ALL STAR REPORT
After all the All Star Game tallying, the only new movement we have to report on all-time All Stars leaders list is for Naf Naf of Oklahoma City.
After four seasons (all on the All Star team) Naf Naf's 3 3-point baskets made in the Season 40 Star game moves him up on the list past Ching-Chong Chung and Mamadou Zongo and into second place all time in All Star Game competition. He trails only Cheetos Jones.
The 3-point baskets leaders list for All Star Games is as follows:
1. Cheetos Jones 24
2. Naf Naf 19 (active)
3. Mamadou Zongo 18
4. Ching-Chong Chung 17
5. Tommy Zoop 15
5. Uncle Bob Masterson 15
5. Didger A'Doo 15
5. Doug Fresh 15
9. Cappy Gambol 14
9. Stu Nod 14
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
40th MBA All Star Game
EAST COMES ROARING BACK TO TAKE 40TH ALL STAR CONTEST;
FAMILIAR STAR GOES DOWN AGAIN TO INJURY
PHILADELPHIA -- The East Division All Stars, trailing for three quarters, finally caught, then bested their West counterparts 77-75 in this thrilling All Star contest in The City of Brotherly Love.
Chicago center Magnus Dragonhof drilled the only 3-point shot he took in the game to give the East their first lead, 68-67, with 38 time units remaining in the affair. From there, the two star teams traded leads until Milwaukee forward Baba Brinkman put the East up for good with a 3-point play with just 6 time units left, giving the East a 75-73 lead.
Oklahoma City wunderkind guard Naf Naf had a chance to tie it up one time unit later, but he missed two free throws. Sven Marquardt of Dallas then hit a short jumper with 4 left to increase the East lead to 4 with 4 TUs left, all but sealing the deal.
A Pippi Pippistrelli put-back following an offensive rebound for the West accounted for the final score.
Finally, a blocked shot by Blue "Rondo" Alaturk of San Jose on the final time unit gave the West a glimmer of hope, but time ran out without another shot being fired.
The East now holds a 25-15 edge in this event.
The injury
Last season he was hurt prior to the All Star Game. This season, veteran guard Ginger Vampire of Seattle re-injured that same right knee during the Star Contest.
In both cases, Seattle came into the All Star Game contending for a playoff berth. They were a surprising 4-1 and in first place last season, but finished short of the post-season without Vampire, who missed the remainder of the campaign. This season they are again befuddling the experts, who picked them for last, as they chugged into the break in second place at 3-2. Vampire, who had 10 points when he was felled in the second quarter, will be out the next three games, and will return for the final two if his mates can hold the fort in his absence. That will be a tall order in the West, where Seattle currently has the same record as San Jose and Los Angeles.
The Stampede picked up guard Verbal Kent from the league rejects to take Vampire's spot on the roster. Kent, a well-known hacker, last played for Charleston two seasons ago and shot a fine 61.5 percent while scoring 3.6 points off the pines. He can rebound, too. Although slow and slovenly, he has quick hands.
PLAYER OF GAME
Charleston guard BEEZOW BOP-BOP became the first player from that franchise to be named MVP of the All Star Game, and he did so coming off the bench. Bop-Bop led his team with 16 points, tied for game-high assist honors with 4, pulled down 3 rebounds and blocked 2 shots in the victory. Equally important was the defense he played on Naf Naf of the West.
Other 20-plus GVP performances
-- Magnus Dragonhof of Chicago helped the East cause with 15 points, while tying for team-high in rebounds with 6. He also blocked 2 shots and dished out 1 assist.
-- Five-year vet forward Sven Marquardt of Dallas, playing in his first All Star Game, gave the East 14 points, tied for team-high in rebounding with 6 and had 1 assist.
-- Last season's All Star Game MVP Naf Naf of Oklahoma City had 17 points at the half, but, hounded by Bop-Bop, finished with 19. That was still high in the game. He added 1 rebound.
-- High-flying rookie forward Sloppy Dollop of Oklahoma City showed off his multiple abilities, scoring 10 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing 2 assists and blocking 3 shots.
NEXT UP; Tallying the All Star stats and updating the all-time records. Then the second half of Season 40 gets off to a bang with a pair of 1-4 teams clashing as Chicago travels to Philadelphia.
FAMILIAR STAR GOES DOWN AGAIN TO INJURY
PHILADELPHIA -- The East Division All Stars, trailing for three quarters, finally caught, then bested their West counterparts 77-75 in this thrilling All Star contest in The City of Brotherly Love.
Chicago center Magnus Dragonhof drilled the only 3-point shot he took in the game to give the East their first lead, 68-67, with 38 time units remaining in the affair. From there, the two star teams traded leads until Milwaukee forward Baba Brinkman put the East up for good with a 3-point play with just 6 time units left, giving the East a 75-73 lead.
Oklahoma City wunderkind guard Naf Naf had a chance to tie it up one time unit later, but he missed two free throws. Sven Marquardt of Dallas then hit a short jumper with 4 left to increase the East lead to 4 with 4 TUs left, all but sealing the deal.
A Pippi Pippistrelli put-back following an offensive rebound for the West accounted for the final score.
Finally, a blocked shot by Blue "Rondo" Alaturk of San Jose on the final time unit gave the West a glimmer of hope, but time ran out without another shot being fired.
The East now holds a 25-15 edge in this event.
The injury
Last season he was hurt prior to the All Star Game. This season, veteran guard Ginger Vampire of Seattle re-injured that same right knee during the Star Contest.
In both cases, Seattle came into the All Star Game contending for a playoff berth. They were a surprising 4-1 and in first place last season, but finished short of the post-season without Vampire, who missed the remainder of the campaign. This season they are again befuddling the experts, who picked them for last, as they chugged into the break in second place at 3-2. Vampire, who had 10 points when he was felled in the second quarter, will be out the next three games, and will return for the final two if his mates can hold the fort in his absence. That will be a tall order in the West, where Seattle currently has the same record as San Jose and Los Angeles.
The Stampede picked up guard Verbal Kent from the league rejects to take Vampire's spot on the roster. Kent, a well-known hacker, last played for Charleston two seasons ago and shot a fine 61.5 percent while scoring 3.6 points off the pines. He can rebound, too. Although slow and slovenly, he has quick hands.
PLAYER OF GAME
Charleston guard BEEZOW BOP-BOP became the first player from that franchise to be named MVP of the All Star Game, and he did so coming off the bench. Bop-Bop led his team with 16 points, tied for game-high assist honors with 4, pulled down 3 rebounds and blocked 2 shots in the victory. Equally important was the defense he played on Naf Naf of the West.
Other 20-plus GVP performances
-- Magnus Dragonhof of Chicago helped the East cause with 15 points, while tying for team-high in rebounds with 6. He also blocked 2 shots and dished out 1 assist.
-- Five-year vet forward Sven Marquardt of Dallas, playing in his first All Star Game, gave the East 14 points, tied for team-high in rebounding with 6 and had 1 assist.
-- Last season's All Star Game MVP Naf Naf of Oklahoma City had 17 points at the half, but, hounded by Bop-Bop, finished with 19. That was still high in the game. He added 1 rebound.
-- High-flying rookie forward Sloppy Dollop of Oklahoma City showed off his multiple abilities, scoring 10 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing 2 assists and blocking 3 shots.
NEXT UP; Tallying the All Star stats and updating the all-time records. Then the second half of Season 40 gets off to a bang with a pair of 1-4 teams clashing as Chicago travels to Philadelphia.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
MBA MID SEASON REPORT SEASON 40
ALL STAR TEAM NOTES
* All three active Hall of Famers make the East All Star team.
* Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi, age 12, makes his first All Star Game since Season 35. He was 7 at that time.
* Bakshi becomes 1 of 16 players in history to make 7 or more All Star Game appearances.
* Hall of Fame center Max Payne becomes one of just four in history to make 9 or more All Star Game appearances. He ties Curley Hogbottom with 9 appearances and trails only Uncle Bob Masterson and Mamadou Zongo, who lead everyone with 10 appearances. And Payne will be back next season with a chance to tie that pair for No. 1.
* In an excellent season for rookies, three made the All Star team, with two being starters.
* Seven players are making the All Star Game for the first time, with former cut pile guy Jesus Moron Joseph getting there in his sixth season in the league.
* Nine of the 20 All Stars are back from last season's All Star Game squads. The East returns zero starters, while the West returns three starters (Naf Naf, Vampire and Pippistrelli).
* All five of the East starters will be doing so for the first time.
* The two All-MBA forwards from last season, B. Quiet of Charleston and Reckless Abandon of Chicago, failed to make their All Star Game teams.
* Players with 20-plus GVPs who were edged out and did not make the team include: guard Pelton Crane of Chicago (20.6), forward Danke Shame of Milwaukee (20.8), forward Reckless Abandon of Chicago (21.2), guard Bob Kittle of Seattle (20.4), guard Steve Carter of Sacramento (20.8) and forward Bang-Bang Reiner of Oklahoma City (21.8).
* For the first time in a number of seasons, only four centers made the All Star teams. Six have made it in the past three seasns.
* The hardest positions to gain All Star Game spots are West guards and East forwards.
* No Hall of Famers retired.
* Only 11 players on MBA rosters and 8 cut pile players will be retiring. A very light retirement season.
* Just four starters in the entire league will be retiring.
* The Philadelphia Phobia were hit the hardest by retirment. They lost the most players with 4 and the most starters with 2.
* Four of the 10 teams did not lose a single player to retirment: Charleston, San Jose, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles.
* The three teams most hurt by retirements are all Tyler's: Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Seattle.
* The five Dave teams lost just three players. The only one who sees any action at all is Troells Rasmussen of Sacramento.
* Guest retirement roller was Jesse Sherwood, who determined the fate of the eligible cut pile players.
Hall of Fame Rankings (updated with latest All Star Game awards)
1. Curly Hogbottom 6-10 Forward Seasons 16-24 (9) 25 awards
2. Uncle Bob Masterson 6-2 Guard Seasons 4-13 (10) 21 awards
3. Sagittal Occlusal 6-8 Forward Seasons 25-32 (8) 19 awards
3. Cappy Gambol 6-6 Guard Seasons 1-7 (7) 19 awards
3. Hrundi V. Bakshi 6-7 Guard Seasons 29-? (12+) 19 awards (up from 5 during Season 40)
6. Boone Doggle 6-10 Forward Seasons 23-31 (9) 18 awards
6. Mamadou Zongo 6-4 Guard Seasons 15-31 (17) 18 awards
8. Link Lennex 6-7 Forward Seasons 7-12 (6) 17 awards
8. Stu Nod 6-3 Guard Seasons 6-17 (12) 17 awards
10. Diamond Dallas Paige 6-11 Center Seasons 12-18 (7) 16 awards
10. Jonny Cockaroo 6-9 Center Seasons 18-29 (12) 16 awards
10. Max Payne 7-0 Center Seasons26-? (15+) 16 awards (up from 12 during Season 40)
13. Doc Watson 6-2 Guard Seasons 9-17 (9) 15 awards
13. Cam Bodia 6-6 Forward Seasons 15-25 (11) 15 awards
15. Cheetos Jones 5-11 Guard Seasons 28-34 (7) 14 awards
15. Dan Mann 6-1 Guard Seasons 5-13 (9) 14 awards
17. Tommy Zoop 6-6 Guard Seasons 18-24 (7) 13 awards
17. Guru Gannon 6-7 Forward Seasons 11-17 (7) 13 awards
17. Raisin Sport 6-9 Forward Seasons 1-13 (13) 13 awards
20. Bill Rustler 6-9 Center Seasons 1-10 (10) 12 awards
20. Rip Slamjam 6-11 Center Seasons 5-19 (15) 12 awards
22. Ching-Chong Chung 5-10 Guard Seasons 26-37 (11) 11 awards
22. Tom Kondla 6-8 Center Seasons 28-33 (6) 11 awards
22. Shucks Oyster 6-4 Guard Seasons 17-22 (6) 11 awards
22. Gato Do Mato 6-11 Forward Seasons 30-36 (7) 11 awards
22. Naf Naf 6-0 Guard Seasons 37-? (4+) 11 awards STILL ACTIVE (Most recent) (up from 22 during Season 40)
27. Joey Two-Tones 6-3 Guard Seasons 18-23 (6) 10 awards
27. Soul Duran 6-3 Guard Seasons 3-8 (6) 10 awards
27. Bart Pitbull 7-2 Center Seasons 17-23 (7) 10 awards
27. Shooter Flatch 6-7 Forward Seasons 19-25 (7) 10 awards
27. Alex Pal 6-11 Center Seasons 5-10 (6) 10 awards
27. Doug Fresh 5-11 Guard Seasons 1-15 (15) 10 awards
27. Art Vandelay 6-7 Forward Seasons 34-39 (3) 10 awards (Most recent)
VETERANS COMMITTEE SELECTIONS
34. Marshall Stax 6-7 Forward Seasons 7-13 (7) 9 awards
34. Mable Reed 7-1 Center Seasons 6-16 (10) 9 awards
34. Tarjetas Indice 6-7 Forward Seasons 9-17 (9) 9 awards
34. Ama Spikie 6-8 Center Seasons 29-37 (9) 9 awards
34. Bub Wright 6-5 Forward Seasons 1-7 (7) 9 awards
34. Tug Hershorts 6-11 Forward Seasons 25-33 (9) 9 awards
40. Silo Chamberlin 5-10 Guard Seasons 1-6 (6) 8 awards
40. Benny Gumm 6-0 Guard Seasons 19-31 (13) 8 awards
40. Oscar Mudcat 6-6 Guard Seasons 1-8 (8) 8 awards
40. Rowdy Ron Clutch 6-7 Forward Seasons 1-9 (9) 8 awards
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Pre-Season Assessments Season 40
EAST DIVISION
1. CHARLESTON MOUNTAINEERS (unanimous No. 1 pick)
Season 39 Record: 6-4 second in division, (5-1 in playoffs)
Major Additions: 6-8 rookie forward Pietro Destroyer, 6-10 rookie forward Eggyolk Carpaccio, 6-8 backup center Hodor
Major Subtractons: Hall of Fame forward Art Vandelay to retirement, super-sub forward Pap Smearz
The Lowdown: Defending champions are one of two MBA powerhouse squads and a heavy favorite to win the division. They lost a pair of excellent forwards from last season's title run but picked up Pietro "The" Destroyer, rated the top rookie forward, in the draft. They also added rookie forward Eggyolk Carpaccio and the best backup center from the cut pile, Hodor, to give them more depth. The big three of Playoff MVP guard Beezow Bop-Bop, All MBA center J.J. Gargantuan and All-MBA forward B. Quiet are all back, and defensive genius Gargantuan has improved. Mel A. Noma will move to the point.
2. MILWAUKEE GREYHOUNDS (DM-2nd, TM-3rd)
Season 39 Record: 7-3 first in division, (1-2 in playoffs)
Major Addition: 6-2 guard Simon Barsinister
Major Subtractions: Hall of Fame guard Hrundi V. Bakshi
The Lowdown: Milwaukee will be in a dogfight for the second playoff spot in the East. Bakshi's loss hurts. Had just one draft pick this season and wasted it on awful guard Soupy Poops. Six-year vet Simon Barsinister is solid defensively and can score, but is a weak rebounder. Danke Shame is a shut-down defensive forward, Baskets Weaver has improved at guard and 7-1 pivot Ugatta Noluvfer Spikie has sharpened his game.
3. PHILADELPHIA PHOBIA (DM-4th, TM-2nd)
Season 39 Record: 3-7, fourth in division
Major Addition: 6-2 rookie point guard Colquitt "Ouuii" Croix
Major Subtractions: League-leading rebounder forward Davis Phillips
The Lowdown: Colquitt Croix was the top-rated rookie guard and will dazzle with his 3-point shooting. The other guard, Achtu Meinlieber, led the team in scoring last season at 17.5 ppg, and 6-7 Diss Reflexia will continue to amaze as one of the league's most exciting centers. But forwards Buck Naked and Vermin Supreme, acquired in a trade with Chicago, are a weak tandem.
4. CHICAGO GALE (DM-3rd, TM-4th)
Season 39 Record: 6-4, third place
Major Additions: 6-0 rookie point guard La'Quill McCool
Major Subtractions: Hall of fame center Max Payne, defensive specialist guard Poppy Poppalucco
The Lowdown: Could sneak into playoff picture after trade with Philadelphia netted McCool and forward DuDu Dadinga. But neither are great. All-MBA forward Reckless Abandon, and 6-11 center Magnus Dragonhof are best players.
5. DALLAS DEMONS Unanimous last-place pick
Season 39 Record: 6-4, second in West (3-4 in playoffs)
Major Additions: 6-2 sharp-shooting guard Wimsy Greenfoyle
Major Subtractions: All-time leading steals leader Lemon Jell-o, scoring machine T. Kanes Masterson, starting forward Taylor Quackstick.
The Lowdown: Dallas has the state of Texas all to itself, but move from West to East division will be rugged.
WEST DIVISION
1. OKLAHOMA CITY LARIATS (unanimous No. 1 pick)
Season 39 Record: 5-5, fourth place
Major Additions: Hall of Fame center Max Payne,6-7 rookie forward Sloppy Dollop
Major Subtractions: None
The Lowdown: In addition to Naf Naf, who has won three MVPs and three scoring titles in as many seasons, the Lariats have two-time All-MBA scoring whiz Yipeekayee Masterfalcon at the other guard, returning Rookie of the Year Bang-Bang Reiner at one forward and talented jumping-jack rookie Sloppy Dollop at the other. Add improved (that's right, improved) Hall of Fame 15-season center Max Payne and Oklahoma City looks unbeatable in the West. The last time Payne stopped here for a season in Season 35, the Lariats won their only title. Tyler predicts a 10-0 season.
2 (tie). LOS ANGELES BIG ONE (DM-3rd, TM-2nd)
Season 39 Record: 1-9, Last-place finish as Houston Iguanas in the East
Major Additions: Hall of Fame 6-7 guard Hrundi V. Bakshi, 6-4 rookie guard Akbar Zagobia, 6-8 forward Pap Smearz
Major Subtrations: None
The Lowdown: The Big One comes rolling into Los Angeles and the West as one of the MBA's most improved teams. Bakshi and Zagobia will be a dynamic guard combination. Both rebound and score, and Zagobia plays defense like an assassin. Pap Smearz is about to emerge as one of the league's top forwards. Top scorer Guy Clark and one-time league MVP Hitler provide depth off the bench. Center. with Steve "Drunk Uncle" Bromberger, could be their Achilles heel.
2. (tie). SACRAMENTO RIVERDOGS (DM-2nd, TM-3rd)
Season 39 Record: 4-6, Last Place
Major Additions: 6-5 rookie forward Flip Testerton, 6-2 rookie point guard Red Reparee
Major Subtractions: Forward Harold Arlen (retired)
The Lowdown: All of Sacramento breathed a sigh of relief when last year's top rookie center Tree Fiddy returned to the team after testing the free-agency waters. Along with reliable scorer Bill Cull and rookie sensation Flip Testerton at forwards, the R-Dogs have a stalwart front line. 6-2 rookie Red Reparee and 6-6 veteran Steve Carter will man the back court. Rookie 6-6 forward Kyle "Parsons Chicken" Sherwood plays defense like he was born to it. Playoffs?
4. SAN JOSE FIGHTING AMIGOS (picked fourth unanimously)
Season 39 Record: 7-3, first place (0-2 in playoffs)
Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: None
The Lowdown: The Amigos are the only MBA team that will start the exact same team as last season. It was enough to win the West in Season 39, but an improved division will make a playoff return a hard road. Three-point specialist YourMajesty Lumpkins and the top rookie center Hunk R. Down will contribute off the bench for now.
5. SEATTLE STAMPEDE (unanimous last-place pick)
Season 39 Record: 5-5 Third place
Major Addition: 6-8 forward Tea Time Typhoo
Major Subtractions: Top-scorer, guard Wimsy Greenfoyle
The Lowdown: Worse at guard, better at forward, a playoff run not anticipated.
A LOOK AT SEASON 40 ROOKIES (IT’S A BUMPER CROP, ESPECIALLY AT FORWARD)
THE ELITE
6-2 guard Colquitt “Ouuii” Croix…starting at point guard for Philadelphia…rookie of year favorite
6-8 forward Pietro “The” Destroyer…starting at forward for Charleston
6-7 forward Sloppy Dollop…starting forward for Oklahoma City
6-4 guard Akbar Zagobia…starting point guard for Los Angeles
6-5 forward Flip Testerton…starting small forward for Sacramanto
7-0 center Hunk R. Down…back-up center to Pippi Pippistrelli on San Jose
6-6 forward Kyle “Parsons Chicken” Sherwood…back-up forward for Sacramento
SOLID PLAYERS
6-6 guard Theon Greyjoy…back-up guard behind All-MBA pair in Oklahoma City
6-10 forward Eggyolk Carpaccio…back-up forward for loaded Charleston team
6-9 center Pat “Bubkis” Moore…back-up center to Tree Fiddy in Sacramento
6-2 guard Red Reparee…starting point guard for Sacramento
6-0 guard La’Quill “McQuill” McCool…starting point guard for Chicago
LACKING
6-10 center Falaftimus Prime…good rebounder, good offense, no defense…cut pile
6-7 forward Wild Bill Connelly…great ball-handler…not great enough…cut pile
6-3 guard Soupy Poops…worth a hearty laugh when Milwaukee got him with lone pick…on bench
6-6 forward Nomo Momo…can score a bit in the paint, but that’s it…cut pile
Only four rookies started on MBA teams last season. Seven are starters this season, and four more have starting potential.
HALL OF FAME WATCH (Players entering Season 40 with 5 or more awards on their card)
Ten needed for Hall of Fame (Six awards possible for a rookie in any one year…five for all others)
ACTIVE HALL OF FAMERS
Hrundi V. Bakshi, 12th season guard, Los Angeles (18 awards)
Max Payne, 15th season center, Oklahoma City (15 awards)
Naf Naf, 4th season guard, Oklahoma City (10 awards)
Seven
Gulemon Mon-Mon, 14th season forward Dallas
Six
Naceg Gecan, 6th season center, Dallas
Diss Reflexia, 5th season center, Philadelphia
B. Quiet, 6th season forward, Charleston
Five
Ginger Vampire, 9th season guard, Seattle
Beezow Doo-Doo Zopitty Bop Bop-Bob, 7th season guard, Charleston
Yipeekayee Masterfalcon, 6th season guard, Oklahoma City
Walt White, 11th season guard, Oklahoma City
Vic Hitler, 5th season forward, Los Angeles
1. CHARLESTON MOUNTAINEERS (unanimous No. 1 pick)
Season 39 Record: 6-4 second in division, (5-1 in playoffs)
Major Additions: 6-8 rookie forward Pietro Destroyer, 6-10 rookie forward Eggyolk Carpaccio, 6-8 backup center Hodor
Major Subtractons: Hall of Fame forward Art Vandelay to retirement, super-sub forward Pap Smearz
The Lowdown: Defending champions are one of two MBA powerhouse squads and a heavy favorite to win the division. They lost a pair of excellent forwards from last season's title run but picked up Pietro "The" Destroyer, rated the top rookie forward, in the draft. They also added rookie forward Eggyolk Carpaccio and the best backup center from the cut pile, Hodor, to give them more depth. The big three of Playoff MVP guard Beezow Bop-Bop, All MBA center J.J. Gargantuan and All-MBA forward B. Quiet are all back, and defensive genius Gargantuan has improved. Mel A. Noma will move to the point.
2. MILWAUKEE GREYHOUNDS (DM-2nd, TM-3rd)
Season 39 Record: 7-3 first in division, (1-2 in playoffs)
Major Addition: 6-2 guard Simon Barsinister
Major Subtractions: Hall of Fame guard Hrundi V. Bakshi
The Lowdown: Milwaukee will be in a dogfight for the second playoff spot in the East. Bakshi's loss hurts. Had just one draft pick this season and wasted it on awful guard Soupy Poops. Six-year vet Simon Barsinister is solid defensively and can score, but is a weak rebounder. Danke Shame is a shut-down defensive forward, Baskets Weaver has improved at guard and 7-1 pivot Ugatta Noluvfer Spikie has sharpened his game.
3. PHILADELPHIA PHOBIA (DM-4th, TM-2nd)
Season 39 Record: 3-7, fourth in division
Major Addition: 6-2 rookie point guard Colquitt "Ouuii" Croix
Major Subtractions: League-leading rebounder forward Davis Phillips
The Lowdown: Colquitt Croix was the top-rated rookie guard and will dazzle with his 3-point shooting. The other guard, Achtu Meinlieber, led the team in scoring last season at 17.5 ppg, and 6-7 Diss Reflexia will continue to amaze as one of the league's most exciting centers. But forwards Buck Naked and Vermin Supreme, acquired in a trade with Chicago, are a weak tandem.
4. CHICAGO GALE (DM-3rd, TM-4th)
Season 39 Record: 6-4, third place
Major Additions: 6-0 rookie point guard La'Quill McCool
Major Subtractions: Hall of fame center Max Payne, defensive specialist guard Poppy Poppalucco
The Lowdown: Could sneak into playoff picture after trade with Philadelphia netted McCool and forward DuDu Dadinga. But neither are great. All-MBA forward Reckless Abandon, and 6-11 center Magnus Dragonhof are best players.
5. DALLAS DEMONS Unanimous last-place pick
Season 39 Record: 6-4, second in West (3-4 in playoffs)
Major Additions: 6-2 sharp-shooting guard Wimsy Greenfoyle
Major Subtractions: All-time leading steals leader Lemon Jell-o, scoring machine T. Kanes Masterson, starting forward Taylor Quackstick.
The Lowdown: Dallas has the state of Texas all to itself, but move from West to East division will be rugged.
WEST DIVISION
1. OKLAHOMA CITY LARIATS (unanimous No. 1 pick)
Season 39 Record: 5-5, fourth place
Major Additions: Hall of Fame center Max Payne,6-7 rookie forward Sloppy Dollop
Major Subtractions: None
The Lowdown: In addition to Naf Naf, who has won three MVPs and three scoring titles in as many seasons, the Lariats have two-time All-MBA scoring whiz Yipeekayee Masterfalcon at the other guard, returning Rookie of the Year Bang-Bang Reiner at one forward and talented jumping-jack rookie Sloppy Dollop at the other. Add improved (that's right, improved) Hall of Fame 15-season center Max Payne and Oklahoma City looks unbeatable in the West. The last time Payne stopped here for a season in Season 35, the Lariats won their only title. Tyler predicts a 10-0 season.
2 (tie). LOS ANGELES BIG ONE (DM-3rd, TM-2nd)
Season 39 Record: 1-9, Last-place finish as Houston Iguanas in the East
Major Additions: Hall of Fame 6-7 guard Hrundi V. Bakshi, 6-4 rookie guard Akbar Zagobia, 6-8 forward Pap Smearz
Major Subtrations: None
The Lowdown: The Big One comes rolling into Los Angeles and the West as one of the MBA's most improved teams. Bakshi and Zagobia will be a dynamic guard combination. Both rebound and score, and Zagobia plays defense like an assassin. Pap Smearz is about to emerge as one of the league's top forwards. Top scorer Guy Clark and one-time league MVP Hitler provide depth off the bench. Center. with Steve "Drunk Uncle" Bromberger, could be their Achilles heel.
2. (tie). SACRAMENTO RIVERDOGS (DM-2nd, TM-3rd)
Season 39 Record: 4-6, Last Place
Major Additions: 6-5 rookie forward Flip Testerton, 6-2 rookie point guard Red Reparee
Major Subtractions: Forward Harold Arlen (retired)
The Lowdown: All of Sacramento breathed a sigh of relief when last year's top rookie center Tree Fiddy returned to the team after testing the free-agency waters. Along with reliable scorer Bill Cull and rookie sensation Flip Testerton at forwards, the R-Dogs have a stalwart front line. 6-2 rookie Red Reparee and 6-6 veteran Steve Carter will man the back court. Rookie 6-6 forward Kyle "Parsons Chicken" Sherwood plays defense like he was born to it. Playoffs?
4. SAN JOSE FIGHTING AMIGOS (picked fourth unanimously)
Season 39 Record: 7-3, first place (0-2 in playoffs)
Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: None
The Lowdown: The Amigos are the only MBA team that will start the exact same team as last season. It was enough to win the West in Season 39, but an improved division will make a playoff return a hard road. Three-point specialist YourMajesty Lumpkins and the top rookie center Hunk R. Down will contribute off the bench for now.
5. SEATTLE STAMPEDE (unanimous last-place pick)
Season 39 Record: 5-5 Third place
Major Addition: 6-8 forward Tea Time Typhoo
Major Subtractions: Top-scorer, guard Wimsy Greenfoyle
The Lowdown: Worse at guard, better at forward, a playoff run not anticipated.
A LOOK AT SEASON 40 ROOKIES (IT’S A BUMPER CROP, ESPECIALLY AT FORWARD)
THE ELITE
6-2 guard Colquitt “Ouuii” Croix…starting at point guard for Philadelphia…rookie of year favorite
6-8 forward Pietro “The” Destroyer…starting at forward for Charleston
6-7 forward Sloppy Dollop…starting forward for Oklahoma City
6-4 guard Akbar Zagobia…starting point guard for Los Angeles
6-5 forward Flip Testerton…starting small forward for Sacramanto
7-0 center Hunk R. Down…back-up center to Pippi Pippistrelli on San Jose
6-6 forward Kyle “Parsons Chicken” Sherwood…back-up forward for Sacramento
SOLID PLAYERS
6-6 guard Theon Greyjoy…back-up guard behind All-MBA pair in Oklahoma City
6-10 forward Eggyolk Carpaccio…back-up forward for loaded Charleston team
6-9 center Pat “Bubkis” Moore…back-up center to Tree Fiddy in Sacramento
6-2 guard Red Reparee…starting point guard for Sacramento
6-0 guard La’Quill “McQuill” McCool…starting point guard for Chicago
LACKING
6-10 center Falaftimus Prime…good rebounder, good offense, no defense…cut pile
6-7 forward Wild Bill Connelly…great ball-handler…not great enough…cut pile
6-3 guard Soupy Poops…worth a hearty laugh when Milwaukee got him with lone pick…on bench
6-6 forward Nomo Momo…can score a bit in the paint, but that’s it…cut pile
Only four rookies started on MBA teams last season. Seven are starters this season, and four more have starting potential.
HALL OF FAME WATCH (Players entering Season 40 with 5 or more awards on their card)
Ten needed for Hall of Fame (Six awards possible for a rookie in any one year…five for all others)
ACTIVE HALL OF FAMERS
Hrundi V. Bakshi, 12th season guard, Los Angeles (18 awards)
Max Payne, 15th season center, Oklahoma City (15 awards)
Naf Naf, 4th season guard, Oklahoma City (10 awards)
Seven
Gulemon Mon-Mon, 14th season forward Dallas
Six
Naceg Gecan, 6th season center, Dallas
Diss Reflexia, 5th season center, Philadelphia
B. Quiet, 6th season forward, Charleston
Five
Ginger Vampire, 9th season guard, Seattle
Beezow Doo-Doo Zopitty Bop Bop-Bob, 7th season guard, Charleston
Yipeekayee Masterfalcon, 6th season guard, Oklahoma City
Walt White, 11th season guard, Oklahoma City
Vic Hitler, 5th season forward, Los Angeles
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Free Agent announcements and other big news
IGUANAS LEAVE HOUSTON FOR LA LA LAND
The Houston Iguanas, one of the original franchises in the MBA, and one of it's storied members, are moving to Los Angeles.
Tyler has yet to come up with a new nickname for the team, but following three consecutive last-place finishes, the Iguana owner rolled a "1" on one die, necessitating the abandonment of the Houston fans. He avoided rolling a "1" or "6" on the next roll, which would have meant the end of the franchise altogether.
Thus, the new Los Angeles location means that this team will move to the West Division, while the Dallas Demons, the franchise furthest to the East, now joins the East Division.
In its 39 seasons in Houston, the Iguanas had a number of distinguished seasons, including four league championships.
They captured the inaugural championship in MBA history, then won again in Season 10 and 12, before ending a long championship drought with their last title in Season 34.
Along the way, the Iguanas established a league record for most points per game in one season, 86.3 in Season 20, and the best record in one season, when they went 9-1 in Season 34, then went 5-0 in the playoffs.
The last three campaigns were a downward spiral of 3-7, 2-8 and 1-9, although that one victory was against the eventual MBA champion Charleston Mountaineers.
The franchise takes up Los Angeles residency as the third California team in the MBA, and chances are they will get out of the cellar in the West. They enter the Season 40 draft without losing one player to retirement or free agency.
The team takes all of its previous records with it, while the league awaits its new name and logo.
HOUSTON THROUGH THE YEARS
These are the free agents, by team, who will be included in the Season 40 draft scheduled for Monday.
As you can see, two teams, the new Los Angeles team and the West Division winners from San Jose, lost nobody to free agency.
Sacramento was hit hard, especially in the loss of promising center Tree Fiddy.
Hall of Fame great Hrundi V. Bakshi will be leaving Milwaukee and another Hall of Famer Max Payne is saying good-bye to Chicago.
Defending champion Charleston loses four players, including forward Pap Smearz, who was a big part of Season 40's plans. They enter the draft with just five players in tow. Dallas is even worse, with just four players.
Seattle loses the last of its Big 3 from their Season 37 championship, as Wimsy Greenfoyle says bye-bye.
THIS IS THE WAY I RANK THE FREE AGENTS IN MONDAY'S DRAFT
CUT PILE IMPROVEMENTS
There is one very significant cut pile improvement. Third-year guard YourMajesty Lumpkins will now take twice as many 3s, having improved his 3-point tendency. Plus, he added a 'GOOD' on 4 in the 3-point shooting zone. With that kind of major improvement, he will definitely make someone's team and might even start. His made 3s are on 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and the 6 is circled. And, he can play the point.
The Houston Iguanas, one of the original franchises in the MBA, and one of it's storied members, are moving to Los Angeles.
Tyler has yet to come up with a new nickname for the team, but following three consecutive last-place finishes, the Iguana owner rolled a "1" on one die, necessitating the abandonment of the Houston fans. He avoided rolling a "1" or "6" on the next roll, which would have meant the end of the franchise altogether.
Thus, the new Los Angeles location means that this team will move to the West Division, while the Dallas Demons, the franchise furthest to the East, now joins the East Division.
In its 39 seasons in Houston, the Iguanas had a number of distinguished seasons, including four league championships.
They captured the inaugural championship in MBA history, then won again in Season 10 and 12, before ending a long championship drought with their last title in Season 34.
Along the way, the Iguanas established a league record for most points per game in one season, 86.3 in Season 20, and the best record in one season, when they went 9-1 in Season 34, then went 5-0 in the playoffs.
The last three campaigns were a downward spiral of 3-7, 2-8 and 1-9, although that one victory was against the eventual MBA champion Charleston Mountaineers.
The franchise takes up Los Angeles residency as the third California team in the MBA, and chances are they will get out of the cellar in the West. They enter the Season 40 draft without losing one player to retirement or free agency.
The team takes all of its previous records with it, while the league awaits its new name and logo.
HOUSTON THROUGH THE YEARS
These are the free agents, by team, who will be included in the Season 40 draft scheduled for Monday.
As you can see, two teams, the new Los Angeles team and the West Division winners from San Jose, lost nobody to free agency.
Sacramento was hit hard, especially in the loss of promising center Tree Fiddy.
Hall of Fame great Hrundi V. Bakshi will be leaving Milwaukee and another Hall of Famer Max Payne is saying good-bye to Chicago.
Defending champion Charleston loses four players, including forward Pap Smearz, who was a big part of Season 40's plans. They enter the draft with just five players in tow. Dallas is even worse, with just four players.
Seattle loses the last of its Big 3 from their Season 37 championship, as Wimsy Greenfoyle says bye-bye.
THIS IS THE WAY I RANK THE FREE AGENTS IN MONDAY'S DRAFT
CUT PILE IMPROVEMENTS
There is one very significant cut pile improvement. Third-year guard YourMajesty Lumpkins will now take twice as many 3s, having improved his 3-point tendency. Plus, he added a 'GOOD' on 4 in the 3-point shooting zone. With that kind of major improvement, he will definitely make someone's team and might even start. His made 3s are on 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and the 6 is circled. And, he can play the point.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
TOP ALL-TIME PLAYOFF POINT-GETTERS AND GAMES PLAYED
PLAYOFF GAMES AND SCORING
MOST PLAYOFF POINTS
1. Dan Mann 768
2. Uncle Bob Masterson 650
3. Mamadou Zongo 599
3. Sagittal Occlusal 599
5. Boone Doggle 579
6. Doc Watson 511
7. Cam Bodia 509
8. Joey Two-Tones 505
9. T. Kanes Masterson 501 NEW TO LIST
10. Cappy Gambol 489
MOST PLAYOFF GAMES
1. Ed Masterson 49
1. Tug Hershorts 49
3. Raisin Sport 44
4. Cam Bodia 43
5. Mamadou Zongo 42
6. Boone Doggle 41
6. Funsy Van Slochum 41 UP FROM 9th place
8. Slats Southpaw 40
9. Shucks Oyster 39
9. Sagittal Occlusal 39
11. Lemon Jell-o 38 NEW TO LIST
11. Stu Nod 38
11. Oscar Mudcat 38
11. Max Payne 38 NEW TO LIST AND STILL ACTIVE
15. Dan Mann
15. Uncle Bob Masterson
MOST PLAYOFF POINTS
1. Dan Mann 768
2. Uncle Bob Masterson 650
3. Mamadou Zongo 599
3. Sagittal Occlusal 599
5. Boone Doggle 579
6. Doc Watson 511
7. Cam Bodia 509
8. Joey Two-Tones 505
9. T. Kanes Masterson 501 NEW TO LIST
10. Cappy Gambol 489
MOST PLAYOFF GAMES
1. Ed Masterson 49
1. Tug Hershorts 49
3. Raisin Sport 44
4. Cam Bodia 43
5. Mamadou Zongo 42
6. Boone Doggle 41
6. Funsy Van Slochum 41 UP FROM 9th place
8. Slats Southpaw 40
9. Shucks Oyster 39
9. Sagittal Occlusal 39
11. Lemon Jell-o 38 NEW TO LIST
11. Stu Nod 38
11. Oscar Mudcat 38
11. Max Payne 38 NEW TO LIST AND STILL ACTIVE
15. Dan Mann
15. Uncle Bob Masterson
Monday, September 4, 2017
All Time Scorers
ALL TIME SCORERS THROUGH SEASON 39
1. Mamadou Zongo 2,606 points 15.7 ppg 17 Seasons
2. Ching-Chong Chung 2,016 points 16.8 ppg 12 Seasons
3. Doug Fresh 1,904 points 13.3 ppg 15 Seasons
4. Uncle Bob Masterson 1,872 points 19.1 ppg 10 Seasons
5. Hrundi V. Bakshi 1.756 points 16.9 ppg 11 Seasons STILL ACTIVE
6. Motts Biondi 1,548 points 10.6 ppg 15 Seasons
7. Funsy Van Slochum 1,542 points 9.9 ppg 16 Seasons (up from 8th place after Season 39)
8. Dan Mann 1,539 points 17.1 ppg 9 Seasons
9. Doc Watson 1,521 points 16.9 ppg 9 Seasons
10. Achilles Heel 1,499 points 10.2 ppg 18 Seasons
11. Curly Hogbottom 1,494 points 16.6 ppg 9 Seasons
12. Kip Robinson 1,483 points 10.3 ppg 15 Seasons
13. Rip Slamjam 1,483 points 10.9 ppg 15 Seasons
14. Tommy Zoop 1,456 points 20.8 ppg 7 Seasons
15. Mable Reed 1,455 points 14.7 ppg 11 Seasons
16. Benny Gumm 1,452 points 11.9 ppg 13 Seasons
17. Max Payne 1,452 points 11.8 ppg 14 Seasons...new to list...STILL ACTIVE
18. Boone Doggle 1,413 points 15.7 ppg 9 Seasons
1. Mamadou Zongo 2,606 points 15.7 ppg 17 Seasons
2. Ching-Chong Chung 2,016 points 16.8 ppg 12 Seasons
3. Doug Fresh 1,904 points 13.3 ppg 15 Seasons
4. Uncle Bob Masterson 1,872 points 19.1 ppg 10 Seasons
5. Hrundi V. Bakshi 1.756 points 16.9 ppg 11 Seasons STILL ACTIVE
6. Motts Biondi 1,548 points 10.6 ppg 15 Seasons
7. Funsy Van Slochum 1,542 points 9.9 ppg 16 Seasons (up from 8th place after Season 39)
8. Dan Mann 1,539 points 17.1 ppg 9 Seasons
9. Doc Watson 1,521 points 16.9 ppg 9 Seasons
10. Achilles Heel 1,499 points 10.2 ppg 18 Seasons
11. Curly Hogbottom 1,494 points 16.6 ppg 9 Seasons
12. Kip Robinson 1,483 points 10.3 ppg 15 Seasons
13. Rip Slamjam 1,483 points 10.9 ppg 15 Seasons
14. Tommy Zoop 1,456 points 20.8 ppg 7 Seasons
15. Mable Reed 1,455 points 14.7 ppg 11 Seasons
16. Benny Gumm 1,452 points 11.9 ppg 13 Seasons
17. Max Payne 1,452 points 11.8 ppg 14 Seasons...new to list...STILL ACTIVE
18. Boone Doggle 1,413 points 15.7 ppg 9 Seasons
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Friday, August 25, 2017
PLAYOFF SUMMARY SEASON 39
Charleston's fourth championship ties it with Houston for third-most titles. It is now the Dave Masterson franchise with the most championships.
Beezow Bop-Bop of Charleston wins his second MVP of the Playoffs award. He has more of these awards than All Star Game appearances (just one). He has never been named to the All-MBA first team, but he can sure turn it on during the playoffs.
Second-season center J.J. Gargantuan of Charleston becomes just the fourth center in 39 seasons to top everyone in playoff scoring. The others were: Bill Rustler of Seattle in Season 10, averaging 20.0 per game; Jonny Cockaroo as a rookie for Philadelphia in Season 18, averaging 21.0 per game; and Ima Spikie of Philadelphia in Season 31 averaging 17.0 per game. The three previous centers to lead in playoff scoring are all Hall of Famers.
Lemon Jell-o finishes his career with a record fourth playoff steals title, surpassing Philadelphia Hall of Famer Oscar Mudcat, who did it three consecutive seasons in Seasons 3, 4 and 5. Jell-o's 13 steals this playoff campaign were a personal best, despite him not starting in the last two games his team played. The 13 tally is the second-highest total for a single post season. The best tally was 14 by Hall of Famer Dan Mann of Milwaukee in Season 9.
TWO NEW HALL OF FAMERS ADDED IN SEASON 39
Third-year superstar Naf Naf of Oklahoma City and retiring forward Art Vandelay of Charleston (also played for Milwaukee and Chicago) have earned Hall of Fame status as the 42nd and 43rd members of the hallowed honor roll.
Max Payne, the ageless center from Chicago moved up in the all-time rankings from 14th to 12th, moving past Dan Mann and Cheetos Jones.
Hall of Fame Rankings
1. Curly Hogbottom 6-10 Forward Seasons 16-24 (9) 25 awards
2. Uncle Bob Masterson 6-2 Guard Seasons 4-13 (10) 21 awards
3. Sagittal Occlusal 6-8 Forward Seasons 25-32 (8) 19 awards
3. Cappy Gambol 6-6 Guard Seasons 1-7 (7) 19 awards
5. Boone Doggle 6-10 Forward Seasons 23-31 (9) 18 awards
5. Mamadou Zongo 6-4 Guard Seasons 15-31 (17) 18 awards
5. Hrundi V. Bakshi 6-7 Guard Seasons 29-? (11+) 18 awards STILL ACTIVE
8. Link Lennex 6-7 Forward Seasons 7-12 (6) 17 awards
8. Stu Nod 6-3 Guard Seasons 6-17 (12) 17 awards
10. Diamond Dallas Paige 6-11 Center Seasons 12-18 (7) 16 awards
10. Jonny Cockaroo 6-9 Center Seasons 18-29 (12) 16 awards
12. Doc Watson 6-2 Guard Seasons 9-17 (9) 15 awards
12. Cam Bodia 6-6 Forward Seasons 15-25 (11) 15 awards
12. Max Payne 7-0 Center Seasons 26-? (14+) 15 awards STILL ACTIVE moved up from 14 after Season 39
14. Cheetos Jones 5-11 Guard Seasons 28-34 (7) 14 awards
14. Dan Mann 6-1 Guard Seasons 5-13 (9) 14 awards
17. Tommy Zoop 6-6 Guard Seasons 18-24 (7) 13 awards
17. Guru Gannon 6-7 Forward Seasons 11-17 (7) 13 awards
17. Raisin Sport 6-9 Forward Seasons 1-13 (13) 13 awards
20. Bill Rustler 6-9 Center Seasons 1-10 (10) 12 awards
20. Rip Slamjam 6-11 Center Seasons 5-19 (15) 12 awards
22. Ching-Chong Chung 5-10 Guard Seasons 26-37 (11) 11 awards
22. Tom Kondla 6-8 Center Seasons 28-33 (6) 11 awards
22. Shucks Oyster 6-4 Guard Seasons 17-22 (6) 11 awards
22. Gato Do Mato 6-11 Forward Seasons 30-36 (7) 11 awards
26. Joey Two-Tones 6-3 Guard Seasons 18-23 (6) 10 awards
26. Soul Duran 6-3 Guard Seasons 3-8 (6) 10 awards
26. Bart Pitbull 7-2 Center Seasons 17-23 (7) 10 awards
26. Shooter Flatch 6-7 Forward Seasons 19-25 (7) 10 awards
26. Alex Pal 6-11 Center Seasons 5-10 (6) 10 awards
26. Doug Fresh 5-11 Guard Seasons 1-15 (15) 10 awards
26. Naf Naf 6-0 Guard Seasons 37-? (3+) 10 awards STILL ACTIVE (Most recent)
26. Art Vandelay 6-7 Forward Seasons 34-39 (3) 10 awards (Most recent)
VETERANS COMMITTEE SELECTIONS
34. Marshall Stax 6-7 Forward Seasons 7-13 (7) 9 awards
34. Mable Reed 7-1 Center Seasons 6-16 (10) 9 awards
34. Tarjetas Indice 6-7 Forward Seasons 9-17 (9) 9 awards
34. Ama Spikie 6-8 Center Seasons 29-37 (9) 9 awards
34. Bub Wright 6-5 Forward Seasons 1-7 (7) 9 awards
34. Tug Hershorts 6-11 Forward Seasons 25-33 (9) 9 awards
40. Silo Chamberlin 5-10 Guard Seasons 1-6 (6) 8 awards
40. Benny Gumm 6-0 Guard Seasons 19-31 (13) 8 awards
40. Oscar Mudcat 6-6 Guard Seasons 1-8 (8) 8 awards
40. Rowdy Ron Clutch 6-7 Forward Seasons 1-9 (9) 8 awards
Monday, August 21, 2017
Season 39 MBA Finals--Game 4, Dallas at Charleston
CHARLESTON 98, DALLAS 55 (virtual game)
CHARLESTON TAKES TITLE IN STYLE
CHARLESTON -- After trailing by two points at the end of the first quarter, the Charleston Mountaineers went on a dominant tear not seen since the dawn of MBA time. The scorched-earth effort resulted in a 98-55 win before a delighted home crowd that witnessed the franchise capturing its fourth MBA championship and the second in four seasons.
While limiting Dallas to just 55 points, Charleston shot a smoking 72.4 percent, with three players scoring over 20 points. The pinball ball movement by the home team resulted in 21 assists, which ties an MBA playoff record for a team in one game set back in Season 18 by Philadelphia over Dallas.
After going 6-4 in the regular season, Charleston went 5-1 in the playoffs. Dallas finished up 6-4 and 3-4.
The game marked the final appearance of Dallas guard T.Kanes Masterson, one of the best offensive weapons the league has ever known. Dallas will also say good-bye to starting small forward Taylor Quackstick and Lemon Jell-o, an almost certain Hall of Famer.
Jell-o made a late-game appearance and popped in five points, the last being a 3-point hoop on the final time unit of the contest.
Charleston is losing just one player, Art Vandelay, who, because he gains a championship ring, now has the required 10 awards to enter the MBA Hall of Fame.
Charleston has titles in Seasons 26, 27, 36 and 39 and has the most championships of any Dave Masterson franchise. The elder Masterson has now won four of the last five MBA championships. Overall, however Tyler Masterson still leads the championship count 30 to 9.
PLAYER OF GAME
Second-season superstar center J.J. GARGANTUAN of Charleston saved his best playoff game for the title-clincher, scoring a game-high 32 points and holding his opposite number, Naceg Gecan, to just 2 points. Gargantuan added 4 rebounds and 1 assist while blocking 2 shots. His 32 points was the highest scoring game in Season 39's post-season.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- It's hard to say someone dominated their opposite when their opposite scored 23 points, but Charleston two guard Beezow Bop-Bop did just that. Bop-Bop scored 26 points, dished out 6 assists, blocked 3 shots, stole 1 pass and pulled down 1 rebound, which is 10 more GVP than T.Kanes Masterson accumulated.
-- Coach Bill Rustler substituted Pap Smearz for Hall of Famer Art Vandelay in this game and Smearz responded in orgasmic fashion. The third year, 6-8 power forward scored 20 points, pulled down a game-high 7 rebounds, blocked a game-high 5 shots and passed out 3 assists.
-- After having a horrendous game in the previous encounter, Charleston point guard Jesus Moron Joseph was practically perfect in this one. While scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, Joseph led everyone with 9 assists (just one short of the playoff record), swiped a game-high 2 steals and pulled down 2 rebounds.
-- Dallas shooting guard T.Kanes Masterson finished a fine MBA career with a team-high 23 points, adding 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal in his curtain-call performance.
NEXT UP: Playoff leaders, Playoff MVP.
CHARLESTON TAKES TITLE IN STYLE
CHARLESTON -- After trailing by two points at the end of the first quarter, the Charleston Mountaineers went on a dominant tear not seen since the dawn of MBA time. The scorched-earth effort resulted in a 98-55 win before a delighted home crowd that witnessed the franchise capturing its fourth MBA championship and the second in four seasons.
While limiting Dallas to just 55 points, Charleston shot a smoking 72.4 percent, with three players scoring over 20 points. The pinball ball movement by the home team resulted in 21 assists, which ties an MBA playoff record for a team in one game set back in Season 18 by Philadelphia over Dallas.
After going 6-4 in the regular season, Charleston went 5-1 in the playoffs. Dallas finished up 6-4 and 3-4.
The game marked the final appearance of Dallas guard T.Kanes Masterson, one of the best offensive weapons the league has ever known. Dallas will also say good-bye to starting small forward Taylor Quackstick and Lemon Jell-o, an almost certain Hall of Famer.
Jell-o made a late-game appearance and popped in five points, the last being a 3-point hoop on the final time unit of the contest.
Charleston is losing just one player, Art Vandelay, who, because he gains a championship ring, now has the required 10 awards to enter the MBA Hall of Fame.
Charleston has titles in Seasons 26, 27, 36 and 39 and has the most championships of any Dave Masterson franchise. The elder Masterson has now won four of the last five MBA championships. Overall, however Tyler Masterson still leads the championship count 30 to 9.
PLAYER OF GAME
Second-season superstar center J.J. GARGANTUAN of Charleston saved his best playoff game for the title-clincher, scoring a game-high 32 points and holding his opposite number, Naceg Gecan, to just 2 points. Gargantuan added 4 rebounds and 1 assist while blocking 2 shots. His 32 points was the highest scoring game in Season 39's post-season.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- It's hard to say someone dominated their opposite when their opposite scored 23 points, but Charleston two guard Beezow Bop-Bop did just that. Bop-Bop scored 26 points, dished out 6 assists, blocked 3 shots, stole 1 pass and pulled down 1 rebound, which is 10 more GVP than T.Kanes Masterson accumulated.
-- Coach Bill Rustler substituted Pap Smearz for Hall of Famer Art Vandelay in this game and Smearz responded in orgasmic fashion. The third year, 6-8 power forward scored 20 points, pulled down a game-high 7 rebounds, blocked a game-high 5 shots and passed out 3 assists.
-- After having a horrendous game in the previous encounter, Charleston point guard Jesus Moron Joseph was practically perfect in this one. While scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, Joseph led everyone with 9 assists (just one short of the playoff record), swiped a game-high 2 steals and pulled down 2 rebounds.
-- Dallas shooting guard T.Kanes Masterson finished a fine MBA career with a team-high 23 points, adding 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal in his curtain-call performance.
NEXT UP: Playoff leaders, Playoff MVP.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Season 39 Finals -- Game 3 Charleston at Dallas
DALLAS 77, CHARLESTON 70
MASTERSON KEEPS HOPE ALIVE FOR DEMONS
DALLAS -- The bold move to replace Lemon Jell-o in the starting lineup with scoring ace T.Kanes Masterson paid off for Demons coach Country Slaughter (aka Tyler Masterson). The retiring Masterson responded with a 27-point game and Dallas staved off elimination, winning 77-70 to make this a 2 games to 1 series lead, advantage Charleston.
Masterson was spectacular, especially early, when he popped in 12 first-quarter points despite being guarded by one of the best MBA defenders, Beezow Bop-Bop.
The third quarter was the turning point in the game, with Dallas finally asserting its power on the boards and getting multiple shots while Charleston center J.J. Gargantuan languished on the bench, thanks to an early foul.
Trailing by nine going into the final quarter, Charleston pulled to within 3 with half the quarter remaining, then moved to within one point, 64-63 shortly thereafter. But two huge buckets by Dallas' Taylor Quackstick and one from Bootlace Barnaby thwarted the attempted comeback.
Both point guards for Charleston shot horribly, combining for 3 for 18 shooting.
The two teams were a combined 1 for 21 from beyond the arc.
It should be noted that Masterson scored 25 points in the lone regular season game played between these two teams and won in overtime by Dallas.
The Finals returns to Charleston for Game 4, where the Mountaineers can now win it all in front of their home fans. Masterson, however, is expected to start again and will have something to say about delaying the celebration.
PLAYER OF GAME
T. KANES MASTERSON of Dallas not only burned Charleston with 27 points; the 6-3 shooting guard pulled down 8 rebounds and dished out a pair of assists in his first playoff start this season. He scored 12 in the first quarter, 5 in the second, 4 in the third and 6 in the fourth. Despite Bop-Bop blocking three of his shots, he still dominated his man.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- After a 2-point effort in Game 2, Dallas power forward Sven Marquardt returned to form with an 18-point game that included five power-slam dunks and a game-high 9 rebounds. He added 1 assist and 1 steal to the mix.
-- Beezow Bop-Bop had his hands full all game guarding Masterson, but the Charleston guard still managed 3 blocked shots, 15 points, a game-high 2 steals, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
-- Despite missing most of the third quarter, Charleston center J.J. Gargantuan led his team in scoring with 22 points on 9 of 10 shooting and a number of spectacular moves around the basket. He also had 2 rebounds and held Naceg Gecan to just 8 points.
MASTERSON KEEPS HOPE ALIVE FOR DEMONS
DALLAS -- The bold move to replace Lemon Jell-o in the starting lineup with scoring ace T.Kanes Masterson paid off for Demons coach Country Slaughter (aka Tyler Masterson). The retiring Masterson responded with a 27-point game and Dallas staved off elimination, winning 77-70 to make this a 2 games to 1 series lead, advantage Charleston.
Masterson was spectacular, especially early, when he popped in 12 first-quarter points despite being guarded by one of the best MBA defenders, Beezow Bop-Bop.
The third quarter was the turning point in the game, with Dallas finally asserting its power on the boards and getting multiple shots while Charleston center J.J. Gargantuan languished on the bench, thanks to an early foul.
Trailing by nine going into the final quarter, Charleston pulled to within 3 with half the quarter remaining, then moved to within one point, 64-63 shortly thereafter. But two huge buckets by Dallas' Taylor Quackstick and one from Bootlace Barnaby thwarted the attempted comeback.
Both point guards for Charleston shot horribly, combining for 3 for 18 shooting.
The two teams were a combined 1 for 21 from beyond the arc.
It should be noted that Masterson scored 25 points in the lone regular season game played between these two teams and won in overtime by Dallas.
The Finals returns to Charleston for Game 4, where the Mountaineers can now win it all in front of their home fans. Masterson, however, is expected to start again and will have something to say about delaying the celebration.
PLAYER OF GAME
T. KANES MASTERSON of Dallas not only burned Charleston with 27 points; the 6-3 shooting guard pulled down 8 rebounds and dished out a pair of assists in his first playoff start this season. He scored 12 in the first quarter, 5 in the second, 4 in the third and 6 in the fourth. Despite Bop-Bop blocking three of his shots, he still dominated his man.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- After a 2-point effort in Game 2, Dallas power forward Sven Marquardt returned to form with an 18-point game that included five power-slam dunks and a game-high 9 rebounds. He added 1 assist and 1 steal to the mix.
-- Beezow Bop-Bop had his hands full all game guarding Masterson, but the Charleston guard still managed 3 blocked shots, 15 points, a game-high 2 steals, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
-- Despite missing most of the third quarter, Charleston center J.J. Gargantuan led his team in scoring with 22 points on 9 of 10 shooting and a number of spectacular moves around the basket. He also had 2 rebounds and held Naceg Gecan to just 8 points.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Season 39 MBA Finals Game 2...Dallas at Charleston
CHARLESTON 63. DALLAS 55
CHARLESTON ONE WIN AWAY FROM CLINCHING FOURTH TITLE
CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Mountaineers held the visiting Dallas Demons to a paltry 43.1 percent shooting percentage on the way to a 63-55 home win and a 2-0 series advantage.
Charleston is now 4-0 this post-season.
Playing before a rabid crowd of backers, the Mountaineers opened the game hitting their first six shots, securing a 19-14 advantage after one quarter.
Dallas responded in the second with their best quarter of the game, even managing their lone lead of the contest when Naceg Gecan slam-dunked them to a 22-21 edge.
But the home team stymied the visiting offense in the third quarter, allowing just seven points, and the Mountaineers were never headed again.
PLAYER OF GAME
Rebounding genius NACEG GECAN of Dallas was dominant on the boards with a game-high 10 rebounds. The 6-10 center also tied for team-high in scoring with 15 points, while dishing out 2 assists. It was his first P.O.G. of the playoffs.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- All-MBA power forward B. Quiet returned to his scoring form, leading everyone in points with 19. He also pulled down a team-high 6 rebounds and thoroughly out-played Game 1 Player of the Game Sven Marquardt, who could manage but 2 points.
-- Jesus Moron Joseph of Charleston played a mean point guard in this one, getting a game-high 4 assists and scoring 15 points, while pulling down 4 boards. His three straight buckets gave his team a half-time lead and his short jumper over Gecan in the third gave his team their first double-digit lead of the game. He dominated Bootlace Barnaby.
-- Beezow Bop-Bop entered the game as front runner to win a second Playoff MVP award. Although defensive stalwart Lemon Jell-o held him to 9 points, Charleston's Bop-Bop blocked 5 shots, had 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
-- Last season's Playoff MVP Art Vandelay played a solid game with 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting and had 5 boards and 3 assists.
-- Lemon Jell-o of Dallas registered three more steals against the best passing team in the league. The game-high total was complemented by 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 blocked shot as he and Bop-Bop continued their battle of brilliance.
-- For the first time in this playoffs Dallas small forward Taylor Quackstick did not lead everyone in rebounding. He grabbed just 3, but tied Gecan for team-high in scoring with 15. Quackstick added 2 assists.
NEXT: Dallas defends its home court in an attempt to prevent a Finals sweep.
JELL-O SHOOTS FOR FOURTH PLAYOFF STEALS CROWN
Lemon Jell-o has practically clinched his fourth playoff steals title, which would be a perfect ending for his excellent career. Jell-o has registered 13 swipes in five playoff games, which is one short of tying the Season 9 playoff record of 14 set by Milwaukee Hall of Famer Dan Mann way, way, way back in Season 9. Jell-o's 13 steals in this post-season is a personal high. He will move past Hall of Famers Oscar Mudcat and Boone Doggle, who each had three playoff steals titles.
Here is a list of the most recent playoff steals leaders.
CHARLESTON ONE WIN AWAY FROM CLINCHING FOURTH TITLE
CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Mountaineers held the visiting Dallas Demons to a paltry 43.1 percent shooting percentage on the way to a 63-55 home win and a 2-0 series advantage.
Charleston is now 4-0 this post-season.
Playing before a rabid crowd of backers, the Mountaineers opened the game hitting their first six shots, securing a 19-14 advantage after one quarter.
Dallas responded in the second with their best quarter of the game, even managing their lone lead of the contest when Naceg Gecan slam-dunked them to a 22-21 edge.
But the home team stymied the visiting offense in the third quarter, allowing just seven points, and the Mountaineers were never headed again.
PLAYER OF GAME
Rebounding genius NACEG GECAN of Dallas was dominant on the boards with a game-high 10 rebounds. The 6-10 center also tied for team-high in scoring with 15 points, while dishing out 2 assists. It was his first P.O.G. of the playoffs.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- All-MBA power forward B. Quiet returned to his scoring form, leading everyone in points with 19. He also pulled down a team-high 6 rebounds and thoroughly out-played Game 1 Player of the Game Sven Marquardt, who could manage but 2 points.
-- Jesus Moron Joseph of Charleston played a mean point guard in this one, getting a game-high 4 assists and scoring 15 points, while pulling down 4 boards. His three straight buckets gave his team a half-time lead and his short jumper over Gecan in the third gave his team their first double-digit lead of the game. He dominated Bootlace Barnaby.
-- Beezow Bop-Bop entered the game as front runner to win a second Playoff MVP award. Although defensive stalwart Lemon Jell-o held him to 9 points, Charleston's Bop-Bop blocked 5 shots, had 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
-- Last season's Playoff MVP Art Vandelay played a solid game with 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting and had 5 boards and 3 assists.
-- Lemon Jell-o of Dallas registered three more steals against the best passing team in the league. The game-high total was complemented by 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 blocked shot as he and Bop-Bop continued their battle of brilliance.
-- For the first time in this playoffs Dallas small forward Taylor Quackstick did not lead everyone in rebounding. He grabbed just 3, but tied Gecan for team-high in scoring with 15. Quackstick added 2 assists.
NEXT: Dallas defends its home court in an attempt to prevent a Finals sweep.
JELL-O SHOOTS FOR FOURTH PLAYOFF STEALS CROWN
Lemon Jell-o has practically clinched his fourth playoff steals title, which would be a perfect ending for his excellent career. Jell-o has registered 13 swipes in five playoff games, which is one short of tying the Season 9 playoff record of 14 set by Milwaukee Hall of Famer Dan Mann way, way, way back in Season 9. Jell-o's 13 steals in this post-season is a personal high. He will move past Hall of Famers Oscar Mudcat and Boone Doggle, who each had three playoff steals titles.
Here is a list of the most recent playoff steals leaders.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Season 39 MBA Finals Game 1...Charleston at Dallas
CHARLESTON 70, DALLAS 66
MOUNTAINEERS TAKE CLOSELY FOUGHT GAME 1
DALLAS -- The Charleston Mountaineers, buoyed by a 25-point second-quarter burst, took a 10-point halftime lead and hung on for a 70-66 road win to start this best of five Finals.
The intense contest was exemplified by third-quarter fisticuffs between Beezow Bop-Bop of Charleston and Dallas center Naceg Gecan. Both players were hit with technical fouls and Gecan was ejected from the game.
PLAYER OF GAME
Six-nine power forward SVEN MARQUARDT of Dallas captured his second P.O.G. honor of the playoffs, scoring a game-high 18 points and pulling down 5 rebounds. He added 1 assist, getting the edge over All-MBA forward B. Quiet.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Guard Beezow Bop-Bop of Charleston battled the great Lemon Jell-o to a standstill all game long. Bop-Bop finished tied for team-high in scoring with 13, tied for team-high in rebounding with 4, led everyone with 3 blocked shots, tied for game-high in steals with 2 and dished out 1 assist.
-- Two guard Lemon Jell-o of Dallas had 10 points, 4 rebounds, a game-high 4 assists and tied for game-high with 2 steals in a head-to-head match-up that will be a main focus of the Finals.
--Small forward Taylor Quackstick of Dallas continues to shine since being inserted as a starter. He has led everyone in rebounds in every playoff game, getting 7 in each semifinal game and 6 in the first game of the Finals. He scored 14 points, and added 3 rebounds and he totally out-played last season's MVP of the Playoffs, Art Vandelay.
THE LAST NINE MVPs OF THE PLAYOFFS
MOUNTAINEERS TAKE CLOSELY FOUGHT GAME 1
DALLAS -- The Charleston Mountaineers, buoyed by a 25-point second-quarter burst, took a 10-point halftime lead and hung on for a 70-66 road win to start this best of five Finals.
The intense contest was exemplified by third-quarter fisticuffs between Beezow Bop-Bop of Charleston and Dallas center Naceg Gecan. Both players were hit with technical fouls and Gecan was ejected from the game.
PLAYER OF GAME
Six-nine power forward SVEN MARQUARDT of Dallas captured his second P.O.G. honor of the playoffs, scoring a game-high 18 points and pulling down 5 rebounds. He added 1 assist, getting the edge over All-MBA forward B. Quiet.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Guard Beezow Bop-Bop of Charleston battled the great Lemon Jell-o to a standstill all game long. Bop-Bop finished tied for team-high in scoring with 13, tied for team-high in rebounding with 4, led everyone with 3 blocked shots, tied for game-high in steals with 2 and dished out 1 assist.
-- Two guard Lemon Jell-o of Dallas had 10 points, 4 rebounds, a game-high 4 assists and tied for game-high with 2 steals in a head-to-head match-up that will be a main focus of the Finals.
--Small forward Taylor Quackstick of Dallas continues to shine since being inserted as a starter. He has led everyone in rebounds in every playoff game, getting 7 in each semifinal game and 6 in the first game of the Finals. He scored 14 points, and added 3 rebounds and he totally out-played last season's MVP of the Playoffs, Art Vandelay.
THE LAST NINE MVPs OF THE PLAYOFFS
Friday, August 11, 2017
Season 39 MBA Playoffs...Semifinals Game 3 Dallas at Milwaukee
DALLAS 78, MILWAUKEE 66
DEMONS RETURN TO FIRST FINALS IN 11 SEASONS
MILWAUKEE -- There will be a six-win championship team for the first time in 30 MBA seasons. The Dallas Demons took out Milwaukee 78-66 in the decisive Game 3 of the semifinals and will meet the Charleston Mountaineers in the best of five MBA Finals. Both teams finished the regular season with 6-4 records.
After losing the first game of the semis 68-59, Dallas looked over-matched against the favored Milwaukee club. But the Demons came roaring back, winning Game 2 by 19 points, 80-61, and coasting home with a 78-66 lead in the final win on the road.
A 29-point third-quarter by Dallas, played almost in its entirety without the resting Lemon Jell-o, was the turning point in the game. Milwaukee had actually taken a one-point advantage in that quarter early on, but would never lead again.
Dallas, by virtue of its 102-98 thrilling overtime victory over Charleston in the Season 39 opener for both clubs, will open the series at home.
The Demons and the Mountaineers both have won three championships and have never faced off against each other in the finals.
Charleston won it all in their most recent finals appearance, Season 36.
Dallas last appeared in the finals in Season 28. They won the championship that season.
PLAYER OF GAME
Usually a defensive ace, Milwaukee small forward DANKE SHAME was his team's biggest weapon in the disappointing loss. Shame had a game-high 29 points, which is the most anyone has scored in this post-season thus far. Shame also led everyone in assists with 3 and pulled down 3 rebounds. The 6-5 fourth-year man was 13 for 15 from the floor, including 1-for-1 from beyond the arc. Five of his field goals came on a series of spinning dunks.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
--Retiring shooting guard Lemon Jell-o of Dallas was not ready to hang up his sneakers just yet. In this big Game 3 he scored 15 points, swiped a game-high 2 steals, pulled down 4 rebounds, had 2 assists and blocked 1 shot. He also held Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi to 5 for 17 shooting.
--After getting shut out by Danke Shame in a Game 1 defeat, retiring Dallas small forward Taylor Quackstick came up huge in the next two games, both wins, scoring 16, then 21 points. Many of his team-high 21 came in the fourth quarter in the finale while Dallas was wrapping up the win. And for the third time in as many games, the 6-6 Quackstick pulled down a game-high 7 rebounds. His play was the difference in this series.
THE ONE MEETING BETWEEN THE TWO FINALS TEAMS WAS A DOOZY
This cross-over game (below) way back in March was arguably the most entertaining contest of the season, with Dallas coming out on top in overtime. It was one of just two overtimes in Season 39 and the only time any team broke the 100-point barrier.
The Mountaineers will field the same lineup, but Dallas has since replaced T. Kanes Masterson with Lemon Jell-o at the two guard, moved Sven Marquardt from small to big forward and replaced Gulemon Mon-Mon in the starting lineup with Taylor Quackstick, who is at small forward.
NEXT UP: FINALS GAME ONE...CHARLESTON AT DALLAS
DEMONS RETURN TO FIRST FINALS IN 11 SEASONS
MILWAUKEE -- There will be a six-win championship team for the first time in 30 MBA seasons. The Dallas Demons took out Milwaukee 78-66 in the decisive Game 3 of the semifinals and will meet the Charleston Mountaineers in the best of five MBA Finals. Both teams finished the regular season with 6-4 records.
After losing the first game of the semis 68-59, Dallas looked over-matched against the favored Milwaukee club. But the Demons came roaring back, winning Game 2 by 19 points, 80-61, and coasting home with a 78-66 lead in the final win on the road.
A 29-point third-quarter by Dallas, played almost in its entirety without the resting Lemon Jell-o, was the turning point in the game. Milwaukee had actually taken a one-point advantage in that quarter early on, but would never lead again.
Dallas, by virtue of its 102-98 thrilling overtime victory over Charleston in the Season 39 opener for both clubs, will open the series at home.
The Demons and the Mountaineers both have won three championships and have never faced off against each other in the finals.
Charleston won it all in their most recent finals appearance, Season 36.
Dallas last appeared in the finals in Season 28. They won the championship that season.
PLAYER OF GAME
Usually a defensive ace, Milwaukee small forward DANKE SHAME was his team's biggest weapon in the disappointing loss. Shame had a game-high 29 points, which is the most anyone has scored in this post-season thus far. Shame also led everyone in assists with 3 and pulled down 3 rebounds. The 6-5 fourth-year man was 13 for 15 from the floor, including 1-for-1 from beyond the arc. Five of his field goals came on a series of spinning dunks.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
--Retiring shooting guard Lemon Jell-o of Dallas was not ready to hang up his sneakers just yet. In this big Game 3 he scored 15 points, swiped a game-high 2 steals, pulled down 4 rebounds, had 2 assists and blocked 1 shot. He also held Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi to 5 for 17 shooting.
--After getting shut out by Danke Shame in a Game 1 defeat, retiring Dallas small forward Taylor Quackstick came up huge in the next two games, both wins, scoring 16, then 21 points. Many of his team-high 21 came in the fourth quarter in the finale while Dallas was wrapping up the win. And for the third time in as many games, the 6-6 Quackstick pulled down a game-high 7 rebounds. His play was the difference in this series.
THE ONE MEETING BETWEEN THE TWO FINALS TEAMS WAS A DOOZY
This cross-over game (below) way back in March was arguably the most entertaining contest of the season, with Dallas coming out on top in overtime. It was one of just two overtimes in Season 39 and the only time any team broke the 100-point barrier.
The Mountaineers will field the same lineup, but Dallas has since replaced T. Kanes Masterson with Lemon Jell-o at the two guard, moved Sven Marquardt from small to big forward and replaced Gulemon Mon-Mon in the starting lineup with Taylor Quackstick, who is at small forward.
NEXT UP: FINALS GAME ONE...CHARLESTON AT DALLAS
Monday, August 7, 2017
Season 39 Semifinals--Game 2, San Jose at Charleston
CHARLESTON 79, SAN JOSE 51
MOUNTAINEERS SAY ADIOS, AMIGOS, MOVE INTO FINALS
CHARLESTON -- The division-winning San Jose team played host Charleston tough in the first quarter, then spent the rest of this laugher choking on their dust.
The win ends the first-round sweep for the Mountaineers, who now await the winner of the next playoff game between Dallas and Milwaukee.
Charleston will be appearing in its seventh MBA Finals and first since winning the whole enchilada three seasons back. In the six previous Finals, the franchise has come away champions three times.
Four players remain from that Season 36 title team: Jesus Moron Joseph, Beezow Bop-Bop, B. Quiet and Buck Naked. Bop-Bop was the Playoff MVP that season, and appears to be a strong challenger for the honor again this season, based on his first two playoff games since coming back from injury...both triple-double efforts.
The MBA waved a fond farewell to Funsy VanSlochum, who appeared momentarily in this contest and will be retiring after a 16-season career that saw him finish seventh in all-time scoring in the annals of the league.
As for San Jose, they added two excellent rookies in the past two seasons in Pippi Pippistrelli and Dayshotta Leo, returning to prominence in the West. A couple more stalwarts are obviously needed to compete for the brass ring.
PLAYER OF GAME
After being held to 11 points in Game 1, All-MBA forward B. QUIET of Charleston broke loose for a game-high 28 points. That mark is the highest scoring game in the playoffs thus far this season. The league's second-leading scorer also pulled down 5 boards, had 1 assist and 1 blocked shot.
OTHER 20-GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Having Beezow Bop-Bop back in the lineup is a major lift for the Mountaineers. The 6-1 guard ripped off his second consecutive triple-double in the playoffs in as many games, getting 16 points and registering game-highs in both rebounds (6) and assists (5). He also added 1 steal and 3 more blocked shots.
-- San Jose rookie guard Dayshotta Leo led his team in scoring with 17 points while pulling down 3 boards.
NEXT UP: The win-or-go-home match with Dallas at Milwaukee. The victor moves onto the Finals to face Charleston. The winner will have home team advantage in the playoffs.
MBA CHAMPIONS AND FINALS OPPONENTS SINCE SEASON 30
MOUNTAINEERS SAY ADIOS, AMIGOS, MOVE INTO FINALS
CHARLESTON -- The division-winning San Jose team played host Charleston tough in the first quarter, then spent the rest of this laugher choking on their dust.
The win ends the first-round sweep for the Mountaineers, who now await the winner of the next playoff game between Dallas and Milwaukee.
Charleston will be appearing in its seventh MBA Finals and first since winning the whole enchilada three seasons back. In the six previous Finals, the franchise has come away champions three times.
Four players remain from that Season 36 title team: Jesus Moron Joseph, Beezow Bop-Bop, B. Quiet and Buck Naked. Bop-Bop was the Playoff MVP that season, and appears to be a strong challenger for the honor again this season, based on his first two playoff games since coming back from injury...both triple-double efforts.
The MBA waved a fond farewell to Funsy VanSlochum, who appeared momentarily in this contest and will be retiring after a 16-season career that saw him finish seventh in all-time scoring in the annals of the league.
As for San Jose, they added two excellent rookies in the past two seasons in Pippi Pippistrelli and Dayshotta Leo, returning to prominence in the West. A couple more stalwarts are obviously needed to compete for the brass ring.
PLAYER OF GAME
After being held to 11 points in Game 1, All-MBA forward B. QUIET of Charleston broke loose for a game-high 28 points. That mark is the highest scoring game in the playoffs thus far this season. The league's second-leading scorer also pulled down 5 boards, had 1 assist and 1 blocked shot.
OTHER 20-GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Having Beezow Bop-Bop back in the lineup is a major lift for the Mountaineers. The 6-1 guard ripped off his second consecutive triple-double in the playoffs in as many games, getting 16 points and registering game-highs in both rebounds (6) and assists (5). He also added 1 steal and 3 more blocked shots.
-- San Jose rookie guard Dayshotta Leo led his team in scoring with 17 points while pulling down 3 boards.
NEXT UP: The win-or-go-home match with Dallas at Milwaukee. The victor moves onto the Finals to face Charleston. The winner will have home team advantage in the playoffs.
MBA CHAMPIONS AND FINALS OPPONENTS SINCE SEASON 30
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Season 39 Semifinals Game 2--Milwaukee at Dallas
DALLAS 80, MILWAUKEE 61
DEMONS DOMINATE AT HOME TO STAY ALIVE
DALLAS -- After crapping the bed in Game 1, the left-for-dead Dallas Demons rose up and smacked down the visiting Milwaukee Greyhounds 80-61.
The rock-solid triumph means that this semifinal best of three series will return to Milwaukee for a single-game elimination to see which team goes to the finals.
After scoring just 59 points in their Game 1 defeat, Dallas got out of the gate in this one in fine style, out-scoring Milwaukee 25-12 in the first quarter. T.Kanes Masterson came off the bench for the home team to score 6 first-quarter points, contributing to the early lead that was never in danger of being relinquished.
Milwaukee shot 62.8 percent from the floor, a healthy offensive number, but for the second game in a row failed to get off at least 50 shots. This trend can be traced to the many turnovers Dallas guard Lemon Jell-o forces on the opposition.
And again, Dallas dominated the backboards, out-rebounding Milwaukee 23-14.
PLAYER OF GAME
Fourth-year Dallas power forward SVEN MARQUARDT needed to improve on his 10-point effort in Game 1 in order for the Demons to compete. He doubled that first effort, getting a game-high 21 points, grabbing 6 boards and popping in a trey as he went 10 for 13 from the floor.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Dallas guard Lemon Jell-o again dominated Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi of Milwaukee. Jell-o scored 16 points, had 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block while Bakshi fouled out for the second consecutive game.
-- What a difference a game makes! After getting shut out by Danke Shame in Game 1, Dallas forward Taylor Quackstick evidently figured out how to attack his counterpart, getting 16 points and a game-high 7 rebounds. He also had 1 steal and 1 assist.
-- Point guard Baskets Weaver of Milwaukee was solid for the visitors with 12 points and a game-high 6 assists. Weaver also blocked 2 shots, which was high in the game.
NEXT UP; San Jose, down 1-0 in the three-game set, will scramble for life in Charleston. Maybe they'll find inspiration from this Dallas win.
DEMONS DOMINATE AT HOME TO STAY ALIVE
DALLAS -- After crapping the bed in Game 1, the left-for-dead Dallas Demons rose up and smacked down the visiting Milwaukee Greyhounds 80-61.
The rock-solid triumph means that this semifinal best of three series will return to Milwaukee for a single-game elimination to see which team goes to the finals.
After scoring just 59 points in their Game 1 defeat, Dallas got out of the gate in this one in fine style, out-scoring Milwaukee 25-12 in the first quarter. T.Kanes Masterson came off the bench for the home team to score 6 first-quarter points, contributing to the early lead that was never in danger of being relinquished.
Milwaukee shot 62.8 percent from the floor, a healthy offensive number, but for the second game in a row failed to get off at least 50 shots. This trend can be traced to the many turnovers Dallas guard Lemon Jell-o forces on the opposition.
And again, Dallas dominated the backboards, out-rebounding Milwaukee 23-14.
PLAYER OF GAME
Fourth-year Dallas power forward SVEN MARQUARDT needed to improve on his 10-point effort in Game 1 in order for the Demons to compete. He doubled that first effort, getting a game-high 21 points, grabbing 6 boards and popping in a trey as he went 10 for 13 from the floor.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Dallas guard Lemon Jell-o again dominated Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi of Milwaukee. Jell-o scored 16 points, had 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block while Bakshi fouled out for the second consecutive game.
-- What a difference a game makes! After getting shut out by Danke Shame in Game 1, Dallas forward Taylor Quackstick evidently figured out how to attack his counterpart, getting 16 points and a game-high 7 rebounds. He also had 1 steal and 1 assist.
-- Point guard Baskets Weaver of Milwaukee was solid for the visitors with 12 points and a game-high 6 assists. Weaver also blocked 2 shots, which was high in the game.
NEXT UP; San Jose, down 1-0 in the three-game set, will scramble for life in Charleston. Maybe they'll find inspiration from this Dallas win.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Season 39 Semifinals Game 1 Charleston at San Jose
CHARLESTON 75, SAN JOSE 68
FREE THROWS THE DIFFERENCE IN CHARLESTON VICTORY
SAN JOSE -- A 12-point advantage at the charity stripe proved to be the difference in this semifinal opener for Charleston, as the Mountaineers used free throws to pull away late for a 75-68 win. They are now up 1-0 in this best of three series, needing one more win to get to the finals.
Both teams shot relatively the same percentage from the floor, and San Jose out-boarded Charleston by 10. But too many fouls were the undoing of the Fighting Amigos, who committed 20 to just 9 by the visitors.
It looked like a rout early, as Charleston got off a 9-0 run to start the game. But to the delight of their home fans, San Jose answered with a 10-0 start to the second quarter, and trailed by just one point at the half.
The Fighting Amigos actually took the lead about midway through the third, but only for a few time units.
When Louie Subgum fouled out for San Jose with 47 left, the Fighting Amigos trailed 58-54; and when Bruce Hammer was disqualified on fouls with 24 ticks left, Charleston was ahead 65-62.
A medium jumper by rookie shooting guard Dayshotta Leo of San Jose then brought the home team to within one, 65-64 before Charleston finally put things out of reach with a trey by B. Quiet, a steal by Joseph and a hoop by Art Vandelay.
This appears to be a tough match-up for San Jose, whose top two scorers, Leo and Pippi Pippistrelli, are up against two brilliant Charleston defenders, Beezow Bop-Bop and J.J. Gargantuan.
PLAYER OF GAME
Returning from a three-game injury, Charleston guard BEEZOW BOP-BOP immediately asserted himself with a triple-double, Player of the Game performance. The 6-1 guard had 13 points, tied for the game-high in rebounds with 6 and blocked 7 shots by San Jose's leading scorer, Dayshotta Leo. The block total was one short of the playoff record. Plus, Bop-Bop added 3 assists.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- Jesus Moron Joseph ran an outstanding point, with a game-high 7 assists and a game-high 3 steals. He also scored 13 points and had 3 rebounds, dominating his opponent, Louie Subgum.
-- All-MBA center J.J.Gargantuan dominated last season's All-MBA center, Pippi Pippistrelli, easily winning the battle of fine second-year centers. Gargantuan scored a game-high 21 points, pulled down 3 rebounds and had 3 blocked shots, holding his opponent to 6 points...8 below his season average.
-- Rookie guard Dayshotta Leo of San Jose was right on his season scoring average with 16 points, but had to take 20 shots in order to get to that number. The 6-5 Leo tied for game-high rebounding honors with 6, but had 7 shots blocked and was 0 for 6 from beyond the arc. He also had 2 assists and a blocked shot.
-- The well-traveled Bruce Hammer of San Jose knows how to score and he did just that, taking advantage of the one weak spot in the Charleston defense, Art Vandelay. Hammer led his team in scoring with 19 and pulled down 6 boards. He also had 1 steal and 1 assist before fouling out.
NEXT UP: Milwaukee hits the road, traveling to Dallas. The Greyhounds lead 1-0 and can clinch a finals spot.
FREE THROWS THE DIFFERENCE IN CHARLESTON VICTORY
SAN JOSE -- A 12-point advantage at the charity stripe proved to be the difference in this semifinal opener for Charleston, as the Mountaineers used free throws to pull away late for a 75-68 win. They are now up 1-0 in this best of three series, needing one more win to get to the finals.
Both teams shot relatively the same percentage from the floor, and San Jose out-boarded Charleston by 10. But too many fouls were the undoing of the Fighting Amigos, who committed 20 to just 9 by the visitors.
It looked like a rout early, as Charleston got off a 9-0 run to start the game. But to the delight of their home fans, San Jose answered with a 10-0 start to the second quarter, and trailed by just one point at the half.
The Fighting Amigos actually took the lead about midway through the third, but only for a few time units.
When Louie Subgum fouled out for San Jose with 47 left, the Fighting Amigos trailed 58-54; and when Bruce Hammer was disqualified on fouls with 24 ticks left, Charleston was ahead 65-62.
A medium jumper by rookie shooting guard Dayshotta Leo of San Jose then brought the home team to within one, 65-64 before Charleston finally put things out of reach with a trey by B. Quiet, a steal by Joseph and a hoop by Art Vandelay.
This appears to be a tough match-up for San Jose, whose top two scorers, Leo and Pippi Pippistrelli, are up against two brilliant Charleston defenders, Beezow Bop-Bop and J.J. Gargantuan.
PLAYER OF GAME
Returning from a three-game injury, Charleston guard BEEZOW BOP-BOP immediately asserted himself with a triple-double, Player of the Game performance. The 6-1 guard had 13 points, tied for the game-high in rebounds with 6 and blocked 7 shots by San Jose's leading scorer, Dayshotta Leo. The block total was one short of the playoff record. Plus, Bop-Bop added 3 assists.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMERS
-- Jesus Moron Joseph ran an outstanding point, with a game-high 7 assists and a game-high 3 steals. He also scored 13 points and had 3 rebounds, dominating his opponent, Louie Subgum.
-- All-MBA center J.J.Gargantuan dominated last season's All-MBA center, Pippi Pippistrelli, easily winning the battle of fine second-year centers. Gargantuan scored a game-high 21 points, pulled down 3 rebounds and had 3 blocked shots, holding his opponent to 6 points...8 below his season average.
-- Rookie guard Dayshotta Leo of San Jose was right on his season scoring average with 16 points, but had to take 20 shots in order to get to that number. The 6-5 Leo tied for game-high rebounding honors with 6, but had 7 shots blocked and was 0 for 6 from beyond the arc. He also had 2 assists and a blocked shot.
-- The well-traveled Bruce Hammer of San Jose knows how to score and he did just that, taking advantage of the one weak spot in the Charleston defense, Art Vandelay. Hammer led his team in scoring with 19 and pulled down 6 boards. He also had 1 steal and 1 assist before fouling out.
NEXT UP: Milwaukee hits the road, traveling to Dallas. The Greyhounds lead 1-0 and can clinch a finals spot.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Season 39 Semifinals Game 1
MILWAUKEE 68, DALLAS 59
GREYHOUNDS SNUFF OUT DEMONS
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Greyhounds won their first playoff game in eight seasons, shutting down the visiting Dallas Demons 68-59.
The win puts the favored Milwaukee team in the driver's seat in this first-round best of three series, which travels to Dallas for the next encounter.
Dallas, which shot a paltry 42.1 percent for the contest, kept it close for a little over three quarters by flexing their league-leading rebounding muscles. But in the two games they have faced Milwaukee in Season 39, the Demons have yet to shoot even 45 percent from the floor.
It appeared that Dallas might have a good chance for the road win when, with 54 time units remaining in the game, Hall of Fame Milwaukee guard Hrundi V. Bakshi fouled out. The home team led 55-53 at that point, but instead of collapsing, Milwaukee totally dominated the rest of the way.
The Greyhounds shot a robust 64.6 percent from the field and had four different players register blocked shots, totaling 7 in all.
The game might have been a runaway except for the excellent play of Dallas shooting guard Lemon Jell-0, who dominated Bakshi throughout.
And speaking of domination, shut-down small forward Danke Shame of Milwaukee pitched a shutout against his counterpart, Taylor Quackstick, who went 0 for 7 from the field.
PLAYER OF GAME
Retiring guard LEMON JELL-O of Dallas was brilliant in defeat, scoring a game-high 25 points, swiping the ball away 5 times and pulling down 5 rebounds --- a triple-double the hard way --- adding 1 assist for good measure. It was the third triple-double of his illustrious career.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Ugatta Noluvfer Spikie, the big 7-1 third-year Milwaukee center was huge, battling Naceg Gecan to a standstill with a team-high 19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 blocked shot.
-- Baba Brinkman, the MVP of the Greyhounds, registered a big game with 16 points, 5 rebounds,2 blocked shots and 1 steal. He even popped in a pair of treys.
-- Center Naceg Gecan of Dallas had a good game with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist, but had his hands full defensively with Spikie.
NEXT UP: Charleston at San Jose in Game 1 of the other semi-finals.
GREYHOUNDS SNUFF OUT DEMONS
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Greyhounds won their first playoff game in eight seasons, shutting down the visiting Dallas Demons 68-59.
The win puts the favored Milwaukee team in the driver's seat in this first-round best of three series, which travels to Dallas for the next encounter.
Dallas, which shot a paltry 42.1 percent for the contest, kept it close for a little over three quarters by flexing their league-leading rebounding muscles. But in the two games they have faced Milwaukee in Season 39, the Demons have yet to shoot even 45 percent from the floor.
It appeared that Dallas might have a good chance for the road win when, with 54 time units remaining in the game, Hall of Fame Milwaukee guard Hrundi V. Bakshi fouled out. The home team led 55-53 at that point, but instead of collapsing, Milwaukee totally dominated the rest of the way.
The Greyhounds shot a robust 64.6 percent from the field and had four different players register blocked shots, totaling 7 in all.
The game might have been a runaway except for the excellent play of Dallas shooting guard Lemon Jell-0, who dominated Bakshi throughout.
And speaking of domination, shut-down small forward Danke Shame of Milwaukee pitched a shutout against his counterpart, Taylor Quackstick, who went 0 for 7 from the field.
PLAYER OF GAME
Retiring guard LEMON JELL-O of Dallas was brilliant in defeat, scoring a game-high 25 points, swiping the ball away 5 times and pulling down 5 rebounds --- a triple-double the hard way --- adding 1 assist for good measure. It was the third triple-double of his illustrious career.
OTHER 20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Ugatta Noluvfer Spikie, the big 7-1 third-year Milwaukee center was huge, battling Naceg Gecan to a standstill with a team-high 19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 blocked shot.
-- Baba Brinkman, the MVP of the Greyhounds, registered a big game with 16 points, 5 rebounds,2 blocked shots and 1 steal. He even popped in a pair of treys.
-- Center Naceg Gecan of Dallas had a good game with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist, but had his hands full defensively with Spikie.
NEXT UP: Charleston at San Jose in Game 1 of the other semi-finals.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Season 39 Post-Season Preview
SEMIFINALS: Dallas (6-4) vs. Milwaukee (7-3)
The caliber of these teams makes this semi match-up as good as many finals have ever been. Kind of a toss-up, but Milwaukee gets the favorite nod.
The teams met in the regular season one time with the Greyhounds overcoming a 10-point first quarter to win 62-57. Lemon Jell-o of Dallas was Player of the Game, harassing Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi of Milwaukee into 4 steals.
The Greyhounds, still the MBA team with the second-most titles, make their first playoff appearance since Season 32, breaking the longest current post-season drought. They have captured seven championships, but the last came in Season 18, which is the longest time without a title among the Final Four.
Dallas was the overwhelming favorite to win the West before the season began, but had to struggle to make it back to the playoffs. They are the only repeater from last season's Final Four.
The Demons are the league's most dominant team on the boards in the MBA, by far. They killed Milwaukee in that department during their cross-over meeting, 27-18, but still lost the game.
Dallas has three titles to its name, the last coming in Season 28.
One tidbit to remember...no team has won an MBA championship having won less than seven regular season games since Season 9. That's 30 seasons ago.
THE OTHER SEMIFINALS: Charleston (6-4) vs. San Jose (7-3)
Charleston has the most All-MBA players in the post-season, with J.J. Gargantuan and B. Quiet, and their 6-4 record belies the addition of Beezow Bop-Bop, who returns to the starting lineup after missing 30 percent of the regular campaign due to injury.
Although San Jose won their division, they are the underdogs here, and the longest shot to win it all.
Even without Bop-Bop at season's end, the Mountaineers led the league in shooting percentage, filling it up at a 60.3 percent clip.
The Fighting Amigos held teams to 69.1 points per game, second in the MBA and best among the Final Four teams. They also led the league in free throw percentage, shooting 81.7 percent.
San Jose has won one championship, in Season 25.
Charleston has three championships, the last coming in Season 36, which is the most recent title among the four teams still in the running. Bop-Bop led the team to glory that post-season and won Playoff MVP.
The caliber of these teams makes this semi match-up as good as many finals have ever been. Kind of a toss-up, but Milwaukee gets the favorite nod.
The teams met in the regular season one time with the Greyhounds overcoming a 10-point first quarter to win 62-57. Lemon Jell-o of Dallas was Player of the Game, harassing Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi of Milwaukee into 4 steals.
The Greyhounds, still the MBA team with the second-most titles, make their first playoff appearance since Season 32, breaking the longest current post-season drought. They have captured seven championships, but the last came in Season 18, which is the longest time without a title among the Final Four.
Dallas was the overwhelming favorite to win the West before the season began, but had to struggle to make it back to the playoffs. They are the only repeater from last season's Final Four.
The Demons are the league's most dominant team on the boards in the MBA, by far. They killed Milwaukee in that department during their cross-over meeting, 27-18, but still lost the game.
Dallas has three titles to its name, the last coming in Season 28.
One tidbit to remember...no team has won an MBA championship having won less than seven regular season games since Season 9. That's 30 seasons ago.
THE OTHER SEMIFINALS: Charleston (6-4) vs. San Jose (7-3)
Charleston has the most All-MBA players in the post-season, with J.J. Gargantuan and B. Quiet, and their 6-4 record belies the addition of Beezow Bop-Bop, who returns to the starting lineup after missing 30 percent of the regular campaign due to injury.
Although San Jose won their division, they are the underdogs here, and the longest shot to win it all.
Even without Bop-Bop at season's end, the Mountaineers led the league in shooting percentage, filling it up at a 60.3 percent clip.
The Fighting Amigos held teams to 69.1 points per game, second in the MBA and best among the Final Four teams. They also led the league in free throw percentage, shooting 81.7 percent.
San Jose has won one championship, in Season 25.
Charleston has three championships, the last coming in Season 36, which is the most recent title among the four teams still in the running. Bop-Bop led the team to glory that post-season and won Playoff MVP.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Wrapping Up Season 39 prior to playoffs...2nd update
POSITION RANKING NOTES: The center position continues to house the most talent in the MBA with 60 percent of the starters registering 20-plus GVP seasons. And they will all be back next campaign.
ALL-MBA NOTES
-- Only the second time two guards from the same team have made first-team All-MBA. First time was Season 34 when Hall of Famers Hrundi V. Bakshi and Ching-Chong Chung did it in the one year they played together for the record-setting Houston team.
-- This marks the second season in a row that Naf Naf and Yipeekayee Masterfalcon have captured the two guard spots. The only other time the same guards repeated in consecutive years was in Seasons 4 and 5 when Uncle Bob Masterson of Philadelphia and Cappy Gambol of Milwaukee repeated and in Seasons 29, 30 and 31 when Hrundi V. Bakshi of Milwaukee and Cheetos Jones went back-to-back-to-back. Jones was on Sacramento in Season 29 and on Philadelphia the next two seasons.
That Season 29 Jones played for Sacramento was the only season in which a future Hall of Famer ever played for the River Dogs.
-- J.J. Gargantuan marks the seventh different center in as many seasons to be named All-MBA.
-- Rookie Bang-Bang Reiner of Oklahoma City and Reckless Abandon of Chicago had the same GVP score, but Abandon won the first-team spot and star due to the tie-breaker, which gives it to the player with the highest scoring average. Reiner, however, gets the Rookie of the Year label.
-- Charleston is the only team to have more than one first-team All-MBA player.
LEADER NOTES
Scoring: Naf Naf is the only player ever to start his career with three consecutive scoring titles. Only other guy to get three straight was the great Cappy Gambol. Most scoring titles ever was five by Uncle Bob Masterson.
3-Point Shooting: Although thought of as a killer defender, Lemon Jell-o gets his second 3-point shooting title.
Steals: Despite starting the season on the bench, Lemon Jell-o earns his seventh consecutive steals title. But, despite all those titles, he does not hold the record for most steals in one season. Jell-o's top single-season mark was 20, but Percy Faith, who had 5 steals titles to his name, twice exceeded Jell-o's top mark with 21 steals for Oklahoma City in Season 14 and a record 22 steals for Sacramento in Season 15.
Blocked Shots: Chicago Hall of Fame center Max Payne, in his 14th season, is the oldest MBA player to win the blocked shots title, his second.
Assists: It's worth noting that Louis Subgum of San Jose was the MBA assists leader despite also leading the league in most times fouled out.
NAF NAF WINS MVP AGAIN AND EARNS HALL OF FAME STATUS
Oklahoma City's third-year point guard Naf Naf captured his third consecutive regular season MVP honor, edging Charleston forward B. Quiet and Charleston center J.J. Gargantuan.
Naf Naf's achivement ties him with Cappy Gambol, Link Lennex, Curley Hogbottom, Sagittal Occlusal and Hrundi V. Bakshi for most regular season MVP awards ever. He also matches the accomplishment of Occlusal, getting three consecutive MVPs in his first three MBA seasons.
In winning his third consecutive scoring title (23.2 points per game), Naf ties Hall of
Famer Tommy Zoop for most consecutive scoring championships.
Naf Naf becomes the 42nd member of the MBA Hall of Fame and enters the hallowed hall tied for 26th best player of all time with Joey Two-Tones, Soul Duran, Bart Pitbull, Shooter Flatch, Alex Pal and Doug Fresh.
He is expected to rise rapidly in those ranks.
Bang-Bang Reiner Rookie of the Year
Oklahoma City forward Bang-Bang Reiner beat out Dayshotta Leo of San Jose and Tree Fiddy of Sacramento for Rookie of the Year honors.
Reiner started the season in the cut pile, and was called up by the Lariats following an early-season injury. He immediately made the Oklahoma City team a playoff contender in the West.
For the year, Reiner scored 18 points per game and pulled down a team-high 5.3 boards per game.
TOP SCORING, TOP DEFENSIVE TEAMS MISS
Oklahoma City scored the most points this season and Chicago had the best team defense. Neither made the playoffs.
On a similar note, Oklahoma City was not only the best scoring team, they were also the worst defensive team. Finishing 5-5 makes perfect sense in that scenario.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
West wins All Star tilt 71-69, but Vampire goes down
WEST 71, EAST 69
SEATTLE -- Fans of the first-place Seattle Stampede watched in horror as their star guard Ginger Vampire suffered a horrible injury on the second time unit of this All Star Game.
The home team West would go on to win a close contest 71-69, but there was little cheering since Vampire, who came into the game as the league's second-highest scorer at 25 points per contest, will now miss the remainder of the regular season (5 games) plus two more playoff contests (should the Stampede even make the playoffs...which is dubious now).
Vampire's injury appeared to be the same one he suffered in Season 34 which caused him to miss three games.
The West has now won 15 All Star Games, with the East still leading with 24 wins.
PLAYER OF GAME
Naf Naf of Oklahoma City became the first Oklahoma City MVP of the All Star Game since Marcus Pettis shared the honor in Season 25. Naf was high scorer in the contest with 26 points and also pulled down a game-high 7 rebounds from his point guard position. He added 2 assists for good measure.
Other 20-plus GVP performers
Poppy Poppalucco of Chicago, playing in his first and last All Star Game, did himself proud, tying for team-high scoring honors for the East with 17 points and game-high in assists with 4. He also had a rebound and a blocked shot.
B. Quiet, Charleston's fine forward, tied Poppalucco for team-high scoring honors with 17, pulling down 3 rebounds and blocking 1 shot.
Quick Rise up List
After just three All Star Games, Naf Naf has moved into fourth place all time for 3-pointers made in the star contest. He has 16, passing Stu Nod (14), Cappy Gambol (14), Doug Fresh (15), Didger A'doo (15), Uncle Bob Masterson (15) and Tommy Zoop (15).
He is just behind Ching-Chong Chung (17), Mamadou Zongo (18) and the leader in this category, Cheetos Jones (24).
NEXT BRACKET OF GAMES
First-place Chicago (4-1) at second-place Milwaukee (3-2) in a battle for the top spot in the East
Oklahoma City (3-2) at Houston (1-4) in a crossover contest that could put have the Lariats primed for first place.
Charleston (2-3) at Philadelphia (1-4) as the struggling Mountaineers look to get back into the playoff picture.
Sacramento (3-2) at Dallas (2-3) in a huge West contest. R-Dogs ambushed them last time 92-67 behind rookie Tree Fiddy.
Seattle (4-1), first in the West, at San Jose (2-3). Stampede's first game without best player Ginger Vampire.
Note: Seattle picked guard Fuzzy Dunlop off the scrap heap to replace Vampire on its roster.
SEATTLE -- Fans of the first-place Seattle Stampede watched in horror as their star guard Ginger Vampire suffered a horrible injury on the second time unit of this All Star Game.
The home team West would go on to win a close contest 71-69, but there was little cheering since Vampire, who came into the game as the league's second-highest scorer at 25 points per contest, will now miss the remainder of the regular season (5 games) plus two more playoff contests (should the Stampede even make the playoffs...which is dubious now).
Vampire's injury appeared to be the same one he suffered in Season 34 which caused him to miss three games.
The West has now won 15 All Star Games, with the East still leading with 24 wins.
PLAYER OF GAME
Naf Naf of Oklahoma City became the first Oklahoma City MVP of the All Star Game since Marcus Pettis shared the honor in Season 25. Naf was high scorer in the contest with 26 points and also pulled down a game-high 7 rebounds from his point guard position. He added 2 assists for good measure.
Other 20-plus GVP performers
Poppy Poppalucco of Chicago, playing in his first and last All Star Game, did himself proud, tying for team-high scoring honors for the East with 17 points and game-high in assists with 4. He also had a rebound and a blocked shot.
B. Quiet, Charleston's fine forward, tied Poppalucco for team-high scoring honors with 17, pulling down 3 rebounds and blocking 1 shot.
Quick Rise up List
After just three All Star Games, Naf Naf has moved into fourth place all time for 3-pointers made in the star contest. He has 16, passing Stu Nod (14), Cappy Gambol (14), Doug Fresh (15), Didger A'doo (15), Uncle Bob Masterson (15) and Tommy Zoop (15).
He is just behind Ching-Chong Chung (17), Mamadou Zongo (18) and the leader in this category, Cheetos Jones (24).
NEXT BRACKET OF GAMES
First-place Chicago (4-1) at second-place Milwaukee (3-2) in a battle for the top spot in the East
Oklahoma City (3-2) at Houston (1-4) in a crossover contest that could put have the Lariats primed for first place.
Charleston (2-3) at Philadelphia (1-4) as the struggling Mountaineers look to get back into the playoff picture.
Sacramento (3-2) at Dallas (2-3) in a huge West contest. R-Dogs ambushed them last time 92-67 behind rookie Tree Fiddy.
Seattle (4-1), first in the West, at San Jose (2-3). Stampede's first game without best player Ginger Vampire.
Note: Seattle picked guard Fuzzy Dunlop off the scrap heap to replace Vampire on its roster.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Season 39 All Star Break Report
ALL STAR SELECTIONS MADE
Centers dominated this season's All Star Game selections, as expected, with the maximum number of six (three on each divisional team) being selected.
Hall of Fame center Max Payne of Chicago added a 15th award on his card with this, his eighth All Star Game selection. Payne thus moves past Hall of Fame greats Dan Mann and Cheetos Jones into 12th place all time on the Hall of Fame list. He is tied for 12th place with Doc Watson and Cam Bodia, and is now just one award away from tying Diamond Dallas Paige and Jonny Cockaroo as the most honored center in MBA history.
Seven first-time all stars were selected to the mid-season extravaganza this season (which will take place on the home court of the surprising Seattle Stampede).
Two of the first-timers are rookies Tree Fiddy, the Sacramento center and clear-cut favorite for Rookie of the Year honors, and guard Dayshotta Leo of San Jose.
Chicago's Poppy Poppalucco finally made it to the All Star Game in his ninth season in the league. He and Sacramento forward Harold Arlen (playing in his 6th All Star Game) will both be retiring after this season.
Perennial All Star Game selections Art Vandelay of Chicago and Lemon Jell-o of Dallas each needed just one more award, an All Star Game appearance, to make 10 honors on their card in order to be named to the Hall of Fame. But Jell-o was benched early on for the first time in his career when Dallas acquired T.Kanes Masterson, hindering his chances and Vandelay was edged by second-year forward Baba Brinkman of Milwaukee, who only started his team's last three games thanks to an injury to Teatime Typhoo. So neither Jell-o or Vandelay got that elusive 10th award, and to make matters worse, both will be retiring after this season. Chances are, one or both will eventually get into the Hall via the retired Veterans route.
Players with 20-plus GVPs who did not make the All Star Game were:
-- guard Beezow Bop-Bop of Charleston (20.2)
-- forward Davis Phillips of Philadelphia (20.0)
-- forward Art Vandelay of Charleston (20.4)
All of the above are East Division players.
Hall of Fame guard Hrundi V. Bakshi of Milwaukee (19.4) also failed to make the team.
Chicago, Sacramento and San Jose each placed three players on the team, and every team in the league had at least one player selected.
The All Star Game record stands at 24 wins for the East to 14 for the West
CHICAGO, SEATTLE LEAD DIVISIONS
Defending champion Chicago and their league-leading defense top the East, but Milwaukee and Charleston are still in the hunt.
In the West, Seattle has shocked everyone with its first-place 4-1 record, thanks mainly to Ginger Vampire and mirrors (even though vampires abhor mirrors).
Houston, last in the East, may be moving its franchise if it finishes in the cellar again.
Centers dominated this season's All Star Game selections, as expected, with the maximum number of six (three on each divisional team) being selected.
Hall of Fame center Max Payne of Chicago added a 15th award on his card with this, his eighth All Star Game selection. Payne thus moves past Hall of Fame greats Dan Mann and Cheetos Jones into 12th place all time on the Hall of Fame list. He is tied for 12th place with Doc Watson and Cam Bodia, and is now just one award away from tying Diamond Dallas Paige and Jonny Cockaroo as the most honored center in MBA history.
Seven first-time all stars were selected to the mid-season extravaganza this season (which will take place on the home court of the surprising Seattle Stampede).
Two of the first-timers are rookies Tree Fiddy, the Sacramento center and clear-cut favorite for Rookie of the Year honors, and guard Dayshotta Leo of San Jose.
Chicago's Poppy Poppalucco finally made it to the All Star Game in his ninth season in the league. He and Sacramento forward Harold Arlen (playing in his 6th All Star Game) will both be retiring after this season.
Perennial All Star Game selections Art Vandelay of Chicago and Lemon Jell-o of Dallas each needed just one more award, an All Star Game appearance, to make 10 honors on their card in order to be named to the Hall of Fame. But Jell-o was benched early on for the first time in his career when Dallas acquired T.Kanes Masterson, hindering his chances and Vandelay was edged by second-year forward Baba Brinkman of Milwaukee, who only started his team's last three games thanks to an injury to Teatime Typhoo. So neither Jell-o or Vandelay got that elusive 10th award, and to make matters worse, both will be retiring after this season. Chances are, one or both will eventually get into the Hall via the retired Veterans route.
Players with 20-plus GVPs who did not make the All Star Game were:
-- guard Beezow Bop-Bop of Charleston (20.2)
-- forward Davis Phillips of Philadelphia (20.0)
-- forward Art Vandelay of Charleston (20.4)
All of the above are East Division players.
Hall of Fame guard Hrundi V. Bakshi of Milwaukee (19.4) also failed to make the team.
Chicago, Sacramento and San Jose each placed three players on the team, and every team in the league had at least one player selected.
The All Star Game record stands at 24 wins for the East to 14 for the West
CHICAGO, SEATTLE LEAD DIVISIONS
Defending champion Chicago and their league-leading defense top the East, but Milwaukee and Charleston are still in the hunt.
In the West, Seattle has shocked everyone with its first-place 4-1 record, thanks mainly to Ginger Vampire and mirrors (even though vampires abhor mirrors).
Houston, last in the East, may be moving its franchise if it finishes in the cellar again.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Unbelievable early season 39 game
Dallas 102, Charleston 98 in OVERTIME!
This was one of the best games ever played in the MBA as the two powerhouse teams from different divisions locked horns and battled like maniacally possessed Greeks and Trojans.
No Helen was needed in this all-out war.
The game was close throughout with a pair of unlikely 3-point shots from Demons players determining the outcome.
The fourth quarter saw eight different lead changes, with Charleston finally gaining a 3-point advantage. Then, with 8 time units left, forward Sven Marquardt who had missed 6 treys to that point, rose up, launched and tied the contest 88-88.
Then with 5 time units left, Marquardt, not normally a good shot from outside, launched a medium shot and hit it to give his team a 90-88 lead.
A missed 3-pointer by Mel A. Noma of Charleston was tipped in by teammate B. Quiet to tie it up 90-90.
Marquardt then tried yet another trey, but this one missed.
Art Vandelay of Charleston rebounded got the ball to Noma for a last-ditch medium shot....but he too, missed, sending this madman game to overtime.
OVERTIME
In the short overtime period, the lead changed hands five more times until Bootlace Barnaby of Dallas, not a good 3-point shooter, nailed one, was fouled, and then hit the resultant free throw, giving his team a 100-96 advantage and 10 ticks left.
The teams exchanged late baskets and Dallas escaped with an impressive road victory (which, by the way, makes the West 3-0 in crossover games early on...an unusual MBA occurrence where the East almost always dominates).
Four other abnormalities happened in this game.
1) All five starters from both teams had 20+ GVP games.
2) Charleston shot 73 percent from the field...and lost. (Dallas shot 62.7 percent but out-rebounded the home team 24-15).
3) There were no steals by either team in this game...both teams really took care of the ball.
4) Either team had a chance to win the game in regulation had they made their free throws. Dallas was 13 for 23 at the line and Charleston was 5 for 11...the only weakness displayed in an otherwise superior contest.
PLAYER OF GAME
-- Dallas center Naceg Gecan, who had 17 points through sheer force of will while playing against one of the best defensive centers in the game, J.J. Gargantuan. Gecan had a game-high 11 rebounds and numerous put-backs, got 2 assists and 1 blocked shot.
20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Dallas point guard Bootlace Barnaby had 19 points, tied for game-high with 6 assists and grabbed 3 rebounds.
-- T. Kanes Masterson, playing his first game for his new Dallas team, led everyone in scoring with 25 points, getting 1 assist.
-- Veteran power forward Gulemon Mon-Mon contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds, adding 4 assists for the Dallas victors.
-- Sven Marquardt, small forward for Dallas, playing his first game for the Demons, came up huge with 23 points and 4 rebounds.
-- Jesus Moron Joseph, Charleston's guard, had 12 points, tied for game-high with 6 assists, and grabbed 2 rebounds before fouling out.
-- Beezow Bop-Bop, Charleston's other guard, knocked in 20 points, had 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots.
-- Charleston center J.J. Gargantuan had 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 blocked shot.
-- Charleston forward B. Quiet had 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 blocked shot.
-- Art Vandelay, late of Chicago, playing his first game for the Mountaineers, led his team with 23 points, grabbed 2 rebounds and had 1 assist.
WEST STANDINGS
1st-- Seattle 1-0 (tie-breaker division win)
2nd--San Jose 1-0 (tie-breaker points differential)
3rd--Sacramento 1-0 (tie-breaker points differential)
4th-- Dallas 1-0
Last--Oklahoma City 0-1
EAST STANDINGS
1st--Chicago 1-0
2nd--Charleston 0-1 (tie-breaker points differential)
3rd--Philadelphia 0-1 (tie-breaker points differential)
4th--Milwaukee 0-1 (tie-breaker points differential)
Last--Houston 0-1
UPCOMING GAMES
Seattle at Sacramento in battle of unbeatens
Milwaukee at Houston
Chicago at Charleston
Philadelphia at Oklahoma City in a cross-over
Dallas at San Jose in a early showdown game
This was one of the best games ever played in the MBA as the two powerhouse teams from different divisions locked horns and battled like maniacally possessed Greeks and Trojans.
No Helen was needed in this all-out war.
The game was close throughout with a pair of unlikely 3-point shots from Demons players determining the outcome.
The fourth quarter saw eight different lead changes, with Charleston finally gaining a 3-point advantage. Then, with 8 time units left, forward Sven Marquardt who had missed 6 treys to that point, rose up, launched and tied the contest 88-88.
Then with 5 time units left, Marquardt, not normally a good shot from outside, launched a medium shot and hit it to give his team a 90-88 lead.
A missed 3-pointer by Mel A. Noma of Charleston was tipped in by teammate B. Quiet to tie it up 90-90.
Marquardt then tried yet another trey, but this one missed.
Art Vandelay of Charleston rebounded got the ball to Noma for a last-ditch medium shot....but he too, missed, sending this madman game to overtime.
OVERTIME
In the short overtime period, the lead changed hands five more times until Bootlace Barnaby of Dallas, not a good 3-point shooter, nailed one, was fouled, and then hit the resultant free throw, giving his team a 100-96 advantage and 10 ticks left.
The teams exchanged late baskets and Dallas escaped with an impressive road victory (which, by the way, makes the West 3-0 in crossover games early on...an unusual MBA occurrence where the East almost always dominates).
Four other abnormalities happened in this game.
1) All five starters from both teams had 20+ GVP games.
2) Charleston shot 73 percent from the field...and lost. (Dallas shot 62.7 percent but out-rebounded the home team 24-15).
3) There were no steals by either team in this game...both teams really took care of the ball.
4) Either team had a chance to win the game in regulation had they made their free throws. Dallas was 13 for 23 at the line and Charleston was 5 for 11...the only weakness displayed in an otherwise superior contest.
PLAYER OF GAME
-- Dallas center Naceg Gecan, who had 17 points through sheer force of will while playing against one of the best defensive centers in the game, J.J. Gargantuan. Gecan had a game-high 11 rebounds and numerous put-backs, got 2 assists and 1 blocked shot.
20-PLUS GVP PERFORMANCES
-- Dallas point guard Bootlace Barnaby had 19 points, tied for game-high with 6 assists and grabbed 3 rebounds.
-- T. Kanes Masterson, playing his first game for his new Dallas team, led everyone in scoring with 25 points, getting 1 assist.
-- Veteran power forward Gulemon Mon-Mon contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds, adding 4 assists for the Dallas victors.
-- Sven Marquardt, small forward for Dallas, playing his first game for the Demons, came up huge with 23 points and 4 rebounds.
-- Jesus Moron Joseph, Charleston's guard, had 12 points, tied for game-high with 6 assists, and grabbed 2 rebounds before fouling out.
-- Beezow Bop-Bop, Charleston's other guard, knocked in 20 points, had 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots.
-- Charleston center J.J. Gargantuan had 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 blocked shot.
-- Charleston forward B. Quiet had 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 blocked shot.
-- Art Vandelay, late of Chicago, playing his first game for the Mountaineers, led his team with 23 points, grabbed 2 rebounds and had 1 assist.
WEST STANDINGS
1st-- Seattle 1-0 (tie-breaker division win)
2nd--San Jose 1-0 (tie-breaker points differential)
3rd--Sacramento 1-0 (tie-breaker points differential)
4th-- Dallas 1-0
Last--Oklahoma City 0-1
EAST STANDINGS
1st--Chicago 1-0
2nd--Charleston 0-1 (tie-breaker points differential)
3rd--Philadelphia 0-1 (tie-breaker points differential)
4th--Milwaukee 0-1 (tie-breaker points differential)
Last--Houston 0-1
UPCOMING GAMES
Seattle at Sacramento in battle of unbeatens
Milwaukee at Houston
Chicago at Charleston
Philadelphia at Oklahoma City in a cross-over
Dallas at San Jose in a early showdown game
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
SEASON 39 PRE-SEASON REPORT
Dallas, Milwaukee, Charleston look like class of league
A different team has won the MBA title in each of the past six seasons, and that string could continue this season.
Dallas and Milwaukee look like favorites, along with Charleston, and the first two mentioned teams have not won in 10 and 20 seasons, respectively.
Here’s the Season 39 predictions:
EAST DIVISION
1. Charleston Mountaineers (T-2nd, D-1st)(5-5, 4th in S38)—Beezow Bop-Bop returns from a season-long injury and the Mountaineers are instant contenders again. They added Chicago forward Art Vandelay, the MVP of last season’s playoff and depth at guard with Mel A. Noma from Philly and at forward with Pap Smearz from Chicago. Second-year center J.J. Gargantuan was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder in Season 38 and may be the best of the league’s brilliant centers. They start the season against Dallas, so hold onto your seats.
1. Milwaukee Greyhounds (T-1st,D-2nd)(6-4,3rd in S38)—This is a stronger team than last season’s bunch, thanks to a trade that brought them steady second-year guard Baskets Weaver, a big upgrade over the erratic Yu Raing at the point. Tea Time Typhoo acquired from Charleston, will also be an improvement over the retired Puddles Pondhopper at forward. Milwaukee currently has the longest playoff appearance drought and hasn’t won it all since Season 18. Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi and company could change that.
3. Chicago Gale (T-4th, D-3rd) (7-3, 1st in S38) – The defending champs lost their top two scorers in forward Art Vandelay and point guard Ginger Vampire to free agency, but replaced Vandelay with the talented, but injury-prone Reckless Abandon. Lots of pressure on second-year guard Chief Keef to deliver big time. The Gale still have Hall of Fame center Max Payne who continues to roll along.
3. Philadelphia Phobia (T-3rd, D-4th) (7-3, tied for 1st in S38)—Top scorer and two-time All-MBA scoring machine guard T. Kanes Masterson goes to Dallas and point guard Mel A. Noma goes to Charleston. Jitter Bugg acquired for the point from Houston, where he was team’s top scorer. Achtu Meinlieber could not start for Sacramento, but Philly will depend on him at the other guard. Diss Reflexia, going into his fourth season, is a monster.
5. Houston Iguanas (T-Last, D-Last) (2-8, last in S38) – One more last-place finish and Houston has to roll the die to see if they change cities. And last seems inevitable. Lost top scorer in Jitter Bugg and replaced with Guy “the Eye” Clark from San Jose, who has yet to prove himself.
WEST DIVISION
1. Dallas Demons (T-1st, D-1st) (7-3, 1st in S38) – Unanimous pick for first in the West and may be the best team overall. Dallas returns second-year point guard Bootlace Barnaby from injury and upgraded its overall roster talent in a huge way. T.Kanes Masterson, who can score like a madman and rebound as well, pushes last year’s top scorer Lemon Jell-o to the bench. Much-improved Sven Marquardt comes over from Houston and also relegates last season’s All-MBA forward Matthew Vanden Boogart to a substitute roll. Add rebounding madmen Naceg Gecan and Gulemon Mon-Mon and you have a dominant rebounding group that should easily make a return trip to the playoffs.
2. San Jose Fighting Amigos (T-2nd, D-2nd) (5-5, 3rd in S38) – Three new starters, all upgrades from last season, should get San Jose into the playoffs for the first time since Season 35. They still have rookie sensation and All-MBA center Pippi Pippistrelli as the main man, and added veteran Blue “Rondo” Alaturk and scoring forward Bruce Hammer down low. Watch for rookie shooting guard Dayshotta Leo to have a big impact. He’s big (6-5) and he can score.
3. Sacramento River Dogs (T-3rd, D-3rd) (3-7, 4th in S38) R-Dogs snared theguy considered the top rookie in the draft in 6-8 center Tree Fiddy, a fine all-around defender and scorer. They also picked up rebounding madman Harold “Farts” Arlen in a trade with Houston. And their bench is much improved.
4. Oklahoma City Lariats (T-4th, D-4th) (7-3, 2nd in S38) -- String of five consecutive playoff appearances appears to be over. Lost all three starters down low. But the good news is that they will be a fun team to watch. With the acquisition of Yipeekayee Masterfalcon, Oklahoma City boasts both All-MBA guards. Masterfalcon was third in the league in scoring and will pair with Naf Naf, league MVP and two-time scoring champ at guard.
5. Seattle Stampede (T-Lasth, D-Last) (1-9, Last in S38) – Three new starters, best being point guard Ginger Vampire from Chicago, won’t get the Stampede out of last Although they may win two games.
ROOKIE REPORT
Starters in their first year
6-8 center Tree Fiddy for Sacramento
6-5 guard Dayshotta Leo for San Jose
6-10 center Yo Noid for Oklahoma City
Made a roster—will come off the bench
6-4 guard Phil D. Buquette for Sacramento
6-10 forward Ape Con Myth for San Jose
6-5 forward Mike Hunt for Oklahoma City
6-9 center Indo Kazak for Charleston
6-3 guard Piggles Huckster for Chicago
6-5 guard Foor A. Verkmate for Houston
6-8 forward Tiger Masterson for Houston
6-5 forward Chavo Guerrero for Houston
6-3 guard Tatsuo Takamiya for Seattle
Straight to the cut pile
6-3 guard Basil “Toy Piano” Fomean
6-6 guard Jackson Galaxy
6-7 forward Bang-Bang Reiner
6-6 forward Tom “Fucking” Paddock
Tyler Record Predictions
Milwaukee 7-3
Charleston 7-3
Chicago 5-5
Philly 4-6
Houston 1-9
Dallas 8-2
San Jose 6-4
Sacramento 6-4
Oklahoma City 3-7
Seattle 3-7
A different team has won the MBA title in each of the past six seasons, and that string could continue this season.
Dallas and Milwaukee look like favorites, along with Charleston, and the first two mentioned teams have not won in 10 and 20 seasons, respectively.
Here’s the Season 39 predictions:
EAST DIVISION
1. Charleston Mountaineers (T-2nd, D-1st)(5-5, 4th in S38)—Beezow Bop-Bop returns from a season-long injury and the Mountaineers are instant contenders again. They added Chicago forward Art Vandelay, the MVP of last season’s playoff and depth at guard with Mel A. Noma from Philly and at forward with Pap Smearz from Chicago. Second-year center J.J. Gargantuan was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder in Season 38 and may be the best of the league’s brilliant centers. They start the season against Dallas, so hold onto your seats.
1. Milwaukee Greyhounds (T-1st,D-2nd)(6-4,3rd in S38)—This is a stronger team than last season’s bunch, thanks to a trade that brought them steady second-year guard Baskets Weaver, a big upgrade over the erratic Yu Raing at the point. Tea Time Typhoo acquired from Charleston, will also be an improvement over the retired Puddles Pondhopper at forward. Milwaukee currently has the longest playoff appearance drought and hasn’t won it all since Season 18. Hall of Famer Hrundi V. Bakshi and company could change that.
3. Chicago Gale (T-4th, D-3rd) (7-3, 1st in S38) – The defending champs lost their top two scorers in forward Art Vandelay and point guard Ginger Vampire to free agency, but replaced Vandelay with the talented, but injury-prone Reckless Abandon. Lots of pressure on second-year guard Chief Keef to deliver big time. The Gale still have Hall of Fame center Max Payne who continues to roll along.
3. Philadelphia Phobia (T-3rd, D-4th) (7-3, tied for 1st in S38)—Top scorer and two-time All-MBA scoring machine guard T. Kanes Masterson goes to Dallas and point guard Mel A. Noma goes to Charleston. Jitter Bugg acquired for the point from Houston, where he was team’s top scorer. Achtu Meinlieber could not start for Sacramento, but Philly will depend on him at the other guard. Diss Reflexia, going into his fourth season, is a monster.
5. Houston Iguanas (T-Last, D-Last) (2-8, last in S38) – One more last-place finish and Houston has to roll the die to see if they change cities. And last seems inevitable. Lost top scorer in Jitter Bugg and replaced with Guy “the Eye” Clark from San Jose, who has yet to prove himself.
WEST DIVISION
1. Dallas Demons (T-1st, D-1st) (7-3, 1st in S38) – Unanimous pick for first in the West and may be the best team overall. Dallas returns second-year point guard Bootlace Barnaby from injury and upgraded its overall roster talent in a huge way. T.Kanes Masterson, who can score like a madman and rebound as well, pushes last year’s top scorer Lemon Jell-o to the bench. Much-improved Sven Marquardt comes over from Houston and also relegates last season’s All-MBA forward Matthew Vanden Boogart to a substitute roll. Add rebounding madmen Naceg Gecan and Gulemon Mon-Mon and you have a dominant rebounding group that should easily make a return trip to the playoffs.
2. San Jose Fighting Amigos (T-2nd, D-2nd) (5-5, 3rd in S38) – Three new starters, all upgrades from last season, should get San Jose into the playoffs for the first time since Season 35. They still have rookie sensation and All-MBA center Pippi Pippistrelli as the main man, and added veteran Blue “Rondo” Alaturk and scoring forward Bruce Hammer down low. Watch for rookie shooting guard Dayshotta Leo to have a big impact. He’s big (6-5) and he can score.
3. Sacramento River Dogs (T-3rd, D-3rd) (3-7, 4th in S38) R-Dogs snared theguy considered the top rookie in the draft in 6-8 center Tree Fiddy, a fine all-around defender and scorer. They also picked up rebounding madman Harold “Farts” Arlen in a trade with Houston. And their bench is much improved.
4. Oklahoma City Lariats (T-4th, D-4th) (7-3, 2nd in S38) -- String of five consecutive playoff appearances appears to be over. Lost all three starters down low. But the good news is that they will be a fun team to watch. With the acquisition of Yipeekayee Masterfalcon, Oklahoma City boasts both All-MBA guards. Masterfalcon was third in the league in scoring and will pair with Naf Naf, league MVP and two-time scoring champ at guard.
5. Seattle Stampede (T-Lasth, D-Last) (1-9, Last in S38) – Three new starters, best being point guard Ginger Vampire from Chicago, won’t get the Stampede out of last Although they may win two games.
ROOKIE REPORT
Starters in their first year
6-8 center Tree Fiddy for Sacramento
6-5 guard Dayshotta Leo for San Jose
6-10 center Yo Noid for Oklahoma City
Made a roster—will come off the bench
6-4 guard Phil D. Buquette for Sacramento
6-10 forward Ape Con Myth for San Jose
6-5 forward Mike Hunt for Oklahoma City
6-9 center Indo Kazak for Charleston
6-3 guard Piggles Huckster for Chicago
6-5 guard Foor A. Verkmate for Houston
6-8 forward Tiger Masterson for Houston
6-5 forward Chavo Guerrero for Houston
6-3 guard Tatsuo Takamiya for Seattle
Straight to the cut pile
6-3 guard Basil “Toy Piano” Fomean
6-6 guard Jackson Galaxy
6-7 forward Bang-Bang Reiner
6-6 forward Tom “Fucking” Paddock
Tyler Record Predictions
Milwaukee 7-3
Charleston 7-3
Chicago 5-5
Philly 4-6
Houston 1-9
Dallas 8-2
San Jose 6-4
Sacramento 6-4
Oklahoma City 3-7
Seattle 3-7
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