Rondall Sits Down With Greg Ross

It is Dino.com's pleasure to have the WBA top man Rondall Reynoso here to chat and answer a few questions. First off, many teams have moved and the league has re-aligned. Why now and what do you see as the impact of it on the league?  

The re-alignment is something that has been talked about in this league for years. It just didn't make since to have teams like Sacramento in the East or Capetown in the West. But, we always try to be conservative when it comes to drasticchanges so we have put it off. In the future we are actually thinking about re-aligning every ten years to keep things fresh.   As, for how it will affect the league... I think it will be a good thing. Fans will have a closer proximity to their teams rivals which should generate some excitement. Weve also tried to keep some of the historic rivalries intact. Nebraska, Colorado and Oregon will still be in the same division and those games are always exciting. The same is true of Cancun and Capetown in the new Southern Division. Also, the European Division should be very exciting. Those teams always like to play each other anyway and this way it will happen more. Not to mention the owners will like the savings they will see in their travel expenses. We were sad to see the Brooklyn Washington rivalry break down but with Sam Plummer taking over Charlotte and Washington moving to Arkansas it just wasn't the same. In the future though we do expect a big rivalry between Brooklyn and New York now that Hameleers is taking over that franchise.Actually, that entire division should be great for the fans because they are close enough that they can go to  any game in the Division that interests them.  

There have been issues which matters of Teams abusing the salary cap is there plans to stop this from happening? Tougher penalties? New Rules?

 Mostly, it will be more diligent administration. There were grey areas that wenever had problems with until the last couple of seasons.So, we have made the rule more defined and will have to keep a tighter reign on the owners.  

Recently the trade committee came under fire should they be worried about their jobs? Is there a plan with regaurds to the future of the committee?

 There is nothing set in stone at this point. Brad Bangerter though should always be concerned. He is a very contoversial figure in this league and there are a lot of oppinions when it comes to him. We may end up with an election process similar to what has been proposed.  

There is talk we will see a much tighter WBA as realates to the way the game is called by the referees will this be the case and is this something you are committed to long term?

 This is absolutely true. But, maybe not how people expect. Iam not sending the refs out to call more fouls but I do want them to enforce some of the rules more. Things like traveling. As, a former basketball player and a fan it drives me nuts to see some the worlds best athletes not following the basic rules. So, I would expect that we will see more turnovers this year. Also, we've noticed that player have gotten very agressive wth their hands on defense. We will be cutting back on that which may hurt players like Bobby Egan who make their money by using their hands...maybe too much... and getting steals.   

What is the biggest challenge you face with the WBA moving forward?

 Maybe our popularity is our biggest problem. There are so many people who would like to own a WBA franchise and so may cities that want us but I am a little hesitant to expand. Also, i would like to find a way of encouraging more large market teams which is good for the league but at the same time not harming the tradition we find in teams like Albacete and Nebraska.  

Do you ever see a day where you may one day step aside as commisioner to let the league be run by someone else?

  Well I'm sure I'll die at some point.  

There were many issues that came up over the offseason is there a plan to address all of them before we get to next off season?

 Yes. But, life in the WBA can be very political and I'd prefer not to go into this subject at this point.  

What is success of the WBA in your mind?  

Recognition. I want the world to know the quality of this league. I think we are starting to see that as there is a consistent waiting list of people who are desperate to become owners and you can see each year that the quality of ownership is rising.

Well on behave of WBA Fans and Dino Fans thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us hopefully we can have you on the site again.