Mr. Monday has a dog in the OKC NBA nickname hunt — the Energy. The rest of the Super Six — Bison, Marshalls (help, the NBA can't spell!), Barons, Thunder and Wind (really?) — are jockeying for the final spot.
What will it be? That's been the talk around the gas grill lately. Mr. Monday has been forced to throw his pick out there and defend it like a sweaty Spencer Tracy in "Inherit The Wind.”
While Thunder might be on the tip of everyone's tongue and endorsed by a source close to the Ford Center maintenance staff, Mr. Monday figures Energy isn't going to go down without a fight.
Let's go ahead and eliminate the mighty Wind and misspelled Marshalls from the list of contenders. As much as Mr. Monday can't wait to write the "Wind blows in 50-point loss” headline, those two aren't getting out of the starting gate.
Decoys, perhaps? That's what the conspiracy theorists would have you believe.
Of course, one guy called up the other day and insisted that "Chiefs” was the perfect name and Mr. Monday needed to call him when it was picked.
Don't wait by the phone, pal, you'll end up like Mr. Monday on prom night.
Barons and Bison are OK. But when you think about it, Baron fever didn't strike until a guy made a really cool-looking mockup for the paper. That guy, Kasey Moody, 23, of Duncan, has some mad graphics skills and somebody needs to hire him, but without Kasey's black and gold magic, Barons would have been far off the OKC radar.
So here's Mr. Monday's argument for Energy.
Sure, it's not plural. If Mr. Monday has to come in and wrestle with the verb tense every night, it will be OK. Enough whining about that.
Energy is what makes Oklahoma City exciting lately. The crowds around the Hornets, the spirit to get the job done on the Ford Center vote. The anticipation around the team coming.
All the curiosity and head-scratching and pent-up pride people have? That's not Thunder. It's Energy.
Sure, it has to do with oil and natural gas and wind and all those things that made some of the ownership group rich enough to buy the team in the first place. But Mr. Monday thought we were full of red state capitalism around here.
Fill Ford Center with blue flames every night for all Mr. Monday cares. Because while it may not have a cool AC/DC song for intros or a Garth Brooks song for intermission, Energy has something.
Energy has energy.
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I think it is ridiculous to think the only way you can play AC DC before the game is to call the team Thunder, and you shouldn't call the team Thunder because you want to play AC DC. Are the Celtics only able to play Celtic music? Do the Lakers play sailing songs? That Jazz don't run out to jazz music? And I doubt the Bulls play "Bulls on Parade" by Rage Against the Machine. I'm really sick of hearing how great it will be to have a team called Thunder so people can hear Thunderstruck. Go buy AC DC live, and name the team something that sounds like it belongs in the one of the Big 3 Leagues, not the MLS, AFL, or that professional lacrosse league. If you don't think Barons is mean enough, go watch There Will Be Blood. Of the big 6 names, only the Barons and Marshals (if spelled correctly) will be cool. Also a good name would be the Sentries for the AWACS which is a big part of the City, but it won't make it now.
While my favorite possibility is and always was Thunderbirds, I also thought it would be cool to go the soccerish "F.C." route and actually call the team B.C. OKC. Of course, no one would go for that, but I liked it.
No REALLY! You all are messing up bad on this name thing! IT'S IMPORTANT!!! So I finally have come up with the best name for OKC's team! It fits well, it sounds great and it will leave opponents scratching their heads! Are you ready??? Here it is!!! THE OKLAHOMA CITY EQUINES!
OKLAHOMA CITY TULSANS, just kidding. Whoever said "Sun Dancers" sounds cool; so does "Arrows." Some of us Natives aren't that offended by some names. But, I certainly don't feel "honored" by "Redskins." Maybe Tulsa-Union could honor some other ethnic group or race for awhile. Mexican-Americans=Union Wetbacks, African-Americans=Union Sambos, Italian-Americans=Union Wops; Jewish-Americans=Union Yids, Asian-Americans=Union Japs, German-Americans=Union Nazis, so-on-and-so-forth. Hey don't call me a racist. Tulsa-Union and its supporters are the racists under the guise of "Honor." How about the next time you see an American-Indian family having dinner in a restaurant, just walk up and say, "How're ya Redskins doin?" See if they look honored.
I'm glad the Seattle fans keep showing up to help with naming OKC's team. Having a team with no name is alot harder than having a name with no team. We thank you for your input and continued support in this endeavor.
(Sorry I was bitter and at work late when I made fun of the team leaving in 10 years, I'm still mad about this whole thing). Anyway, the Barons name is tight, I have no idea why you wouldn't go with that. I like the idea of have Thunderstruck as a theme song bc it's awesome, but I think that's the only cool part about having Thunder as the name. You can play the song regardless of the team name, it's JJ Putz' theme when he warms up and it's awesome when we're actually good and he's not hurt. Barons is good bc it's menacing, kinda mysterious, and ambiguous. And it also allows for people like me to make fun of it by inserting a word in from of it, _________ Barons. Check out urbandictionary.com for the material I'd have to work with...
The name doesn't have to be something indigenous to Oklahoma City, it just needs to sound good with OKC! A Maverick or a Spur are no more indigenous to Dallas or San Antonio than to OKC, but they sure sound good with their respective cities. OKLAHOMA CITY TERRITORIALISTS for Indian Territory. My favorite though is OKC Colonials after Indian Colony or Colony Oklahoma or Colony Oil and Gas Field! OKC COLONIALS! FINAL ANSWER!!!
Colonials would make sense if we were an east coast state (part of the original 13 colonies)...sorry, doesn't work here. But since it was your "final answer", thank you for playing the game. :-)
Don't really understand the whole "has to end in an 'S'" thing. What is wrong with the team concept and operating as a singular unit? Since Bennett prefers that it end in an "s" that is probably the way it's going to go, so that only leaves Marshalls and Barons.
Although many here in Oklahoma are happy with high oil prices, more than 50% of Americans believe we are in the midst of an "Energy Crisis". I don't think the name "OKC Energy" will be well received by NBA fans paying $5.00 a gallon for gas. Come on Mr. Monday, I thought you were smarter than that!
How about the Oklahoma City Noodlers? Since noodling seems to be taking up the back page of the sports section 3 out of 4 Sundays. We could have live demonstrations in the Oklahoma River before games. The mascot would be easy---an unshaven guy in worn out overalls with no shirt, or maybe a wife-beater, tobacco juice on his face and chest, a couple of missing fingers from a fight with a big 'un, and an ice chest full of Pabst Blue Ribbon or Natural Lights.
The Oklahoma City Fightin' Woodpuss with a skunk mascot would smell sweet. Or the Oklahoma City Zoo. Of course, there are many drunken fans, so maybe the Tall Boys or BuzzKills. The mascot names like Pirates, Cowboys, Buccaneers,Vikings, Raiders, Vandals, Scotsman, etc., are derogatory to white people, so they cannot be used, which would also rule out the Rednecks and Crackers and Knights. How about the OKC Flaming Lips? Oh, wait that is taken.
Energy, really!! I can't wait for that 50pt blowout, to read the headline "OKC runs out of Energy!"perhaps the team should have a mention for the part of town that it plays in(Bricktown) and what put OKC back into the headlines, albeit some 13 years ago(Bombers) "THE BRICKTOWN BOMBERS". Then again since they play in the FORD Center how about the "OKLAHOMA(OK-I'M-A-HOMO) CITY PINTO'S"(it's better than a PACER anyday). actually if you want a cool name that is relevent to your area, try the "HELLCATTERS" OR THE "WILDCATTERS" whatever they call the guy's that put out "oil gusher fire's".
Just please stop trying to be the "SPURS-light" it's insulting to true SONICS fans(when you get ripped off due to an unbalanced refereed playoff game you will understand our hatered for anything San Antonio).
and just so you know "Mr. Monday"(Clay Bennett). we all know who you are, after all you're definitely not a "Mr.Friday" or "Mr,Saturday", or even a last minute booty call like "Mr. Sunday".
Why not go with the Barons?...Let's field a dirty team and be the 21st century version of the Laimbeer led Pistons...Rodman might still be good for 2 to 3 minutes a game...lol
I really hope it's some ridiculous singular noun like Energy, Thunder, or Wind. That way you guys can keep "the history" of the name like we did with the Sonics and use it for your replacement WNBA or AFL team after the NBA leaves in 10 years. Crappy names like that are far more appropriate there. If it somehow turns out to be Wind, it'll be better than Christmas for me.
It needs to be Barons. Oklahoma City Barons just has a nice ring to it, and sounds like an NBA team. Plus, using the graphics from Kasey Moody - it's already a done deal! Let me rate the others; Barons: 2 syll, ends in s, sounds like an NBA team, fits the OKC region (Oil Baron, Rich Baron, Red Baron), no conflicts in the catchment region, has NBA marketing appeal. #2 Bisons, 2 sylls, doesnt ends in s, doesn't really sound like an NBA team but fits the region and flows somewhat with other regional team names, no other Bison team in the region. Who would market a bison though? #3 Thunder, 2 syllables, dont end in s, fits region perfectly and easy to market locally, but NOT Nationally. Also, does not sound like an NBA team. Big No-No in that there are already teams in OKC's catchment area named Thunder. # 4 Marshalls, Marshals would be better tho, ends in s, 2 syllables, sort of fits the region, can't think of another team named. Negatives are it's too close to the corporation (esp using the spelling picked and I thought that was the reason Sonics not being used). Also, Marshalls just sounds hokie. #5 - Energy. I used to like Energy but not anymore. 3 syllables even though a short word, doesnt end in s, fits the city BUT would be DIFFICULT TO MARKET!!! Does not sound like an NBA team at all, sounds WNBA (oh wait, there is a WNBA team named energy - no wonder). #6 - Wind. 1 syllable, no end in s. Fits the city/region and NO OTHER TEAM named Wind, but this does not sound like a NBA team, perhaps we could use it for MLS tho. How could NBA market Wind??? -- so, if you agree with my reasoning, Barons is the best name. It just flows off the tongue, sounds like an NBA team, very easy to market here and nationwide, fits the OKC city/region, no local teams having the name, and of the 6 - it is the name with the BEST STREET CREDIBILITY. We need to remember the NBA's audience - not everyone is white/suburbia; 'the Barons' just sounds like something ANYBODY could say with Pride!
How about something real simple with a ring to it and very NBAish! How about THE OKLAHOMA CITY SWISH! The front of the jersey will have a rim, motion-filled net and a basketball traversing through the bottom of the net.
ENERGY IS A TERRIBLE NAME!!!!Oklahoma City Arrows is the ticket...a cool arrow across the jersey...Indian drums and music...give out arrows at the games...people wearing those wire arrows through the head things...How 'bout these headlines? "Arrows Find Their Mark In Victory Over Celtics"..."Arrows Sting Mavs"...Arrows Poison to Magic"..." Arrows Stay in Quiver With Loss to Hornets," Arrows Sharp In Win over Lakers"
... "Straight Arrow Durant Hits Nine Three's in Win Over Timberwolves,"..."Arrrows Shaft Spurs,"...Arrows Zero In on Playoffs"..."Arrows Penetrate Heat's Defense,"...It goes on and on...you get the picture...
OKLAHOMA CITY ARROWS...
We are cold as Ice!!! That makes better since than Energy. If Energy what would our logo be a cluster of Atoms. How about the OKC Atoms!!! That sounds mean!!!
You know we talk about our tornadoes and thunderstorms but the thing that really distinguishes OKC, especially during basketball season are our frequent ice storms. Very few cities in the nation experience ice storms of the magnitude that OKC does because of it's geographical proximity to hot and cold air masses. Simple! Sounds great! Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Ice!
BBBOOOO!!! No Energy in Energy! I dislike that name almost as much as Wind. Keep with the Bison or have it be Thunder with a Bison mascot. Bison are all over Oklahoma and of any animal best represents Oklahoma in my mind. Or we could have the OKC Scissortails how stupid would that be. HA Ha!!!
Of these choices I actually think that Marshalls is the best, even with the spelling error. There aren't many negative connotation and it hearkens the state's western heritage. We are going to be dogged by the national media no matter what name is picked, but Bison is already the most dogged name of the six, so I hope we steer clear. Barons is fits only in the idea of Oil Barons, and with what our country is going through with the Oil Crisis, it might not be too smart. Thunder isn't too bad, but along with Wind and Energy, those three are solid WNBA or AFL names. So, my vote is for the Marshalls.
Oklahoma City Fuel is more indicative of some ownwers background...plus it represents what the team will do for the economy. Your right the mock up went along way in helping the Barons image...Thunder looks hokie next to it. And I have oklahomacitythunder.net as a domain name for a website my son and I are planning...Energy is just not doing it for me...save it for a physics class.
JP, I think they may leave us in suspense and have someone hired to check websites for ideas. The only thing CB's research will uncover is that we won't come close to agreeing on anything and b*&$ and moan about whatever is decided. But we'll adjust because, utilimately it doesn't matter.
I like the OKC Spirits, as in Spirits of our Ancestors, or "We Got Spirit." The OKC Cutters is pretty good, too, as in a person or horse who cuts a cow from the herd. How about the OKC Stage, as in Stage lines or the entertainment stage? I like the OKC Sun Dancers (but may be offensive to some Natives). What about the OKC Mortar, as they will be playing in Bricktown. I don't know if we've exhausted all the possibilities yet. Is the name Badgers taken yet? I like the Panthers (used to be plenty of those here). Or the Mammoths. Yes, they need to announce the name soon so it will give all us "thinkers" time to rest before the season begins.
Studs? Shawn Kemp was a Stud. Perhaps they can put him as the mascot if Stud is accepted. He played in Seattle and pro created everywhere. "Energy" could get all sorts of endorsement from the hundreds of energy drinks.
Bare with me for a moment and keep an open mind and your mind out of the gutter. OKLAHOMA CITY STUDS! You get a big ol' lovable bulldog and put a spiked studded collar on him! Now here's the beauty! Two teams one mascot spells Yard Dawgz! On the front of that basketball jersey will be the face of that bulldog with it's studded collar. Now think about this! Why did San Antonio come up with a one syllable name for it's team? Count the syllables in San Antonio. I count five. Count them in Oklahoma City. I count six. Makes it even more imperative to come up with a short one syllable name. Yep! OKLAHOMA CITY STUDS! Best Choice Award!
Energy does not end in an "s", there is already an NBDL team called the Iowa Energy, I cannot think of a good nickname, and who wants a two syllable team that doesn't have a good nickname? The "E"s? Pretty bad. Then, what kind of mascot do we have: Reddy Killowatt? I agree that Energy is a name with positive implications, but it's too problematic for a sports team. I think Bison, Barons, Marshals (one l please) and Thunder actually would have the best crowd appeal, although we should look harder than "Thunderstruck" for a opening song if it's Thunder. Thunder would only be acceptable to me if we used a bison or thunderbird for the logo/mascot.
Jill, www.okcthunderfans.com - Jul 28, 2008 7:13 AM
In the same vane as the San Antonio Spurs I still like Oklahoma City Studs, too! You know, like a studded leather jacket. It's got the "s" sound and the "t" sound to fit with city.
Well I agree with Mr. Monday to a point. I don't really like Energy either. I do think it needs to be plural with an "s" and no more than two syllables, preferably one. OKLAHOMA CITY CRANES. There's a group of white cranes that returns to Oklahoma each year between the NW Rockwell to NW Council area between about Reno and Route 66. Cranes are large, high flying, majestic birds; almost prehistoric in nature but certainly indigenous to OKC in spite of the fact that they are a migratory bird.
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Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
Just please stop trying to be the "SPURS-light" it's insulting to true SONICS fans(when you get ripped off due to an unbalanced refereed playoff game you will understand our hatered for anything San Antonio).
and just so you know "Mr. Monday"(Clay Bennett). we all know who you are, after all you're definitely not a "Mr.Friday" or "Mr,Saturday", or even a last minute booty call like "Mr. Sunday".
... "Straight Arrow Durant Hits Nine Three's in Win Over Timberwolves,"..."Arrrows Shaft Spurs,"...Arrows Zero In on Playoffs"..."Arrows Penetrate Heat's Defense,"...It goes on and on...you get the picture...
OKLAHOMA CITY ARROWS...