On Sunday, the Pittsburgh NABA managers gathered at the Moonlite Cafe in Brookline to handle league business and conduct the first year player's draft.
The league has expanded for the fifth straight year, this year adding a team to each division. In an unexpected move, the commissioner moved the Neville Islands down Route 51 to be headed by first-year manager Jared Krieder. The Knights franchise retained all of its history, but will start with a fresh roster and a new division to compete in: the Allegheny Division. Fans from the Neville island area feel abandoned by the league, but the commissioner promises an expansion franchise in the area by 2012.
The remnants of the Knights split into two teams. The West Allegheny Owls managed by Rob Cool, and a team to be named later managed by Brandon Eberle. Both teams will compete in the Monongahela Division. "We expect to be competitive right away." boasted Cool during a break in the discussions. "We've retained a handful of the guys that contributed to the Knights playoff run, and brought in some people that will help raise the level of expectations in the Monongahela."
In the draft, Jack Bader was taken with the #1 pick held by last year's cellar-dwelling Eagles. Former Pro Jose Cuervo was taken with the second overall pick. They join all-stars Aaron McBride, Lee Glaser, and Luke Royer to make a formidable obstacle for any team overlooking the Eagles on the schedule this year.
Overall, 23 players were selected by 9 teams. The Black Sox and Matadors decided to stand pat, and the Ducks signed some unrestricted free agents from around the league.
