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WTAM 1100 “Voice of the Cavs” will continue its broadcast of the Cavaliers preseason, regular, and post season games through the 2007-08 season. Mike Snyder, WTAM sports director, will host the pre-game, halftime, and post game shows. Also WTAM will continue to host the weekly show with coach Mike Brown which will begin on Thursday 10/6 at 7pm.

The New Orleans Hornets are first up for the Cavaliers home opener on November 2nd. The Hornets last year finished in last place in the Southwest standings. The Cavaliers won both games in the 2004/05 season with Lebron scoring 22 and 44 points and Drew Gooden grabbing 18 and 11 rebounds in the two match ups. While the Hornets have reached a tentative agreement as reported on The Oklahoman’s Web site to play at least part of the NBA Team’s upcoming season in Oklahoma City, the larger question is how well will the team respond this year with all that they have faced. Look for more as we get closer to the home opener.

With the pacers gaining Ron Artest, Danny Granger and Sarunas Jasikevicius and the Bucks resigning all-star Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut , and Bobby Simmons, the Cavaliers are faced with what could be the toughest division in the East, possibly the whole NBA. To take a look at all the moves the central division made this off season, take a look at Kelly Dwyer column at SI.com.

For any fans that need a reminder about why they should be excited about the upcoming 2005-06 season just take a look back at some of the 2004-05 statistics. Lebron was 3rd in the league in ppg with 27.2 and Larry Hughes was 1st in the league in steals with 2.8 spg and Lebron 3rd with 2.21 spg. And don’t forget the 3 point stripe. Damon Jones was 5th in the league at .432 and D. Marshall 11th at .416. That is a potent combination and one that will give teams many sleepless nights.

Today, the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed forward/center Alan Henderson to a one year contract, Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry announced today.

“I’m happy to be here,” Henderson said. “I’m excited to work with the players, the coaches and the whole organization. Cleveland made some great moves this summer and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Henderson, will fill the gap left when Anderson Varejao dislocated his right shoulder last month while playing for Brazil in the Americas World Championship qualifying tournament. Varejao will be lost for four to five months.

The Cavaliers held a conference call featuring Head Coach Mike Brown with Season Ticket Holders on 9/16. The following are some notes I took during the call.

Q
Mike, as your first tour as head coach what/how do you prepare differently than when you were an assistant in Indiana?

A
One of the first things I noticed is that you have more responsibility away from the court. For example, early today I was working with the assistants on the practice court. Before I knew it I had to breakaway for our conference call. Also I am now responsible for all the players and their families. I was fortunate though in Indiana where coach allowed me to have full responsibility for the defense. It was awesome that he had that amount of trust in my ability.

Q
What is your operational model with your assistants?

A
I try to integrate key learning’s from my tenure in Indiana and San Antonio. Most importantly everyone is a head coach on this team and should feel as though their input is regarded as such. Of course I still will have the final veto. My assistants have a wide range of experience and wisdom so that will benefit the team greatly.

Q
How important is team chemistry?

A
Critical. Talent levels throughout the league these days is very even. What separates the teams are 3 things. Effort, Execution and Chemistry. Chemistry allows for one common goal and that is to win.

Q
Who is going to start this year?

A
Everyone on our team this year is good. We brought in players that will give us the type of culture we want. No one except Lebron is guaranteed a starting spot. Also our bench strength is very important. Starters start but finishers finish. And they may not always be the same.

Q
Whom do you see as our backup center this year?

A
Most teams do not have one true center. Fortunately we do in Z. Some other teams I see with true centers are Miami, San Antonio and Chicago. Given that a true back up center is a rarity, we see Alan Henderson, Drew and Donyell all being able to fill that role.

Q
How do you feel about the point guard position this year?

A
Excited, Eric and Damon both complement each other. Damon brings the shooting we need from a point guard and can defend at the other end. Eric has the experience and knowledge of the game and knows how to win.

Q
Being that you are a defensive minded coach how important is toughness and how do you bring a defensive system to a team?

A
Defense is all about toughness. We feel we have those guys. Ira Newble is one of those guys. For offense you change the system to match the players you have, but for defense the players simply need energy and effort.

Q
What is Luke Jackson’s progress

A
Good. He played a lot of basketball this summer with NBA caliber players with no pain or discomfort. He needs to get his timing and feel back but we feel he is coming along.

Q
What are your thoughts about the Eastern Conference this year?

A
East is a beast as my son would say. The Central Division is the toughest hands down. Every team in the division has a chance to be in the post season.

Q
How is Lebron doing this year?

A
Lebron is special. I can learn from him but I also have expectations of him and his peers. In San Antonio we expected much from Tim Duncan and we expect no less from Lebron. It is not about Lebron though, he needs a team around him to win and that is what our goal is. To win.

If you can’t wait to meet the new Cavaliers then this is your chance. The Cleveland Cavaliers will hold a Wine & Gold intra squad scrimmage at The University of Akron’s Rhodes Arena on Thursday, October 6th at 7:00 p.m. The event is free to the puplic. You will also get to also meet Moondog and the Cavalier girls.

A ticket is required for the actual scrimmage inside the arena.