The Toros have a pair of games this weekend against some stiff competition. With the addition of Andre Barrett speeding up the offense, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to see a Toros stampede this weekend.
Friday Night
The Exquisite Details:
Fort Wayne Mad Ants at Austin Toros
7pm
Austin Convention Center
Minor League Fans Love Minor League Theme Nights!:
Friday night the Toros host the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, for Military Appreciation Night. From the Toros’ Press Release:
“Military personnel who present their ID at the box office are eligible to receive a special buy one, get one free ticket offer. The Army will have activities including a simulation video game and a dog-tag machine for fans, and will host a swearing-in ceremony at halftime. In addition to the Army activities, Thunderhill Raceway will have a stock car on site for fans to take pictures with and Callaway Golf will give away a new set of golf clubs to a lucky contest winner.”
The Xs and Os: There are striking similarities between these two teams. Both feature terrific point guards. Both feature a dominant center on assignment from an NBA squad. And both teams feature hyperorganochemical treatment facilities in their locker rooms. Okay, I made that up. But the rest of it is true. Earl Calloway leads the Mad Ants in scoring, with 17 points a game, and adding 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals per game. Down low, the Mad Ants get heavy. They’re anchored by 7’ 1″ Cheikh Samb, on assignment from the Detroit Pistons. Samb is a raw talent, but he’s got some monster athletic talent. A few games ago he recorded 11 blocks. In a game. That’s mind boggling to me. I understand Gladiator winning best picture better than I understand this kid blocking 11 shots in a game. He’ll be matched up on another NBA player on assignment, the Toros’ Ian Mahinmi. While Mahinmi gives up a few inches to Samb, he’s also got a more complete game. But Mahinmi is going to have to stay active to avoid getting shut down. Backing up Samb down low is Corey Minnifield (6’ 8″, 210, out of Loyola). Minnifield is averaging 23 points and 8 rebounds in the last five games. He’s turned it on, and with that kind of size down low, the Toros are going to need their forwards to step up.
What’s that? DerMarr Johnson and Marcus Williams have been lights out for the Toros? You don’t say! Basically, this game should come down to the Toros offense and its ability to get out in transition. With new addition Andre Barrett helping to push the tempo, Austin’s wings should be able to get out on the break more often. It’ll be interesting to see if Coach Snyder goes to a larger lineup to combat the Mad Ants down low or lets the wings loose.
Saturday Night
The Exquisite Details:
Anaheim Arsenal versus Austin Toros
7pm
Austin Convention Center
Minor League Fans Love Minor League Theme Nights!:
“Spurs Affiliate Night and Lance Armstrong Foundation Night both take place on Saturday as the Toros take on the Anaheim Arsenal. Toros fans will attempt to create a yellow band around the arena with yellow shirts in honor of the efforts of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the team will be giving away Livestrong bands at the door. Spurs Affiliate Night on Saturday will include an appearance by the Coyote and both the Toros and the Arsenal will be dressed in their NBA affiliate’s jerseys for the evening.
“After the game on Saturday, the Toros present Kid’s Night and all children are invited to shoot free throws on the court immediately following the game.”
Xs and O’s: The Anaheim bring a much smaller squad into the ACC on Saturday night. After raw center Marcus Campbell, Anaheim doesn’t have a player over 6’9″. The Arsenal are led by former Celtic, Cav, and Sixer Kedrick Brown. While Kedrick has a nice offensive set, he’s streaky. Former Clipper Guillermo Diaz is equally unstable. He can light it up or go in the cooler just as quick. The Arsenal may try and outrun the Toros, so they may have to reverse strategies from the night before. With Spurs personnel on hand, the Toros players will hopefully pull out all the stops.
This article appears in February 29 • 2008.