Express have only two familiar players in camp
The off-season was certainly one of change for the Windsor Express.
A year ago, point guard Maurice Jones showed up at training camp for the Express, fresh out of college and hoping to land his first professional basketball job.
As the Express opened camp on Wednesday, Jones was back for his second National Basketball League of Canada season and now has the distinction of being the longesttenured member of the team with just one season under his belt.
“It’s very weird, especially from last year,” the 25-year-old Jones said before Wednesday’s first workout at the Constable John Atkinson Memorial Community Centre. “Coming in and not knowing what was going on and what to expect. It’s definitely different.
“It’s not like college. At least in college you’ve got seniors that lead, but always a core group of guys that come back, so it’s definitely new. I don’t know what to expect.”
Jones and forward Logan Stutz, who joined the Express near the end of last season, were the only two players brought back by the club this season.
Roster turnover comes quickly in the league, said Stutz, who was the league’s most valuable player two seasons ago.
For some, it was simply another opportunity. Warren Ward went to Spain, while Wally Ellenson was drafted by the NBA’s G League and is at camp with Oklahoma City.
But for others, there were other options. Darren Duncan is with the KW Titans, De’Andre Thomas with London, while Noel Moffatt has signed in his hometown with the league’s newest club in St. John’s, N.L.
“Obviously, the work is never done when you don’t reach your goal and your goal is a championship,” Express head coach and vice-president of basketball operations Bill Jones said. “You spend the summer trying to get ready and a new identity with the team. With that, we have to say goodbye to some people that have been part of your success.”
After back-to-back championships, Windsor has been bounced in the division final the past two seasons. After trying to reshape much of the roster last season, the club went for an almost complete overhaul this year.
“This league is a very good league and it’s a tough league,” said Jones, whose team was swept by London last year. “I just want to see our guys compete every play. I go back and look at that last series where we were swept by London. They just outworked us and we have to be able to get guys that compete and work.
“It’s been a good run and we wish (those leaving) well moving forward. You get a bond, especially as a coach, but at end of it, you’re trying to put together the best team in the league.”
Stutz is a former league MVP and Maurice Jones was the league’s rookie of the year last season and set a new league record for assists in a season.
Obviously, the work is never done when you don’t reach your goal and your goal is a championship.
“Those are our pillars,” Bill Jones said.
Now, the Express must find others to build around those two as the club hopes to live up to its season motto of “Back on Track.”
“(Maurice Jones is) back, which is a big reason I wanted to come back,” Stutz said. “I love playing with Mo. Coach is back and that’s big. Coach has got a pretty simple system that’s very successful. It’s had a ton success in this league and hopefully guys get it.
“When I came in, guys had to show me the ropes. Now, I’ll be the guy showing some of these young guys the ropes. It’s my turn to take the lead and bring these guys with me. Guys will step up and that’s how they’ll earn their minutes and their keep.”