While the local MSM are mostly consumed with Texas’ football defeat to A&M yesterday (and to a less extent, UT’s hoops victory over New Mexico State at what appeared to be an almost completely empty Prudential Center — finally a sporting event on Versus that had more viewers than actual paid attendees!), the season opening for the NBA Development League’s Austin Toro received scant coverage. From me, that is. And for that, I am deeply, deeply sorry. When an organization as classy as the San Antonio Spurs rolls into town and upgrades the local bush league franchise by turning their uniforms silver and black, the least I can do is listen to the crackly internet audio.
Though Keith “Never Been In A Riot” Langford scored 28 points for the visiting Toros, Austin allowed some 24 turnovers in Friday’s 104-97 defeat to Rio Grande Valley. Former Longhorn Gabe Muoneke led the Vipers with 31 points, while another Texas product, Kenton Paulino, scored 13 from Austin in his first U.S. pro appearance after a year in Turkey.
I’d say something about deposed Missouri coach Quinn Snyder — making his Austin debut — not having a hair out of place, but a) I wasn’t there and b) it probably wasn’t true.
The Toros’ home opener is tonight at the Austin Convention Center against the Bakersfield Jam. Though I’m told Paul Weller won’t be in uniform, Austin should have their hands full with the tandem of Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton.