Pro experience should help Lightning in team's inaugural postseason
Franchise features four ex-NBA athletes
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

Although the Los Angeles Lightning basketball team finished the regular season with a disappointing 911 record, recent additions have made the squad a threat heading into the International Basketball League West Playoffs beginning tonight in Seattle.

In the past month the Lightning has added former UCLA and Phoenix Suns guard Toby Bailey as well as former Los Angeles Clipper Keith Closs.

The two signings give the Lightning four ex-NBA players. Lamond Murray, who once scored 40 points in a game for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Fred Vinson also have NBA experience.

The 7-foot-3 Closs has given L.A. a proven center and a much improved defense. Since joining the Lightning, which plays their home games at Cal Lutheran, Closs is averaging 12 points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots per game.

Closs "gives us a great interior defense," head coach Ron Quarterman said. "He has NBA experience, so his basketball IQ is very high."

Former UCLA star Billy Knight also enjoys having Closs on the squad.

"Playing with (Closs) has been great," Knight said. "He's especially helpful on defense, and he's able to grab a lot of rebounds, sometimes with just one hand."

With Closs playing center, Murray is able to play either the small forward or power forward position, which he prefers.

Although Murray has only played in 11 games, he's the leading rebounder (11.9) and scorer (26.6) on the team. Murray previously played with Closs for two years as a member of the Clippers.

"I don't care where I play as long as it's not center," Murray said.

"With Closs being here, we're able to play a style of basketball I prefer, which is getting out on the break and scoring easy buckets."

Bailey has also made an impact in limited playing time. He has suited up for only four games since joining the squad and is averaging 24.3 points per contest.

Unfortunately for the Lightning, Bailey sprained his ankle during a road game earlier in the month against Las Vegas and hasn't been able to suit up since.

Quarterman is optimistic that Bailey will see action in the postseason.

"When (Bailey) is not on the floor we miss him a lot," Quarterman said. "With (Closs) now on the team, Bailey is able to play the three rather than the four. We held him out against Arizona, but we're hopeful he'll be back for the playoffs."

Lightning guard Kamran Sufi, who leads the IBL with 12.5 assists per game, said it's been tough not having the best possible unit on the court at all times.

"It can be a little frustrating," Sufi said. "Everyone on the team is battling offcourt issues. I do believe that everyone is committed to playing their best when they can."

Only three Lightning players- Wayne Oliver, Greg Minor and Phil Givens- have appeared in all 20 games. When given the chance to play, all three have made an impact, specifically Givens, who scored 57 points in the season finale against Arizona last weekend.

Other contributors for the Lightning include Ronell Mingo (20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game), Knight (18.1 ppg) and Vinson (15.6 ppg).

Los Angeles ended a fourgame losing streak by defeating the Arizona Flame twice at Cal Lutheran last weekend by scores of 132-120 and 140-124.

Sufi said the Lightning could surprise a few teams in the postseason, but only if the on-court chemistry and execution continues to improve, especially on defense.

"Our biggest issue is our rebounding," Sufi said.

"Our initial defense is really good, but we have to grab that rebound and hold the opposition to one shot. If we can do that, we can be extremely dangerous in the playoffs."