This is part of a continuing series of Q&A’s and chats with GMs in my fantasy league. In this one, I ask Zack Cooper of the FAN 590 about the radio biz, the dirt on Eric Smith and Jack Armstrong, his passion for the Toronto Raptors, and more.

You mentioned that you weren’t happy with your fantasy basketball team. How come?

I broke one of the first rules of Fantasy sports… in that, I’ve relied too much on rookies, and put way too much weight on guards, especially with the uncertainty that is the lower body of Al Jefferson.  Seeing Jamal Crawford play only 14 minutes in Atlanta’s season opener was downright frightening… Word that Anthony Randolph WILL get the start in GSW is encouraging, but I think I’ve got too many youngsters overall.  Oh, and I’m relying on the disgruntled former-Capt. Jack for a good chunk of my scoring.  See you in the cellar fellas, and lady (What up, Nat!?).

Tell me about “Got Game.” Was it hard to get a show about video games put on a sports radio station?

I’d like to say that “Got Game” is my baby… but sadly, I can only claim that I take care of it.  I’ve played video games all my life, and the opportunity to talk about both sports and gaming on the radio is an absolute blessing.  The show started up about 6 months ago, growing from Bryan Calhoun’s blog, to the epic 60 minute show that changes weekend time slots as frequently as Shaq misses free throws.  Yes, I understand that video games on a sports radio station might not be top-peg material… but we’ve got a wonderful and loyal fanbase that can thankfully follow along via podcast (available on our blog at fan590.com and on iTunes).

Gamers, hit me up on both PSN and XBL: I’m ZCooperstown (just like on twitter). Read more »

(Ugh. That was too much alliteration, even for me.)

This is part of a continuing series of Q&A’s and chats with GMs in my fantasy league. In this one, I ask Raps Fan of Raptors Republic about his websites, the potential Big Bosh Problem and more.

Pete Marasmitch: The Raptors FANtasy League season opens with the two of us matched up. Who are you most excited about on your team?

Raps Fan: Gotta go with Brandon Roy. He is going to have a very big year, now that he can play off the ball. 25PTS 6AST 5REB sounds about right to me.

PM: And what about this year’s Toronto Raptors? Which player would you especially like to succeed, and why?

RF: Easy — Andrea Bargnani. The Raptors have very little chance of getting to the next level with him doing nothing but dropping 17 a game. If he can grab 8-10 boards, I would be a happy camper. Read more »

With five key players on this Toronto Raptors team that hail from overseas, there are bound to be non-English articles out there that are of interest to us North American fans. Case in point: this Italian interview with new Raptors strength and conditioning coach Francesco Cuzzolin. Don’t you wish that someone could translate it for you? Well, your wish just came true.

Thanks to mookie from A Stern Warning for the translation work.

Francesco Cuzzolin, who has come from Benetton Treviso, is now with the Raptors to act as trainer.

How is your experience going so far?

Super. Truly beyond all expectations since arriving. With different working methods and different ideas in terms of administration and off-the-court, it was not easy to put everything into practice immediately.

As a third of the team is European, it’s really easy to work with them. And of course, there was immediately great harmony with the two Italians. Read more »

Chris Bosh and I are excited. Are you? (AP via Daylife)

Anybody else as excited as I am for the 2009 NBA draft, a.k.a. Bryan Colangelo Redemption Night?

If you are just as pumped, stoked or whatever-other-adjective to see what the Raptors will do this Thursday night, comment below, and I’ll respond ASAP — like a makeshift live blog, from now till 4PM today!

And keep commenting on through Sunday and tell me your reactions to the wheelings and dealings related to our beloved Raptors.

Here are some ideas to get you going. What do you think of:

• B.C.’s fave five: DeMar DeRozan, Gerald Henderson, James Johnson, Jrue Holiday and Jonny Flynn?
• Shawn Marion signing-and-staying or signing-and-trading?
• Drafting a point guard?
• Getting a second-round pick?
• Free agents?
• Potential trade partners, like the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Looking forward to chatting with you!

DeMar DeRozan reminds me of Joey Graham here. (The Oregonian)

It seems like everyone’s on the “DeMar DeRozan as a Toronto Raptor” bandwagon. What makes DeRozan such a great fit on this team, apart from being a decent swingman? Sure, he’s got some attractive strengths, but his weaknesses seem significant. Read more »