Just thought I would share (since I get d-league email updates) how Steve did in the first preseason game for the Vipers. http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/Vipers_Down_Jam-244975-1375.html They open their regular season on Friday night against the Austin Toros
I plan to check out Steve this season. Last the night the CBA Basketball for the Valley the Silverados played Yakama and Moochie Norris plays for that team. I believe they will play again tomorrow.
I should be able to post them here when they start the regular season. They didn't have a box score from the pre season game. You should go see him play YoYo! Make sure you wear that jersey!
I second that ... thanks for passing along the update, Hayesfan. I can't seem to find a box on the game to see how Novak shot.
Thanks for the update. I was thinking about checking out his stats all day but work has been crazy busy.
I played against Muoneke in high school! Always thought he'd be a player in NBA... Well, still in the D league. Props to Novak. It's good that he's seeing a lot of floor time instead of rotting on the bench here.
Here's an article on Novak being w/ the Vipers: http://www.themonitor.com/sports/vipers_6636___article.html/novak_nba.html Novak adjusts to RGV The Rockets’ Steve Novak doesn’t plan on being a headache By Todd Mavreles | toddm@themonitor.com November 14, 2007 - 9:11PM PHARR — When one hears about an NBA player being assigned to the NBA Development League, the knee-jerk reaction is to think he’s none to happy about the demotion and likely will be a difficult teammate. Steve Novak’s only been with the Vipers a few days, but it’s obvious he’s breaking that stereotype of the spoiled NBA player. Novak has been welcomed with open arms by the Vipers since being sent to the team by the Houston Rockets on Sunday and arriving Monday in the midst of training camp. “I don’t think any of us is trying to measure ourselves against him because he was in the league. We embrace him like he was one of us,” forward Trent Strickland said. “I think the main thing was that he embraced us and he didn’t act like he was too good for us because he was sent down here. He’s a cool guy.” After Tuesday’s practice at the Summit Sports Club, the 6-foot-10, 220-pound Novak lifted weights before running 15 minutes of half court sprints and slide drills. His mission is to improve his strength and defense while with the Vipers. “We have a really good (coaching) staff (with the Rockets) and they really were able to keep me in good shape and really hit the weights hard,” Novak said. “But you can’t replace playing in five-on-five games like I’m going to be doing here. I think that will be very valuable for me to be able to be here.” Novak hadn’t played in any games for the Rockets after appearing in 35 contests as a rookie last season, when the Marquette University product averaged 1.5 points in 5.5 minutes per game. The D-League allows two roster exemptions for players assigned from an NBA team. Novak’s addition brings the Vipers’ roster to 12 players. They’ll have to cut one player after their Nov. 20 exhibition game at Bakersfield.
Good to see Gabe Muoneke playing ball somewhere. I thought he was going to break into the NBA and find a home at some point but I guess that isn't going to happen.
Gabe had a really good game in the season opener Dave.. Novak however didn't play.. I think he must be sick or hurt. Couldn't find out any details. Here's the game link, maybe they will tell us about Steve in the recap when its up! http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20071123/AUSRGV/boxscore.html
Hmm..I wonder if we can pick up that CJ Watson guy as an expirement. He seems to put up great numbers.
Good to see Novak accepting the assignment well. Concern was more if he'd be like "uuugh I'm the D-League " about it, more than if the RGV people accepted him. But of course its nice they see him as a cool guy.. And seems he's actually gonna use it to DEVELOP aspects of his game, which is all you can ask for. (Following Novak's much more exciting than following the Rockets team of late)
Vipers won their first game of the season by defeating the Austin Toros 104-97. Novak did not play due to an injury.
Novak is playing tonight vs. Bakersfield 5 minutes left in the game. Steve has 12 points on 5 of 14 shooting (2 of 6 3 pointers), 3 rebs, 0 assists.
First, thanks a lot for the Steve Novak news. Second, sorry for derailing this thread, does anyone know how're Jackie Butler and Mike Harris doing lately?
