Energy Equation - Coach Sir has a formula

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Energy equation

Coach Sir has a formula

It’s only his second season as a head coach in the International Basketball League, but Paul Sir has already discovered his formula for success.

"Character, plus talent, plus effort equals success," said the coach and general manager of the Edmonton Energy.

Sir, who coached the Edmonton Chill last year in the IBL, said the equation was the priority for the team’s recruitment efforts over the off-season.

"We recruited and headhunted character first and foremost," he said. "We know to build a successful team, the team has to have that character and that willingness to put aside individuality to accomplish the team goal."

NOTHING SHORT

To the Energy, that goal is nothing short of the league championship.

"That’s exactly what we aspire to in the IBL this year, is to have individuals not be concerned with their numbers, but be concerned about the ’W’s that the team can achieve," said Sir. "While we can’t guarantee a championship, we will guarantee a championship effort."

The team introduced a host of new signings yesterday, headed up by former Portland State Vikings point guard William Funn, who led the NCAA Div. 1 in assists in his senior year in 2004-05.

"I had opportunities to sign a lot of point guards," said Sir. "And the first number I look at is the assists column. We don’t need somebody who’s here to get a lot of points for themselves, we’ve got a lot of scorers. What we need is the quarterback. We need the man who makes everybody else run."

Funn has already proven himself in the IBL, leading the league in assists as a member of Oregon’s Salem Stampeders.

"That’s the type of player that I am: pass first, keep everyone happy," said the 27-year-old from San Bernardino, Calif. "I’m glad to be here, meeting all the guys and the coach, everything just feels real good. I’m excited about this season."

Funn and crew are headed back to California for their season-opener against the L.A. Lightning May 2 and 3.

"I’ll have people there. Everybody will come check it out," said Funn.

PERIMETERS

Having a playmaker work the perimeter is only half the battle. Inside, the Energy will rely on players like Kevin Shand.

"We want presence in the paint and Kevin casts a tall shadow," Sir said of the six-foot-10, 275-pound pivot.

The Toronto native said he knew what to expect from basketball in the west after playing with the Canadian national team.

"I know there’s players out here," he said, adding he was less familiar with the IBL before coming here. "This year, when the opportunity came across, I definitely jumped at it to be in Canada."

THAT’S THE TICKET: When the IBL made its first appearance in Edmonton with the Chill’s first home game last year, organizers were blown away by the turnout.

"Even last year, the Chill had to turn people away from the doors the first night," said club president David Dorward.

"We certainly would encourage people to come out and get their tickets early."

He said the Energy business model is based on one-third of its revenue coming from sponsorship and the other two-thirds from gate admissions.

GERRY.MODDEJONGE@SUNMEDIA.CA

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