Albany is celebrating their 20th anniversary as a team, and tonight is opening night!

To commemorate this event, we will be handing out collectable posters throughout the season. Tonight's poster features Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, G), Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F), and Walter Robinson (Hyena, C), three key players in last year's season.

It can be seen here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12007758/

There are lots of surprises in store this season, so keep your eyes pealed!

That's right! You can vote for your favorite Alphas players, or anyone you like! Just click the link here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet.....YVJmV3gtc2c6MQ

News from  tazel :

In their third game of the season, riding high from their victory against the Whips two days prior, the Tallahassee Typhoons had another of the pre-season 'eekings' that made fans wince a week before.

A one point game let the Alphas break the run the Typhoons had enjoyed, with disappointing performances by rookie John Smith (White Lab, G, TAL) and previous game high scorer Rudiger Shoenwald (Badger, F, TAL)

With Rodger Umaechi (Husky, F, ALB) still riding high from his 50 point landslide against Edmonton days ago, the Typhoons were intent on keeping his points down. By the end of the second quarter, it looked like they might have pulled it off, with a 41-35 caused mostly by a 75% FG and a 60% 3PT rate by Jake Velox (Swift Fox, G, TAL) over the course of the game.

But the third quarter showed a reversal, as Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, G, ALB) helped points along by shooting over a sluggish Smith, and continually stealing from the dog's bowl. Riley Forgets Nothing.

It was then that witnesses say Klaus Korber (Doberman, G, TAL) was heard complaining to Tasheen Stilton, Assistant Coach for the Typhoons, throughout the third quarter that they had to pull Smith. But the head coach seemed intent on giving the rookie as much playtime as he could handle, in hopes that the coal-lump performance would eventually diamond out.

It never materialized. Even with Korber's last two minutes in the game, making all his shots, including a 3 pointer, it wasn't enough to save the sagging offense, though it did become a nail biter for Albany in those last 120 seconds.

Stilton said it best: "It was a close game that should never have gotten that close."

When asked to comment about Smith vs. Korber, coach Tazel Tawner shook her head. "I was hoping for something - offense or defense - that I could point to with Smith and say, 'That's our power'. But we just can't have him performing at this level anymore."

Neither Korber nor Smith could be reached for comment after the game.

---Nate Underwood,
Florida Furry Sports (Independent)

News from  syrynn

"I know a certain canine lass will agree with this statement. The Albany Alphas suffer from a lack of depth beyond Rodger Umaechi, an underwhelmingly short point-guard lineup, and a toxic rookie who looks more fitting to be a couch than a basketball player. That's right, folks, I'll say it now: if the Alphas were smart, they'd send that talking piece of furniture back where he came from. He's terrible at basketball, and worse yet, he can't stop running his muzzle at the press! Back in my day, rookies didn't open their f*cking mouths unless addressed by their coach, and that was only to say 'yessir' or 'yes'm' to their coach when told to do extra drill.

This league has no room for taurs, especially not ones that can't shut their g*ddamn mouths. Merill Providence is a cancer to not only his team, but the face of the FBA as well. And he's only a Wildfyre injury away from being a STARTER!? F*ck this league. They don't have a single bone of courage in their body to keep this utter waste of elements out. He needs to be started for a game just to prove how bad he is, and I IMPLORE someone to swipe under his back legs and cripple him for good when that happens. I will literally give all my possessions just to see that live. Or even on replay. Hell, even word of mouth would do me just fine.

But I digress. Even though that walking, talking freak of nature is a huge problem, let's talk a moment about the little things. Most notably, Lance Wildfyre. What in the unholy love of hell is that tiny bunny doing as a starter on this team? What is he doing in the LEAGUE!? He's like a fucking toy doll... you know, the ones you play with as a kid, that are STILL smaller than the average child. He looks like a middle-school lapine out there in a league full of grown adults that are stronger and more experienced than he is! The only reason he looks good out there-- hell, the only reason why Albany has even had any WINS this year is because of Umaechi playing like a husky out of hell, averaging a triple-double and carrying this entire organization, including the coach, on his back!

And boy, could I go on about Danyals. The guy doesn't have a lick of experience, and suddenly in less than a year, not only does he show up as GM out of nowhere, when the team has a record low number of wins some a**hat decides he'd be a good coach? Well, he couldn't have done any worse than last year, so why the hell not? I'm glad someone in Albany was paying attention enough to pick up the husky. I don't wanna be the one to say 'I told you so,' but I knew from the moment they signed Umaechi that it was a move to literally SAVE the franchise from going 0-80, because without Dasher, that's what they are: a team that will never win another game, due to a sheer lack of actual talent aside from their one bona-fide superstar.

Alaina, if you're out there, I'm sorry you have to put up with that mutant raccoon. If I had it my way, taurs would be working as farm equipment, couches, or, hell, non-existent period. The Alphas need to get Merill the F*CK out of their organization, get a tall point guard, and find someone that's actually GOOD at this game other than Rodger Umaechi. Otherwise, they're just a sorry sack of sh*t in my book.

(Oh, and f*ck Merill Providence. F*ck him to hell. Goddamn waste of life. And his family too. F*ck all those taur-lovers. Should all be dead. W-wait, I told you to cut after that line about being a sorry sack. You DID cut there, right? F*ck.)" -Kendall Fletcher (Snowy Owl), KALF Radio

We're doing a limited run of Albany Alphas jerseys! If you've ever wanted to get an acual jersey supporting your favorite Alphas player, now's the time to do it! Or, if you wanna be an honorary Alpha, now's your chance! We're taking orders now, and the more orders we have, the lower the cost. The cost will be somewhere between $30-45, since we're getting them custom made.

Interested? Send a note to  rourkie or comment below. Thanks!

...especially if it's Lance Wildfyre. *Grins* (Just Kidding.)

http://furrybasketball.com/survey/i.....69&lang=en

Click on the link above to help vote for the 2011-2012 All Star Season.

For more info about the FBA, check out  buckhopper 's page!

The Albany Alphas are in desperate need of a makeover, and the A's fans may be in luck. During their New Year's Gentlemen's Club Party, it was announced that Rourke Danyals (Cat) will be taking up the mantle of General Manager. Danyals made it clear that he will take the team under his wing and try to revitalize the bleeding club.

Relatively little is known about the feline, though he's rumoured to be dating the newly named owner of the fhl 's Portland Roses, Gwyndolan DeKatherine. Danyals declined comment about his personal life, but was reported to have spoken length with Huntsville manager Stefan Calico (Tabby Cat) about his past.

It is, however, possible that Danyals may also have a personal relationship to Nightfire Kitsura (Squnx), General Manager and Owner of the Spokane Rapids, having worked with the Squnx on some music projects in the past.

Albany fans eagerly await the changes Danyals intends to bring to the club, as the Alphas drop under a .250 record, though Danyals seemed to indicate that those numbers don't quite paint an accurate picture of the club.

"Many of those losses are less than 5 points. Albany's had a rough start to their season, but they're good players. They just need to learn to play together, and we'll have a solid team."

His new club currently faces a 5-17 record going into tonight's game against Plymouth, but with two of his biggest scorers, Wildfyre and Onca, off the court, chances of a win against Plymouth look slim.

"We'll just play our best, and when the boys return, we'll be even better."

When asked how long Onca would be suspended from playing, Danyals responded, "The team is suspending him for as long as Wildfyre is out. What happened between Wildfyre and Onca was just a misunderstanding, brought on by stress and a personal disagreement that got out of hand. But I want to make it clear we're not punishing him for his actions. We're giving him a chance to cool off and work through some issues before he's ready to play again as a team player.

"It is unclear what the league's decision will be regarding Onca, but we're seeing to it that he receives counseling for... whatever may be bothing him."

Diplomatic words for a newbie GM, but if he manages the team half as well as he manages press inquiries, you can expect to see some big changes in Albany's future.

December 19, 2011 - During DAK @ ALB

Julius Wigglesworth (Rabbit, Coach, ALB) watched Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, G) concernedly. The rabbit looked pale, and was definitely distracted. After having only scored one basket in the first ten minutes, he was quickly pulled from the game.

Lance had been one of the reasons why he accepted position as head coach. He saw a lot of potential in the rabbit last year, and was crucial in recruting the unlikely youth for the team. While he was still getting his feet wet last year, this season the rabbit seemed to be thriving, and Wigglesworth would do what he could for the buck to continue his growth.

Usually the rabbit was friendly and outgoing, but today something clearly happened that made him quiet and reserved. Like he'd seen a ghost or something.

When he asked what was wrong earlier in the day, Lance chose not to answer, indicating that he wasn't feeling up to starting for the day. Wigglesworth knew not to push him, so he said nothing, but he hoped the kid would be able to start for the game in Tennessee. He needed his best players to be in top shape, and this turn of events was disconcerting.

December 15, 2011 - After 88 BLX @ 85 ALB

Julio Onca (Black Panther, F/C) was surprised when the telephone rang. No one ever called him on his cell phone, let alone his house phone. He'd only gotten the number as part of the cable and internet package, and made sure that the number was promptly unlisted. He let it go to the machine; it was probably a wrong number, and besides he wasn't in the mood to talk.

They'd just been beaten by Biloxi at home, and by a margin of three points. This was pathetic. It was humiliating to be part of a team that obviously had talent but couldn't play together for shit. And with that... STUPID PREY ANIMAL... coaching him now, he hardly got to shine like he should have. It was awful, and the panther was fuming.

The phone rang again.

Onca was startled for a moment. Maybe not a wrong number after all.

He picked up the phone begrudgingly, ready to tell whoever was on the other side of the line to politely f#ck off.

"What the f#ck are you doing out there...!? You hardly scored any baskets during the first half of the game. Roaring at that rabbit (Wildfyre, G) really put him in his place, but Jesus f#ck Onca, what the f#ck am I paying you for, anyway?"

The panther froze. It wasn't often he was caught off guard like this.

He listened on, unsure of what to say just yet, but the mere mention of how he told off that fat, lazy, stupid, short ball of lard who had no f#cking business even playing basketball out on the court during the start of the third quarter made him smirk. He enjoyed that, even if his staff was... less than pleased with the outburst toward one of his teammates.

The smirk disappeared, though, as he listened on.

"Seriously, what the f#ck. Even though he only scored two baskets in the second half, he still ran circles around you. Wildfyre's been scoring second highest on his team every time he starts, and he's showing you up. That rabbit is a f#cking disgrace to the league, and he's making you look worse every single minute he's on the court. Man up and destroy him, or have you lost your balls, Kittycat...? Growing soft in your new position...?"'

When his pride was on the line, Onca finally found his voice. No one dared call him anything but feral.

"I'm a panther, not some overpampered, neutered housecat you f#cking prick. I'll kill you if you ever say anything like that again."

"Yes, but you forget, Mister Onca, you ARE a housecat. I own you, remember...?"

Onca growled in frustration at the man on the other line. He knew only one person was responsible for him being back on the court, and was still pretty sure he had enough clout to take him off again if he really tried.

That and the fact that was paying double the difference from Onca's previous salary out of pocket to make up for the... measly amount Albany was paying him at the moment, meant that he did, indeed, have Onca by the balls, so to speak. The panther didn't like that one bit.

"I. WILL. KILL. YOU."

"That's nice. Say, why don't you channel that anger and direct it toward Wildfyre. He's the REAL reason why you're not getting the recognition you deserve. On a team like Albany, a big strong cat like you should be able to rule the rest of the players, easy."

Onca sat silent for a moment.

"I'll think about it."

December 17 - After 89 ALB @ 105 PLY

Onca was pissed. Not only did that fat little f#cking butterball not respond to any of his growls, snarls, or glares, but he hardly seemed to see them. So Onca tried to outplay the rabbit, in an effort to show how great he actually was. And if he happened to set up some situations where Teeson (PLY, Raccoon, G) might have scored some points to make that stupid landwhale look worse, who was to know?

In the end, it didn't matter. The stupid f#cking preybeast beat him out by a single point. How could someone so f#cking short and so god-damned out of shape be a better scorer than he was?

The big cat grinned, knowing his next course of action. It was time to do what he was hired to do in the first place.

December 18, 2011 - After Practice

Lance waited around the lockerroom. He got a note from Onca simply saying "We need to talk."

When the locker room was empty, Wildfyre looked around. Onca wasn't anywhere to be found. Finally, he shrugged and left for his apartment, wondering what that was all about. Once Mal'nioto (Wolf, Former ALB GM) was no longer running the team, most of the players had the option to move to another complex, one that was better suited for their actual needs. And while Lance loved the apartment he'd stayed at over the summer, he was afraid that such lavish accomodations would be too tempting to him in the long run.

He was feeling pretty good about himself, lately. Despite having lost most of his summer weight, he still started the season heavier than he would have liked, but now, a quarter of the way through the season, he was down to almost 185. A personal achievement, in his books.

Thinking about it made him laugh out loud. They'd successfully managed to fool Mal'nioto into thinking they were the awful team he'd wanted them to be in the preseason. He was surprised no one noticed the pillow he wore under his shirt the first few games, or that many of the girls had made up the guys to look haggard, underslept and dishevelled.

Seria (Delgado, White Wolf, F) was still a little skinny, but she was looking much healthier than she did over the summer. What a caniving bastard, trying to trick us all into becoming awful players. To what end, he didn't know, but he was glad they'd embarrassed him enough into quitting. Or being fired, he wasn't really sure.

He missed Evan (Ashton, Lion, HNT F) and Cassie (Walburg, Tuxedo Cat, HNT G), but at least they were on the same team together. He was looking forward to playing Huntsville on New Year's eve. It would be nice to see those guys again, and spend the holiday with this friends.

It was this thought that brought him to his new apartment. He frowned, as the door was ajar.

"Hello...?"

He cautiously opened the door, his fur on end as he flipped the light switch. His eyes went wide, and he thought he was going to be sick.

On that still brand new apartment's white countertop lay a mangled, mutilated rabbit. It had that look of an over-fed housepet, or would have if its fat and entrails hadn't been strewn all over the island table in some grotesque fashion. It was clearly clawed open while living, the look of terror on its face still palpable.

But the worst thing was the rabbit's fur was a distinct light brown hue he'd recognize anywhere.

It was the same exact color as his own fur.
--

Wednesday, December 21

ALB | 18 19 21 19 | L 77
TEN | 31 22 28 35 | W 116

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Chip Nelson (Chipmunk, G, TEN)
INJURY: Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, SG) - Lacerations, Out for 10 games

A frustrating game for Albany ended in shock when during a time-out Julio Onca (Black Panther, C) shoved at Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, SG), putting the rabbit on his back with deep cuts on his chest and shoulders. He had to be taken from the court while the officials threw out Onca, making the fourth quarter an easy victory for Tennessee.
--T.matt.L

NEWS: The Albany Alphas have announced a staff turnover for their franchise. Former Assistant Coach Julius Wigglesworth (male rabbit) was promoted to Head Coach. Joining him is Castor Midnight (male cat) and Camryn DeKatherine (male fox) as Assistant Coach and Athletic Trainer respectively.

Team owner Donahue Frump had this to say about the staff change:

"We're going in a new direction. Wigglesworth has proven he knows our players better than anyone else, and has done a great job of conditioning and coaching the team after a rough off-season. We're rewarding his dedication with a promotion. Midnight is a young guy, but he's already bringing fresh ideas to the club. DeKatherine is a capable trainer, and is looking for new ways to keep our team conditioned despite a rigorous upcoming schedule. I have great confidence in them both."

We asked him if there were any plans for hiring a new team Manager soon, considering it seems that the team is faring exceptionally well for not having a dedicated person in that position.

"We've been looking into some prospects. Soon we may be making an announcement regarding this, but right now we're not prepared to make any official offers at this time."

"This is bullshit, absolute BULLSHIT. We had a deal, old man, and you broke it."

The mole chuckled behind his desk, a sardonic grin on his face.

"Our deal was that you deliver to me 'the worse team the FBA has ever seen.' Now, despite all your machinations, Mal'nioto, the team seems well practiced, Esteban somehow is back from house arrest, the players whose lives you were going to "make miserable" seem rather well settled, and though we DID lose our first game, a margin of 9 points is nothing to scoff at, seeing as one of our starters is still missing," he gave the wolf an even stare, pausing for a moment, "and the other one was kept under lock and key for months, somewhere you assured me he would stay.

"Now, tell me again, who broke our deal...?"

The wolf seethed, and, unable to contain his rage and frustration, flipped the Mole's desk over in a display of strength very few people ever saw. He knew he had an image of calmness and clarity to uphold, but he also wasn't used to having his plans go awry. The mole had time to scoot out of the way before his desk came crashing down in front of him, surprisingly nimble for an older gentleman.

"You can't manage the team yourself," the wolf said, through clenched teeth. "You NEED me, and you know it."

"Managers come and go, Mal'nioto. You just amused me for a while. Now that it's clear you're not going to make me the money you promised, I don't have any use, or 'need' for you any longer. I'm sure I'll find another manager in short enough time."

The wolf was shaking with pure ire, but he knew there wasn't much he could do. For now. He turned and stormed toward the door, but paused when he heard his name.

"Mal'nioto..."

He turned back to the mole, barely containing the fury he felt at the moment. Later, he would regret allowing his former employer that one last courtesy, the rage he felt turning to dread and fear after the mole spoke.

"... you never told me you had a brother."

BREAKING NEWS: Darius E. Malnioto (wolf) has resigned as the manager of the Albany Alphas. More details to come as they are made known...

NEWS: (from  rourkie and  dakotabailey)

ALB | 17 20 11 13 | L 61
@BLX| 29 23 31 22 | W 105

Biloxi Starts the Pre-Season Off With a Bang

Crawdad Park was in high spirits for the Mudpuppies’ first game of the preseason, and rightfully so. Fans packed the stadium for the sold-out game, beginning with Barton Rogue leading the Biloxi fans in his traditional voodoo curse of the ball. In what should have been an evenly matched game, the Biloxi Mudpuppies served the Albany Alphas for a four-course meal of humble pie. Without their captain, Carl Esteban (Jaguar, SF), the Alphas were off to a rough start, and despite their best efforts and a new coaching staff, Albany seemed unpolished, unpracticed, and, quite frankly, unprofessional.

The Mudpuppies showed off their new roster tonight with some new players mixed in with some old fan favorites. The shocker of the night was that team captain Barton Rouge (Red Fox, Guard) was, for the first time, playing as shooting guard backed up by Silas Rand (Squirrel).

“It ain’t gon’ be a permanent change” Castillo explained to stunned reporters. “Preseason is all about testin’ things. Gotta admit, Rouge looked good out there. Think that’s just him, though. That fox is a leader whatever post he’s playin’.”

The Guarantee did well in the position, scoring 32 points for Biloxi. Playing in Rouge’s usual point guard position was Mudpuppies’ veteran Giraldo Murillo (Jaguarundi, G/F).

“Agua Fria was really struggling as forward last season,” Coach Gary Armstrong (Louisiana Black Bear) stated. “We wanted to see how he’d play as a guard. He looked a lot more comfortable there than playing forward.”

With some fresh blood on the court, Biloxi was elated for the win, even if it didn’t count toward the official season. The fans are excited to see the what the future might bring.

“The Mudpuppies had a tough season last year, I’m not gonna lie,” commented the Mudpuppies’ fanclub president Dakota Bailey (Mackenzie Valley Wolf). “I think they’ll do a lot better this year with the new players and all. Just as long as no one gets hurt that it.”

New players weren’t the only new faces that Biloixi fans saw on the court. The team’s new owner, former State Justice Bureagard Teagues (Red Tabby Cat) was seen, settled in a customized over-sized chair, seemingly quite pleased at his team’s victory. Also new to Biloxi was their GM, Alaina Castillo (Black and Tan Coonhound) who spent the game sitting solemnly, her face straight and her eyes fixated on the court.

“Ah must admit, Ah really didn’t think we’d beat them that badly. Ah mean, shoot, Ah know we’ve got a mighty fine team and all but this was murder. Ah really can’t complain though,” she gave a small smile. “Proud of ‘em. This just the first game, though and it’s still the pre-season. Ain’t time to celebrate yet. ”

The Alphas’ manager, Darius E. Mal’nioto (Wolf) was unavailable for comment.

Also new to Biloxi’s roster was staring small forward Nathan Spinner (Iguana) whom the Mudpuppies acquired during the off-season. The Mudpuppies couldn’t be more happier about his decision to sign with the team.

“We were really struggling last season on terms of defense,” Coach Armstrong said. “Then again, it didn’t help that we were down a few key players due to some unfortunate injuries, “He added, referring to the injuries that Biloxi faced last year with their starting center, Nathan Robinson (Sidewinder) out for forty-five games due to a back injury, forward Conrad Schaefer (German Shepherd) out for fifty-five games due to a broken leg, point guard Devon Kellendyne (Cacomistle) out for seventeen games due to an elbow injury.

“We really don’t want to see that happen again this season” Armstrong chuckled. “Schaefer and Kellendyne are back, though, and are playing stronger than before” he commented on the benched small forward and benched point guard.

Rounding out the new starters was a new starting center, Kurtis Avenaeson (Aadvark) whom the Mudpuppies acquired from the Spokane Rapids during the offseason, backed by Louise Ellenberger (Brown Swiss Cow, C), whom the Mudpuppies picked up during the 2011 FBA draft. Fans recognized Bobby Heron (Snowy Egret, PF) playing at his usual position, and Barú Greene (Rottweiller, F/C) plugging holes where they were needed.

The Alphas had a couple of fresh faces too, including the addition of Julio Onca (Panther, PF), who was suspended at the end of the ‘10-‘11 season. Albany made a hard push to acquire him this year, but so far, it seems not to have helped. Onca played decently until the 3rd quarter, when Albany guard Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit) was sent in for relief. Onca’s attention was clearly split between the game and making threatening gestures toward the rabbit every time he was near the Slasher.

Last season, when things needed changing up, Wildfyre was the Alphas’ Go-To guard to get things shaking again during the third quarter. However, the rabbit lacked the enthusiasm he normally brought to the court, seeming tired and harrassed, although it was hard to tell whether it was from Onca’s stares, or the extra weight he seemed to have put back on during the off-season.

The rest of the Alphas were in rough shape as well. Particularly of note was the fact that starting Center, Dennis !Xabbu was strangely absent from the game, though he appeared on the night’s roster. It was clear that without two of their starters, the rest of the team had to step up, but instead, without Esteban to guide them, the Alphasllacked any real leadership on the floor.

Kelvin Lennon (Cocker Spaniel, SF) had the chance to step up, but he appeared to be more pre-occupied with how he looked while he was playing, rather than how well he was playing in general. Cassandra Walburg (Tuxedo Cat, PG) seemed to be rather distracted, missing several shots which should have been easy for her to make. Margaret Walters (Spotted Hyena, PG) played well, but only when she had the ball. Onca seemed to turn a blind eye to the hyena unless she was clearly open, instead opting to do things himself, rather than pass off to another teammate.

The Alphas’ relief did little to help the cause, too. Seria Delgado (White Wolf, F) was looking more gaunt than usual, and Albany’s other new acquisition, Holly Barker (Boxer Dog, G) didn’t play at all. Mostly, the team looked overworked, and lacked the natural interaction and enthusiasm that Biloxi seemed to exude, and that the fans adore.

“This is just one of those teams in the FBA that you’ve gotta love,” said one fan, a striped skunk with his family. “I mean, who really thought we would make it to the playoffs last year when we were pretty much at the bottom of the league.” He paused for a moment. “I did, of course! I could never give up on the ‘Pups!”

A further statement from Bailey indicated that the same skunk had created a thread on the Mudpuppies’ forum early on last season entitled ‘Season’s Over, Now What?’

“That was back in December when we weren’t doing so well” the wolf laughed as he reached over to steal a pawful of popcorn from the red husky he was sitting next to. “Of course he’s going to try and cover that up.

“Now that we’re doing great, I just hope we just get better, and not worse. I’ve seen how quickly things can change. Then again, with Rogue on the team, we could just have him whip up some voodoo and give our opponents some extra bad juju in case we start to have trouble again. Seemed to work last year,” the wolf joked.

It is rumored that Barton Rogue places an actual curse on the ball before each game, instead of simply trying to psyche the Mudpuppies’ opponents out. There’s no telling whether the fox’s curse worked for sure or not, but the way the Alphas played, there’s no doubt in any of the fans’ minds that the magic in Biloxi is certainly alive and well.

NEWS: (from  rourkie)

DEM Networks is launching a new show this fall called "Cooking with Cassie" which features Cassandra Walburg (Tuxedo Cat, Female), starting Guard for the Albany Alphas. The network developed the idea for the show after hearing that Walburg cooked for the Alphas after each away game as a way to boost team morale on the road.

When asked if the show would interfere with her career as a pro-baller, she had this to say: "Basketball is my life and my passion. It comes first. Most of the episodes are being filmed prior to the season's start, so it won't interfere with the regular season, and with the renovations going on in our home court, we're not getting much team practicing in anyway."

Upon hearing the news about her team captain, she also said this: "My heart is with Esteban, as I'm sure all of ours are. We're hoping this was all just a misunderstanding, and that he'll be back stateside, soon. Carl is a wonderful man, I can't imagine what this is all about, but we're all supporting him as best we can."

NEWS: (from  rourkie)

Carl Esteban (Male, Jaguar), starting forward for the albanyalphas, was arrested early last night and escorted to his home town of San Juan in Puerto Rico. The charges against him are unknown at this time. When asked to comment about the situation, team manager and international media mogul, Darius E. Mal’nioto (Male, Wolf), explained: “We are shocked and appalled at this situation. Esteban is a crucial member of this team, and an upstanding citizen. We are doing everything we can to expedite his return to New York as soon as possible."

In related news…

---

NEWS: (from  rourkie)

…the Alphas’ home court, Frump Coliseum, more affectionately known as “Frump's Dump,” is undergoing massive renovations including brand new seats with expanded capacity, several new J-SPAN telescreens (courtesy of DEM Electronics), and an innovative new series of floating box seats which allow a near perfect, birds-eye view of the court. The renovations are in conjunction with a re-branding of the team's image and logo, and are projected to be completed less than one week before the home opener against the Huntsville Mayors.

While the FBA 2011-12 schedule has not been officially published yet, the Alphas have started an ad campaign for a series of games which they call “The Gentlemen’s Club,” a reference to the apparently timeless, long-running spans of both teams’ involvement in professional basketball. Needless to say, once complete, the Coliseum, which is in serious need of remodeling, will be a “Dump” no longer. Team management has not commented on where the Alphas are practicing while these renovations are underway.

Bigtime-May/June Edition
Big Names: Lance Wildfyre

(Full Article can be found here in an interactive flash: http://www.bluefoxstudios.com/FBA/bigtime.html )

There's a new BIG name in basketball right now, and his name is Lance Wildfyre. The Albany Alphas signed the rabbit guard from Newton, MA as a walk-on, and though he doesn't get too much playing time, when he does, the rabbit really knows how to move.
The rabbit is listed at 5'4" and 198 pounds, but he was tipping the scales at a hefty 216 when he interviewed with us. Despite his height and weight, this rabbit's got game, and proves that a bigger buck can still move fast on his feet.
We caught up with The Flash to see how this Wildfire keeps burning up the courts.

Bigtime: So, wow. Rookie right out of highschool, that's gotta be exciting for you, right?
Lance: Yeah! I really couldn't believe it. I thought I didn't have a chance after the draft was over, but I guess the Alphas still had some spots filled.
BT: And now, since Jack Hinks (Landseer Dog, C) got traded away to the Santa Ana Spectrums, you're the only rookie on the team, right?
Lance: Yep. That's right.
BT: That must be difficult.
Lance: Well, let's just say I'm still adjusting. The team's been really supportive, though.
BT: That's good to hear. Now, you used to run track before playing basketball. That's where you earned your nickname, "The Flash." How does shooting hoops compare to running races.
Lance: It's a lot more interactive. I loved the thrill of just cutting loose and bolting on the track, but here, I get to run and shoot hoops and play up against other furs. It's a lot of fun.
BT: So, how did you get involved with basketball, anyway? Sounds like you were enjoying track quite a bit.
Lance: Well, when we moved, my new highschool didn't have a track team, so I was looking for another sport to be involved with. The Taproots are kind of a big deal in the Boston area, so when my brother got some tickets to go see a game, I begrudgingly went with him. Though, by the first quarter I was hooked.
BT: Who were they playing?
Lance: The [Stansislas] Thrust. Really, actually it was watching Buck Hopper playing that first drew me in. Everyone knows I love the 'Roots but I'm almost embarrassed to admit that watching that first game, I really didn't care about the home team. I kept watching Buck, how he moved, how he shot, how he dunked, saying, "Wow, I wanna be able to do that."
BT: Yeah, but he's 6 feet. You're, what, five-three (5'3")?
Lance: Five-four (5'4"). But I bet I'm faster then Hopper. And probably a better high-jumper.
BT: Them's fightin' words.
Lance: Not really. Actually, it'd be awesome if he challenged me. It'd mean that he actually knows who I am.
BT: I'm sure he does. So, any decent perks about being a Big Name basketball player?
Lance: Well, everyone recognizes you locally. Free discounts at coffee shops, movies. And the facilities the Alphas have are top notch. Do you know our plane is like a small palace on the inside? Wood paneling, big screen TVs, and all the seats are actual REAL recliners. There's even a bar. I mean, for those who can drink. Legally, I mean.
BT: I bet those co-ed showers are nice, too.
Lance: Er... ah, yeah. I guess that's kind of another bonus.
BT: So, tell us. Guys or girls.
Lance: What?
BT: Which does a nice, handsome buck like you prefer?
Lance: Oh, ah... I kind of swing both ways. I am a rabbit, you know.
BT: Fair enough. But no preference one way or the other?
Lance: Not really. Girls are softer, but guys have more thrust, so--wait, that's personal, don't you think?
BT: Sorry, just curious. So, sleep with any of your teammates yet?
Lance: Yes, I-- Wait, that's even more personal.
BT: Right, right, sorry. Well, then, why don't you tell us a bit about yourself, such as what's your favorite food?
Lance: Well, I just love carrotcake. And donuts, cookies, brownies, carrotginger soup, pizza, waffles, and asparagus. Er-- that's not too many, is it?
BT: Nah, it's just fine. And you eat all of that regularly?
Lance: Well, I used to. Coach put me on a diet since I'm not playing as much in the midseason - he doesn't want me to put on weight.
BT: Well, you look great, but you're almost twenty pounds heavier than your listed weight.
Lance: What? Where did you hear that?
BT: We have a scale under your chair.
Lance: That's... kind of creepy, actually.
BT: Standard procedure, I assure you. Our sources say you've been battling your weight all season, and that that's why you haven't been playing as much.
Lance: That's not true at all - after I injured myself, coach has just been trying to get me to take it a little easier at games is all.
BT: I'm sure the two weeks off didn't help.
Lance: Hey, I give every game my all. And my weight just kind of fluxuates, it doesn't affect my performance.
BT: Well, at any rate, you look fantastic.
Lance: Thanks. Er. Wait, what? You just called me fat, and now you say I look great?
BT: You... don't know what magazine this is, do you?
Lance: I thought this was a magazine for big names in sports...?
BT: Oh. Well. You could say that. Anyway, why don't you tell us about your hobbies?
Lance: Well, I don't do much outside of basketball. I like to do what most guys my age do. Watch TV and movies, I used to love to go swimming when I lived in California.
BT: So you used to live on our coast.
Lance: Yes, but that was another life ago.
BT: Back when you were a foster child.
Lance: I guess, yeah. Back when I ran track. I don't really think about those days anymore.
BT: Must have been hard. Did people make fun of you for being a foster?
Lance: Yeah, but, well, I'm in a better place now.
BT: Clearly. A million dollars for a year to play basketball? Sounds pretty sweet.
Lance: I know! I'm not even sure what I'm going to do with all that money. Probably pay my brother back for everything he's done for me.
BT: That's nice.
Lance: Well, I do owe him for a lot.
BT: Certainly, but didn't he abandon you for a couple of years?
Lance: Who said that?
BT: Well, didn't he?
Lance: No, he had to finish college. During that time I stayed with friends who were nice enough to take me in.
BT: But wasn't that right down the street from the foster parents who abused you?
Lance: Well, yes, but I wouldn't call it abuse. And they couldn't afford to keep the house for very much longer after we moved out. I haven't seen them since.
BT: But didn't they forbid you from doing what you loved? Playing sports? That sure sounds like an abusive relationship.
Lance: Yeah, I guess I really wasn't allowed to leave the house after school. My parents thought sports were a useless waste of time.
BT: Your foster parents, you mean?
Lance: Of course. I mean, yeah, they weren't very nice to us, but they were still our parents.
BT: Well, when you put it that way. They must have been terrible parents at any rate. Weren't you in pretty poor health when child services intervened?
Lance: Yeah, the nurse was worried because I was putting on a lot of weight. That was one of the reasons why we were able to leave eventually.
BT: How much do you think you would weigh now if you had stayed, and what do you think would have happened if you hadn't left when you did?
Lance: I don't really want to think about that. I don't like these questions very much, either.
BT: Sorry, just trying to get the hard and honest truth. Your fans want to know these things.
Lance: My fans want to know how much I'd weigh if I hadn't left my foster parents? Really?
BT: Absolutely.
Lance: I think this interview is over.

NEWS: (from  rourkie)

… and in other news, Frump Stadium, home to the Albany Alphas, is expected to start its multi-million dollar renovations today, according to the team’s new General Manager, Darius E. Mal’nioto (wolf). His only comment about the renovation came weeks ago when he explained that he wanted a “new stadium and a new look for a new team” in the coming year. A reliable source indicates that all team practices have been canceled until renovations are complete, which is expected to end sometime in late July or early August, but this information has not yet been officially released by the club.

Although the renovations are, in part, funded by the team owner, Donahue Frump (mole), it is rumored that over 85% of the funding is coming directly from Mal’nioto himself. Unlike the mole, the wolf does not report the net worth of his multi-billion dollar empire on a regular basis, probably because his company, Deus Ex Mechanica, is actually the ghost owner for many small-run businesses worldwide. His holdings are estimated anywhere between $4 and $36 billion.

One has to wonder why the sudden interest in basketball, and if Mal’nioto has a personal interest in Albany, though thus far the young mogul has made no comment. Back to you, Jim…

NEWS: (from  rourkie)

Darius E. Mal'nioto has been named the GM of the Albany Alphas. After team owner Donahue Frump acquired almost half the shares of DEM Network's stock, the two media moguls struck a bargain. Mal'nioto had no comment about his new position, but Frump seems hopeful. "We need a new direction. I think Mal'nioto's bold new vision can help with that."

For the '11-'12 season, Frump has indicated the Alphas will get a complete makeover; a new look for a new team. He plans to fund a renovation of Frump Stadium in full after initial talks with his new general manager.

NEWS: (From  rourkie)

Albany Lays Down on the Court
Too much Pride causes the Alphas to fall flat in season opener
By Christopher Whalen

Thursday’s game confirmed what many Albany fans feared – the Alphas are in rough shape. If this game is any indication of the season to come, the Alphas are slated to have one of their worst seasons ever.

Things were rocky from the start, as Albany’s lack of presence at the FBA Draft indicated something was afoot. Though the Alphas picked up Jack Hinks (Landseer Dog, G), their second draft spot went unfilled. After scrambling to fill their roster before the 2010-11 season started, the Alpha’s starting lineup was surprisingly in tact, with four returning players; a luxury Albany has not enjoyed in some time.

Of course, one has to wonder why Wally Wald (Wallaby, G) isn’t starting, as he’s had experience working with the Alphas before. Maybe the Alpha’s staff didn’t want to break up last year’s starters, but given their losing record in years prior, Albany should have been more willing to change things up to start, especially given their poor performance in the preseason.

Despite Albany’s best hopes, the Alphas lacked cohesion from the start of the game. The Pride pushed to take a very early lead in the first quarter, and Albany’s inability to get their game together until halfway through the quarter when Carl Esteban (Jaguar, SF) finally started to focus enough to land some baskets. Still, Esteban couldn’t carry the whole team, as the rest of their playing was so sloppy that the Alphas looked like a highschool team when you compared their lack of rudiments to Newark’s precision engine on the court.

Speaking of high school, when your “secret weapon” is a walk-on fresh out of graduation, you know something is wrong with your franchise. Now, admittedly, Lance Wildfyre (Rabbit, G) put up an impressive display, with 8 points and 3 assists within a span of 9 minutes, but a single look at the overweight, small-statured lapine would tell you that this kid is not suited for basketball at all. Just think of what someone who was 6’2” 145lbs with his skills could accomplish; he’d be a powerhouse. Instead, we have this short, fat kid who’s barely 5’4” and listed at a hefty 198 lbs, but despite his surprising speed and accuracy, watching him huff and puff up and down the court, there’s no way you could be convinced he wasn’t well over 200 lbs. It’s even more difficult to believe the rabbit was once a cross-country runner, considering the way he collapsed on the court between plays. Wildfyre could have made a difference in this game if he had the stamina of a lighter player, but for now, after laying down on the court, he’s just an embarrassment to the team, especially since it’s clear that he has so much potential. He needs to lay off the carrotcake and stick to calisthenics if the Alphas want to utilize him for more than ten minutes a game.

At least the last quarter was somewhat amusing. Evan Ashton (Lion, F) earned a technical for taking his jersey off and throwing it over Gordon Reilly's (Moose, C) antlers. Talk about adding insult to injury for Albany – Ashton was too busy showboating to recognize how his actions reflected on the team, sending the message that the Alphas clearly didn’t care about the win if they’re allowing their players to act like clowns. Still, the crowd seemed to like it, as it was the most entertaining portion of the game’s second half.

It says a lot about a team when they let their players act without restraint. In short, Albany could see one of the best seasons they’ve had yet, if only they’re able to keep their players in line. Their lack of focus is causing their players to go to waste, and unless they want to come in dead last this season, they really need to shape up, or ship out.

NEWS: (From  steviemaxwell)

Exerpt from: Oh What A Night - by Patrick Suarez

After Wendy Brown (Saber-toothed Tiger, G) and Krystal Bunny (Rabbit, G) were chosen by the Bantams and the Mounties, Albany was on the clock for their #10 pick. Unfortunately, the Alphas table was deserted and no one in the front office had any word from team management. Dreysanius Acrutar, owner of the Rocky Mountain Royals, shared this comment on Albany's absence: "I'm rather disappointed. My lovely wife gets to annoy Foo-Foo (owner of the Stanislaus Thrust), but it seems Frump the Grump's hiding from me." Commissioner Davids skipped the Alphas to continue the draft, and the Royals chose Dirk Von Stryker (German Giant Rabbit, C) with their #11 pick, as well as fellow lapine Harry Redford (Hare, C) with their second-round pick. "If there was anything this team needed, it was height, and I believe these picks will add that much-needed asset," remarked Mr. Acrutar. "We need good centers. [Angus] MacColl (Brown Bear, C) may be retiring after this season, and we'd like to have good jumpers if he does."

NEWS: (From  paulshep)

Getting out of trouble - Montana free agency

GM Torsten Lynx couldn't believe what he saw when he noticed that he had signed too many players, and after the incident of Shane Rufus (Red Wolf, G) complaining in the office, something had to be done.

According to multiple sources, the Alphas were in quite some trouble as well, with roughly only 8 players signed, the team needed some good blood, and the Howlers had that. A source tells us that the Howlers have traded 2 players to the Howlers for a 2011 draft pick, but it needs to be confirmed by the commissioner first.

GM Torsten Lynx had this to say: "The Alphas looked like a freaking AA high school team with that many players signed. And we have too many. We HAD to help each other out." He tells the media. Crossing their fingers, the Howlers hope to keep Shane in their line-up, wanting to ease the pressure on their first round pick Paul Shepherd (German Shepherd, G). "He can't handle the immediate shift from international to FBA style play that quickly. He told us that he'd prefer to be back-up for the first season or so, just to get himself used to North American play."

P-Dog confirmed that notion. "I'm not like that Jeff Random (Pit Bull, G) guy. Sure, I'd love to play starter, but I just finished another season back in Germany, so that quick shift is a hard piece of work. Though I hope that I get used to everything quickly."