For a basketball coach whose team suited just eight players for a good chunk of the season and a general manager who watches players come and go more often than popcorn vendors, Bob MacKinnon sounds surprisingly level-headed.
“We’ve been right at the top of the league all season,” said MacKinnon, coach and GM for the Colorado 14ers, the NBA Development League affiliate of the Nuggets and New Jersey Nets.
“Our roster has rolled over several times this season with call-ups and injuries. But we’ve maintained a consistent level of play. We play a style of basketball that is fun and fun to watch.”
Never mind the call-ups and injuries and midseason additions. MacKinnon and the 14ers have played themselves right into elite status in the NBADL, a league many consider the second-best in the world behind the NBA, more competitive and talented than any in Europe.
By the time the 14ers return home next week, their place near the top of the standings could be even tighter. Colorado hosts Austin on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Broomfield Event Center in a matchup of the D-League’s best teams. Before then, there is a tough two-game road swing north to face the Sioux Falls Skyforce and the Dakota Wizards.
It’s a transient league, the NBADL. The 14ers since January have gained or lost 14 players, including Sonny Weems (currently with the Nuggets), Eddie Gill (Milwaukee Bucks), John Lucas (signed last week), and Cheikh Samb (traded to the Clippers).
But the 14ers face more uncertainty than just player transactions. As first reported by NBA reporter Chris Dempsey this week in the Post’s All Things Nuggets blog, the 14ers might not be around next season. The City of Broomfield is currently looking for someone to manage the Broomfield Event Center after 14ers owner Tim Wiens, who also owns the Central Hockey League’s Rocky Mountain Rage, backed out. It’s possible neither team will inhabit the arena next season.
Meantime, the 14ers are racing toward the top of the NBADL standings. Billy Thomas (17.4 points, 4.7 assists) and former University of Wyoming standout Josh Davis (18.8 points, 7.4 rebounds) lead the way.
For now.
AROUND TOWN
Flyin’ high in the Cadets’ house.
If recent results are any clue, records could fall this weekend at the Mountain West Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. The meet, which could propel the best in the league to the NCAA Championships next month, runs through Saturday at the Air Force Academy’s Cadet Field House.
Last year at the academy, two women’s records were set and 22 other results nearly set records.
Keep an eye on Wyoming All-American Jake Shanklin, a two-time men’s weight-throw champ; Colorado State’s Missy Faubus, a favorite in women’s shot put; and Air Force’s Sean Houseworth, the defending 3,000-meter champ, and Nick Frawley, the defending pole vault champ currently ranked No. 3 in the nation.
It will be the eighth time in the past 10 years Air Force has hosted the MWC Championships. Also this weekend, Colorado takes to the Big 12 Championships in College Station, Texas.
The NCAA meet follows starting March 13.
STAY ON THE COUCH
Bring on the Big Apple.
As it concerns a team struggling to stay afloat in the Western Conference, the Avalanche’s eastward road trip is a tough one to face. But when the Avs head to New York for an Empire State swing, it will be a rare television opportunity for fans of the burgundy and blue.
The Avs face off against the Rangers on Saturday at 5 p.m. (airing on Altitude), then go against the Islanders on Monday at 5 p.m. (Versus).
The Avs haven’t played in New York since 2005. It will be their only meetings with the Rangers and Islanders this season.
Colorado is in the middle of a six-game road swing and hasn’t played in Denver since Feb. 17. The Avs return home Wednesday for a game against Detroit.
GET OFF THE COUCH
Dam good time, guaranteed.
Unless you’re Uta Pippig or some other world-class long-distance runner, you’ve probably had occasion to let loose with a curse word or two while running. That’s the basis for the title joke at the That Dam Run 5K at Cherry Creek State Park on Sunday, so start training.
But in this case, the title refers to Cherry Creek Dam, which runners will need to navigate en route to the finish line. The race, which benefits the Prostate Cancer Education Council, starts at 10 a.m. near the Union Boulevard-Dayton Street entrance to the park.
Check for information.
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE
Teaching that ring thing.
Denver’s Ron Lyle, a former heavyweight contender who went toe-to-toe with Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, now teaches boxing to young fighters through the Red Shield Cox-Lyle Boxing Program in Denver.
And the Salvation Army will help raise money for the program Saturday when it hosts the Bayou Boxing Show, a card of young boxers from Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Among the fighters getting in the ring Saturday will be national Silver Gloves champion Melik Elliston, a product of Red Shield.
The fights start at 2 p.m. at 2915 High Street. Check for contact information.
