A reader helps Joe tell the future for Nets pick-up
Tamar Slay
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Who is Tamar Slay?
Joe:
I've been watching the Nets on the NBA League Pass for the last couple of years and now find myself as a bit of a closet NJ fan. A question (actually, two) for you: Where is the best message board to discuss the Nets? [Editorial Note: Joe pointed Dave to NJO.com's Nets forum].
I'm a sportswriter in Charleston (WV) and have done some some play-by-play on Fox Sports Net TV games involving Tamar Slay during his days at Marshall. What's your opinion on his chances to make the Nets roster? [Editorial Note: Joe asked Dave to tell us what he knew about Tamar Slay, and where he found our site. Below is his reply.]
On Slay:
I've seen him develop since his high school days, where he came out of a traditionally winning program at Beckley Woodrow Wilson. Despite his height, Slay has always been more comfortable facing the basket. At Marshall, he was a starter from the moment he arrived on campus. During his four years there, he added quite a bit of weight and was primarily a three, but also bounced back to the two when needed. During the majority of his senior year, he shared a starting lineup at Marshall with Temple transfer guard Ron Blackshear, who has a great shot at being a late first rounder in next season's draft.
Slay is very hard worker, but has been foul prone and still needs to work much harder on defense. Like any streak shooter, if he starts quickly, he's off to a big night. But he's also had his share of games where he disappeared if he didn't work for the ball. He's can create his own shot and is always looking for the three, but never really developed the ability to back down smaller defenders.
At Marshall, Slay played best in big games.
Slay had a shot at being a late first round pick, if he had come out after his sophomore year but decided to stay in school. His stock seemed to drop in his final two years at Marshall and in fact was only a MAC honorable mention selection as a senior.
He is an above average ball handler for his size, but needs to cut down on the turnovers, especially in the open court.
I would love to see Tamar stick with the Nets, because I believe that he's still got great upside potential.
Regarding where I originally found your site, I really can't remember, but I do know it was before you were mentioned in the USA Today. I think it might have been when it was mentioned in passing by Ian Eagle on one of the Nets TV games on FSN. After Slay was drafted by the Nets, I went to one of the more popular Marshall message boards [http://pub104.ezboard.com/btheherdgrapevine] to make them aware of your outstanding site. Keep up the good work.
- Dave Weekley, S. Charleston, WV, July 16 + 17, 2002
Dave:
Glad to have you aboard!
More on Message Boards: I've actually given several people our blessing that wanted to start a message board and link to us, but I think each time they found out how much work it would involve, they've bailed on the concept.
The best Nets forum is supposed to be at NJO.com. Personally, I have found that although the participants are knowledgeable, it often degrades into name calling. MSG.com also has a message board, but it is far less popular. Has anybody out there found a better one?
More on Tamar Slay: I would say based on yesterday's Summer League performance he's got a chance to stick around. If he can play any defense, my guess is he might find a home as the 12th man replacement for Donny Marshall, or if he doesn't learn to play some defense fast, Brandon Armstrong. Of course, if the Nets decide to switch roster parts, all bets are off.
- Joe Netsfan
More Screwing by Lou
Joe:
My buddy and I bought the half-season tix in section 128 last year for $25/game: a grand total of $525 for the most exciting pro basketball I've ever watched. We shelled out for the playoffs, and didn't mind. After all, teams are expected to raise the rates for that sort of thing.
Next season's invoice showed up on Monday. Like everyone else, we've been told that we have to take the full-season (44 games, which presumably includes those all-important pre-season matchups against the Hawks and Grizzlies), at an average of $55/game. So, when people are complaining about their tix going up 30, 40 or 50%, keep in mind that our ticket prices MORE THAN DOUBLED from last year. And, of course, if we go with the half-season, we get bumped.
Last year's half-season plan WAS a great offer and it WAS filled with great matchups. Still, shelling out $2600 (w/parking) after paying $525 last year, just so I'll be able to see Cleveland on a Tuesday night? Ain't happenin'.
Down with the Clown,
- Gil Roth, Publisher Voyant Publishing, July 17, 2002
Gil -
How'd you get seats downstairs for $25? I didn't think that was possible. That's kind of a crazy deal.
Yes, you have to love the preseason throw-ins. You think that's bad? Wait until you can't make one of your half-season package games and need to swap-it out with another. The Nets' list of approved games you can swap for is an insult: it's a 10-team wanted poster of NBA dregs.
- Champagne
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