Well, we've already got the big news out -- Blake Ahearn gets called up to the Spurs. Spurs win. Coincidence? No.

Since cuts probably won't be made for a couple days in the D-League camps, we'll look at some guys we haven't talked about in those camps, the allocations.

My boys in Bakersfield have got an early Thanksgiving present from Coach Nelson at Golden State, receiving his opening night point guard, DeMarcus Nelson, and a big 4 in Richard Hendrix.  See, I'd call it an early Christmas present, but I'm assuming they'll get one of those as well, as rumor is up to SEVEN NBA guys could see time with Coach Roth and Deane Martin down in Bakersfield. Bakersfield, from Cellar to Stellar, write it down. 

 Fella's get back to me on what your starting lineup looks right now, but this is my guess.  Mateen running the point, Jeff Trepagnier at the 2, Terrance Thomas at the 3, Richard Hendrix at the 4 and Nick Lewis at the 5?  That would have an NBA guy coming off the bench (Which isn't likely, but did happen to McRobert's in Idaho last year) and Trey Johnson as well, who was a last cut of the Suns.  I see a trade coming, Trey for a legit 5.  

That is unless David Hefferhoffer as Coach Roth so eloquently referred to him in his most recent podcast, can keep playing well.  Come on Vance, as VP of Communications, I'm putting it on you to get Coach to say the right names.  The podcast was also brought to us by San Joaquin hospital, which is helping Coach Roth get as svelte as possible (Love that word Vance, if only you could have helped Roth on the names!)  

I should also point out that the Toros got the Big Yawn, Ian Mahinmi, and Utah got JR Giddens.  I expect both of those teams to get plenty more help as well, same as last season.

Camp's haven't even started yet and this seasons already become exciting.  Over the past couple of days, three trades have been announced.

Dontell Jefferson (Dakota) for Denham Brown (Utah) -- This trade fills a need for both teams and I honestly don't know who got the better deal.  Utah needed experience and to solidy their backcourt, and Dontell, over the past two seasons, has been a solid D-League player and already has a D-League championship.  Denham Brown will is a great player with NBA experience and will be either the best sixth man in the D-League or an excellent insurance policy if Renaldo Major, who didn't play at all last season following heart surgery, isn't healthy.

Dwayne Mitchell (Iowa) for Patrick Sanders (Los Angeles) -- Wow is LA strong.  With Dwayne Mitchell, Joe Crawford, and Brandon Heath, they have three solid players that were in LA camp.  Patrick Sanders is a rookie out UC-Irvine, where he averaged 15 points a game last season.

Keith Closs (Tulsa) for Antoine Jordan (Idaho) -- I love Keith Closs.  Apparently Brandon Barnett and the 66ers do not.  Antoine Jordan was a fourth round pick  that averaged 13 points playing in the Netherlands last season.  I would rather have K-Closs who could average three blocks a game while he smokes cigarettes on the bench.

Coach Roth and Vance Palms, Bakersfield's VP of Communications, Grade their draft, which was held at Buck Owens Crystal Palace (which sounds amazing), an A or a B.  While it's tough to really know how good anybody's draft was at this stage, I would concur that there draft was a solid B, as their first five picks all seem like they have a pretty good shot at making the league, if not the Jam.  Also, I'd like to give a shout out to Vance, who calls up a  "Highly respected" blog!

President Potter also gave us his take on the Mad Ants draft over on his NBA.com blog.  Though he didn't put a letter grade on the draft, he felt like they filled their needs, and with 4 guys coming back, that's a solid start.  Potter's Mad Ants are also getting some pub around the internet after TrueHoop mentioned Coleman Collin's mishap with the deer Friday night.  

TrueHoop has been doing a lot of good stuff on the D-League lately, starting Friday with an interview with Chris Alpert, and then an interview with former D-League stud Mike Taylor, now with the Clippers.  Props to Kevin Arnovitz, whose been filling in for Henry Abbott recently.  

So, we're about 18 days, 22 hours, 34 minutes, and 47 seconds until the D-League season starts (Thanks, D-League.com!)  Anyway, let's look at each teams roster post-draft to better evaluate how each team drafted. I should really wait to do this tomorrow in case some trades went down that we didn't catch, but I'll update this to reflect that if they happen.  Also, quick note, every center able to be drafted, was drafted. Dear Mr. Alpert, I think we need to sign more 5's for next year!

This might be something you print out and read when you have about two hours to kill... Went a little longer than planned, but all good stuff, I guarantee it.  If you don't think so, E-Mail me (Check my profile) and I will promptly get you a refund.

Tulsa, with the number one overall pick, picked Chris Richard.  Like many teams, it looks like they aren't too concerned with having a center, preferring to go with two big forwards in Richard and Ryan Humphrey, a first round pick of the Jazz in 2002.  From there, it looks like returning guard Russell Carter will play at the point, Jeremy Kelly at the 2, and Terrell Everett at the 3. I expect Chris Ellis (returning)  and Mikheil Berishvili to also be guaranteed spots, with the rest up in the air.  With whoever comes back in the trade of Keith Closs, that player could leave just one spot open for the rest of the players, depending on what the 66ers are getting in return.

Colorado, where is Elton Brown?  Where is Eddie Gill?  I assume at least Eddie will join them soon.  If not, it looks like they'll be led by the tandem of James Mays (Great pick considering he was one of the last cuts of neighboring Denver!) and Josh Davis at the 3 and 4, with random fillers in between.  If both Elton and Eddie come back, WATCH OUT!  The 14ers drafted two of the better point guards in the draft in Marlon Parmer and John Gilchrist, along with rookie Trey Gilder, a skinny 6'9 post, these are my picks to most likely make the team.  It looks like Joe Dabbert, who I'm fairly sure his middle name is Barry, as it rings so well, will play the center for them. I'm not sure why he was allocated to them, as he didn't go to school in Colorado, nor has he ever played for them, but being allocated a decent 5 is always good!  I'm also fairly certain Eric Osmundson makes the team, as he's my favorite player ever out of UPenn and has played with them the past two seasons. Jamar Brown, a local guy out of Colorado State also will more than likely make it, being a big in this league not so full of bigs.

Idaho looks strong, as they have been since entering the D-League.  Coach Gates always seems to put together a good team, and this year shouldn't be any different.  They brought Randy Livingston off the court and onto the coaching staff, though his replacement is the very capable, and more than likely redshirt-rookie, Jamaal Tatum, their first round pick last year.  They also return Air Georgia Brent Petway and were allocated former BSU Broncos Coby Karl and Reggie Larry.  With first round pick and former Bobcat Jermareo Davidson,  this team has a chance of repeating.  Add in Ernest Scott, who played 40 games with the Stampede last season, big-man Anthony Coleman, and rookie guard Lanny Smith, and this is one of the top teams in the D-League.

Sioux Falls is VERY VERY VERY strong.  Wow.  Veteran leadership? Check. Point guard Frank Williams played parts of 3 seasons in the NBA and averaged 16 points with the Skyforce two seasons ago.  NBA talent? Check! Bobby Jones has played for approximately 47 teams over the last two seasons. Size? You betcha! 7-1 Frankenstein-like Chris Alexander was the last cut of the Thunder in October and averaged 12 and 12 last season for the Skyforce.  Good wings?  Two of them! First round pick Gary Forbes and returning Carl Elliott are both all around players that will fill in and do everything that the aforementioned players don't.  Add in draft picks Michael Adams (who isn't good, but is big!), Keith Brumbaugh (averaged 35 points, 8 boards, 6 assists last season in college), Ty Morrison, a 6'8 rookie combo forward,  and either rookie Gary Ervin (Arkansas) or the vet Brock Gillespie, and this will be a team to reckon with.

Bakersfield, do I think even you guys have a strong team? Yes, I sure do! Wait, even when your top 3 players are returning from a season where you finished 11-39?!? Scary, but yes, and not just because Gates Roth and Deane Martin are running the show.  Mateen "I'm Not Cryin" Cleaves at the point, Jeff Trepagnier at the 2, Derrick Byars at the 3, Richard Hendrix at the 4, and Nick Lewis at the 5, and this team is scary.  Factor in Justin Reed returning in about a month and Trey Lewis coming off the bench, and this team will be 7-deep solid!  Terrance Thomas, who played with Fort Worth a couple seasons ago, and David Berghoefer, a soft big man who averaged 11 and 11 over in Germany last year should also make the rotation.

Fort Wayne, I really hope you do well. Bringing back Ron Howard, fresh off a preseason campaign with the Bucks, along with Walker Russell, a strong backcourt is imminent.  The front court, however, is suspect.  If first round pick Coleman Collins is as careless on the court as he is when driving, you're in trouble (Just kidding Mad Ants! Hopefully we're still friends!).  If I learned I was going to be a Mad Ant, I'd be excited too.  I like Torree Morris too, mostly because he's 6-10 in a division that includes Courtney Sims, Chris Alexander, and hopefully, for Erie's sake, a big man from the Cavs.  Anthony Kyle is fun to watch and should make the team as the backup point guard he's destined to be.  Shawn Hawkins should also be a good player for the Ants. Eric Smith, who I believe was referred to exclusively as "Spider" on all of your radio broadcasts last season (New radio guy for the Mad Ants this year for anyone that wasn't a fan of them last year!), should also be consistent off the bench.

Erie, I'm sorry, but I'm just not a fan of your drafts.  First, you inexplicably drafted Idaho assistant coach  Randy Livingston in the expansion draft, among about 7 other guys that had no plans to play in the D-League this season and Jeff Hagen.  Then, in this draft, you take the enigmatic Erik Daniels a combo forward, when it was fairly clear that a big man was in your NEEDS column after the only guy you picked up in the expansion draft, Jackie Manuel, plays the same position.  In the second round, you took Taj McCullough, a Winthrop grad and combo forward.  You also bring in Manuel.  By my count, that's three guys who are best suited to play the 3, and are also your three top players.  You never did draft anyone taller than 6'8.  Hopefully Cleveland really likes your pick up of Vernon Hamilton, who was in Cavs camp this preseason, and sends JJ Hickson or Darnell Jackson down to help.  Jawad Williams is also a possibility, but I'd assume they'd rather cut him then assign him to the D-League, as he's nothing special to develop. They did draft two of the greater names in the draft though in Cliff Clinkscales and Xavier Whipple, so hats off to you, Erie Bayhawks.

Anaheim, I like your team.  Good first three picks in NBA vet Tierre Brown, Flight White, and rookie Roy Bright (Another Delaware State guy, just former D-League stud Jeremy Richardson).  Good returnees in Mario Boggan and Mike Efevberha.  Good allocated guys in Cedric Bozeman, Noel Felix, and T.J. Cummings, son of Terry (Be careful googling him.. NSFW!).  Also, good job drafting four bigs! I hope that was due in part to the genius of new assistant Paul Mokeski, as pictured here in his younger days (Courtesy of The Sports Hernia Blog):

Utah had a decent draft.  Bringing in Dontell Jefferson, bring back Brian Jackson, and drafting a couple legit rookies in Gavin Grant and Bennet Davis will help.  If Kevin Kruger decides to come back to the D-League, this team is solid.  If not, hopefully Utah and Boston help out, as your bench looks weak.  Marcus Malone, how did you drop to the tenth round?  Please prove me wrong in camp, as I thought you looked good down in Vegas.

Reno, big ups.  Like what you did in the expansion draft.  Damone Brown, Tony Gipson, Andre Patterson, Jesse Smith, and Jamaal Smith are all solid players that can contribute.  In the regular draft, not so much. Antonio Meeking, who, as Matt pointed out, apparently added an inch and dropped 30 pounds, though I highly doubt this.  Russell Robinson will be able to run your offense, but don't expect points out of him, as I would assume another Kansas alum, Dakota Wizards GM Tom Wagganer, could beat him at a game of PIG.  Sung-Yoon BANG! should be solid, but unspectacular, as seasoning in Korea couldn't have helped him much since averaging 12 points with the Roanoke DAZZLE a few years ago. 

Dakota Wizards, you're good, but guard heavy.  With Mo Baker and Blake Ahearn, they've got to have one of the best backcourts in the league, if not the best.  Renaldo Major will be returning from heart surgery and if he can return to his Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All D-League, he'll more than likely earn another call-up.  The trade for Denham Brown will be excellent insurance if Renaldo isn't completely ready, and if he is ready, Brown will be one of the top guys coming off the bench in the league.  That's four guys with NBA experience.  Add Will Frisby, who was a beast last year when he got the minutes, and if he can stay out of foul trouble, he'll get the minutes, and Quemont Greer, who was with the Wizards two years ago when he averaged 17 points and 6 boards during the championship season, and the returnees are good. Then we get to Marcus Hubbard, the last cut of the Hawks this season (Peachtree Hoops wasn't big on him), will more than likely be one of the top athletes in the league and hopefully improves his basketball IQ.  The Wizards are lacking on a center, but between Aaron Spears or Brad Stricker and possible NBA assignee Hamed Haddadi, they'll have the size to compete.  Don't rule out a return of Too Much Rod Benson, either, who is averaging just 10 minutes and 2 points per game overseas while I assume he is getting paid a bit more than his production warrants.

RGV, not so sure about you guys.  First, I really wish you would have dropped the E in Grande, or decided to pronounce it GronDay.  Your best returner is Trent Strickland, and though he averaged 13 points last season, they weren't memorable.  Allocated guys Kendall Dartez, who has averaged 6 points and 4 boards in 40 D-League games, and Alton Ford, a guy with forgettable NBA experiences who is a lot like Antonio Meeking, are nothing special.  Your draftees are better, and include Smush Parker, who fell to the twelfth pick, and Delonte Holland, who I think should be a good D-League player.  I'm also looking forward to seeing what Alpha Bangura (Two guys were drafted with bang in their last name) can do in the D-League, as he's been stateside in the minors for awhile.

LA, you surprised me with your first round pick of Jasper Johnson.  I can't give a review of him, because I know NOTHING about him, though hear he was a good pick.  Keith Butler is really big, which goes a long way in this draft, and therefore a solid 2nd round pick.  The rest of your draft, not too much stands out.  Your returning player, Darren Cooper, not exciting.  Your allocated guys, however, are quite good.  Joe Crawford, Lakers last cut, stud.  Brandon Heath, another Lakers cut, should be good.  Patrick Sanders, the rookie, should play well.  Your local tryout guys are all D-League caliber, which is amazing, as I would have thought they would be in the player pool, rather than needing to go the way of the local tryout, especially since two have been drafted before -- Rashid Byrd, AKA Rashid Hartwick, AKA Seven and Sum Change and Ryan Forehan-Kelly.

Albuquerque, led by Coach Coffino, got the steal of the draft when David Noel dropped to the 12 spot.  They're also in contention for best backcourt in the draft, returning Will Conroy and Cheyne Gadson, as they both have NBA talent.  Cory Underwood, a former street baller, also returns after joining the Sixers preseason roster for a bit.  They drafted quite solid as well, bringing in David Monds, Waki Williams (Never seen him play, but with a name like Waki...), another long 4, and Kris Clack, who played with Austin a couple seasons ago.  They also brought in Eddie Robinson, who made 10 million dollars for NOT playing with the Bulls, as they bought out his contract, presumably because he was more focused on his acting career, being the lead in Juwanna Mann.

Iowa should be solid.  They return Dwayne Mitchell, who left to go overseas mid-season last year and was with the Lakers this preseason, and Courtney Sims, one of the top big men in the league.  Aristide "The Ostrich Riding Dawg" Sawadago was also apparently a big returner for them, as one team (I'll leave them anonymous) tried to draft him.  Curtis Stinson, a journeyman D-Leaguer who has played 50 games for five teams over the past two years, also returns.  In the first round, they drafted Cartier Martin, who sounds more like an alcoholic beverage than a D-League player, and followed that up with Larry AKA "Elias" or "Old Man" Ayuso, and then Othyus Jeffers, who will turn heads in the D-League.  They also drafted Oregon State rookie Marcel Jones, who is also apparently pretty good, as another team tried drafting him later.

Austin, I'm glad you got the last pick, otherwise, you'd be a lot scarier than you already are.  Returning Marcus Williams (Legitimate NBA player, not computer-steling-already-NBA-player-with-Golde-State-Marcus-Williams), and bringing in Charles Gaines and Malik Hairston, this teams 2,3,4 spots are probably the best in the D-League.  Add Squeaky Johnson and first round pick and this team is solid everywhere but the 5 spot, which is probably why they grabbed 6'10 Mohammed Abukar in the 2nd round.  They also got "Better Than" Ezra Williams and Michael Sturns, who were both good pickups in the 3rd and 5th rounds.  Add in the possible allocation of Ian Mahinmi, and wow.

I'll let Matt rebuttal, as I'm sure we differ, but I'm ranking the great 8 heading into camp:

1. Dakota -- Six returners, 4 guys with NBA experience, going to be great.

2. Austin -- If they get Mahinmi again, pencil them in for the championship.

3. Albuquerque -- Great backcourt, great front court, great team.

4. Idaho -- Won't fall off much from championship season.

6. Anaheim -- LOTS of NBA talent here.

7. Bakersfield -- Legit starting 5.

8. LA/Reno --  LA built from nothing getting lucky with allocations, Reno built from nothing using the expansion draft.

Okay folks, here's the action.

LIke we called it to start.

1. Tulsa 66ers: Chris Richard- Best overall prospect

2. Colorado 14ers: James Mays-

3. Idaho Stampede: Jamario Davidson

4. Sioux Falls Skyforce: Gary Forbes

5. Bakersfield Jam: Derrick Byars:

6. Fort Wayne Mad Ants: Coleman Collins

7. Erie Bayhawks: Erik Daniels: 6-8, PF, Kentucky.

8. Anaheim Arsenal: Tierre Brown

9. Utah Flash: Denham Brown

10. Reno Bighorns: Antonio Meeking: Listed at 250. LIE! 280.

11. Dakota Wizards: Marcus Hubbard

12. Rio Grande Valley: Smush Parker

13. Los Angeles Defenders: Jasper Johnson

14. Albuquerque Thunderbirds: David Noel: Albuquerque has the best backcourt in the league. Do they have enough bigs?

15. Iowa Energy: Cartier Martin

16. Austin Toros: Robert McKiver

17. Austin Toros: Muahmmad Akubar

18. Albuquerque Thunderbirds: David Monds

19. D-Fenders: Keith Butler: Can't coach size.

David Noel is plummeting. STILL PLUMMETING

via www.nba.com

Woohoo! After tonight we'll actually have rosters to discuss! Hurrah!

By the way, if you want to watch, the whole thing is on NBATV tonight starting at 7PM EST. They'll be streaming Rounds 2-10 online at D-League.com as well.

Talked to 66ers Basketball operations manager Brandon Barnett last night, and they were still waiting for the final list to decide. IF we hear anything, you'll be the first to know.

Also, spoke to Colorado Head Coach Bob MacKinnon. Again, you're not going to get the actual pick out of them, but he did give me his top players and they included Chris Richard, David Noel, Smush Parker, and James Mays.

Word has it there's a deal in the works to send Utah's pick to Dakota for Dontell Jefferson. Again, we'll keep you updated.

Consider this an open thread for any questions or comments.

We almost have rosters!

UPDATE 3:41EST: Couple of trade rumors out there. Utah is shopping their first round pick to Dakota for Dontell Jefferson. And the 66ers are asking for the Thunderbirds' second rounder for Keith Closs. Neither deal is done at this time.

Update: 4:28PM EST: Things are getting crazy. We hear Idaho and the 66ers, with the number one pick, are looking to trade. Sioux Falls should make a bid, as should Dakota. This might turn into the Chris Richard arms race.

Additionally, here's our preliminary mock of the top of the draft.

1.  Tulsa 66ers: James Mays: We can't believe it ourselves, but this is what we're hearing was last reported. 1 and 2 are almost locks, consider them the Beasley-Rose of the D-League Draft. (Update: We're hearing rumors that Tulsa is looking to trade their first rounder. Dakota's got the most assets, but there are a few others that could do so as well.)

2. Colorado Chris Richard: D-League vet. Everyone loves him. Almost made Minnesota's roster. Huge talent but also likely to be gone in a call-up.

3. Idaho Stampede: David Noel: This guy could go high as 1, low as 6. Consider him the OJ Mayo of the draft. 

4.Sioux Falls Skyforce: Jamareo Davidson- We here this is a lock.

5. Bakersfield: If Noel or Mays make it this far, this is where they're going.If not, look for Derrick Byars. Experience, experience, experience to complement Justin Reed, nursing a foot injury.

6. Fort Wayne Mad Ants: Smush Parker- It's Smush, but top point guards are hard to find. It'll be interesting to see if the Mad Ants try and replace Samb with another big.

Here's some other general observations. 

Big men are in short supply.

Here's the final draft list:

Alright, now we know what teams have which players coming back.  Frankly, I'm a little excited.  Here are my quick thoughts.. More likely coming once the final player list is out.

First off, looks like there could be a lot of good teams returning good players:

Albuquerque could same noise with Will Conroy, a former NBAer, along with NBA camp guys Cheyne Gadson and Cory Underwood, who apparently blogs. Though Anaheim got Cedric Bozeman, a former T-Bird, which I thought was interesting.

Anaheim brings back Mario Boggan and Mike Efevberha, who both played in a few games with the Arsenal last year, along with Noel Felix and Cedric Bozeman, both former D-League guys.  

Austin brought back Marcus Williams and added Malik Hairston and Charles Gaines.  Both Hairston and Gaines were in camp with the Spurs last month.  They also brought in Tack Minor from local tryouts. I always thought Tack would be a stud at Georgia Tech, but never really panned out.

Bakersfield did alright for themselves, bringing back Mateen Cleaves and Trey Johnson to put together a solid back court and being allocated Jeff Trepagnier, whose been playing in Europe since 2004 after a season with the Nuggets. Not sure why Trepagnier was allocated to Bakersfield as he went to school at USC (located in LA, where there's also a D-League team).  Never been a fan of Nick Lewis.

Colorado was allocated Josh Davis and Joe Dabbert, two good players, but not sure why both went to Colorado.  Dabbert played for Sioux Falls in the CBA, and Josh Davis has played a few seasons with Idaho.  Neither went to school in Colorado.

Dakota returned 7 guys from the past two seasons, four from the 2006-07 season when they won the D-League championship.  As it looks right now, there isn't a deeper backcourt in the D-League, as Ahearn and Baker have both played in the NBA, and Jefferson was one of the last cuts in the Clippers camp. Throw in David Bell and don't expect Coach Ticknor to take too many guards on draft day.

First off, I encourage you to get out and vote, as this is the biggest election in awhile, ever for myself. Don't care who, don't care why, just do it.  Even if it's a write-in candidate.  If it is a write-in, go with Jeff Potter, who is already a president, and maybe back him up with Coach Roth, who, though, not as tech savvy as I initially thought, is on the cutting edge, doing the whole video-podcast thing every Monday (New one's up).  Potter-Roth '08.  I'd give Dan Reed a nod as he is the D-League president, but he's doing his thing with the D-League and I enjoy it.

Alright, the main reason for this post was to look at some of the veteran talent out there. With John Lucas III being released today, there are about 75 guys out there, available, just from the NBA camps.  From there, when adding Summer League guys and other minor league guys  there's another 100+ guys out there without a contract, that didn't play in the D-League last year.  Add to that the random ex NBAer nobody would expect coming back from overseas for another shot (a la Jelani McCoy), and there's a pretty solid amount of guys that could be drafted this year.  Some of my favorites are obviously pretty well known, but for the next few days, I'll highlight some guys I know will be in the draft (According to Coach Roth's podcast, there's 220 guys in.. My list consists of 250ish, but I don't have the roster of guys that showed up at the pre-draft camp) and some I hope will be in the draft (For both my sake and theirs).

Let's let the fun begin by looking at some of the bigger names for possible veterans:

Chris Richard and Jermareo Davidson -- Obviously wouldn't be smart heading overseas, as they are young bigs that can rebound, play defense, and have NBA experience playing with the Timberwolves/Bobcats last season and this preseason.  I would be SHOCKED, SHOCKED I TELL YOU if they arenn't in the draft and top ten picks... I know one of them is in the pool.

Cedric Bozeman -- Bozeman played for Albuquerque two seasons ago between stints in the NBA and overseas and played this summer with the Lakers summer league team down in Vegas.  Since he's back in the states after playing mediocrely (let me know if this is a word. Thanks in advance) at best in Poland, I wouldn't be surprised to see him try his hand at the D-League again, hoping to make an NBA roster.  The big question is would he be allocated to Albuquerque since he played there two years ago?  Would he be allocated to Los Angeles since he went to school at UCLA and played for their Summer League team this season?  Will he even be allocated?  I'd love to let you know, but the allocation process is, to my knowledge, not defined, so to my knowledge it's basically up to the discretion of Mr. Reed and his minions.  I have found this article, written by the great (And not just because he got me a 50 cent pay raise to keep me from dipping below minimum wage) Wizards beat writer Lou Babiarz of the Bismarck Tribune, where he gives a decent look at the allocation process and its precedents, among other things.

Coby Karl -- Obviously another good known commodity for the D-League, though his dad, Coach George Karl, told the Denver Post "I don't think there's a rush to make a decision — in a week or 10 days, we'll evaluate the D-League, evaluate the NBA possibilities, evaluate Europe. It's all part of the equation. Whatever he decides, I want him to be a committed, passionate player in the next year. If he shows this, his talents will come to the surface and he'll have another opportunity to make the league."  Come on Coach Karl, if you guys wait that long, he won't get drafted, then he'll go in the available player pool, then who knows what will happen!

Jared Jordan -- Jordan went to Marist. You know who else went to Marist? The Dunking Dutchman Rik Smits. Fran Fraschilla wondered aloud if he's the next John Stockton.  His dad's name is Michael Jordan.  SI also gushed about him before last years NBA draft here.  He belongs, he's destined, to play in the NBA, and after getting cut by the Hornets this preseason, his best option is the D-League. 

Jackie Butler -- Though I don't know what he's been doing with his life since not making it out of camp with the Rockets last season, I think the D-League would be a step in the right direction for this guy.  He was undrafted out of high school, played in the CBA and got on with the Knicks toward the end of the season (I believe was the last call-up non-D-League, coincidentally). He played 2005-06 with the Knicks, got in 11 games with the Spurs in 2006-07, apparently sat out last season and was signed with the Bobcats for Summer League this year, but never played (Don't remember if he was even there).  According to USBasket, his agent is Keith Glass, and I liked his book, so hopefully he knows what he's doing.

Justin Williams -- Williams was a top 5 pick in the 2006 D-League draft, and would be worth a high pick in this years draft as well.  A stud in his short time in the D-League, he averaged 13 points, 13 boards, and over 3 blocks in his 12 games, playing just 32 minutes a game.  Once again, the allocation rule takes effect here: If he's in the pool, is he allocated to the Dakota Wizards, the only non-NBA, non-college team he's ever played for?  I'll have to track down someone at the D-League to find out if they can give me something to off of for this.  

Renaldo Major -- Major is another one of the will he/won't he's of the NBA D-League allocation process.  Since he didn't play in the D-League last year, the Wizards technically no longer have his rights.  But since he came back last season and just hung out in Bismarck after having open heart surgery for the last couple months of the season, I think he would qualify as having regional significance, having won a championship in Dakota, being called up to Golden State from Dakota, and coming back to Bismarck last season with no real intentions of playing.

Josh Davis -- I've always liked Josh Davis.  Apparently I like guys from the U of Wyoming because both he and Williams attended school there.  He's played in parts of two seasons when the Idaho Stampede were still in the CBA along with parts of three seasons in the NBA.  The last two years have been spent overseas in Russia and Ukraine, before playing with the Blazers summer league team, where he averaged 9 points, 7 boards and a block in their first three games before playing just 16 minutes combined in their final two games.

And just for fun...

Darius Miles -- We all know the story on Miles.  What I'm wondering is what would happen if he plays 10 games in the D-League this year?  Is he still suspended for his first ten games if it's the D-League?  I don't know, but I think the Blazers fans would be interested in knowing this as well, as it basically determines their cap space future. And, if this is all possible, wouldn't it be fun if the 66ers, OKC's team, signed him, reviving some rivalry that was lost when the Sonics were moved?

Anaheim and Reno have, in the past week, signed their assistants, as Paul Mokeski has joined Anaheim and Reno hired three assistants.  Here's a look at the coaching staffs that have changed in the league this year:

Albuquerque

Albuquerque, after the signing of Jeff Ruland by the Sixers, Albuquerque made the decision to go with John Coffino, Ruland's assistant for the past three seasons.  Coach Coffino's assistants are former NBA players Darvin Ham, who was the TBirds first round pick last year, and Dean Garrett, who retired with Golden State in 2002.

Anaheim

Anaheim brought back Sam Vincent, who was the head coach of the NBA's Bobcats last year, and former D-League head coach, most recently with Fort Worth during the '05-06 season.  His assistant will be Paul Mokeski, who was an assistant under Vincent last season with the Bobcats, and all-around stud.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield underwent a head coaching change mid-season last year when Jim Harrick retired and they brought Scott Roth in from the Bucks staff.  This year, Roth is still around, and has added Dean Martin as an assistant, who was also involved with the Bucks during Roth's time there.  Martin was with the Dakota Wizards last season as an assistant coach.

Colorado

After Head Coach Joe Wolf got called up to the Bucks in the offseason (Wow, Milwaukee sure loves the D-League), the 14ers have hired Bob MacKinnon as head coach.  He was most recently a scout with the Lakers and an assistant with the Marshall basketball team.  I am under the assumption that Casey Owens remains the teams assistant.

Dakota

The Wizards and Head Coach Duane Ticknor, after Dean Martin moved on to the Jam, hired former Wizards player and assistant Kevin Rice.  Rice is highly regarded and helped the Wizards to a championship while they were in the IBA.

Erie

The Bayhawks hired John Treloar, most recently an assistant with LSU and also a former head coach in the CBA.  Coach Treloar's assistant will be Ben McDonald, who was last coaching under Mike Davis in Indiana, from 2001-2004, with Treloar also assisting Davis.

Idaho

Idaho's on-court leader for the last few seasons, Randy Livingston, retired from leading the players on the court and will join Coach Brian Gates on the bench this season.  Former Tulsa assistant Joel Abelson has also joined Coach Gates' staff.

Reno

Reno hired Jay Humphries as its head coach.  Humphries was an assistant with the Suns last season.  They've also hired three assistants: Tom Abatemarco, an assistant with the WNBA's Monarchs the past three seasons, Jason Glover, who last coached in 2004 at Dixie College, and Todd Okeson, who graduated from Nevada-Reno in 2004.

Rio Grande Valley

The Vipers hired Clay Moser as their head coach.  Moser was most recently an advance scout for the Orlando Magic.  RGV's assistant will be Robert Pack, who had a 13-year NBA career.

Tulsa

Tulsa hired Paul Woolpert from the defuct Yakama Sun Kings of the CBA, where he was coach of the year for the past two seasons.  Tulsa's assistant is also from the CBA, as Greg Minor was the assistant coach for the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry, CBA champions.

Taking a page from the Nightmare Ant's Boss, Mr. Jeff Potter himself, today I've decided to look at what teams might look like regarding guys that could be coming back this year.  For this, I looked at everyone that played in the D-League last year to see where they're at this season.  If they're not overseas yet, I'm assuming it's because they are either still looking overseas, just came out of NBA camp, or are coming back to the D-League.  Obviously, all of the guys listed probably won't come back, but this is a list of guys that could possibly come back, though none of them confirmed.

ALBUQUERQUE

Albuquerque could return a good team this year, with four possible starters that haven't signed overseas yet in Will Conroy, Cheyne Gadson, Kevin Pittsnogle, and Cory Underwood.  Though Gadson and Underwood were both in NBA camp and thus haven't had as long to decide, I think it'd be wise for both to come back to the D-League.  Julius Hodge has said his plans don't include the D-League this season, or else, legitimately, they could return a starting five.  Daryl "Majic" Dorsey and Ramon Dyer are also still unsigned overseas.

ANAHEIM

Anaheim could also return a pretty good team this year, with Kedrick Brown, Mario Boggan, and Noel Felix all currently unsigned overseas.  If the Arsenal wanted to play small ball, that could be one of the top front courts in the D-League.  Terrence Crawford and Ejike Ugboaja could also come back.  If they can find a good backcourt in the draft, this could be a pretty strong team.

AUSTIN

Austin, thanks to their affiliation with the Spurs, could be a very solid team this season.  They had three guys in NBA camps that could come back, with Darius Washington, Marcus Williams, and DerMarr Johnson.  Add to that recent Spurs cut rookie Malik Hairston, and once again, the Toros could look really good this season.  Filter in some solid back ups like Serge Angounou, Eric Dawson, and Justin Bowen, and they'll almost certainly be one of the top teams in the D-League.

BAKERSFIELD

Bakersfield could return seven guys this season.  Though the Jam weren't a great team last year, with a possibility of seven guys coming back, Coach Roth's team could improve a lot on last season.  Mateen Cleaves, Trey Johnson and Justin Reed both were in NBA camp, and Cleaves have been known to head overseas, so he's pretty questionable.  Reed, however, would be wise to stick in the D-League and get back up to the NBA.  Trey Johnson, though he didn't show much with the Jam last season, is a phenomenal scorer and got a shot with Phoenix, though didn't stick.  Other possibles are Scooter McFadgon, Donell Williams, Richard Andrews, and Nick Lewis.

COLORADO

While the 14er's don't look like they have too many options on returning players, the players they can return are some of the best in the D-League.  Eddie Gill, last years number one pick and recently cut by the Nets, and Elton Brown, stud bigman who was in Bulls camp this preseason, could both return and hope that they get their shot at the NBA once again.  The rest of the possibilities are not as promising, however, with Damien Lolar, Eric Osmundson, Roderick Riley, and 33 year-old John Thomas.

DAKOTA

Once again, it looks like Dakota could return a very good team.  Last year, they returned four starters from a championship team in Mo Baker, Dontell Jefferson, Kevin Lyde, and Rod Benson.  This year, it looks like two of those guys, Baker and Jefferson, could return again, along with Will Frisby, Blake Ahearn, David Bell, David Palmer, and Mike Peeples.  I also assume that they will bring Renaldo Major back from their championship season, as he spent last year out of basketball recovering from open heart surgery.

ERIE

Erie did not have the best expansion draft, as it looks like the only two guys that are available right now are Jackie Manuel and Jeff Hagen.  I hope Coach Treloar drafts better Friday, as his picks in the expansion draft, especially Randy Livingston, assistant to Coach Gates out in Idaho, strike me as puzzling at best.

FORT WAYNE

Since Jeff Potter went over this in his blog, I'll make it quick.  Coach Jaren Jackson looks like he'll have something to build on this year, as the Mad Ants are hoping to return Ron Howard, a recent cut by the Bucks, along with Walker Russell Jr, Eric Smith, and Anthony Kyle.  Unfortunately, Rod Wilmont headed back overseas, as he recently signed with a team in Turkey.

IDAHO

Idaho, champions from a year ago, could return almost the entire nucleus of the team, save for now-assistant coach Livingston.  The Stampede had Luke Jackson, Brent Petway, Lance Allred, and Jamaal Tatum (first round pick last year, though never played) in NBA camps.  If they're able to return them, along with Rob Bergersen, Jason Ellis, and Ricky Sanchez.

IOWA

The Energy could also return a very strong team, anchored by three guys recently cut from their NBA camp teams.  Darryl Watkins, Dwayne Mitchell, and Courtney Sims would all return to Iowa if they don't sign overseas.  These three, along with Doug Thomas, Curtis Stinson, and Aristide Sawadago, could provide a solid base to build around and improve on last years showing, especially since Mitchell, Watkins, and Sims all only played with Iowa for only part of their seasons last year.

LOS ANGELES

The D-Fenders could return three guys from last years team, highlighted by Jelani McCoy, recently cut by the Clippers and Devin Green, who was with the Spurs this preseason. The third option, Darren Cooper, doesn't excite me quite as much.

RENO

As it stands, it looks like Reno drafted very well.  Though none of their players were in NBA camps, it looks as though nine of their ten drafted players are currently not-signed overseas.  Damone Brown looks like he might return once again to the D-League, as he's played in parts of five D-League seasons.  He's atop the leaderboard in the following D-League categories: 5th most minutes played, 11th most games played, 11th in rebounds, 6th in points, 12th in steals, and 16th in blocks.  Quite the D-League careeer.  Last season, after just six games with Sioux Falls, he headed overseas, and I wouldn't be surprised if once again he doesn't make it the whole year in the D-League.  Hopefully he sticks around for a call-up rather than overseas this year, though.  

They also could return Tony Gipson, a guard that played well for Dakota last season after all of their other guards went to the NBA or overseas, Jesse Smith, a big man that averaged 9 points and 7 boards for RGV last season, and Larry Turner, a young big that was Fort Wayne's first round pick last year.  Other players include Jamaal Thomas, Andre Patterson, Davin White, Mustafa Al-Sayyad, and Al Neale, who didn't play anywhere last year.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

The Vipers could return a lot of guys, but not many of note.  Gabe Muoneke, who went overseas early in last years D-League season, is the best possible player.  Chris Taft, if healthy, could also be a good returning player.  Besides those two, however, the talent is quite as strong, including Stanley Asumnu, Quin Humphrey, Trent Strickland, Craig Winder, and Kris Collins.

SIOUX FALLS

The Skyforce, if everyone comes back to the D-League, could be the strongest team of returning players.  The possible players they could return are Kasib Powell, last years MVP, Chris Alexander, a big man that was a last cut by the formerly known as Seattle Supersonics, Bobby Jones, a stud  that should come back to the Skyforce before getting called up by his 57th team in the last three years, and Carl Elliott, who, behind Mike Taylor, would have got my vote for rookie of the year for guys that played the entire D-League season last year, not to mention Nik Caner-Medley, who looked like he could have a strong season before going overseas after just six games last season.  Other players include Milone Clark, Michael Joiner, and Ronald Allen.

TULSA

Tulsa could return the oldest team in the league, with Derrick Dial and Keith Closs both being possible returnees to the D-League.  Besides that, however, not too many players that can contribute a lot to the 66ers, as other possibles include Russell Carter, Chris Ellis, and Jeremy Kelly.

UTAH

Last, but not least, comes the Flash.  They could return the majority of their team from last year, including Kevin Kruger, who was recently cut by the Bucks, Brian Hamilton, a recent cut by the Nets, and Brian Jackson, one of the more consistent players in the D-League over the past three seasons.  Other possible players that could come back include Andre Ingram, John Millsap (Jazz's Paul Millsap's brother), Garry Hill-Thomas, BIG man James Lang, Aleksandar Ugrinoski, and Britton Johnsen.  A starting lineup including Kruger,  Hamilton, Jackson, Johnsen and Lang would be very good.

I'm hoping to do some profiles of some of the veteran guys that could be in the draft pool Friday, so look forward to those throughout the week.  Let me know who you think might be the strongest coming back this year as well.