Seamen Explodes, Down 'Hot Shots'

The Dribbling Seamen took care of the Hot Shots on Sunday, winning with a decisive score of 58-28.  The game featured all around dominance, with the Seamen getting the first points of the game and never looking back.  The only tie of the game was at 0-0.

Team socks featured by tonight's player of
the game, Patrick Cristi.  Cristi owned the
3-point game, helping lead the Dribbling
Seamen to a 1-0 start.

Interview with Pat Cristi.

Interview with Aaron Ligeralde.

The sheer dominance in the opener gives the team and fans confidence headed further into the season.  The Seamen, who were able to completely and utterly shut down the Hot Shots big man and MVP, Tyler Oehmen, ran a spread out offense.  Not one player reached the 20 point mark, yet everyone had at least one bucket.

Headed into week two, the Dribbling Seamen are excited, but reserved.  After the game, team captain, head coach, general manager, and owner Caleb Wragge offered a plan of action.

"Hey the rest of the teams we play aren't going to be this bad," said Wragge.  "Some of these teams are actually good."

It will be crucial for the Dribbling Seamen to not get too ahead of themselves.  However, with Isaiah Acfalle officially under contract as of 6:15 p.m. today, it will make the battle an easier one.

The Seamen will return to the court next Sunday, schedule to be determined.

-30-

Dribbling Seamen Preview, Acfalle Update

Active Roster vs. Hot Shots

-Isaiah Acfalle, Shooting Forward

-Nick Anderson, Shooting Guard/Forward

-Patrick Cristi, Point Guard 

-Kevin Fitzgibbons, Power Forward

-Aaron Jay Ligeralde, Shooting Forward

-Patryk Misiewicz, Shooting Guard

-Jadelyn Rohach, Power Forawrd

-Sean Szarnych, Power Forward

-Molly Tranel, Center

-Caleb Wragge, Point/Shooting Guard, Power/Shooting Forward, Center, Team Captain

What 2 Watch 4

-Watch for the Seamen to burst out with the hot hand.  They may stick with the "Key 4" players that made up the practice group; Sean Szarnych, Patrick Cristi,  Caleb Wragge, and Aaron Ligeralde.  However, with the big splash of news the Seamen made today, be ready for their newest signee to step up right out of the gate.

-The team's female battalion has yet to be tested.  Look to see if Tranel stays strong in the paint and Rohach finds her drive through the lane.

-If Ligeralde heats up, you can mark a "W" in the win column.

-The team's defense, outside of Fitzgibbons, has nothing spectacular so far in preseason.  Unless that changes tonight, their weakness could be defending the deep jumpers.

-UPDATE 6:57 p.m: Shooting guard Misiewicz is a late scratch for tonight's game.  Reports is that Misiewicz is day to day with a sprained ear lobe and will have an MRI on Monday.

Acfalle Signs

After a holdout of over a month, Isaiah Acfalle finally signs with the Seamen.  The announcement, made just 75 minutes before tip-off comes as relief to fans and teammates alike.  Watch the press conference here.

Check back after the game for the recap and player interviews.

-30-

With Opening Night Looming, Seamen Wait With Anticipation

CUI basketball Opening Night is tonight and the Dribbling Seamen are anxious to hit the floor.  With two 20-minute halves awaiting them, one cannot help but wonder, are they ready?

Point guard Patrick Cristi announced publicly today that he is in fact active and will be ready to go tonight.  The assurance of having Cristi is something the Dribbling Seamen needed to have.  Forward Isaiah Acfalle's contract situation is still not yet resolved.  The NIA expects negotiations to carry on throughout the day and potentially up until just before tip-off.

As for fans, what should you expect from tonight?  Simply, the answer is a to expect some chaos.  As only four of the players have played together routinely, we don't know what will come with the other on the roster.  As much as team chemistry may be considered to some as overrated, it begs the question whether this team has chemistry and if they will be able to handle themselves.

Regardless, tonight out questions will be answered.   Be sure to check back to the NIA blog for a pregame analysis and a lost game recap featuring player interviews, analysis, and more.

Cristi Potential Scratch Sunday

Patrick Cristi, Asian, may not
play in Sunday's opener. 

Patrick Cristi, a point guard on the Dribbling Seamen, is a potential scratch for Sunday's game.

In a recent team meeting over dinner, a disagreement came across the tables in the Student Activity Center on the campus of Clarke University.  Cristi did not appreciate the comments being said regarding the game plan for Sunday made by Sean Szarnych and captain, owner, coach, and general manager Caleb Wragge.

Cristi, who was heard saying that he may have to show up to Sunday's game pulling a "D-Wade" by wearing a suit because he wouldn't be able to dress, had a very good mini-camp Friday morning.  However, the questions are now looming about his availability on Sunday.  The meeting concluded Friday afternoon when Cristi gathered his things and left.

With all the other player concerns, this does not bode well for the squad.  Though it does not seem that things will get any worse, Wragge had comment on the situation.

"We have already talked," said Wragge. "Their are no hard feelings."

Dribbling Seamen Opening Weekend Minicamp Series (Part 3 of 3)

Holdouts, Absence Create Hostility in Mini-Camp

During mini-camp, it became apparent that even with Caleb Wragge's best efforts, hostility from teammates has crept into camp.  Of the 10 players on the roster, only 4 showed up at camp on Friday.  I was able to catch up with Sean Szarnych during camp today.  Szarncyh was very straight forward and did not have anything to hide.  Clearly the frustration has set in on him, and likely more of the players.  Watch the interview below.

Wow.

New paragraph.  Wow.

"The other people think they're franchise players so they don't want to come.  They're like all Brett Favres."

~Sean Szarnych

Isaiah Acfalle has yet to make
it to Dribbling Seamen practice.

We could probably just end this post right here, but that's not why I get paid the big bucks.  Anyway, although the comments Szarnych made were verbally directed at the portion of the team not in attendance, reading through the lines a bit makes you wonder if he has someone in mind.  The NIA thinks so.

Isaiah Acfalle has yet to come to team practice and is the lone player holding out on his contract.  According to Wragge, he is holding out for more candy and has not yet accepted an offer for a box of tootsie pops.  What's more concerning for the squad, however, is that Acfalle's contract discussions are discouraging other teammates from showing up to practice.  Given that the NIA has only seen Wragge, Szarnych, Kevin Fitzgibbons, Patrick Cristi, and Aaron Ligeralde at Dribbling Seamen practices, we can begin to wonder of Acfalle's influence is affecting the rest of the team.  We will call this the Acfalle Effect.  

After failed attempts to get a hold of Acfalle, he eventually responded directing us to his agent, Joshua Bradshaw.  We had a discussion on the matter.


Naval Intramural Academy: Isaiah Acfalle has named you his agent. When his contract situation be resolved?

Joshua Bradshaw: We are currently trying to get his contract resolved however both sides don't seem to be coming to an agreement. My client isn't asking for much. He is of top level talent and he is only requesting what is fair to him. If both sides can't come to an agreement soon, I believe trading him will be the only viable option.

NIA: Where does Mr. Acfalle want to play? Does he want to retire a Dribbling Seaman?

JB: He wants to be with the Seaman. He wants to retire a Seaman. He wants to be the best Seaman to ever play. But if the front office doesn't see him in their plans, he will take his dynamic offense and lock down defense somewhere else.

Joshua Bradshaw represents
Isaiah Acfalle and is leading
contract negotiations.

NIA: Does he have any offers from other teams at this time?

JB: Yes. Quite a few offers. Teams that want to give him more money and more incentives. However, he wants to be a part of the Seaman organization. He loves the Seaman!

NIA: What teams have leveraged offers to him?

JB: Due to him being under contract still, we aren't at liberty to discuss which teams want him. Just know that if this doesn't get resolved quickly, after his contract is up after this season, there is a good chance that a HUGE rival will have Isaiah Acfalle.

NIA: What does Isaiah have to say to the Dribbling Seamen fans about the potential of this happening?

JB: He is tragically upset for them. They deserve their MVP in the line-up but he refuses to be treated with the negativity Mr.Wragge has been sending his way both privately and publicly.

NIA: Is there anything else Mr. Acfalle would like to say?

JB: "Once I get back on the court, everyone better be afraid of the reigning MVP! I'm coming to get all of you!"

NIA: How can he be the reigning MVP if this is his rookie year in the CUI (Clarke University Intramurals)?

JB: He came from the Gavilan League (GL) where he was the MVP. The Gavilan league has always been considered the tougher league because it's in California and California is better than Iowa. CA>IA.

Regardless of the situation, the CUI basketball league starts this Sunday and the Dribbling Seamen only have a little over two days to figure this out.  It does not appear that they are willing to trade Acfalle, at least before the season.  So if Acfalle is willing to miss time over this, he won't be dressed this weekend.  However, the Dribbling Seamen will have to figure out what exactly they want to do before the trade deadline and contracts become set for good.

Advice for fantasy owners is to trade him or keep him on your bench.  You don't want to drop him and have no potential return for him.

The GL MVP looks to make an impact this year.  But will the Dribbling Seamen front office let him, or better yet, will his teammates want him?

-30-

Dribbling Seamen Opening Weekend Minicamp Series (Part 2 of 3)

Camp Runs Smoothly Amid Holdouts

Patrick Cristi takes a 3-point jumper at mini-camp Friday

The Dribbling Seamen had four players in attendance at Friday morning's mini-camp.  The camp included drills, conditioning, and scouting.  Even though many of the team's players are in holdouts or taking time off, the camp run on Friday morning seemed to have a feel that the four players there knew how important it would be for them to be ready for Sunday.

Before the session was open to the media, the team executed more drills, which included cone drills.  The NIA has acquired this photo of the cone drill courtesy of Dribbling Seamen member Patrick Cristi.

Watch the power twist and throw conditioning drill

The next drill featured two shooters who alternated hoops and two rebounders.  The success rate on the shots is not where the team wants it to be quite yet, but there are still times to practice before the team hits the court this weekend.  You can view Sean Szarnych and Patrick Cristi compete in the drill here and Caleb Wragge and Aaron (A.J.) Ligeralde here.

The drill was a more all-encompassing shooting drill, as the team really wanted to focus on conditioning and 3-pointers.  As the team has publicly stated, most their offense will be run on 3-pointers.  With that will created a lot of rebound opportunities that the conditioning will help support.  Whichever player of the two competing reached seven 3-pointers made second, would have to run laps on the track after the drill was completed.  Ligeralde/Szarnych and then Cristi/Wragge run laps.

Ligeralde took some time to do some video scouting on his phone after camp had concluded.  The team spark plug is looking for a way that his squad can gain any advantage over their opponents.  This amount of work has never been seen in a CUI basketball league.  This puts the Dribbling Seamen in a great position to take some shots at some unsuspecting teams.  Fantasy owners should look to this crew of athletes for sleeper picks.

Extra video from camp:

Szarncyh drains a three.

Cristi shows off his form.

Cristi displays good wrist action.

Szarnych sends one up from deep.

Szarnych just misses a three.

Ligeralde puts it a little too long.

View the full photo album from the mini-camp here.

Stay tuned for the third and final installment of the "Dribbling Seamen Opening Weekend Minicamp Series"

Dribbling Seamen Opening Weekend Minicamp Series (Part 1 of 3)

Captain Wragge Has High Expectations

   Dribbling Seamen captain, coach, owner, and 

   general manager takes a shot during the team 

   3-point drill.

The Dribbling Seamen held opening weekend Mini-camps today and I was able to catch up with team captain, coach, owner, and general manager Caleb Wragge during the mini-camp.  You can listen to the interview here.

During the two minute interview, Wragge addressed a few major points.  While clearly not wanting to step on any of his teammates, Wragge did go on to mention that he sees himself as the team's best player.  Upset some teammates?  Probably.  Will it motivate some teammates?  It should.  Wragge's style of leadership is what the Dribbling Seamen run on.  It is the fuel to the Dribbling Seamen's combustion engine.  Do I have a problem with Wragge calling himself the best player out there?  Not. At. All.  In addition, the captain is setting his bar high as a model for the rest of the squad.  Wragge knew that his teammates would hear this interview and clearly state his words with a purpose.  Good leadership move.

Moving on in the interview, Wragge isn't done using the media to talk to his teammates.  When asked about how the mini-camp had gone so far, Wragge answered bluntly.

"The start was a little rough with not much of an attendance," said Wragge.

The four players who showed up to practice today were Sean Szarnych, A.J. Ligeralde, Patrick Cristi, and of course Wragge.  Not only is it pathetic for an intramural squad seeking the title to have four member show up to practice, but it's a sign of great things for the ones who did come.  As Wragge went on to say in the interview, the players here today have likely earned a starting spot in the lineup.  

______________________________________________________________________________

Isaiah Acfalle and Kevin Fitzgibbons were significant no-shows at camp today for different reasons.  Acfalle, is still holding out for over a contract issue.  This has got to be an absolute concern for the squad heading into opening weekend, but Wragge being the ultimate professional would not let it affect him or his practice.  He admitted to trying to actively seeking to end the situation, but as with all contract issues, it takes time.  A NIA attempt to get a comment from Acfalle was not immediately answered.

Kevin Fitzgibbons on the other hand, who has been dealing with knee trouble, is reportedly at home with team approval to miss camp to spend some time with his family and his girlfriend.  While we are afraid that this is a ploy to get out of questions about his knee, the NIA acknowledges that Fitzgibbons is likely in need of some time off.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m. :  Acfalle has responded directing all of his questions to his agent Josh Bradshaw.  We are awaiting response from Mr. Bradshaw at this time.  We will update you as things unfold.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m. :  We have received word from Acfalle's agent.  Stay tuned to part three of this series for more information.

UPDATE 3:33 p.m. :  Jump over to part 3 for more info.

Stay tuned for parts two and three of the opening weekend mini-camp series.

Sparkplug Ligeralde Motivates Self, Team to Title

Ligeralde is known for his

energetic and jubilant style

of play.

Jeremy Lin came to fame in the NBA in early 2012.  It's over 18 months later, and Dribbling Seamen shooting guard Aaron Ligeralde looks to cement his place in Clarke University Intramural (CUI) history in much the same manner.  Looking to Lin's talent, Ligeralde sees himself capable of achieving "Linsanity."  Ligeralde and Lin have been rumored to come from the same line of descendants, though this has never been confirmed.  Regardless, Ligeralde is seeking to impress their peoples with solid intramural play.

"I want to be the next 'Linsanity,'" said Ligeralde.  "My idol is Jeremy Lin because skill doesn't matter, heart does.  If you have heart in God you can do anything."

Ligeralde's leadership style is always apparent.  The self-proclaimed "team spirit captain" stresses the team's will to win and their heart for the game.

"Our biggest strength is we got heart," continued the excitable Ligeralde.  Ligeralde went on also about the relationship and dynamic that he and fellow Asian Patrick Cristi have attained.  "Me and Patrick are the smallest dudes on the team, but we push the pace because size don't matter except for Anson."

Anson Lindsey is listed at 6'4".

"But no really," carried on Ligeralde.  "We push hard because we got big hearts."

As read in the last NIA blog post, leadership is one of the issues the team has heading into opening night.  However, Ligeralde is looking to change that.

"My personal goal is to lose 20 pounds and win that championship, baby," said Ligeralde.  "I want to keep the team positive. I know I'm not that skilled but I'll do my part to keep everyone excited.

The biggest issue personally for Ligeralde and one of the biggest story lines for the team this preseason, is that there have been several trade rumors floating around the market with a deal between the Dribbling Seamen and an unnamed team.  Many people have began to question his ability to stay focused and able to perform amid the rumors.

"Man I ain't being traded," said a defiant Ligeralde, affectionately known as A.J.  "I know I belong on this team."

Fitzgibbons Plays On, Seamen Offense Won't Come

With Fitzgibbons' knee issue boiling, the surreptitiously classified as a "upper-body" injury among the press does not keep Fitzgibbons off the court.  During a short period of team practice, the Dribbling Seamen opened it up to the press for a short viewing period.  While Fitzgibbons' much talked about defense has appeared to not be hindered, the team could not play offense.  Shot after shot made in haste, more a moral victory it seemed to just throw the ball at the orange hunk of metal.  The offense portrayed during this media watch session does not necessarily mean the offense will be gone by opening night, however it does raise concern.  Team spark-plug, AJ Lidgeralde did not voice any concern after practice, however, I was able to catch up with Fitzgibbons after practice concluded.

Listen to the full interview here.

Here's what NIA blog can gather from this interview.  First, the offense was not there today. Period.  Fitzgibbons had two excuses ready out of the gate; "I had just been working out so I had to get used to my new shooting form," and "eh it's a Tuesday you can't, I mean it's just another day of the week."  Not a talking point Fitzgibbons, or any of his teammates most likely were ready to talk about.  I get the hint.  Move on.

Second, Fitzgibbons clearly wants to nothing to do with his suspicious and alarming knee/upper body injury.  This is a big red flag for fantasy owners as a player who is hiding information about an injury from the press OR hiding the truth from themselves is not ever a good sign unless your name is Orenthal James.  After I asked him point blank, you can hear Fitzgibbons pause and then answer with a long "ummm" before coming up with the best answer for an interviewer.  

"My knee is doing fine."  

Gee thanks for that.  I'll be sure to take that and make a headline from "Fitzgibbons Knee Fine."  After going on to admit that the issue is still lingering but will play throughout, he refused to answer if he was still considered day-to-day.  So naturally after an awkward silence created by Fitzgibbons, I decided that interview was over.  However, I was only to find the most concerning part of the interview coming up.  I shifted over to admitted girlfriend of Kevin Fitzgibbons, Carly Miller.  After asked about her boyfriend gave the most telling answer in the whole interview.

"No comment."

Wow.  Let's have that sink in for a moment.  His girlfriend has no confidence in him to even issue a comment on the matter?  Did anyone else immediately think of this scene in Moneyball?  Now, granted this is in reverse where the girlfriend has no confidence in the boyfriend, but still.  How is Fitzgibbons' Seamen going to perform if his girlfriend doesn't believe in him?

Regardless, the signs are piling up.  Do they mean anything for certain?  Absolutely not.  Will they prove detrimental if the team does not address them or turn their play around immediately?  Absolutely.

-30-