I think there is always a transition period when you add someone like Larry Sanders from the NBA. The way this league works is that those guys have to play (especially we want them to play if we are going to keep receiving these NBA assignments), and the result of that is that guys who have been here and been getting minutes lose them. Wayne Chism and Anthony Kent were the clear victims of that last night, as they played few minutes. But, that is the way it goes, and, as well as Larry played, Joey would be crazy to not get as many minutes from him as he can while he is down here.
As for the game, I was really impressed with Rod Wilmont. He played his tail off on both ends of the court, and he hit the two big jumpers in OT to get us off to a quick lead after diving for the ball at the end of regulation to force overtime. Darnell Lazare is rock solid for us down low, and he continues to impress with a variety of post moves to help him score. Corey Allmond continues to gain in confidence and provide a perimeter threat in the game, and he hit the monster three to push the game into OT. Finally, Larry Sanders is clearly the best player we have ever had assigned to us. He was a huge deterrent in the middle, and he did a great job on the board.
We have another game tonight, and let's hope our guys come out and become the hammer, not the nail, from the very beginning. We need Walker to dictate tempo and keep them on their heels the entire time. Hope to see you out there tonight!
I would say the lack of energy and enthusiasm for 3 quarters was at the very least disappointing. Ecspecially for their first home game in a long time. I hope it didn't have to do with the empty stands. It would appear that Sanders is excited to make the most of his time in Fort Wayne which is great, however that ill-advised jumper late in the 4th quarter nearly cost us the game ( I think I saw coach Meyer pull his own hair out) and Sanders found a spot on the bench. It seems like we use some very questionable lineups at critical times during the game. We need to find some type of balance because I don't think were that far behind in the talent category. Hopefully they come out ready to play tonight and earn a decisive victory over an unworthy opponent......... on another note I wonder if you will consider playing at another venue next year after this years poor ticket sales. In my opinion playing every Sunday during football season doesn't help, nor does having to compete with Komets. The only good thing about playing in a large venue is that it increases our chances of hosting the showcase. I'm just frustrated to know that the talent pool is so high in the d-league and as competitive as minor league sports come but we cant sale any darn tickets. I hope we are exhausting every effort do so. I feel like our empty stadium depreciates the value of my season tickets.
ReplyDeleteThat was not a very good shot by Sanders, and we were very lucky to get out of the arena with a win. Credit to the team for battling through, and I am with you -- I think I could stand a decisive victory for once!
ReplyDeleteAs for playing in alternate venues, we have a lease with the Coliseum for next year, and we will be back there. I agree that our schedule is not the best, but our ticket sales are actually ahead of where we were last year. While it doesn't seem so after nights like last night, you must remember that this was a make up game, and we expected quite a drop off. And, yes, we make every effort to sell tickets.
As for the value of your season tickets, I respectfully disagree that there is any depreciation. Season tickets allow you to be a part of special benefits (reduced merchandise, special meet and greets, team gifts, etc), reduced per game price on tickets, and to sit in the same great seat every night to watch one of the best and most affordable shows in our city.
We are building a business here that we believe will be in Fort Wayne for years to come, and it is going to take time for this to build. But, rest assured, it will build, and I look forward to sharing those great times with our faithful fans like you!
I remember way back when they used to invite fans to move down a section to fill up the bottom part of the stadium, that at least helped with some crowd noise. Although this would not benefit me personally I think it looks silly to have empty courtside sections every night. Maybe you could make something available on the website that explains all the benefits of being a season ticket holder and how to access those benefits. Hell I rarely get a stat sheet at halftime any more with out asking.
ReplyDeleteFirst guy who posted...great post. I made a similar post as MONSTER on the newspaper site.
ReplyDeleteYou said everything I needed to say especially about ill-advised rosters at times and poor energy for most of the game. But boy did they turn it on.
And even if Corey had missed that shot, I still had fun. And that was something I WAS NOT having at Komet games while paying very high prices when the team was in that horrible UHL and new IHL. The Ants get my money now so I haven't been to a CHL game yet. The Ants are the best thing in town.
GET WHITMAN SOME MINUTES!
good game ants lets keep it up this could be the beginning of something sweeeetttttt....
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all you do, Monster!
ReplyDeleteReally nice win for the guys, and I thought it was good to see them enjoying themselves and rooting for each other as each shot went down. We are a half game out of the playoffs -- we need to get two in Dakota!
dont why the same person keeps raging on the komets on this blog. its two different sports and two completely different types of fans. i am a season ticket holder for both and i have a great time at both plus the ants would do well to follow some of the marketing and promotions that the komets use. as for haveing people move down, no thanks.. they do that all the time and ive yet had any of them behave properly or respect other fans. stay in your cheap seats. i even had a person sitting in my seats that had a ticket problem and he said its where the usher told him to sit and he wasnt moving. lots of laughs there!!!!
ReplyDeleteChuckitt, this is for you.
ReplyDeleteZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ