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Keeping PostedWith Bil! Reddy _The front-office situation of the Nats, which has *iwiiner«i for a long time, comes to a' boil again tomorrow, when the board of directors meets to act on the proffered resignation of Leo Ferris as general manager.It makes no. particle of difference to me whether or not Ferris runs the club. It makes scant difference to the average fan, who is more interested in the accomplishment's of the club on the floor than in behind-the-scenes operations of the organization.Yet it would be well to clear up the situation so that there need be no unnecessary diversion of attention from the performances of the winningest team in the Eastern Bivi-__ sion of the National Basketball Association.Bill Reddy 2t won’t be determined, until the meeting •whether or not Ferris’ resignation is to be accepted. Yet inasmuch as he has publicly expressed si desire to quit the position, it would seem that he is entitled to have his request granbed.*___ in the meantime, as manydowntown fans are aware, thereUhave been several applications for the Job of succeeding Ferris, if and when he loaves the general managership. I’ve listened to the names of several on this list of willing successors,, and haven't heard the name of the only'man. in the city who is capable of taking over the task of running the Nats’ organization without the necessity of learning a new job.I don’t know if he wants the Job. I haven't asked him. But the man who brought professional basketball to Syracuse In 1948, and who has battled incessantly to keep It here—and to improve It In every way-—Is Danny Blasone,Danny Is president of the club now, but he no longer is the principal stockholder. Me has a business of his own which demands much of his time, and that business would suffer If he reassumed a dominant position with the basketball club. Yet he has demonstrated such a zest for the game that I'm inclined to believe that he would be willing to take charge again.No one else could step in as Ferris’ successor without being confronted with the necessity of learning ail the details of a corn, plesc organization, Danny knows the situation, knows the league, knows the personnel, knows the rules.Few people realize the respect and esteem with which Blasone is regarded throughout the National Basketball Association, As principal stockholder in the club, he represented Syracuse for many years, and he has made tremendous contributions to the league.President Maurice Podoloff remarked, at the start of the current season: 'I wish I had eight more like Danny in the league. He thinks of the game of the league, of the fans, and of the club, In that order.”The meat revolutionary change In pro basketball la years, the 24-second rule, Is Blasone’s brainchild. Ho had campaigned for a method of this sort for years, at a time when he m the only sponsor of the idea. The two-foul backeourt penalty is another of Danny’s proposals which was adopted and which has helped to make a better game.I have intentionally, refrained from talking to Biasone about the subject matter in this column, i feet that it is the business of the board ox directors to make its own decision, and surely the members of that board are in possession of all the facts they need to make a decision.Yet I feel that it would be a mistake on my part !: I failed to make a suggestion which obviously is in the best interests of Syracuse professional basketball.If Ferris’ resignation is accepted, the directors should make an effort to 'draft' Biasone for the position. If he is unwilling to take on a permanent assignment, lie might assume responsibility until someone else cctild be selected, thus providing the time lor careful consideration of a new man.
Newspaper Details
Syracuse Post Standard
Syracuse, New York, US
Tue, Jan 04, 1955
Page 10
Full Page
Clipped by
Sarah K.
NA, 23 Apr 2024
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