Idaho Statesman: New format for D-League playoffs a gimmick - and sloppy

"Idaho managing investor Bill Ilett, whose team leads the West Division, would favor picking a playoff team from his division (i.e., saving money).

Good for him.

Coach Bryan Gates wants to pick marbles out of a hat. And he wants to put the event on a Web cam so everyone knows what he's doing (i.e., not providing motivation for the ugly kid).

Good for him. Bad for the league."

The first bad thing I've seen about the new playoff format in something other than RU.

almost 2 years ago Scott Schroeder 4 comments 0 recs |

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This "pick your poison" program is kind of hoky...

…although siding with our local sports editor makes me slightly queasy.

If it means one more $ to the Stamps they will choosing Utah arriving in rental vans, no matter how many Jazz players they have playing for them.

by Rumble on Mar 12, 2025 6:32 PM EDT reply actions

Would that be such a bad team?

I would assume that in Idaho, like Dakota, a closer rival might be a benefit in the playoffs. Not only with it being cheaper, but it should draw a better crowd. I’d take a better atmosphere with a good rivalry any day.

Ridiculous? I think Not.
Upside? Plenty.
RidiculousUpside

by Scott Schroeder on Mar 12, 2025 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

As it stands today I would say your assumption is...

…incorrect. I think Utah could/should be the rival but outside of geographic relationship there is nothing that ties these two teams together. Utah staff is classy and friendly and the players don’t seem to be particularly chippy. Remember there is no long term (CBA style) history in Utah.

Reno is another one that could eventually reach “rival” status but again, no real history between the two.

Where is Yakima when you need them?

As for the better crowd, if the Flash owner does not bring his posse up I would say we would be in the range of 15 Utah fans making the trek.

I am not choosing but I would take the “easiest” match-up any day of the week. Best chance to live and fight another day…

by Rumble on Mar 13, 2025 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Good Point

I was looking at it more from the Dakota standpoint. I think even if Sioux Falls was assigned an all-star team of Charlotte and Minnesota (Does that even scare people?), the Wizards would pick Sioux Falls.
Of course, with that, we’d be looking at the fact they’ve been playing quite a few games against each other for the past 10 years.
It’s too bad that Yakima’s still not around. They didn’t even field a CBA team this year (though that was probably a good decision…)

Ridiculous? I think Not.
Upside? Plenty.
RidiculousUpside

by Scott Schroeder on Mar 13, 2025 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

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