Give and Go

I'm checking out the box score from the Erie BayHawks' preseason loss against Fort Wayne at Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind., and trying to figure something out.

1. The game recap has Erik Daniels scoring a team-high 14 points. The box score has him scoring 16 points.

2. The game recap has Geary Claxton's first name spelled wrong. It's Geary, not Gary.

3. BayHawks coach John Treloar said he was unable to get a box score after the game and hadn't seen one yet until we talked today. The box wasn't available after the game.

4. They had Maureece Rice listed as a small forward and Jackie Manuel as a guard. Rice is certainly not a small forward. The guy is 6-foot-1.

Here's the box score

Since returning to Erie from their preseason loss against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the BayHawks have begun implementing their offense and defensive philosophies.

If it looks familiar to Cleveland Cavalier fans, it should.

It's been well publicized that BayHawks coach John Treloar was going to run similar offensive and defensive sets the Cavaliers use. So if they were to call up a player from the BayHawks to play for them, the Cavaliers know he would be familiar with their system.

I talked with Treloar last night after practice and he said they have put in some offensive sets the Cavaliers use.

As far as defense goes, we know Cleveland coach Mike Brown is one of the best at it. If the BayHawks can even come close to defending like Cleveland does, then that would be huge.

BayHawks coach John Treloar said he's been pleasantly surprised by the play of point guard Cliff Clinkscales in training camp.

Clinkscales came to the free agent tryout in Erie last month and did everything right, but didn't shoot the ball well against average competition in terms of comparing them to NBA players.

However, he was put in the D-League draft pool, got picked by the BayHawks and has put himself in a great position to make the team.

He's not a great shooter, but Clinkscales knows how to run a team and players seem to like playing with him. He just finished his college career at DePaul this past season.

Rookie power forward Darnell Jackson saw his first action for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the regular season in their 119-101 win at New York against the Knicks tonight.

He had been out with a wrist injury, but was activated last week. Don't know how much he'll play in the immediate future for the Cavaliers, but he's healthy now, which is good news for the Erie BayHawks.

Cleveland has the option to send Jackson down to play for the BayHawks so he can get more playing time.

The Erie BayHawks have until 5 p.m., EST, today to make one final cut from 11 players to 10 of their training camp roster.

Head coach John Treloar said it won't be easy as he plans to make the final release after today's morning practice.

Some guys are locks to make it like Erik Daniels. He has experience, can play and is versatile in terms going inside or outside. Ivan Harris will likely make it as well along with Cliff Clinkscales. Harris is big 3 man who can knock down the 3 while Clinkscales' ability to run a team and set up teammates makes him valuable.

After making their final roster cut Wednesday, the Erie BayHawks only have a day off before playing their opener Friday at Fort Wayne.

Kind of weird huh?

The D-League itself is kind of weird, but we'll save that conversation for another day.

For now, I'm looking at this roster and three things jump out at me.

Here's a couple of articles out of Fort Wayne about the Mad Ants heading into their season opener against the Erie BayHawks tonight.

Fort Wayne's head coach, Jaren Jackson, played in the NBA, but also played in the World Basketball League and remembered playing games in Erie.

Taking early path toward coaching

Ultimate goal: Win

The Erie BayHawks lead 49-40 at the half in their season opener at Fort Wayne. This is the first game for the BayHawks in the D-League.

Shooting guard Oliver Lafayette led all scorers with 14 points in the first half, going 4-of-9 from the field. He made Erie's only 3-pointer. He didn't play in the Erie's preseason loss to Fort Wayne last week due to a foot infection.

The game was delayed at least a half hour. Oh yeah, the D-League Webcast that's supposed to show all the D-League games live isn't working.

At least not for me.

The Erie BayHawks had a 15-point lead in the second half, but were unable to hold it as they lost their first ever game in the D-League at Fort Wayne by a 95-90 score Friday night.

Oliver Lafayette finished with a game-high 31 points for the BayHawks, who will resume action Monday at Austin. .

Here are few stories about the Austin Toros heading into their home game tonight against the Erie BayHawks. The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 EST.

Hairston's 33 pace Toros past past Tulsa

Toros fall to Flash on final shot in OT

Spurs assign Blake Ahearn to Austin

Also, I'm going to try to watch the BayHawks tonight through the D-League Web site.

Maybe I made a mistake last time. If anyone has success watching the games online, help us out would ya?

The live stream of the Erie BayHawks game is working. Check it out folks.

The Erie BayHawks led by as many as 20 points in the first half, but remember they had a 15-point lead in the second half before losing by five in their season opener at Fort Wayne.

Erik Daniels is leading the BayHawks in scoring with 14 points. Ivan Harris has 12 while Jackie Manuel has added 10 points. The BayHawks are 3-of-7 from the 3-point line.

They made two 3-pointers total in their loss at Fort Wayne.

The Erie BayHawks win their first game in the D-League tonight against a team that reached the D-League finals last year.

The BayHawks (1-1) lead by 20 points in the first half before outlasting the Austin Toros (1-2) in Austin, Tex.

Erik Daniels recorded his second double-double in as many games. Against Austin, the 6-foot-8 forward out of Kentucky scored a game-high 27 points and added 13 rebounds.

Brian Robinson and I talked today about if he had been able to see doctors in his home state of New Jersey about his heart condition.

He told me the earliest he can get checked out is the 15th of this month.

Robinson wasn't given a chance to try out for the BayHawks because he didn't receive medical clearance from the team doctors in Erie. So he went back home to Bayonne, N.J., to essentially seek a second opinion.

"Oh my God."

John Treloar just laughed when I said that after he told me about the road trip the Erie BayHawks are on right now. The BayHawks opened their first season in the D-League with five away games.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Treloar said over the phone Wednesday.

It's something, coach.

Here are a few stories on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers heading into today's 8 p.m. game against the Erie BayHawks.The Vipers are 2-0 while the BayHawks are 1-1.

Parker leads Vipers to win over Utah, 2-0 start

Vipers get defensive in win over Tulsa

Ford tough: Vipers' center to bring power to the paint

The Erie BayHawks trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half, but are trailing by only three points at the half at Rio Grande Valley. This is the first time the BayHawks (1-1) have trailed at the half this season.

Erie actually led 32-30 in the second quarter after falling behind 13-2 to start the game, but the Vipers (2-0) went on a 7-0 run late in the first half to regain the lead.

Ivan Harris led the BayHawks in the first half with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Cliff Clinkscales came off the bench to add nine points, six rebounds and three assists.

Power forward Alton Ford scored a game-high 14 points for the Vipers in the first half. He was 5-of-5 from the field, 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Former NBA guard Smush Parker added nine.

The Erie BayHawks scored 35 points in the third quarter en route to winning at Rio Grande Valley, 101-87, Wednesday night.

The BayHawks trailed 13-2 to start the game and were down three points at the half, but responded to win back-to-back games for the first time in their first season in the D-League.

Erie (2-1) will try to extend its winning streak to three games Friday at Dakota (0-2), which lost, 128-126 at Austin in overtime Wednesday afternoon.

In beating the Vipers (2-1), the BayHawks shot 8-of-16 from 3-point range. Forward Ivan Harris led the BayHawks with 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting.

For the second consecutive game, all five Erie starters scored in double figures. Erik Daniels scored 19 points and Oliver Lafayette added 16 points.

Maureece Rice chipped in 14 points while Jackie Manuel scored 12 points. Point guard Cliff Clinkscales added 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists off the bench.

Kendall Dartez led the Vipers with 20 points while Alton Ford and Smush Parker added 18 and 17 points, respectively.

D-League editor Matthew Brennan lists D-League players we should look out for to get a call-up from an NBA team. One of them is Erie BayHawks shooting guard Oliver Lafayette.

Here are stories about the Sioux Falls Skyforce heading into today's 8 p.m. EST game against the Erie BayHawks

Skyforce eye home win

This time, Ants can't come back

Skyforce fall flat in opener

The Erie BayHawks were down by double digits in the first half before ending the first half trailing the Sioux Falls Skyforce by eight points. The BayHawks come into the game riding a two-game winning streak.

Forward Erik Daniels scored a team-high 10 points for the BayHawks in the first half. I would give ya'll more stats, but I'm waiting to look at the halftime box on the D-League Web site. When I get them, you'll get them ASAP.

Actually watched the first half on the Web site and it came through pretty good.

The Erie BayHawks had their lowest scoring output of the season in Friday night's 93-67 loss at Sioux Falls. Both teams are trailing unbeaten Iowa (4-0) in the Central Division.

Winning their first home game of the season, the Skyforce (3-1) outscored the BayHawks (2-2) by a 43-26 margin in the second half. Erie only scored nine points in the fourth quarter.

Erie shot a woeful 1-of-13 from 3-point range in defeat. The BayHawks had won two games in a row before Friday's loss.

Erik Daniels led the BayHawks with 20 points on 9-of-23 shooting. Ivan Harris and Jackie Manuel each chipped in 10. Bobby Jones scored a game-high 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Skyforce.

The BayHawks will play at Dakota on Saturday night to end the five-game road trip to open their first season in the D-League. They play their home opener Dec. 11 against Iowa.

Here are a few articles about the Dakota Wizards (1-2) heading into Saturday's 8 p.m. EST game against the Erie BayHawks (2-2). Both teams are in the Central Division.

The third story on this list is a very good one from the D-League Web site about Dakota's Renaldo Major, who missed last season with heart surgery.

He's leading the Wizards in scoring this season, averaging 21 points a game. Major hit two free throws with a second left to give Dakota an 100-98 win at Rio Grande Valley on Thursday.

Vipers can't pull out win over Wizards

Ahearn, Williams lead Toros to win

The long road back for Renaldo Major

The Erie BayHawks (2-2) are looking to get back on the winning track as they are leading the Dakota Wizards, 56-42, at the half Saturday night at Bismarck, N.D.

This is the final of a five-game road trip for the BayHawks, who are coming off a 92-67 loss at Sioux Falls on Friday night. This is the first of a back-to-back for the BayHawks.

Four of Erie's five starters have already reached double figures. Oliver Lafayette leads all scorers with 13 points. Maureece Rice has 12 points while Erik Daniels and Ivan Harris scored 11 and 10 points, respectively.

After shooting 1-of-13 from 3-point range against Sioux Falls, the BayHawks are 2-of-3 from behind the arc in the first half against the Wizards (1-2).

The BayHawks and Wizards are in the Central Division. Dakota has won divisional titles in each of its first two seasons in the D-League. This is Erie's first year in the D-League.

The Erie BayHawks ended their five-game road trip to open the season with a 102-87 win at Dakota against the Wizards on Saturday night.

Erie (3-2) opened the season with a five-game road trip and finished it with a convincing win in which it lead by as many as 23 points in the second half. Coach John Treloar and assistant Ben McDonald deserve a ton of credit for Erie coming off a difficult road trip like that to open the season of an expansion franchise nonetheless with a winning record.

The BayHawks will finally play their home opener Thursday against unbeaten Iowa (4-0). Erie trails the Energy and Sioux Falls (3-1) in the Central Division.

On Saturday night, Erik Daniels lead the BayHawks by recording his fourth double-double, going for 26 points and 12 rebounds. Oliver Lafayette went for 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists while Ivan Harris and Maureece Rice added 19 and 18 points, respectively.

Maurice Baker lead the Wizards (1-3) with 15 points. The Wizards are in the Central Division as well.

The Erie BayHawks are home.

Coach John Treloar said they arrived in Erie around midnight after taking an 7:30 p.m. flight from Detroit to Cleveland on Sunday. The team rented vans from Cleveland and drove to Erie.

The BayHawks were scheduled to arrive in Erie on Sunday afternoon on a flight out of Detroit, but were unable to land earlier in the day in Erie due to the weather. Beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, the BayHawks flew from Bismarck, N.D. to Minneapolis, Minn., to Detroit.

Treloar said most of team's bags didn't make it to Cleveland, but is expecting them to arrive in Erie around 10 a.m. today.

The BayHawks (3-2) concluded a five-game road trip with a victory Saturday night against the Dakota Wizards. The BayHawks will play their home opener Thursday at 7 p.m. against unbeaten Iowa (4-0).

Erie BayHawks forward Erik Daniels was named the D-League player of the week for helping the BayHawks start the season with a 3-2 record in their first season in the league.

A first-round draft pick fopr the BayHawks, the 26-year old Daniels averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds last week as Erie has won three of its last four games. He's had four double-doubles in Erie's first five games of the season.

When asked about it, the 6-foot, 8-inch, 214-pound forward credited his teammates for how he played last week.

Sweating. Teaching. Instructing.

Bryant Moore was doing his thing at the Erie BayHawks' practice on Monday.

An advance scout for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Moore stopped by Erie after being in Toronto to show the BayHawks how Cleveland plays defense.

We all know Cleveland has been one of the NBA's best defensive teams under head coach Mike Brown. The BayHawks are pretty sound defensively in their own right as they are only allowing 89.2 points a game in their first season in the D-League.

Teams are only shooting 43.8 percent from the field on them, but the BayHawks will improve on those defensive numbers if they take heed to Moore's instructions.

The Erie BayHawks are sixth in the latest D-League power rankings. They were ninth last week.

Their Thursday opponent, Iowa, is first, but seriously, what's up with the Energy's road jersey colors? Someone call Crayola to help them coordinate.

Ugh.

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Here are a few stories about the Iowa Energy heading into Thursday night's game against the Erie BayHawks at Tullio Arena in Erie.

One particular story of interest is the second one about how Iowa beat the Sioux Falls Skyforce. The Skyforce beat Erie last week.

Enthusiastic Ants fall to Iowa

Skyforce fall flat in opener

Familiar foes ready to lead Energy in Season 2

The Erie BayHawks haven't been fortunate enough to have either of their NBA affiliates - the Cleveland Cavaliers or Philadelphia 76ers - assign one of their players to suit up for them.

Other teams have, though.

The Austin Toros, Bakersfield Jam, Dakota Wizards, Tulsa 66ers and Utah Flash have each received players from their NBA affiliates.

Some have fared well. Others have not.

Take a look at the sweet seats Erie BayHawks majority owner Steve Demetriou has for the Cleveland Cavalier games. A season ticket holder, Demetriou is courtside right beside the Cavalier bench.

When this clip goes to the replay mode, the guy behind a dancing LeBron James with a blue tie and dark suit, that's Demetriou.

Sweeeeet.

Remember Vernon Hamilton? The name should ring a bell.

The Erie BayHawks drafted the point guard out of Clemson in the third round of the D-League draft and then proceeded to cut him last month before the season began.

When he got cut, the move was kind of surprising because Hamilton had just tried out for the Cleveland Cavaliers, an NBA affiliate of the BayHawks.

Well, yesterday, Fort Wayne announced that they had waived point guard Brian Morrison and acquired Hamilton.

Crazy right?

What's crazier is Hamilton's first game for Fort Wayne will be against the BayHawks on Saturday night in Erie.

See, D-League teams can make up to nine roster moves during the season. So you have to be pretty strategic when making a move.

So the Mad Ants obviously took some time to consider this. Fort Wayne is 2-3, but have lost three of its last four games after beating the BayHawks in the season opener.

We at least know Darnell Jackson knows how to get to Erie if the Cleveland Cavaliers ever decide to assign him to play for the Erie BayHawks.

Wearing a red Cincinnati Reds fitted cap, the rookie forward was at the BayHawks opener last night. He's really slimmed down from what I saw of him in the summer league. We talked for a minute before the game started.

He said the Cavaliers haven't talked to him about coming down to play for Erie anytime soon.

He likely won't at this point because Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is expected to miss at least two games with an ankle injury he sustained against Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Jackson didn't play against the 76ers, who play at Cleveland tonight.

Jackson and I talked about other things too. Thank goodness the band stopped playing long enough so I could hear him.

The D-League has begun its All-Star balloting for the 2009 All-Star game in Phoenix on Feb. 14.

Wouldn't it be something if someone from the Erie BayHawks made it? As fans, ya'll have something to say about it.

Erie BayHawks guard Oliver Lafayette is back on the D-League's Prospect Watch.

Lafayette is not among the top 10 guards named, though. He's on what looks like the honorable mention list. I haven't seen the other guys play in person yet so I'll hold out judgment, but all I know is Lafayette can shoot with the best of them in any league including the NBA.

Here are some articles about the Fort Wayne Mad Ants heading into tonight's game against the Erie BayHawks at Tullio Arena

Ants notch win vs. Albuquerque

Ants' Hawkins carries on legacy

Ants desperate for victory

Here's a Q&A on Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Darnell Jackson. It's more like him talking about about a variety of subjects, but it's interesting stuff.

Wonder if he'll ever suit up for the BayHawks, though.

It's a long season, but with Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas being out with injury, who knows when Z will be back healthy.

He's an older guy who's had his share of injuries and even though the Cavaliers lost to the Atlanta Hawks without him last night, they may keep him out longer.

The Reno Bighorns are having a press conference Tuesday to discuss them signing Patrick Ewing Jr.

Yes, the same Patrick Ewing Jr. whose dad is a Hall of Famer with the same name who starred at Georgetown in college and with the New York Knicks in the NBA.

He played in Monday's game against the Utah. Ewing Jr. scored 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting, but the Bighorns lost to the Flash, 114-108.

Just for the record, Ewing Jr. was a freshman at Indiana when Erie BayHawks coach John Treloar was an associate head coach there. Treloar left there to become an assistant at LSU after the 2003-04 season and Ewing Jr. transferred to Georgetown after the 2004-05 season.

The Erie BayHawks remain sixth in the D-League's power rankings with a 6-2 record.

Their next two games are against teams ranked below them. The BayHawks take on Dakota (8th with a 3-5 record) tonight at home and Fort Wayne (11th with at 2-5 record) on Friday at Fort Wayne.

Here are a few stories about the Dakota Wizards heading into tonight's game at Erie against the BayHawks. The Wizards won the Central Division last season, but are 3-5 heading into their road game against Erie.

The BayHawks (6-2) began their current four-game winning streak by winning in Dakota (3-5) to end a five-game road trip.

Open your heart at Wizards games

Cold night in Dakota brings warm win

Flash comeback falls short vs. Wizards

Here are a few recent stories about the Erie BayHawks heading into tonight's game against the Dakota Wizards at Tullio Arena.

I had asked readers to give their opinions about why there has been a drop off in attendance in regards to the BayHawks in their home games.

There are a few comments on it at the end of the column. Join in.

BayHawks' attendance baffling

Harris shows smooth touch

'Hawks outwork Ants

'Hawks hover closer to Cavs

Hamilton returns to Erie

BayHawks start slow, beat Iowa

I had a chance to talk to Dakota's leading scorer, forward Renaldo Major, after the Wizards beat the Erie BayHawks, 102-79, on Thursday night.

I rarely say this, but it was a pleasure to speak to someone who has been through so much to have such an inspirational outlook on life. Major missed all of last season after having heart surgery, but has returned and you would never know he had overcome that situation.

"First off, God is amazing. That's where my power comes from. He took over. I healed because of him. I'm back healthy. I feel good. I'm blessed."

Here's the thing....

The Erie BayHawks are being viewed as a team that plays "small ball." In other words, they're considered an undersized team.

So they're going to play up tempo to utilize their quickness advantage. If they're hitting shots, very fun to watch. If they're not, then the other team can control tempo and play half-court ball.

The BayHawks have trouble defending the paint to begin with, but if the game isn't up tempo and they're not playing from out front, then other teams can pound it on the inside, draw fouls, get in the penalty early and take control.

Remember, you only need five fouls to get in the penalty and it's two shots at the line each time after that. If a team gets it the penalty early, they can really pad a lead quickly.

It's going to be interesting to see how Erie coach John Treloar tries to adjust throughout the course of the season.

The Erie BayHawks have lost two in a row for the first time this season after falling, 96-87 at Fort Wayne tonight.

The BayHawks (6-4) had won four straight games before losing at home to Dakota on Thursday night and to the Mad Ants (3-5) tonight.

Erie shot a woeful 3-of-15 from 3-point range in defeat. Its starting shooting guard, Oliver Lafayette, went 1-of-8 from behind the arc.

Fort Wayne's Walker Russell and Erie's Erik Daniels lead their respective teams in scoring with 23 points each.

The Mad Ants, who had lost two straight games to the BayHawks, lead 50-39 at halftime.

The BayHawks will not play again until Dec. 27 when they play at home against Reno in a game between the D-League's two expansion teams.

When the Dakota Wizards left Erie after beating the Erie BayHawks on Thursday night, they were scheduled to play at home Saturday against the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Then mother nature took over.

The Wizards had trouble getting out of Cleveland and ended up not playing Saturday and had to have the game rescheduled.

Crazy huh? Here's the release.

During the Erie BayHawks' practice Sunday, I got a chance to watch them receive instructions and tips from D-League shooting consultant, Bruce Kreutzer.

My bad.

Kreutzer, a New York guy who lives in Atlanta, said they are referred to as vendors even though he wasn't selling anything Sunday.

He was just showing the BayHawks the proper way to shoot.

Kreutzer is an instructor for the Mark Price Basketball Academy in Suwanee, Ga. For those who don't know or don't remember, Price was one of the coldest shooters to ever play the game when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Very underrated as player.

Need proof?

After being released by the Erie BayHawks last week, forward Taj McCullough was picked up by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. The announcement was made today.

The BayHawks drafted McCullough in the second round of the D-League draft. He injured his left knee in Erie's game against Dakota on Dec. 18th at Tullio Arena.

His last game for Erie was ironically against the Mad Ants the next day at Fort Wayne. The 6-foot, 7-inch, 220-pound forward had four points on 2-of-5 shooting in five minutes and 55 seconds of action.

In his eight games with the BayHawks, McCullough averaged 6.5 points on 47.5 percent shooting from the field.

McCullough didn't tear any ligaments in the knee so he'll likely play for the Mad Ants either tomorrow (Jan. 3) or Sunday when they play Central Division leader Iowa both days at home.

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McCullough with Erie

The holiday season is over.

Basketball season isn't.

So it's time to get back to work. Oh by the way, I accomplished my five must-do things and even brought some lemon cake home.

I'll be working out tonight. Got to shed the extra pounds I put on.

Anyway, talked with Erie coach John Treloar today. I had to catch up on a few things.

Forward Erik Daniels has 17 points and 10 rebounds in the first half to lead the Erie BayHawks to a 42-33 halftime lead at Sioux Falls.

The BayHawks are looking to bounce back after losing at Dakota on New Year's Eve. Sioux Falls has lost its last two games.

Daniels played all 24 minutes in the first half. The BayHawks (8-5) will take on the Skyforce again tomorrow at Sioux Falls. The Skyforce (9-4) are a game ahead of the BayHawks in the Central Division as both teams are trailing divisional leader Iowa (8-1)

Iowa's only loss this season came against Erie in the BayHawks' home opener.
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The Erie BayHawks bounced back from a loss at Dakota on New Year's Eve to beat Sioux Falls, 87-81, on Friday night at Sioux Falls.

Forward Erik Daniels scored a game-high 28 points and added a game-high 13 rebounds for the BayHawks (9-5). Ivan Harris added 15 points while Mike Cook, in his fourth game with the BayHawks, chipped in 14 points off the bench for the BayHawks.

A former Pittsburgh guard, Cook was 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. This is the second game he's played in for the BayHawks after not playing in home games against Reno and Bakersfield last month.

Cook was cut during training camp for medical reasons, but was brought back after forward Taj McCullough had a knee injury. The BayHawks have since waived McCullough, who is now with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Glen McGowan led the Skyforce with (9-5) with 27 points and 11 rebounds.

The Skyforce and BayHawks will face each other again tomorrow at Sioux Falls.

The BayHawks were unable to sweep their two-game series at Sioux Falls as they lost Saturday to the Skyforce, 110-92.

Erik Daniels scored 18 points and added eight rebounds to lead the BayHawks (9-6), who were tied with the Skyforce (10--5) heading into the game. Former Pittsburgh guard Mike Cook added 17 off the bench.

The Skyforce snapped a three-game losing skid while the BayHawks have lost two of their last three games.

The D-League Showcase begins Monday through Jan. 8 in Orem, Utah and the BayHawks play Tuesday against Tulsa.

Here are a few articles on the Tulsa 66ers (4-12), who face the Erie BayHawks (9-6) in the D-League Showcase today in Orem, Utah. The 66ers have lost eight of their last 10 games while the BayHawks are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

Tulsa evens series series with Colorado

Bighorns rally; trample Sixers

Utah Flash fly past Tulsa 66ers

The D-League Showcase is a chance for D-League players to display their talent and skills to a team representative from every NBA team this week. From Monday till Jan. 8, every D-League team will play two games in Orem, Utah, where the Utah Flash play, before NBA scouts, general managers and other team representatives.

So to preview it, the NBA did this article on the talent to look out for.

Good article, but it failed to mention one of the best players in the D-League - Erik Daniels of the Erie BayHawks.

He's fifth in the league in scoring (21 ppg.), eighth in rebounding (9.6) and tied for third in double doubles with eight on the season. The 6-foot, 8-inch Daniels is also shooting 38.3 percent from 3-point range.

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The Erie BayHawks (9-7) lost their first game ever in the D-League Showcase to a team that had only four wins entering the game.

The Tulsa 66ers (5-12) never trailed in beating the BayHawks, 94-85, on Tuesday evening at the McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah.

Erie forward Erik Daniels lead the BayHawks with 20 points, but he shot only 6-of-19 from the field. As a team, Erie only shot 34.4 percent from the field.

The BayHawks have now lost three of their last four games and they'll try to rebound against the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (4-10) on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the D-League Showcase.

The Thunderbirds have won their last two games, scoring a total of 231 points in those victories.

Before I even talk about the game, the crowd at this game was terrible. This was supposed to be part of the the D-League Showcase in Orem, Utah where the Utah Flash play.

How about having some faces show up at the game other than those NBA GMs, scouts and other representatives scouting D-League talent.

Anyway.

The BayHawks have now lost back-to-back games to teams that had only four wins entering the game. On Tuesday, they lost to Tulsa and tonight, Albuquerque (5-10) derailed the BayHawks, 96-95.

Oliver Lafayette lead the BayHawks (9-8) with 28 points on 8-of-16 shooting. He was 5-of-10 from 3-point range and the last one he hit got the BayHawks within one with a second left.

Ivan Harris added 16 while Erik Daniels and Jarvis Gunter had 12 and 11, respectively. Now they'll come home and have a chance to regroup when they take on Fort Wayne on Friday, but here is the concern the BayHawks must have.

They already are a small team to begin with. When they waived forward Taj McCullough and picked up guard Mike Cook, the BayHawks lost some size.

So now they're even smaller, which makes it imperative that they make shots because they're not a team that's going to pound the glass and get second shots.

That's why Coach John Treloar preaches defenses. Now can they turn it around? Sure, but when is the better question.

What ya'll think?

Here are a few stories on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (5-10) heading into Friday's game at Tullio Arena against the BayHawks (9-8).

Sims helps Energy clip Mad Ants

Ants hoping to showcase NBA skills

Ants charge back

The Erie BayHawks have added some size to their roster by picking up Darian Townes, a 6-foot, 10-inch, 250-pound forward/center who finished his college career at Arkansas last season.

The BayHawks had to waive a player to get Townes so they parted ways with small forward Geary Claxton, who played at Penn State last season. Claxton was averaging 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds for the BayHawks. He played in 15 games and was averaging 15 minutes a game.

The BayHawks now have seven roster moves left they can take.

Townes passed the physical this morning and was part of the team's morning shooting session. Since Townes hasn't practiced with the team yet, Erie coach John Treloar isn't sure he'll play him tonight against Fort Wayne.

How the BayHawks got Townes is a story in itself.

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The Erie BayHawks are going to play their game as scheduled against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at 7 p.m today at Tullio Arena, the BayHawks just announced.

It's going to be very interesting to see how Fort Wayne forward Taj McCullough plays against his former team and if the BayHawks play their latest acquisition, center Darian Townes.

The BayHawks officially acquired Townes earlier this morning and released small forward Geary Claxton.

With the recent roster moves the Erie BayHawks have made, I took a little time to discuss them with their coach, John Treloar, after they beat Fort Wayne, 103-94, Friday night.

Before the game, I talked with Treloar about acquiring 6-foot, 10-inch, 250-pound forward Darian Townes and did an earlier blog post - Adding size. The BayHawks announced the addition on Friday.

In order to add Townes, Treloar had to release a player. He chose to waive Geary Claxton, a 6-foot, 5-inch forward who finished his career at Penn State last season.

Claxton averaged 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 15 games with the BayHawks. Here's what Treloar said about releasing Claxton.

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Claxton

Taj McCullough always has something to say.

As we say back home, he's got jokes. I remember him clowning Brian Robinson during the Erie BayHawks training camp. When we were filming the Erie starters right before the season opener, McCullough jumped into the scene and began commentating on the situation in his usual humorous fashion.

So McCullough is never at a loss for words, but even he was almost speechless Friday night when talking about why the Erie BayHawks released him during the holiday break.

"To be honest, I really don't know why. I guess it was because (pause), I can't even make an excuse. (Coach John Treloar) said something about they needed a veteran, but I don't hold any grudges though."

Although he was one of the most talented players on the team, McCullough was waived by the BayHawks and they proceeded to pick up former Pittsburgh guard Mike Cook. Erie still had Cook's right because they released him for medical reasons during training camp.

On Friday, McCullough returned to Erie to play against his former team. Now with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, McCullough scored 26 points in a losing effort against the BayHawks.

However, McCullough had a good time playing against his former teammates. Right before tip off, McCullough, who finished his college career at Winthrop last season, went up and gave five to BayHawk starters Ivan Harris, Erik Daniels, Oliver Lafayette and Jackie Manuel.

Then proceeded to talk trash and splash a career-high scoring effort on them.

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McCullough as a BayHawk against the Mad Ants.

Darian Townes made his Erie BayHawks debut in their 103-94 win against Fort Wayne on Friday night at Tullio Arena.

Now Townes, who's listed as being 6 foot, 10 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, is a big guy and brings much needed size to the BayHawks. Erie had to release small forward Geary Claxton to acquire Townes.

On Friday, Townes came out and hit his first shot in the first quarter, but didn't scratch the scoreboard after that. In 12 minutes and 49 seconds of action, Townes was 1-of-5 from the field, 0-of-2 from the free throw line, had three turnovers and committed four fouls.

He also had only one rebound, but Townes did block two shots. One of those came when he blocked Coleman Collins' dunk attempt. Collins cried foul, but it was a clean block.

Not going to judge Townes' offense right now. He hasn't practiced with the team and doesn't know any of the plays. He just finished playing overseas last month in Europe so his offense is rusty to say the least.

At the same time, his major value right now is he's someone who can guard a center and allow Erik Daniels to play a more natural power forward position and not have to defend bigger guys.

After the game, Daniels said Townes had to be the enforcer on the team and likes the idea of Townes defending the bigger bodies so he can have more energy late in the game.

Guarding those big fellas tends to wear Daniels down, but Townes can give him a breather in that area. The BayHawks will gladly take that and hope Townes find his offense later. As a senior at Arkansas this past season, Townes averaged 12.1 points a game.

Here a few stories on the Iowa Energy, who play against the Erie BayHawks today at 7 p.m. at Tullio Arena.

The Energy (10-3) lead the Central Division while the BayHawks trail them with a 10-8 record. The BayHawks beat Iowa earlier in the season in their Dec. 11 season opener.

Ants shut down at 'Showcase' run

Iowa Energy sign former NBA big man

D-League: Energy lose to Dakota

Just got back from Monday's practice and three of the 10 Erie BayHawks were watching from the sidelines at Gannon University.

No need to get alarmed, though.

Leading scorer, forward Erik Daniels, was out with a toe injury. He's got some sort of turf toe going on with both of his big toes. He's expected to play Wednesday against Anaheim.

Defensive stopper Jackie Manuel, was out with a bruised chest. He took a charge or two against Iowa and really got crashed into on those plays, but he's expected to play Wednesday as well.

As for reserve center Jarvis Gunter, the left ankle sprain is still not where it needs to be to return. Erie coach John Treloar said Gunter has made great progress, but likely won't return until the BayHawks hit the road for Friday's game at Dakota.

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Gunter in action.

New acquired center Darian Townes has shown a toughness in the paint the Erie BayHawks desperately needed.

The 6-foot, 10-inch, 250-pound Townes has blocked four shots in his two games with the team and made some hard fouls to make drivers rethink the idea of going inside.

However, he's having a tough time finding his shooting touch. Since making his first shot as a BayHawk, Townes has missed 10 consecutive shots. He's scored five points in the two games.

"I'm not going to make any excuses," Townes said. "We're professionals, but once I get my legs back and wind and get used to the air here in Erie because it's real cold, my game is going to come back to normal. My shots are there. They're just real short. Once my legs get back, we're going to go from there."

Erie BayHawks forward Erik Daniels made honorable mention for the D-League All-Showcase team following the D-League Showcase last week.

Daniels, who didn't feel he played well during the two games Erie played in the showcase, averaged 16 points in the two games, but shot 11-of-28 from the field. Erie lost both games.

What I'm wondering is if Daniels will make the D-League All-Star team? He and forward Ivan Harris have put up the numbers to earn a place in Feb. 14 D-League All-Star game in Phoenix.

Still got time to vote for Daniels (below), Harris or any of the other BayHawks on the ballot.

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Now ya'll may not know this, but back in the day, I was a high riser.

Jumping off two feet, I had the off-the-charts hops. Still think I can touch the rim today, but not finish above it like before.

Yes, 10-foot high rim. See, I was what you call and undersized post player at 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Maybe that's why my career didn't extend beyond high school and playing in the Boys & Girls Club in Huntington, WV.

Where is this going you may ask?

Well, I've seen six Erie BayHawks games this season live in person and only witnessed FOUR dunks coming from them. When they played Fort Wayne, Mad Ants center Chris Hunter had FIVE dunks alone against the BayHawks.

Now small forward Ivan Harris has half of those BayHawk dunks I've seen in person and he's more known for cashing that jump shot from deep than taking it hard to the rim.

Before I go any further, one, I'm not anywhere near as good as they are. Not even worth thinking about making comparisons.

Two, all these guys can dunk. I've seen Mo Rice, who is shorter than the 6-foot 1-inch listing they have of him, dunk without a dribble after a practice, but where are the dunks in the games?

Now I know points is two points. Remember when Kobe Bryant had that Sprite commercial about this very subject. It was classic like when Kobe flushed one over Steve Nash.

Nasty.

The Utah Flash protested a scoring error after last month's loss at Colorado and got it granted. It's crazy to say the least. Check it out.

It involves Utah forward Bill Walker, who was sent down to Utah from its NBA affiliate, the Boston Celtics. Walker was called for a sixth foul and it was only his fifth foul with 25.2 seconds in the game. So since the protest was granted, the loss has been temporarily removed from Utah's record.

They're going to replay the final seconds of that game when they play again April 10 in Utah.

Here are some recent articles on the Anaheim Arsenal (5-13), who play at Erie on Wednesday night against the BayHawks (11-8). This is the first meeting between the two teams.

Anaheim has lost five straight games while Erie has won its last two.

Mad Ants end skid before hitting road.

Arsenal fall in overtime

Arsenal fall under Wizards spell

Although the Anaheim Arsenal are 5-13, they're bringing one of the D-League's best scorers to Wednesday's 7 p.m. game against the Erie BayHawks (11-8) at Tullio Arena.

Small forward James White, 26, is second in league in scoring with 24-point average. He's shooting 56.1 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from the 3-point line.

As hot as that sounds, White, who played college at Cincinnati, has been even hotter in Anaheim's last five games.

Jan. 3 vs. Dakota - 31 points (11-of-17 shooting from the field)

Jan. 6 at Utah - 31 points (13-of-13 from the free throw line)

Jan 8 vs. Colorado - 33 points (season high)

Jan. 9 vs. Idaho - 24 points (12-of-12 from the free throw line)

Jan. 11 at Fort Wayne - 31 points (11-of-17 shooting from the field)

Now granted Anaheim lost all those games, but the guy knows how to put the ball in the hole. So it should be fun to see if he can do the same against a team that prides itself on playing defense like Erie.

The BayHawks will likely put their defensive stopper, Jackie Manuel, on him. A 6-foot 6-inches tall, Manuel is only an inch shorter than White. Plus Manuel has quickness and great anticipation.

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Erie BayHawks (11-9) at Dakota Wizards (12-9)
Today, 8 p.m., at Bismarck Civic Center in Bismarck, N.D.
On the air: WFNN-AM/1330, www.nba.com/dleague (live streaming)

Projected starters: Erie - PG Maureece Rice (Scored in double figures in six of his last seven games) SG Oliver Lafayette (Since scoring 28 points on 8-of-16 shooting against Albuquerque, Lafayette has scored only 26 points in his last three games on 8-of-23 shooing). SF Jackie Manuel (Had 12 points in his last game against Dakota. Since then, he's only reached double figures once out of seven games). PF Ivan Harris (Shooting 50.7 percent from the field, 88.2 percent from the free throw line, but has only made 4-of-17 shots from 3-point range). C Erik Daniels (Leads teams in points (414) rebounds (193), minutes played (772), fouls (85) and turnovers (61).

Wizards - PG Blake Ahearn (D-League's third-leading scorer, Ahearn is averaging 22.9 points a game) SG Maurice Baker (A starter in all 21 games for Dakota this season, Baker played all 48 minutes in Thursday night's win against Utah), SF Renaldo Major (Scored at least 22 points in three of Dakota's last four games), PF Rod Benson (Rejoined the Wizards after playing overseas), C Richard Hendrix (A second-round draft pick of the Golden State Warriors in the 2008 NBA Draft, Hendrix was waived by the Warriors. He didn't play in a game for Golden State as he spent his time in the D-League with the Bakersfield Jam).

Coaches: Erie - John Treloar (first season), Dakota - Duane Ticknor (second season)

Before the Erie BayHawks went on a two-game road trip to Bismarck, N.D. to play the Dakota Wizards this past weekend, I talked with their shooting guard, Oliver Lafayette, about his recent struggles.

Lafayette shot 2-of-9 from the field in Wednesday's home loss to Anaheim. When I asked him what was wrong, he first gave me the normal response of he just had to keep shooting.

Then after we talked a little more, Lafayette basically said, "I just got a lot things on my mind."

Family things.

Lafayette didn't go with the team to Dakota because he went home for family emergency. Lafayette, who is from Baton Rouge, La., is expected to return to Erie on Tuesday before the BayHawks play at home against Sioux Falls.

Erie lost its two games against Dakota without Lafayette, who is averaging 14.1 points a game.

We hope and pray all is better with him and his family.

Iowa Energy 6-foot 11-inch center Courtney Sims became the fourth D-League player this season to get called up to the NBA when the Phoenix Suns grabbed him up Tuesday.

The former Michigan big man is averaging 22.3 points and 11.4 rebounds for the Energy, who lead the Central Division the Erie BayHawks are in.

During Tuesday's practice, I took time to ask players and coaches from the Erie BayHawks their thoughts about the inauguration of our nation's 44th president, Barack Obama, who is also the nation's first black president.

“It means that there is hope. Just knowing you can do anything you put your mind to.”

BayHawks guard Oliver Lafayette

"It means a lot to the African-American community. I woke up real early this morning to check it out. I called my mom and she was up early doing the same thing. I’m assuming my whole family is probably watching it. This is a special day for us.”

BayHawks center Darian Townes

“I’m thinking like everyone else. The country is about to have a change. With Barack kind of representing both sides of the main nationalities being white and black, he kind of has an understanding of what the country might need and being open to suggestions from all the other nationalities. I think it’s good. For my personal take on it, I just think it’s a great thing. I’m at a loss for words still at what is actually going on. Just to wait for him to actually have a chance to make stuff happen. It’s not going to happen overnight. I hope a lot of people realize that, but I do think a lot of positive stuff is going come out of it in the world.”

BayHawks forward Tejay Anderson

“It means so much not only for me, but for my parents and their parents. People who grew up in the times where you would have never thought there would be a black president. It means a lot not only to me and my family, but the whole country. It’s time for us to come together as one country and try to work our way out of the problems that we’re having. I think President Obama is a good start.”

BayHawks forward Jackie Manuel

Sioux Falls will play in Erie for the first time this season when the Skyforce (12-10) face the BayHawks (11-11) in today's 7 p.m. game at Tullio Arena. Erie is 1-2 against Sioux Falls.

The Skyforce welcomed back the 2007-08 D-League MVP, forward Kasib Powell, who starred for the Skyforce last season. He's expected to play against Erie tonight.

It will be his first game back since playing overseas in China. Last season, he also played in the NBA with the the Miami Heat.

Kasib Powell returns to Skyforce

MVP Powell to return to the Skyforce

Mad Ants win twice against Skyforce

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Powell with Miami Heat

The Iowa Energy lost a second player to the NBA when the New Orleans Hornets called up forward Anthony Tolliver on Wednesday.

Now Tolliver only played three games with the Energy, but with Iowa coming to Erie for two games this weekend, not having him or center Courtney Sims will make them less formidable.

The Phoenix Suns called up Sims earlier this month.

The BayHawks have already beaten Iowa in their two games this season. They face each other Saturday and Sunday at Tullio Arena.

He's back.

Last year's D-League MVP, forward Kasib Powell, suited up for Sioux Falls on Thursday for the first time this season after going overseas to play in China.

Having played in the NBA with the Miami Heat last season, Powell took his game overseas, but has since returned the states looking to make another run at the NBA.

He's off to a good start.

With Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry watching, Powell scored 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting in Sioux Falls' 101-86 win against the Erie BayHawks at Tullio Arena in Erie.

Powell was 2-of-5 from 3-point range, had five rebounds, six assists, a blocked shot and zero turnovers in 30 minutes and 57 secconds.

Safe to say I had to talk to this guy after the game.

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The Iowa Energy will try to beat the Erie BayHawks for the first time this season in Saturday's 7 p.m. game at Tullio Arena. The Energy (12-6), who lead the Central Division, are 0-2 against the BayHawks (11-12).

The two teams also face each other Sunday at Tullio Arena.

Energy win after two overtimes

Ex-Drake star Leonard Houston on Iowa Energy team

Iowa's Courtney Sims called up to Phoenix Suns

New Orleans Hornets sign free-agent center Anthony Tolliver to 10-day contract

Stinson starring for Iowa Energy

Went to the Erie BayHawks morning shoot around at Tullio Arena and they were having a shooting competition to see how many shots a pair of players could make.

Since the BayHawks only have nine guys on their roster, assistant Ben McDonald joined in the shooting drill with guard Oliver Lafayette and caught fire, folks.

He made 8-of-12 shots from the corner.

Impressive.

In practice, McDonald usually coordinates and runs the drills so he's fairly active in practice, so it wasn't surprising to see him hustling to track the ball down and keep the drill going.

But to see him square up and nail 8-of-12 shots from about 18 to 20 feet out in the corner?

Crazy.

Now we all know he starred in college at Cal Irvine and played in the NBA, but McDonald is in his late 40s. He was cashing those jumpers with ease.

Earlier this season, Erie head coach John Treloar and I were joking about McDonald still having it while McDonald was taking and making free throws after practice.

McDonald smiled and said, 'Hey, I can do this, but that's about it."

I'd say he can do more after what I saw this morning. The BayHawks hope to add a player to their roster by early next week to replace Mike Cook, but if they choose not to, make McDonald a player/coach.

He's still got it.

Patrick Daniels said he's been having an up and down season for the Iowa Energy.

Well, he's on the rise right now.

Coming off a career-high 43-point performance, Sanders scored 28 points in Iowa's 90-80 win against the Erie BayHawks on Saturday.

The best thing about his performance is Sanders made clutch shots and clutch plays in the fourth quarter.

It was all in fun.

During Saturday's game between the Erie BayHawks and Iowa Energy at Tullio Arena, Durann Patterson and Kevin Jobczynski had courtside seats beside the Iowa bench.

So they were in position to talk a little bit to Iowa guard Curtis Stinson.

Boy, did they do some talking.

Patterson and Jobczynski were ragging on Stinson about everything from the way he was playing to the way his team was playing to the hairstyles his teammates were sporting.

The best part about it was Stinson was talking right back at them.

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Erie BayHawks coach John Treloar is still looking to add a player after waiving former Pitt guard Mike Cook earlier this month.

What I can tell you right now is that 1, the player is a perimeter player. Two, when I asked Treloar why he cut Cook, he said it was to upgrade his roster.

Cook said it was because Treloar told him Cook didn't think he was playing the amount of minutes he deserved.

Now back to the this secret addition, who third, is not a former NBA player according to Treloar.

So look for something to happen in the next couple of days. When you look at the moves Treloar has made so far, they've been somewhat puzzling.

Time waits for no man, but ya'll still got time to vote for you favorite D-League player to play in the Feb. 14 All-Star game in Phoenix.

Fans can vote through Jan. 31, which is Saturday and the All-Stars will be named Feb. 3. The game will be shown live on NBATV.

Now I'm not brain surgeon, but if Erik Daniels, who leads the D-League in double-doubles with 16, doesn't earn a spot in the All-Star game, something is wrong with the system.

The former Kentucky forward is averaging 20.6 points, 10 rebounds and shooting 36.9 percent from 3-point range, which is good for a guy that's 6 feet, 8 inches tall.

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Oh how time flies.

Didn't it just seem like yesterday that Erie was getting a D-League franchise? Now the BayHawks have already reached the halfway point of this 50-game season.

So with that being said, let's see where they are right now.

The BayHawks are 11-14, have lost six straight games and haven't show the same spark they did early in the season. They lack the ball movement, player movement that really made their offense so difficult to defend.

Maybe it's the fact they have a five rookies on the team. Think about this.

College players play an average of 30 to 35 games. Erie has already played 25. In college, a season is beginning to wind down at that point.

So maybe those guys have hit a wall. Then again, I've been told by more than one person that hey, these guys are getting paid to play, so tell it like it is.

OK. Here's the deal.

What do James Worthy, Kirk Rambis, Buck Williams, Horace Grant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Ben Wallace all have in common?

They all wore goggles while playing in the NBA.

Erik Daniels may join the club on both fronts.

On Monday, the Erie BayHawks forward was planning to get an exam along with some of his teammates. After his individual workouts, Daniels told me straight up, "I can't see."

WHAT?

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The defending D-League champion Idaho Stampede (19-9) will make their way to Erie for Wednesday game at Tullio Arena. They beat the BayHawks (13-16) last week, 79-76, in Idaho.

The Stampede have three former NBA players who were with the Cleveland Cavaliers in forwards Lance Allred, Dwayne Jones and Luke Jackson, who the Cavaliers drafted with the 10th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft.

Now one guy to look out for below is Idaho forward Brent Petway. His nickname at Michigan was "Air Georgia" because he was from Georgia and could, of course, jump out the gym.

He won the D-League dunk contest last year. The guy can rise, folks.

Stampede defend home court

Wide-open Allred leads Stampede to win

Idaho Stampede sign former NBA player Kevin Burleson

Coby Karl leaving Idaho Stampede for Spanish team

Karl-less Stampede roll to win

Stampede earn victory with 'D'

I'm still trying to figure out why Erie BayHawks forward Erik Daniels didn't make the D-League All-Star game that's being played Feb. 14 in Phoenix.

I mean, how does someone who leads the league in double-doubles with 19 and averages 21 and 10 isn't one of 20 best players in the league is baffling.

Now before it sounds like, hey, Duane covers the BayHawks so that's why he thinks Daniels should be an All-Star, I'm not the only one who feels that way.

D-League editor Matthew Brennan posted on his blog that Daniels should be an All-Star as did Fort Wayne team president, Jeff Potter, on his blog.

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When Erie BayHawks guard Oliver Lafayette and Idaho Stampede guard Lanny Smith face each other in tonight's game at Tullio Arena, it won't be a first-time encounter.

The two were teammate at the University of Houston. As juniors during the 2005-06 season, Lafayette and Smith led the Cougars in scoring.

Lafayette averaged 15.7 points a game while Smith netted 12.1 per game.

When the BayHawks lost to the Stampede last week at Idaho, Lafayette scored 18 points while Smith had only four.

Lafayette at Houston

Smith at Houston

Not even receiving a technical foul could keep a smile off Darian Townes' face because technically speaking, he played his best game at home for the Erie BayHawks on Wednesday night.

In a 111-85 win against the defending D-League champions, the Idaho Stampede, Townes had 10 points, five rebounds and a blocked shot. He shot 5-of-9 from the field.

In his previous five home games, the 6-foot 10-inch, 250-pound center out of Arkansas shot 6-of-30 from the field and scored a total of 18 points.

We've talked about how Erie BayHawks forward Erik Daniels should have been a D-League all-star. He leads the league in double-doubles with 20 and is averaging 21.4 points and 10.2 boards a game.

We've talked about how he can become one by being an alternate to replace a current D-League all-star that's on an NBA roster.

There are currently three D-League all-stars who are on NBA rosters with the D-League's All-Star game being eight days away on Feb. 14.

Now let's talk about Chris Richard.

Why?

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Darnell Jackson is heading to Erie.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have sent down their rookie forward to play for the Erie BayHawks. He's scheduled to play in Monday night's game against the Utah Flash at Tullio Arena.

I saw him at Cleveland's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, but he'll be taking the trip down I-90 real soon.

What does it mean?

Well, the BayHawks now have some size that can move Erik Daniels to the power forward spot. It means the BayHawks must take advantage of this and get some wins because if and when the Cavaliers call him back up, the team must readjust.

Cleveland coach Mike Brown likes to have everyone on deck for practice so don't look for Jackson to stay too long.

I had a D-League coach tell me that teams can go from being really good to really bad because of all the NBA call-ups and the NBA teams sending players down.

The BayHawks have just become really good with Jackson, a post presence who was part of Kansas' national championship team in 2008 who has been solid when given playing time at Cleveland.

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Dunking.

Drop-step spin moves to the rim. Grown-man moves in the paint.

Knocking down the jump shot.

Darnell Jackson didn't disappoint.

The Erie BayHawks have been waiting all season for the Cleveland Cavaliers to send Jackson down to play for them. On Sunday, the Cavaliers decided to do so.

To be honest, I was excited, too.

I've seen this guy play and knew he would excite the Erie fans because he's big, can run, finish above the rim, plays with strength and power, yet has some finesse to his game.

The Cavaliers rookie forward displayed all those skills Monday in scoring 24 points to lead the BayHawks to a 101-89 win against the Utah Flash at Tullio Arena in Erie.

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Jackson in action for the BayHawks.

Erik Daniels will play in the D-League All-Star game after all.

The D-League announced earlier today that the Erie BayHawks forward has replaced injured Tulsa forward Chris Richard and will play in Saturday's game in Phoenix.

The 4 p.m. game will be televised on NBA-TV.

Now he was already scheduled to compete in the H.O.R.S.E competition on Friday. With some the shots he's made in games, no telling what he'll pull out in that game of H.O.R.S.E.

However, playing in the All-Star game is what he wanted to do and he'll get his chance to do so.

Congrats.

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Check out the highlights from Saturday's D-League All-Star game the Red team won, 113-103, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Erie BayHawks forward Erik Daniels had nine points, going 1-of-3 from 3-point range, and seven rebounds. He started the game and I think in the end, this is something that will continue to motivate him to play better.

In his heart of hearts, Daniels feels as if he should be in the NBA. With the second half of the season gearing up, NBA teams are going to be looking to add players from the D-League.

Teams have injuries, get worn down a D-League player can come in and fill some voids.

The issue is taking advantage of the opportunity and stick with a team once your name is called. Don't know if Daniels will get that chance, but it's going to be a very interesting final stretch for himself and Erie.

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Daniels is third from the right.

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Daniels at the tip with Courtney Sims.

Erie BayHawks All-Star forward Erik Daniels returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a stomach virus. He hadn't been in Erie since the D-League All-Star break.

During that time, Daniels competed in the H.O.R.S.E competition and played in the league's All-Star game in Phoenix. He later visited his family in Lexington, Ky.

With the BayHawks (16-16) returning to action Saturday at Sioux Falls (17-14), I sat down with Daniels after Thursday's practice to talk about his D-League All-Star weekend experience and more.

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The Erie BayHawks see the target.

With 17 games remaining, the BayHawks (17-16) trail the Central Division-leading Iowa Energy (19-10) by four games heading into Monday's showdown at Iowa.

Erie plays Iowa three more times. If the BayHawks prevail in those games, which are all at Iowa, they will gain significant ground on the Energy and own the tiebreaker against them.

Right now, Erie is 3-2 against Iowa.

It seems as if the odds are in their favor to derail Iowa considering the Energy will be without D-League All-Star forward Cartier Martin, who signed with the Charlotte Bobcats for the remainder of the NBA season.

The Energy will likely be without D-League All-Star center Courtney Sims as well. Playing out his second 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns, Sims isn't expected to play for Iowa on Monday.

Since the Suns are with All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire, who had eye surgery Friday and is expected to be out eight weeks, expect them to sign Sims for the rest of the season.

If Phoenix does that, Iowa will be less formidable. That can only benefit Erie, right?

Right?

Well.

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Hamed Haddadi is a project that's likely going to stay in Dakota for the remainder of the season.

A rookie with the Memphis Grizzlies, the 7-foot-2 center from Iran is in his second stint in the D-League playing for the Dakota Wizards. The Washington Wizards and Memphis are Dakota's NBA affiliates.

So before Memphis played at Cleveland on Tuesday night, I asked Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins about how the D-League is benefiting Haddadi.

His answer?

"I have no idea. I never pay attention to that stuff."

Oooooook.

I followed up with asking Hollins about when Haddadi comes back to the Grizzlies, before I could even get the question out, Hollins jumped in and said, "I don't think he's coming back."

Honesty is the best policy.

Here's more honestly.

Portland, Maine has joined the league.

The city announced it Wednesday as Portland will begin D-League play as an expansion franchise in 2009-2010.

This is all part of the D-League's plan to expand in the eastern part of the United States.

A few more teams and Erie won't have to travel to Des Moines, IA, four times a year for a divisional game.

Sheer craziness.

Reno Bighorns forward Damone Brown has been charged today in a federal indictment in his hometown of Buffalo.

Here's a segment from an AP article in regards to it.

The Buffalo-born Brown is accused of leasing a safe deposit box at Citizens Bank in Buffalo that was used by a drug kingpin to store proceeds.

He faces a felony count of money laundering. Authorities seized $170,000 from the box before Brown was arrested in Reno Thursday morning.

It's getting crazy news. To be honest, don't really know what to say to it other than what I said before.

Sheer craziness.

Bad news for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On Thursday night, starting power forward Ben Wallace went down with a fractured right fibula after taking a blow to the leg in the second quarter of Cleveland's loss at Houston.

He's projected to be out four to six weeks.

As I said. Bad news for the Cavaliers. They'll likely start Anderson Varejao in tonight's game at San Antonio. Now he's more active than Wallace, but doesn't hold up too well on the inside.

So Cleveland faces another injury. What this also does is force Cleveland to play its rookie big men, J.J. Hickson and Darnell Jackson.

Consequently, that means it will be less likely that Cleveland will send Jackson down to play for the Erie BayHawks unless the Cavaliers go out and get a big man

On top of that, Cleveland can't help but think about failing to get original NBA Superman, Shaquille O'Neal, last week.

It was reported the Cavaliers were looking to ship Wallace in that multi-player deal for O'Neal.

Hey D, saw you at the game last night. What's up with the Erie BayHawks losing, man. Hadn't they won like six games in a row.

Well, it was actually eight in a row, but can't win them all right?

True, but anyway, I tried to catch you before you left the arena. Hey, wasn't that Jawad Williams playing for the other team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Yeah.

The same Jawad Williams that played on that national title team at North Carolina in 2005. The same Jawad Williams that was with the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this season before they cut him.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He played with BayHawks forward Jackie Manuel on that Carolina squad that was loaded with talent. Raymond Felton. Rashad McCants. Sean May. Marvin Williams. All those guys are in the NBA, but you know what, Jawad and Jackie were starters in that tite game when Carolina beat Illinois.

OK. OK. OK. Anyway, why isn't he playing for the BayHawks? I mean, Cleveland is one of Erie's NBA affiliates. Seems ideal that he'd play for Erie. Plus the guy is even from Cleveland.

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There are times he turns the ball over too much.

He struggles defending bigger opponents and at times, fails to score in the paint against smaller foes.

However, when Erik Daniels is on top of his game, the Erie BayHawks are a magical team.

Seeing the 6-foot 8-inch forward out of Kentucky put up his first career triple-double Thursday morning in Erie's 108-92 win against Tulsa is something a basketball fan can respect and appreciate.

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Sioux Falls Skyforce (20-17) at Erie BayHawks (20-17).

Today, 7 p.m., Tullio Arena

▀ On the air: WJET-AM/1400, www.nba.com/dleague (live streaming)

▀ Fast facts: Erie — The BayHawks avenged an earlier 94-85 loss to Tulsa by beating the 66ers, 108-92, Thursday morning at Tullio Arena ... Starting shooting guard Oliver Lafayette remains out with a broken left hand ... Forward Ivan Harris is averaging 23.6 points in his last five games ... Today’s game is in conjunction with Cavaliers affiliate night as the BayHawks will wear the same jerseys worn by one of their NBA affiliates, the Cleveland Cavaliers ... Sioux Falls — In the same division as the BayHawks, Sioux Falls is 3-2 against them. The Skyforce lost their last game against Erie, 98-96, at home last month ... Forward Bobby Jones has had three 20-point games against Erie. In a Dec. 5 win against the BayHawks, Jones had 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field and 15 rebounds ... Sioux Falls will play Erie for the final time Sunday at 7 p.m., at Tullio Arena.

There have been three NBA call ups this month already.

March 3 - The Houston Rockets called up Anaheim Arsenal high riser, James White. White has yet to play a game for the Rockets.

March 6 - The Toronto Raptors called up Austin Toros big man, Pops Mensah-Bonsu. He had four points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes in his Toronto debut Friday against Miami.

March 6 - The New York Knicks called up Iowa Energy forward Demetris Nichols. Nichols played two games with the Chicago Bulls earlier this season.

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Pops challenging D-Wade.

Sioux Falls starting back court of Frank Williams and David Bailey shot a combined 3-of-22 from the field, but those two were hot under the collar Sunday night.

Both of them were ejected during the Skyforce's loss at Erie.

Just watching it was weird. Kind of like seeing a car accident. You saw it, you know happened, but you're still stunned that it did happen.

Williams got tossed first. It went down like this.

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Williams was heated Sunday night.

The D-League named Erik Daniels and Maureece Rice co-performers of the week today after leading the Erie BayHawks to a 3-0 record last week.

This is the second time a BayHawk player has received the honor. Daniels was named player of the week Dec. 8.

When they had lost eight games in a row, I didn't envision what has happened since.

The Erie BayHawks have made the come up.

Eight teams make the D-League playoffs and heading into Monday's games, the BayHawks (22-17) are seventh in the playoff chase. This is based on winning percentage.

1. Colorado 23-10 (.697)
2. Austin 25-12 (.676)
3. Idaho 22-14 (.611)
4. Utah 20-13 (.606)
5. Iowa 21-14 (.600)
6. Dakota 21-16 (.568)
7. Erie 22-17 (.564)
8. Bakersfield 20-17 (.541)
9. Albuquerque 19-17 (.528)
10. Sioux Falls 20-19 (.513)

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Erie coach John Treloar has the Erie BayHawks soaring.

This is definitely a D-League thing.

The D-League just released its playoff format and it's unlike anything I've ever seen or heard of before.

The three divisional winners and the remaining five teams with the best records make the playoffs. The divisional winners will pick the team they want to play in the playoffs in the first round.

WHAT?

The divisional winner with the best record gets to pick first, the divisional winner with the second best record gets to pick second and the remaining divisional winner picks third.

WHAT?

Then the remaining two teams meet in the remaining playoff game. The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are single elimination while the D-League championship will be a best-of-3 series.

Now I've never heard of something like this. Have you?

My oh my. The D-League just got a little more interesting.

This playoff format of allowing the divisional winners to pick their first-round opponent is crazy, but I like it. If the season ended today, these teams would make the playoffs.

The three divisional winners will be listed first. The list is based on winning percentage.

1. Colorado 23-10 (.697) - Southwest Division
2. Idaho 22-14 (.621) - West Division
3. Iowa 21-14 (.600) - Central Division
4. Austin 25-12 (.676)
5. Utah 20-14 (.588)
6. Dakota 21-16 (.568)
7. Erie 22-17 (.564)
8. Bakersfield (.541)

The divisional winners would play their first-round games at home even though they may face a team with a better record in the opening round.

Now that's a little foul, but let's do a little case scenario.

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Idaho will look to defend its 2008 D-League championship in this year's playoffs.

"I'm a hard worker."

That was Quincy Douby's first response when I asked him what he wanted the people of Erie to know about him.

In his first day with the Erie BayHawks on Wednesday, Douby showed it.

After a two-hour practice, the former Sacramento King shooting guard did some conditioning. With Erie assistant Ben McDonald instructing him, Douby ran the steps inside the Hammermill Center gym. Then ran from baseline to baseline a few times.

Then he did a few reps of running sideline to sideline. After reach rep, he took some jumps shots, rested for a few seconds and then ran again.

After all that, he made 10 free throws - in a row.

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NBA TV provided a breakdown of the top D-League prospects for the NBA.

The Erie BayHawks will see three of them in their next three games.

1. On Friday, Dakota's Blake Ahearn comes to town to lead the Wizards (21-16) into a key Central Division game. A 2009 D-League All-Star and 2008 league rookie of the year, the 6-foot 2-inch guard is eighth in the league in scoring at 22.6 points a game.

2. On Sunday, Erie plays at Iowa and will see a familiar face in Othyus Jeffers. He hit the game winner to beat Erie earlier this year. A 2009 D-League All-Star, the 6-foot 5-inch forward is averaging 19.6 points for the Central Division leading Energy (22-14).

3. On Wednesday, Austin's Marcus Williams comes to town to lead one of the best teams in the D-League in Austin (25-14). The 6-foot 7-inch forward is seventh in the D-League in scoring at 22.7 points. Not shooting great from deep, but he can score.

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Williams had 19 points on 5-of-16 shooting and 10 rebounds in Austin's loss against Erie last December. He was 9-of-10 from the free throw line.

Earlier this week, the D-League provided its top 10 stories of the 2008-09 season.

Pretty interesting story lines. Erie is part of the last item listed that talks about how the league has expanded.

I understand grouping the BayHawks with Reno and the league's latest addition - Portland, Maine - but how does a team that lost eight in a row only to win eight in a row and put itself in playoff position like Erie not have a separate item?

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Maureece Rice and the BayHawks have won 11 of their last 12 games.