My rookie season in the Lakewood Y Men's League came to an end tonight after a tough loss to EFG Property. Facing a steep learning curve, an inability to secure full sponsorship, nagging injuries, constant matchup problems in the front court, character issues, and a lack of commitment from several members of the club, it is safe to say that I learned a lot about the economics, style of play, and intangibles of the D1 Men's League. I am very confident that I can be a successful GM in this league, and look forward to a off season of advanced scouting, roster shakeups, and a renewed commitment to the 2009 summer session.Throughout the season, I felt like a lot of the criticism I was taking was for the most part unjust. At times, it was hard for me to wake up Thursday and Monday mornings, knowing full well I was going to get hammered by the Plain Dealer and other local publications. It was a tough time for me as a rookie GM after the 3rd week of play when the Associated Press called me the Chris Wallace of the Y league. The lowest point in the season came when an unidentified member of the team called me the Danny Ferry of the Y league for my inability to make a move at the deadline. I will agree that there was a glaring need to address our front line but I will remain steadfast in my belief that the players available at the deadline (Mimes, Stilphen, Adler, Whitney, Marando, Rian Powell) would not have fit into our long run plan as a franchise or would have created huge cap issues and possibly put us over the luxury tax. Having said all that, I decided to stand pat in hopes that the chemistry would begin to assimilate in the second half of the season.
What's done is done. I am looking to next summer and next summer only. And all I can say, is that I am going to do everything in my power to make this team a contender for the D1 league championship. In my years as an assistant GM, the number one thing I took from my predecessor was this: the franchises that are successful year in and year out are those that are the most honest in the evaluation of their personnel. And to that point, it is safe to say that no one on this summer's roster is safe. I am going to address the glaring needs of our team through all avenues. The draft will obviously be an integral part of the building process, but free agency will undoubtedly be an option as well. There are a number of free agents that I am gonna throw mid-level offer sheets at. I'll have my scouts out everywhere: if you can play, you will be evaluated. MORE THAN ANYTHING, I AM LOOKING FOR GUYS THAT WANNA PLAY A HARD 36 MINUTES EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY. THIS IS THE FUCKING LAKEWOOD Y D1 LEAGUE. DOES ANYBODY UNDERSTAND THAT BUT ME? You wanna run around and shoot 3's -go play in the D2 league.
As for me, I have a busy winter coming up. I will be taking a trip overseas to meet with some of the elite European 4 on 4 league GM's for the month of October to discuss offensive philosophies. November and December will be dedicated to advance scouting of winter men's league sessions both in Lakewood and Avon. IT'S ALWAYS THE WORST DAY OF THE YEAR WHEN THE SEASON ENDS, BUT TEAM CURRAN HAS A LOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YEAR.
jcIII
