Attention NBA and NBDL sports fans, I was lucky enough to get a hold of Assistant
General Manager Chris Makris. Mr. Makris sat down and gave WizBang the inside
scoop on the Iowa Energy. If you've ever had questions about the NBDL, then we've
got some answers for you. Also, we may have an interview with Dwayne Mitchell, so
be sure to stay tuned! NBDL fans, if you have questions you'd like answered about
the league I'll do my best to find them out. All you need to do is leave me some
feedback. Below is a transcript of my interview with Assistant GM Chris Makris.

Brent Blaze: Could you explain to an average NBDL fan what role an Assistant
GM plays in the front office? What is an average day like?

Chris Makris: The role is ever-changing, which is exciting and challenging. The
main component of any job in this league is sales. Whether it is season tickets,
corporate partnerships or group outings, you have to sell to succeed. I also am
the main liason between our office and the NBA. I spend a lot of time working with
them to improve our franchise. During game days, I oversee the things that go on in
the arena, to make sure our fans are exposed to great entertainment in a safe and
fun atmosphere.

BB: How is the NBDL Draft like or different from the NBA Draft?

CM: To be honest, the D-League draft is far more complicated than the NBA draft.
Right up until the night before the draft, players are being added to the Available
Player Pool. In the NBA draft, you know who is available months in advance, and
can figure out who you like and don't like. In addition, the D-League draft only
allows 90 seconds or so to make a decision. That puts the pressure on to make a
good choice and rely on your contacts to help evaluate talent.

BB: What led to the decision to trade Nick Lewis (Energy's 3rd round draft pick) for
Trey Johnson? (NOTE...we traded for Jovan Harris, not Trey Johnson)

CM: At the time, we had a plethora of big men and Nick's minutes were shrinking. Simultaneously, we had a need for depth at the PG spot due to JamesOn Curry's
wrist surgery. Jovan had played well in limited minutes in Bakersfield and we felt he
would come in and fit a role we needed. Both players have a lot of talent and are
each great people off the court as well. I think that it is one of those trades that
helped everyone involved.

BB: What player has been the biggest surprise for the Energy this season? Has it
between Mike Efevberha and Doug Thomas? Or is it someone else?

CM: Both Mike and Doug have made huge strides this season. Mike has been my
biggest surprise so far. He has the talent to play in the NBA eventually if he can
continue to work. I think right now, he doesn't have the name recognition of many
players in our league, but scouts are starting to understand that he can play.

Doug Thomas is one of the most exciting players I have ever watched. He is a
crowd favorite here in Iowa. In the past, he was known simply as a dunker. Now,
he is developing a midrange game. His athleticism alone will get him looks at
the next level.

BB: Are the Energy looking to acquire a free agent point guard to back up Jeff
Horner? Bojan Malesevic (6-7 Point Guard Belgrade,Serbia) is currently listed
as a free agent. He's won championships and played in all-star games in Eastern
Europe, and he is known for his passing (averaged 10.5 ast. per game in Poland).
Would the Energy be interested in signing him for the rest of the season?

CM: Right now, we feel very good about the PG spot with Jeff and Jovan Harris.
However, we are always looking to Upgrade the talent on our team. In our league,
you can't sign a free agent unless they sign with the D-League first. So, Bojan would
have to sign with the league, then he would be available for waiver pickup by whoever
was on top of the waiver wire at that moment.

BB: Stevie Johnson (Iceland, Spain) is a former Iowa State basketball player that
suited up with Marcus Fizer and Jamaal Tinsley. Do you invision a scenario where
Johnson plays for the Energy next season instead of in Spain?

CM: We love the local connection that Jeff Horner and Doug Thomas have brought
to the franchise. Anytime there is Someone with a) local connections and b) talent
to play at this level, they are on our radar screen.

Thank you Mr. Makris for taking the time to answer our questions. I would agree with
Mr. Makris that Mike Efevberha is by far the biggest surprise for the Iowa Energy this
year. Efevberha was suspended from UC Irvine for violating team rules. He transferred
to Cal State Northridge and had an outstanding junior year before declaring for the
NBA Draft. Efevberha played in the IBL before getting a shot with the NBDL. I believe
Efevberha has earned the opportunity to play in the NBA summer league.

Mike Efevberha Statistics
http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/mike_efevberha.pdf
http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/index.jsp?player=mike_efevberha