs reach into the dleague, it's to a team other than Austin.

[elemento]

Quite honestly I've watched 3 quarters but I couldn't finish it. Level of the team this season is terrible. Josh Howard looks done and the rest of team are not good enough to play in the NBA.

[exstatic]

Quite honestly I've watched 3 quarters but I couldn't finish it. Level of the team this season is terrible. Josh Howard looks done and the rest of team are not good enough to play in the NBA.

That's why they're in the dleague.

[elemento]

That's why they're in the dleague.

Sometimes we can find a decent player over there. Someone that could log some minutes in the NBA.

It won't be on the Toros though.

[ace3g]

Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo
(http://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo)Former NBA All-Star Josh Howard takes huge pay cut to prove he can still play by way of the D-League. yhoo.it/1b2E4pM (http://t.co/36iizuzxn7)

[ChumpDumper]

They'll be some lineup shuffles soon enough, but yeah -- nothing notable outside of Dawson.

[ChumpDumper]

I would still like to give Malcom Thomas another shot if he is hitting threes.

[Bruno]

31/13 for Thomas today with a 6/9 from behind the arc:
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20131130/LADSCW/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021300027#nbaGIboxscore

[jesterbobman]

If Malcolm Thomas can do that he's worth a shot.

Is there MLE left for a multi year min deal? The standard team option, give a shot and lock up control.

[Chinook]

If Malcolm Thomas can do that he's worth a shot.

Is there MLE left for a multi year min deal? The standard team option, give a shot and lock up control.

Not enough ... yet. They have $615k left, and signing Thomas now would take up about $726k. They'd have to wait another 11 games for the proration to be low enough. They could still give him a two-year deal without digging into the MLE. I think they're keeping it for Bertans, whose salary is small enough to fit in there on a three-year deal.

[Baam]

If Thomas can hit the 3, he'd be intriguing indeed, start Boris and have him play with Splitter, better spacing all around...

[TheGoldStandard]

Spurs sign another 6'4 SG

[ace3g]

Toros get a win tonight: 108-99



field goalsrebounds



pos
min
fgm-a
3pm-a
ftm-a
+/-
off
def
tot
ast
pf
st
to
bs
ba
pts


J. Howard (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/josh_howard/)
F
38:16
11-21
1-5
0-0
+6
1
6
7
0
5
0
2
1
0
23


J. Cowan (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/jazwyn_cowan/)
F
22:02
4-8
0-0
1-2
+13
4
8
12
3
3
1
0
0
1
9


E. Dawson (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/eric_dawson/)
F
30:00
6-17
0-0
4-6
0
1
5
6
5
4
4
1
1
3
16


C. Fells (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/courtney_fells/)
G
38:42
6-14
2-6
0-0
+6
1
4
5
6
0
2
3
1
2
14


T. Kelley (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/tre_kelley/)
G
41:53
6-10
2-2
1-2
+7
0
2
2
9
0
1
2
0
0
15


R. Murray (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/ronald_murray/)

35:14
8-14
3-5
2-2
+6
0
4
4
2
1
1
0
0
0
21


K. Hunt (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/kyle_hunt/)

03:16
0-2
0-0
0-0
+5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0


J. Simmons (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/jonathan_simmons/)

17:34
4-6
1-1
1-2
+2
1
2
3
3
2
0
1
0
0
10


C. Bennerman (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/tmp_cameron_bennerman/)

13:03
0-1
0-1
0-0
-5
0
2
2
1
1
0
1
0
0
0


M. Kabongo (http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/myck_kabongo/)
DNP - Coach's Decision


Total

240
45-93
9-20
9-14

8
33
41
29
16
9
10
3
7
108




http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20131207/AUSTEX/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021300044#nbaGIRadio

[Budkin]

J Ho is our savior!

[ChumpDumper]

Expect Malcom Thomas to be waived soon.

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1549494_716670028357650_1393789352_n.jpg

Austin Toros Acquire Luke Zeller

Austin, TX (December 27, 2013) – The Austin Toros today announced they have acquired center Luke Zeller. Zeller (6-11, 245, Notre Dame) joins the team in Tulsa and will wear jersey No. 21 when the Toros take on the 66ers tonight at 7:00 p.m. at SpiritBank Event Center.
A member of the Toros’ 2012 D-League championship team, Zeller played in 24 games during the 2011-12 season averaging 9.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25 minutes.

His last stop was with the Phoenix Suns during the 2012-13 season. Zeller’s professional career includes stints in Japan, Lithuania, and the D-League with the Bakersfield Jam.

Fans can watch the Toros-66ers game live tonight on the D-League’s YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/nbadleague. The Toros return to Cedar Park Center on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 3:00 p.m.