Snohomish County Explosion missing two key players for tonight’s season opener

Published 11:59 pm Friday, February 29, 2008

MONROE — The season opener was still a week away when Snohomish County Explosion coach Randy Redwine singled out Donald Watts for some pretty sorry treatment.

“I had to apologize for what I’m asking him to do,” Redwine chuckled about a conversation he had with his veteran floor leader in the midst of training camp.

With last year’s top scorer Jamaal Powell and rebounds leader Justin Murray playing in Dubai until May — and with the Explosion tipping off in their opener tonight against the USA All-Stars at Monroe High School — Watts’ role on the second-year International Basketball League team has expanded.

“(Watts) needs to be the leader,” Redwine said. “He’s got to pick up the scoring slack and turn up the defensive intensity when we need to shut somebody down.”

Watts, a former Washington Husky and an IBL All-Star along with Powell and Murray in 2007, is bent on leading the Explosion to loftier heights after last year’s 16-4 regular season record that included a West Division title and culminated with a disappointing playoff loss.

“My role is helping get us over the hump and win the championship,” Watts said. “Without (Powell and Murray) it’s going to be a dogfight.”

The absence of Powell (28.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game) and Murray (14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds) presents problems beyond sheer numbers.

“Aside from the points and the boards they bring hustle and intelligence on the court,” Watts said of the pair. “It’s going to be tough to replace.”

To fill the void of 15-plus rebounds per game until Powell and Murray return, the smallish Explosion will rely on Jackie Jones, a 6-foot-8 veteran who previously played professionally in Spain, Korea and the American Basketball Association, and 6-foot-6 forward Justin James, who averaged 5.5 boards per contest for the Explosion last season.

“For whatever we’re lacking, the people getting the bulk of the minutes have to produce the same numbers or better,” James said.

Still, the focal point is Watts who last season was equally effective whether coming off the bench or starting (20.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists) and walks and talks like an assistant coach.

“We call it fatherly leadership, especially for guys with limited professional experience” said guard Jamaal Miller who joined the team at mid-season in 2007 and averaged 19.6 points and 4.3 assists. “I lead by example, but (Watts) is more vocal and communicates effectively with the men.”

And, even with two of his chief cohorts basking in the desert heat, Watts sounds fired up and ready to do whatever it takes to make the Explosion sizzle.

“I’m in good shape, my legs are fresh,” Watts said. “And, mentally I’m recharged.”

Blind date: Little can be discerned about the USA All-Stars, a unit comprised of players from other leagues who may have missed out on the chance to make an IBL roster, or are trying to showcase their talents for other interested parties. The squad is coached by IBL commissioner Mikal Dulio.

“Anytime you play a team like this you’re concerned because these are guys who are looking for jobs,” Redwine said.

Sizing up the West Division: “Tacoma has improved and Portland is always tough, but our biggest rivals are going to be that team up north,” Redwine said, referring to the Bellingham Slam, who moved to the IBL from the ABA.

Bellingham, coached by Rob Ridnour, father of Seattle SuperSonics guard Luke Ridnour, visits the Explosion next Saturday. The Slam’s roster includes center Brian Dennis who played for the Explosion in 2007.

“(Bellingham) is going to be our nemesis,” Redwine said. “I know a lot about their athletes. They are well-coached and have ABA experience.”

Home sweet home: Tonight’s game at the Monroe High School gym — where the team completed $27,000 in upgrades including state-of-the-art audio and a full HD projection system with retractable screen — is the first of 14 home contests for the Explosion who played at the Everett Events Center in 2007.

About 1,000 tickets have been sold for the opener, according to general manager Brad Sturlaugson.

“We’ll miss the Events Center, it’s a very classy place,” Redwine said. “But, imagine a thousand people in here … it’s going to be rocking.”

“If we get good crowds (Monroe) may provide more energy than the events center,” added Watts, noting the cozier confines at the high school. “But, we’ve got to work hard to earn that community support.”