May 16th, 2008 by Lauren Ward

Just a few short years ago it would have been a bit of a shock to see the words ‘Billy Dee Smith‘ and ‘offensive threat’ anywhere near each other, except for possibly in a description of an on-floor altercation. But if 2007 was the year of the subdued Smith, 2008 can be considered the season the hard-nosed defender learned to hit a team where it really hurts. The newly-minted transition piston takes time out from being Uncle Billy in the backyard with the Steenhuis Jrs to talk about how his game has evolved, how his reputation hasn’t, and whether or not we’ll be seeing a Mark Steenhuis mohawk.
Given that the Buffalo Bandits are the top seed, have home floor advantage, are considered the favourites, and haven’t won a championship since 1996, do you guys feel like you’re under a lot of pressure?
I don’t really feel like there’s that much pressure. I think we felt more pressure two years ago against Colorado. We just seem a lot more at ease this year. We’re confident but not over-confident, we’re not trying to do too much. What it comes down to is that both teams are 2-0 in the playoffs; the regular season doesn’t really matter. To be the favourites – that’s nice, but we’re not looking too far into it. READ MORE »