Suns FanFest and Scrimmage

[BC867]

The Suns will have a FanFest and Scrimmage tomorrow (Saturday) beginning at 3 PM at the Madhouse on McDowell. Admission and parking are free. I will be there.

What memories when it was the only game in town! When I was Director of Distribution at work, my Roadway Express rep would constantly provide me with tickets and I would alternate taking my two sons.

I was there the night that Horny attempted and missed a dunk, put his head down and walked to the corner (near where we were seated), got a pass and made a "3" to a standing ovation.

Parking entrance is from the side on 19th Ave. between Encanto and McDowell. I remember when I found that entrance (instead of following the crowd) for quick entry and exit at the games.

At the event will be Colangelo/Hawkins/Davis/Heard/Adams/EJ/West/Shumate/Proski.

http://www.nba.com/suns/madhouse-at-mcdowell

 

[95pro]

Should have kept it in Flag.

 

[BC867]

Should have kept it in Flag.

Why?

 

[JustinD]

having it in Phoenix would have been bad if it were at the Arena.

Having it at the Coliseum is genius. Even though the place is a **** hole now, it's still memories.

I was in 4th grade in 1989 when I went there for the 1st time to see a Suns game...Been hooked ever since. I wish they had the old floor to put down, but I'm guess that's long gone.

Favorite memory of the Madhouse....being there for Tom Chambers 60 point game vs the Sonics.

 

[sunsfan88]

https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet/status/650435999709859840

 

[Ronin]

Paul Coro ‏@paulcoro 7m7 minutes ago

Bledsoe drives for the go-ahead score and Knight misses a 3 for the win. Team MacLeod beats Team Cotton.

 

[Ronin]

It looked kind of empty tonight:
https://vine.co/v/e2mxLdpTtDa

 

[Mainstreet]

It looked kind of empty tonight:
https://vine.co/v/e2mxLdpTtDa

Looking at the video it looked that way. However, Paul Coro thought there were about 8,000 fans. I am hoping to hear more about the scrimmage.

https://twitter.com/paulcoro/status/650477007994642433

 

[BC867]

Team MacLeod was down by a lot most of the game, but rallied to tie and win it at the end. Bledsoe finally came to life.

I was rooting for Team MacLeod only because Tyson Chandler was their Center. I preferred Cotton over MacLeod as Coach.

Len had 7 fouls but, apparently, they stopped counting. With the 6th, the field announcer only announced how many team fouls there were.

I sat in the first row of the balcony - center court, because I didn't sign up for a season ticket. But first row of the balcony at the little Coliseum is like sitting half way up the lower level at Talking Stick.

'Cracked me up every time the announcer referred to Team Cotton getting the ball: Team Cotton ball.

It was fun watching the game.

 

[Mainstreet]

BC, what players caught your eye that surprised you, particularly sleepers?

 

[JerkFace]

It was pretty packed at the beginning but a lot of people left at halftime. I was lucky enough to nab 10th row, center court seats with my kids. I liked the retro feel except for the retro "cash only" at the snack bar. It is 2015, who carries cash anymore? I am guessing the atm company made some bank today with the $4 atm service charge. Nobody really stuck out during the scrimmage, but all of the main players showed some flashes here and there. I've got a feeling though that this team may go through stretches during games where they have trouble scoring.

 

[BC867]

BC, what players caught your eye that surprised you, particularly sleepers?

I liked Devin Booker, a 6'6" Shooting Guard. He adds "life" to the team and looked to be at the right place at the right time when he was on the court.

But based on his stats at Kentucky, I don't see him making the rotation too soon, especially in our non-traditional backcourt of tweeners.

MPG...PPG...apg...3PA
21.5...10.0...1.1....3.7

I also liked Jon Leuer, a 6'10-228 Power Forward. If he adds 10 or 12 pounds, I wonder if he is ready to move into the rotation having averaged only 4.6 points and 2.8 boards in 11.9 MPG with 3 NBA teams in 4 seasons. He seemed comfortable on the court.

It was interesting that the Markieff Morris situation didn't get a chance to spoil the night, because after everyone else was introduced, he was announced as "injured and not playing".

I couldn't hear the other fans' reactions over my booing.

 

[sunsfan88]

Bledsoe shot 6-16 and Knight shot 4-11...yikes.

 

[95pro]

Bledsoe shot 6-16 and Knight shot 4-11...yikes.

scary considering there are pre season games going on where guys are shoot great already

 

[95pro]

Why?

i live here. its so easy to get to nau.

 

[Errntknght]

scary considering there are pre season games going on where guys are shoot great already

I just looked through the 3 box scores that exist and very few guys are shooting exceptionally well... just like any other games.

The Suns are going to be a hot and cold team this year so we might as well get used to the idea. We are going to be so dependent on our three point shooting - not just for the points we get that way but for opening up the interior for the rest of our half court scoring. If no one his hitting three's our opponents will pack the paint - no surprise there.

I'm a bit concerned about our fast break - we figure to have somewhat better rebounding from our front court but I cant recall whether Brandon Knight was good on the break or not. He wasn't outstanding or I'd remember but if he's not at least pretty good the whole reason for playing dual combo guards is out the window. (I don't think we can expect much from Ronnie Price - the paltry rate he gets to the FT line suggests he doesn't ever attack the basket.)
I suspect its going to more about getting numbers down floor than guards streaking out in front. Hornacek was preaching that last year but we didn't see much of it - hopefully he'll get everyone together on that page this year. Heck, he might even get them to break on made baskets, which he's talked about for a year and a half with no results. If our guards don't have to stay back to help with the rebounding that will be a big plus.

 

[BC867]

i live here. its so easy to get to nau.

Ah, I see. But a FanFest for the coming season is more effective in Phoenix than Flag, of course.

And there was a lot of nostalgia for the Madhouse On McDowell and the former players who attended. Past and future, all in one.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I think Weems is going to be rock solid this year. Funny thing is that he could actually become a valuable trade piece later, along with Keef and Archie.

 

[Mainstreet]

I liked Devin Booker, a 6'6" Shooting Guard. He adds "life" to the team and looked to be at the right place at the right time when he was on the court.

But based on his stats at Kentucky, I don't see him making the rotation too soon, especially in our non-traditional backcourt of tweeners.

MPG...PPG...apg...3PA
21.5...10.0...1.1....3.7

I also liked Jon Leuer, a 6'10-228 Power Forward. If he adds 10 or 12 pounds, I wonder if he is ready to move into the rotation having averaged only 4.6 points and 2.8 boards in 11.9 MPG with 3 NBA teams in 4 seasons. He seemed comfortable on the court.

It was interesting that the Markieff Morris situation didn't get a chance to spoil the night, because after everyone else was introduced, he was announced as "injured and not playing".

I couldn't hear the other fans' reactions over my booing.

It's nice to hear about Booker adding life to the team. Leuer should add depth at PF.

Too bad Markieff got booed although I understand why. Actually as I understand it, he received a mixture of cheering and booing. This bridge needs to be mended as soon as possible for the good of the team.

I was particularly interested if Henry Sims or Cory Jefferson might have showed something. They will be competing to fill out the Suns 15 man roster.

 

[JerkFace]

Too bad Markieff got booed although I understand why. Actually as I understand it, he received a mixture of cheering and booing. This bridge needs to be mended as soon as possible for the good of the team.

I was particularly interested if Henry Sims or Cory Jefferson might have showed something. They will be competing to fill out the Suns 15 man roster.

The cheers for Markieff were actually louder than the boos.

I thought Jefferson looked pretty solid.

 

[Mainstreet]

The cheers for Markieff were actually louder than the boos.

I thought Jefferson looked pretty solid.

Good to hear on both counts.

 

[chickenhead]

I went, and had a great time. It was fun to revisit the Madhouse, and remember what an arena without the middle level (or levels) of boxes feels like. I heard that the old court still exists, and that they've used it for other basketball games at the Coliseum. Last time I saw a game there, Larry Johnson was a rookie for the first incarnation of the Hornets. I saw a State Fair concert there the next year, but hadn't been back on over 20 years.