A lot has transpired since all of us were last gathered round the campfire here at the old UDPride roundball ranch. While you and I were twiddling our thumbs watching the countdown clock, Chris was busy rebuilding, retooling and relaunching the site and I think you’re really gonna like what he has done with the place! Trust me when I say, it was all Chris–he had a few of us test stuff, but Mr. Rieman did 100% of the heavy lifting that you see here.

So what’s new? Right off the bat, you can see that the home page is much more robust and visually appealing, with tons of content a mere click away. Hit the Forums button and you will see the usual array of topics, but when you scroll down there are a plethora of new subjects, including Health, Medicine, Food, and Cooking, History and Anthropology, Home and Garden and Hunting, Fishing, Camping, and Firearms. Even “FTS” has acquired a spiffy new logo, which–again–I had absolutely nothing to do with creating, but I get to reap the benefits of Chris’ efforts.

My very favorite addition is the archive of old UDPride content extending all the way back to the genesis of the website in June of 1998. There are about 8 years worth of “FTS” that I thought were dead and gone, lost in the ether, that Chris has exhumed. The easiest way to access the archive is to click on any article on the homepage and then go to the toolbar on the right margin, click on “Select a Month” and scroll to your heart’s content.

Behind the curtain, Chris has made it much easier for me and the other UDPride contributors to post content that includes tweets, pictures, media, etc. Speaking of which, at the bottom of the homepage you will find a link entitled “Write for us.” The pay and benefits are non-existent, but the rewards are that you get to have a place where you can express your thoughts on UD hoops with thousands of fellow fiends.

The timing of the UDPride summer vacation was kinda unfortunate, as it immediately preceded the NBA Draft. And we all know how that turned out:

And unfortunately, we all are also painfully aware of what happened next:

It totally sucks, but is there any doubt that Deuce will absolutely work his butt off to be ready for next season? The fact that he will be paid $3 million while he recuperates softens the blow–kinda.

How bad did the Nuggets want DaRon? This behind-the-scenes video of the Denver NBA Draft war room demonstrates their willingness to do basically whatever it took to get their guy:

UD’s two other NBA players were also in the news. Toumani Camara’s contract was fully guaranteed for the upcoming season, one of the all-time no-brainers in league history:

https://www.si.com/nba/trailblazers/news/contracts-of-2-young-portland-players-fully-guaranteed-saturday-ak1987

Mani also received the Maurice Lucas Award from the Trail Blazers:

https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2024/04/trail-blazers-toumani-camara-receives-maurice-lucas-award.html

This is a podcast with Tou on his rookie season and what he needs to work on over the summer (interview starts at 9:00):

https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/toumani-buckets-and-lottery-odds-on-the-brief-case-episode-86

Speaking of the Blazers, here is some linky goodness to game 6 of the 1977 NBA Finals, featuring the late, great Bill Walton and UD”s own Johnny Davis:

While we are already seated in the Wayback Machine, how about a full replay of the 1967 NCAA Championship game?

Meanwhile, Obi One signed a 4 year, $60 million contract to stay with the Indiana Pacers:

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40467545/obi-toppin-stay-pacers-4-year-60m-deal

The Indiana Fansided site 8 points9seconds feels that the Pacers’ acquisition of Obi “looks better by the second”:

https://8points9seconds.com/posts/obi-toppin-trade-looks-better-by-the-second-for-the-pacers-01j3g8589wjm

There are a host of other former Flyers–both men and women–who have continued their pro hoops careers overseas. “The Global Game: Flyers Playing Basketball At The Next Level” documents their success:

https://daytonflyers.com/news/2024/3/27/mens-basketball-the-global-game.aspx

Who knew there was a Dayton Men’s basketball vault on YouTube? I sure didn’t, but now you do:

As for the 2024-2025 Flyers, Jablo has been busting his behind to keep the Flyer Faithful informed in The DDN. Some examples:

Jaiun Simon

https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/simon-healthy-and-ready-to-contribute-for-flyers-after-redshirt-season/O4HSPFTRORFZFPRVJ5VMTVTTWM/

Javon Bennett

https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/dayton-guard-bennett-wants-to-put-some-banners-in-ud-arena-in-second-season-with-flyers/MEUKRAFD7JAXTOPJM7CHTZS6WE/

Flyers ‘pushing the needle every single day’ in summer practices

https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/flyers-pushing-the-needle-every-single-day-in-summer-practices/WLMIGQW5HREZJKLKHJFUNPWZNU/

Twitter update on Nate Santos

Not to be outdone, Arch contributed this piece on ‘The most interesting man in college basketball’ new Flyer Zed Key:

https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/archdeacon-the-most-interesting-man-in-college-basketball/5OTMTOM6I5D45NTJL7EAMBQEE4/

Oh yeah, and UD announced an exhibition game:

Did you know that Chris Danieis’ younger brother Anthony is an announcer for the New Orleans Pelicans? Neither did I until I read this:

https://www.si.com/nba/2024/02/24/pelicans-antonio-daniels-calls-out-stephen-a-smith-zion-williamson-comments

Finally, this video is amazing for a coupla reasons:

Welcome back to UDPride everybody!