New event brings new teams, a new CEO, and some new predictions for Riverside

Tee-minus 7 days and counting until the Crocs AVP Riverside Open on April 17th. That's right, the AVP is heading to Riverside, 60+ miles east from the sands of Manhattan Beach. Not 100% sure but I think this is the first time the AVP has had an event in the IE (that's inland empire for you non-Californians). I have no idea what to expect so I will leave it at that. My hope is that 50,000 people pack the event over the three days, but then again my knowledge of the IE's volleyball following is less than exceptional!

So that brings me to the next item on the agenda: new partners, and there are plenty of new teams to keep an eye on...

Anthony Medel/Hans Stoflus: This team should be fun to watch. Having played with Anthony for 2.5 years and over 30 tournaments I am a bit biased, but I think he has one of the fastest arm swings on tour! That, along with his "D" and Hans' all-around steady game, and this team should contend for a top 7 finish.

What to watch: Chemistry. If this team can stay positive and stay on the same page with their energy, they will give the top teams all they can handle.

Dykstra/Metzger: Just when you thought he was out, the kid pulls him back in! One of the most interesting partnerships of the weekend. Stein has decided to take on a young protege in Dykstra, who will make his pro debut on the right side. Stein is one of the great players and competitors of all time, both on the beach and in the gym. His combination of skill and knowledge should take the young USC junior to the next level. I think this team could finish in the top ten after a couple tournaments together...Dykstra is too athletic and Stein is just too good, too crafty not to. But being their first tournament together, there will be some kinks to work out. Look for them to take a 17th, maybe a 13th if their draw is favorable.

What to watch: Dykstra handling the pressure of playing with one of the greats while siding out on the right. Stein is going to get digs and Joey will get blocks, but will he side out consistently?

Williams/Rambis: Another interesting team coming together for the first time. Williams has been to three Olympics, finishing 4th in the 2004 games. He is a terrific blocker, which should bode well for the younger Rambis. Rambis, the son of Lakers great and current coach Kurt Rambis, has steadily improved the past two seasons. His quickness and jump make up for a lack of size; now, with Williams controlling the net and optioning on-two offensively, Rambis will get even more opportunities to showcase his defensive skills. I like this team to take a 13th depending on the draw. I think Rambis will have more offensive options on the left side with the left-handed Williams setting gold and threatening with the two-ball.

What to watch: Rambis on "D". Williams has been working a corporate gig since the end of last season, so conditioning-wise Rambis is in better shape. That being said, he will need to create defensive scoring opportunities so they don't get caught in long, drawn-out matches.

And that brings us to yours-truly...

Moran/Jewell: I've wanted to play with Jewell for a couple of years, but my points and lack of wins never made it possible until now. There is no debating Jewell's offensive capabilities, and after siding out over a 0.500 clip in Panama, I feel comfortable with our side-out ability. What will be interesting is how we gel defensively..neither one of us lights the world on fire with our "D", but Jewell did win a tournament and appear in another final playing "D" full time (albeit behind Olympian Jake Gibb's block!). I don't like to make predictions on my finishes, so will just say I like our chances to compete, bring a lot of energy, and make some noise...

What to watch: Defense and my side-out %. I'm preparing myself for A LOT of serves! With my setting and Jewell's offense, I'd serve me too! So it is up to us to create scoring opportunities on "D". If we do, we will be in a position to win matches. If we don't, then it could be a long tourney.

There are a number of other new teams in the Riverside event, so it should make for a very interesting tournament. My prediction: Dalhausser-Rogers vs. Hyden-Scott in the finals, with Dalhausser-Rogers winning their second tournament of the year.

Speaking of interesting, there was major news out of AVP corporate this week. Leonard Armato, the tours CEO the past 7 years, has been replaced by Jason Hodell, the current COO. It seems like an awkward time for Leonard to leave, but all things considered, it was probably for the best. Regardless of what anyone might have thought of his methods, no one can dispute his success in bringing the tour back from the brink of extinction. We can speculate whether his departure is a byproduct of the economy or if the new board felt it was "just time"; but either way, it will take a new set of skills to get the AVP to the next level. Consider this: in 2003 the average tenure for a CEO was 7.3 years. By 2007, that number was down to 4. I believe one of the reasons for that trend is because this is not your mother's economy. The speed at which information and innovation move in today's economy is unlike any other time in our lives. Today's CEO can't get stuck "doing the same-old". The Internet has changed the competitive landscape forever. Now more than ever business is a function of marketing and innovation, as the great Peter Drucker said. To that point...

The AVP stopped innovating years ago. The marketing has been stagnate. The growth stymied. It comes as no surprise that some sponsors did not re-up for 2009 considering the current economic climate. Regardless, sponsors are demanding more value than ever! Despite the unbelievable success of AVP athletes at the Beijing Olympics, sponsors like Cuervo and Hilton decided to go in a different direction. In my opinion, it was the lack of new ideas, the lack of new strategies, and a shaky marketing plan that got the AVP into this predicament. The funny thing is, tremendous progress has been made in the last 7 years and the concrete has been poured for a successful sports property.

Now that the foundation has been in place for a couple years, I ask where is the web presence? How about $5 general admin tickets to attract new fans? Where can a fan buy a Gatorade, Big Mac, or Bud Light at the event? Why has so much been invested in a stadium court that takes up a huge line item on the P&L? How has the relationship with ESPN dissolved yet the 4-man tour still gets airtime on ESPN Classic? Is there a better TV deal out there that creates a win-win for everyone? Should the AVP be producing more online content surrounding its events/athletes and create an viral campaign online?

Let's make one thing clear: I don't have all the answers. But two questions I've asked myself time and time again are: what about this event would excite me if I'd never been to an AVP tournament? Secondly, what is it about the event that would make me come back? After 9 seasons traveling from beaches of Southern California to the Jersey shores and all points in between, I can safely say I've seen my fair share of volleyball. After that many years, I want to see something I haven't seen in a long time: a truly unique entertainment experience!

So with that I say good bye Leonard. Thank you for everything you did. Your departure comes before a new event, the debuts of a number of new teams, and ushers in the era of a new CEO. I have one more prediction: a new beginning.