Featured Game 10/31/18 Dallas at Charleston

Featured Game Oklahoma City at Los Angeles

Featured Game

HALL OF FAME RANKINGS UPDATE ENTERING SEASON 42

Max Payne has moved up from 6th to 3rd all-time in Season 41 just one award behind the great Uncle Bob Masterson and four behind No. 1 ranked Curly Hogbottom.

Meanwhile, in just five seasons, Naf Naf has tied for the No. 9 spot with such luminaries as Link Lennex and Stu Nod, jumping from 13th place and passing two of the best centers the league has ever seen in Diamond Dallas Paige and Jonny Cockaroo.

And the Hall further welcomes the 45th member of its fraternity, Yipeekayee Masterfalcon, who joined in style in his final season by gaining a championship ring and Most Valuable Player of the Playoffs award. Masterfalcon settles in tied for 27th best player ever.

Finally, the Hall recognizes the retirement of Hrundi V. Bakshi, the 6-7 superstar who hung it up after 13 campaigns, resting solidly in a tie for fourth-best player ever with Sagittal Occlusal and Cappy Gambol...heady company, indeed.

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. Max Payne 7-0 Center Seasons26-? (16+) 20 awards STILL ACTIVE (up from 6th place)

4. Sagittal Occlusal 6-8 Forward Seasons 25-32 (8) 19 awards
4. Cappy Gambol 6-6 Guard Seasons 1-7 (7) 19 awards
4. Hrundi V. Bakshi 6-7 Guard Seasons 29-41 (13) 19 awards

7. Boone Doggle 6-10 Forward Seasons 23-31 (9) 18 awards
7. Mamadou Zongo 6-4 Guard Seasons 15-31 (17) 18 awards

9. Link Lennex 6-7 Forward Seasons 7-12 (6) 17 awards
9. Stu Nod 6-3 Guard Seasons 6-17 (12) 17 awards
9. Naf Naf 6-0 Guard Seasons 37-? (5+) 17 awards STILL ACTIVE (up from 13TH)

12. Diamond Dallas Paige 6-11 Center Seasons 12-18 (7) 16 awards
12. Jonny Cockaroo 6-9 Center Seasons 18-29 (12) 16 awards

14. Doc Watson 6-2 Guard Seasons 9-17 (9) 15 awards
14. Cam Bodia 6-6 Forward Seasons 15-25 (11) 15 awards

16. Cheetos Jones 5-11 Guard Seasons 28-34 (7) 14 awards
16. Dan Mann 6-1 Guard Seasons 5-13 (9) 14 awards

18. Tommy Zoop 6-6 Guard Seasons 18-24 (7) 13 awards
18. Guru Gannon 6-7 Forward Seasons 11-17 (7) 13 awards
18. Raisin Sport 6-9 Forward Seasons 1-13 (13) 13 awards

21. Bill Rustler 6-9 Center Seasons 1-10 (10) 12 awards
21. Rip Slamjam 6-11 Center Seasons 5-19 (15) 12 awards

23. Ching-Chong Chung 5-10 Guard Seasons 26-37 (11) 11 awards
23. Tom Kondla 6-8 Center Seasons 28-33 (6) 11 awards
23. Shucks Oyster 6-4 Guard Seasons 17-22 (6) 11 awards
23. Gato Do Mato 6-11 Forward Seasons 30-36 (7) 11 awards

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
27. Yipeekayee Masterfalcon 6-4 Guard Seasons 35-41 (7) 10 awards (Most Recent Inductee)

VETERANS COMMITTEE SELECTIONS
35. Marshall Stax 6-7 Forward Seasons 7-13 (7) 9 awards
35. Mable Reed 7-1 Center Seasons 6-16 (10) 9 awards
35. Tarjetas Indice 6-7 Forward Seasons 9-17 (9) 9 awards
35. Ama Spikie 6-8 Center Seasons 29-37 (9) 9 awards
35. Bub Wright 6-5 Forward Seasons 1-7 (7) 9 awards
35. Tug Hershorts 6-11 Forward Seasons 25-33 (9) 9 awards
35. Lemon Jell-o 6-1 Guard Seasons 30-39 (10) 9 awards

42. Silo Chamberlin 5-10 Guard Seasons 1-6 (6) 8 awards
42. Benny Gumm 6-0 Guard Seasons 19-31 (13) 8 awards
42. Oscar Mudcat 6-6 Guard Seasons 1-8 (8) 8 awards
42. Rowdy Ron Clutch 6-7 Forward Seasons 1-9 (9) 8 awards

Season 42 MBA Preview

If pre-season predictions are to be believed, the MBA will see the same four teams, Oklahoma City, Charleston, Dallas and San Jose back in the playoffs. But the deeper West could surprise with as many as four playoff hopefuls, while the East has Philadelphia possibly in the mix.

THE WEST

Oklahoma City Lariats
PREDICTED FINISH: D-First, T-Second
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: First, 9-1 (5-1) Champions!
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 41
ROSTER TURNOVER: 50 percent
BIGGEST LOSSES: G-Yipeekayee Masterfalcon (17.6 ppg)retired, F-Pap Smearz (14.2 ppg) traded
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: G-Ginger Vampire (17.5 ppg)in trade, C-Carga Larga (10.9 ppg, 5.4 RPG)in trade
WEAKNESS: Less depth at forward than last season.
STRENGTH: Overall Depth, Defense, Offense
THE SKINNY: Two-time defending champs lost second Hall of Fame guard in as many seasons with retirement of Masterfalcon. Owner decided to go for third straight title by acquiring veteran point guard Ginger Vampire to replace him, also strengthening center position by getting Carga Larga to back up 17-season Hall of Famer Max Payne in the pivot. Will it be enough? Bang-Bang Reiner is a better scorer who will move into the position vacated by Smearz, but Smearz provided defense and rebounding too. The Lariats should have a solid chance of defending their title again.


San Jose Fighting Amigos
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Second, T-First
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Second, 5-5 (0-2)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 41
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (tied for least turnover)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Doo-Rag Dripp (18.5 ppg in playoffs)free agency
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Kyle Sherwood (10.7 ppg)free agent in draft
WEAKNESS: Defense at guard position, scoring at forward position
STRENGTH: Front court depth is best in league, top scoring guard tandem
THE SKINNY: San Jose lost a great young scorer and defender at forward when Doo-Rag Dripp declared himself a free agent in the draft. But the team recovered by getting an even better defender at forward, Kyle Sherwood. They return the best scoring guard tandem in the league in YourMajesty Lumpkins (18.3 ppg) and Dayshotta Leo (18.2 ppg), the league's top rebounder in center Pippi Pippistrelli (6.6 per game) and defensive forward stalwart Blue "Rondo" Alaturk. Back-court back ups Sven Marquardt, Eggyolk Carpaccio and Hunk R. Down are superb. Will it be enough to topple Lariats?

Los Angeles Big One
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Third, T-Fourth
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Last, 2-8
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 36
ROSTER TURNOVER: 60 percent (tied for biggest turnover)(Oldest roster in league)
BIGGEST LOSSES: G-Bingo Bango (10.8 ppg in limited action)
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: C-Chutcher Mouthchair (rookie in draft), G-Steve Carter (13.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg) in cut draft
WEAKNESS: Passing, with Mouthchair team's best passer and defense
STRENGTH: Scoring and depth
THE SKINNY: Easily the most improved team in the league, The Big One did a roster makeover, coming up with three new pieces who make them an instant playoff contender. Mouthchair is the most heralded new center to enter the league since Tom "The Bomb" Kondla joined Seattle 14 campaigns ago. Carter and rookie Avenish McDoogle solidfy the guard spot.

Seattle Stampede
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Last, T-Third
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Fourth, 4-6
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 40
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent
BIGGEST LOSSES: G-Ginger Vampire (17.5 ppg)traded
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: C-Naceg Gecan (12.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg)free agent in draft, F-Pap Smearz (14.2 ppg)via trade
WEAKNESS: Rebounding, especially at guard where two weak rebounders will hurt
STRENGTH: League's worst defense (85.1 ppg) should get better just by adding Smearz.
THE SKINNY: If everything goes just right for Seattle, they could contend for a playoff spot. If Gecan has another good year it might be enough to offset the loss of their fearless leader, Vampire.

Sacramento River Dogs
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Fourth, T-Last
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Third, 5-5
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 34
ROSTER TURNOVER: 60 percent (tied for biggest roster turnover in league)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Bill Cull (19.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg)free agent, Steve Carter (13.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg) free agent, F-Kyle Sherwood (10.7 ppg)free agent
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Doo-Rag Dripp (18.5 ppg in playoffs) via trade, F-Tea Time Typhoo (14.0 ppg)free agent draft, G-Potus Obama rookie via trade
WEAKNESS: Unproven guard tandem of Obama and Con Gusto and questionable bench strength
STRENGTH: Very solid front line, but only if Tree Fiddy rebounds from his horrible season at center
THE SKINNY: Decimated by free agency exodus, league's youngest roster could still surprise with a playoff push.


The East

Charleston Mountaineers
PREDICTED FINISH: First (unanimous)
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: First 8-2 (3-3)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 41
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-B. Quiet,(13.0 ppg) retired
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: None
WEAKNESS: Rebounding again. Depth took a big hit with retirement of Walt White and Hodor, loss of Eggyolk Carpaccio.
STRENGTH: There should be no drop-off in scoring for MBA's top offense (86.5 ppg). Defense should be second again.
THE SKINNY: Perennial favorites in the East are the unanimous pick to take top spot for third straight season. Tyler thinks they will go unbeaten, although we all know how difficult that is. Two-time All-MBA forward B. Quiet retires and the Mountaineers plug in second-year player Wawa Wewa who is steadier on defense and a great passer and shooter. Naf Naf is coming off five consecutive MVPs and scoring titles, Beezow Bop-Bop, J.J. Gargantuan and Pietro Destroyer are all among the best at their positions. Their passing is 8-8-7-6-5. They look unbeatable in the East.

Dallas Demons
PREDICTED FINISH: Second (unanimous)
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Second, 5-5 (0-2)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 41
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (tied for least turnover in league)
BIGGEST LOSSES: C-Naceg Gecan (12.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg) free agent draft, G-Wimsy Greenfoyle (15.4 ppg) retired
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: G-Bingo Bango (10.8 ppg in limited action)
WEAKNESS: Can they score enough? Eighth last season. Lost two good scorers, gained back one.
STRENGTH: League's oldest starting lineup is solid at all positions.
THE SKINNY: The Demons will be without their leader, center Naceg Gecan, for the first time in seven seasons. Losing him will probably mean they won't lead the league in rebounds again, but his replacement, Steve "Drunk Uncle" Bromberger, is solid, if unspectacular. Bango will replace Greenfoyle with ease and may be an All-MBA candidate. Mon-Mon and Boogart have been at forward, seemingly forever, but they are both still more than capable.

Philadelphia Phobia
PREDICTED FINISH: Third (unanimous)
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Third 4-6
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 38
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (tied for least turnover in league)
BIGGEST LOSSES: None
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Shwayze rookie draft pick.
WEAKNESS: A second top-notch scorer to go with Colquitt Croix.
STRENGTH: Guard Colquitt Croix, averaging over 20 per game his first two seasons in the league.
THE SKINNY: Getting 6-11 rookie forward Shwayze should help Phobia out of their league-worst rebounding position, but team goes from Croix's 20.5 ppg to second-best 13.2 by forward Poodle "Stix" Jackson...a big drop-off. Still, if the unselfish Croix (twice All-MBA in two seasons) ups his scoring just a tad, they could surpass Dallas.

Chicago Gale
PREDICTED FINISH: Fourth (unanimous)
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Last, 4-6
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 38
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent
BIGGEST LOSSES: None
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Bill Cull (19.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg) free agent in draft, C-Yo Noid (league-leading 35 blocks) in trade.
WEAKNESS: Despite addition of Cull, still scoring for league's worst scoring team of year ago (67.0 per game).
STRENGTH: Yet to be determined. Had MBA's third-best defense, but Cull adds scoring, subtracts defense.
THE SKINNY: With two straight last-place finishes, main goal is avoiding cellar again and having to roll to possibly leave Chicago. Gale's 4-6 record not indicative of last-place team and they should beat out Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Greyhounds
PREDICTED FINISH: Last (unanimous)
SEASON 41 RECORD AND FINISH: Third, 4-6
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 40
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent
BIGGEST LOSSES: G-Yu Raing (16.6 ppg) retired, F-Danke Shame (11.5 ppg) retired
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Flip Testerton, excellent defender and rebounder in trade from Sacramento.
WEAKNESS: Scoring. Forward Baba Brinkman is only starter to have ever scored more than 13 per game.
STRENGTH: None.
THE SKINNY: The new worst team in the league has first two Sacramento picks next season.

INDIVIDUAL AWARD PREDICTIONS

All-MBA First Team
G - Naf Naf, Charleston
G - Colquitt Croix, Philadelphia
C - Max Payne, Oklahoma City (Tyler's pick) or Chutcher Mouthchair, Los Angeles (Dave's pick)
F - Bill Cull, Chicago
F - Doo-Rag Dripp, Sacramento (Tyler's pick) or Baba Brinkman, Milwaukee (Dave's pick)

League MVP
G - Naf Naf, Charleston

Rookie of Year
C - Chutcher Mouthchair, Los Angeles

Rookie Team
G - Potus Obama, Sacramento
G - Avenish "The Drooler" McDoogle, Los Angeles
C - Chutcher Mouthchair, Los Angeles
F - Schwayze, Philadelphia
F - Goodbar "Muddy" Masterson, Oklahoma City

MOST INDIVDUAL AWARDS ENTERING SEASON 42
20-Hall of Famer Max Payne, Oklahoma City (going into 17th season)

17-Hall of Famer Naf Naf, Charleston (going into 6th season)

7-Pippi Pippistrelli, San Jose (going into 5th season)
7-Vic Hitler, Los Angeles (going into 7th season)
7-Ginger Vampire, Oklahoma City (going into 7th season)
7-Naceg Gecan, Seattle (going into 8th season)
7-Beezow Bop-Bop, Charleston (going into 9th season)
7-Gulemon Mon-Mon, Dallas (going into 16th season)

6-J.J. Gargantuan, Charleston (going into 5th season)
6-Diss Reflexia, Philadelphia (going into 7th season)

PLAYERS 10 SEASONS OR OLDER ENTERING SEASON 42
17-Max Payne, Oklahoma City (starter)
16-Gulemon Mon-Mon, Dallas (starter)
14-Steve Carter, Los Angeles (starter)
12-Wayan Garuda, Los Angeles
11-Ginger Vampire, Oklahoma City (starter)
10-Matthew Vanden Boogart, Dallas (starter)
10-Giacoma Ferrari, San Jose
10-Vermin Supreme, Philadelphia

New this season. We will be pre-selecting one game from each bracket (based on top teams competing) to be highlighted in game report with scoresheet.

Next Up: Opening Day--Milwaukee at Oklahoma City.

Ranking the Rookies--Season 42

Despite the fact that just three of the 16 rookies entering the MBA will be immediate starters, this is not a bad crop of newcomers. The top rated rookie has definite Hall of Fame potential with the ability to lift a franchise. Just four rookies start off in the cut pile, with one who will definitely made the grade at some point.

1. Chutcher Mouthchair, 6-11 center, Los Angeles--Big boy has brilliant moves around the basket. Not only will he start, he'll be the best player on The Big One and should challenge a talented center group for All-MBA honors. Top rook.

2. Avenish "The Drooler" McDoogle, 6-5 guard, Los Angeles--Good sized guard who should get a lot of playing time for Los Angeles. Can play either guard position, is excellent passer, good rebounder and defender. Will push to start soon.

3. Shwayze, 6-11 forward, Philadelphia--Giant power forward will be a rebounding force for Philly and goes right into the Phobia starting lineup. Will solidify that position. Good shooter who rarely shoots. Decent, not great defender.

4. Potus Obama, 6-5 guard, Sacramento--Good-sized guard who will start at the two for the R-Dogs. Will fill it up from medium zone. Can play either guard position, good ball-handler, good defender. Sacramento mortgaged future to get.

5. Peeshie Pooshie, 6-1 guard, Dallas--Undersized guard can score from anywhere and plays OK defense. Not a good enough passer to play the point.

6. Goodbar "Muddy" Masterson, 6-7 forward, Oklahoma City--First forward off pines for two-time defending champs. Good shot from short and low but rarely takes it. Shot blocker but otherwise not much on D. OK rebounder.

7. Juan Kibble, 6-1 guard, Sacramento--Drafted and cut by Seattle. Will be first River Dogs guard off bench. Undersized. Good ball-handler can play either guard position. Effective shot everywhere but beyond the arc.

8. Anurag Dickshit, 6-7 forward, Los Angeles--Will be first forward off the bench for The Big One. Good hops, decent defense. Not a great shot.

9. Jonk Vanderdonk, 6-10 center in cut pile--A victim of circumstances landed him in cut pile. Drafted by Los Angeles, which also drafted top rookie Mouthchair. Can score short and low and should make the MBA soon.

10. Oy Yoy-Yoy, 6-8 forward, Seattle--May push veteran Harry Verducci for first forward off bench. Can shoot from all zones, (tremendously from beyond arc), plays decent defense (bit of a hacker) and a good rebounder.

11. Sheik Yerbouti, 6-9 forward, Charleston--Good size, good rebounder will be first forward off bench for East favorites. Can score down low but has penchant to take treys, which he doesn't hit. Decent on defense.

12. Jefferson "Budweiser" McNuggets, 7-1 center, Dallas--Biggest newcomer is nothing less than a fantastic rebounder. Will back up Steve "Drunk Uncle" Bromberger for now due to defensive limitations. Average offensively at best.

13. Benji Ballou, 6-7 center,Philadelphia--Like the 6-7 center (Diss Reflexia) he'll back up, better than his size would suggest, especially on defense. Awful rebounder is a good shot but has no moves.

14. Tom Gould, 6-1 guard, in cut pile--drafted and cut by Los Angeles. Terrible outside shot who plays some defense.

15. Atticus Finch, 6-8 forward in cut pile--drafted and cut by Seattle. Some good down-low moves, but otherwise...

16. Spicey "Chicken" Choop-Choop, 6-4 guard in cut pile--drafted and cut by Milwaukee. Good size, nothing else.

Back of the Envelopes up to Season 41

Since Tyler asked for the back of the envelope records, I thought I might as well put them on the blog site where anyone can refer to them at any time.

The three pix show:

First pix --Top left Los Angeles (Houston); top right Oklahoma City;
Bottom left San Jose; Bottom right Sacramento

Second pix--Top left Milwaukee; top right Seattle;
Bottom left Chicago; Bottom right Charleston

Third Pix-- Top Dallas;
Bottom Philadelphia

Season 42 MBA Free Agents, Draft and Trades

FREE AGENTS
Thirteen players, including eight starters, declared for free agency prior to the Season 42 draft. Only two teams, Philadelphia and the two-time defending champion Oklahoma City Lariats were unscathed by defections.

The Sacramento River Dogs, who had finally climbed into a position of respectability after a 5-5 season, had their hopes dashed once more by being the hardest hit team in terms of losses. Three starters, guard Steve Carter, forward Kyle Sherwood and All-MBA forward Bill Cull all left.

Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas and San Jose all lost one starter, with Chicago (three lost total) and San Jose (two lost) joining Sacramento in losing more than one player overall.

Milwaukee and Charleston were relatively unhurt, each losing one non-starter.



THE DRAFT
Time will tell, but the Los Angeles Big One probably had the best draft, nailing down what looks like the top rookie in center Chutcher Mouthchair in the regular draft and two more starters, guards Steve Carter and Avenish "the Drooler" McDoogle in the cut draft.

After the smoke cleared (and the cut draft completed) Seattle and Charleston came away with the least amount of new talent.



IMPROVEMENTS/DEPROVEMENTS
Sacramento was decimated in free agency, but recovered somewhat when newly drafted forward Tea Time Typhoo showed good improvement on his outside shooting, center Tree Fiddy improved his short shot and his passing and forward Flip Testerton became markedly better defensively.

And woe to the rest of the league, Hall of Fame Charleston guard Naf Naf made three big improvements going into his sixth season, improving his passing, defense against the dribble and against the shot.





TRADES
Three major trades dispersed the talent a bit more evenly, filling the holes on some teams while putting the future of others in jeopardy through the trading of future draft picks.

-- Chicago, in desperate need of a center, got last season's leading shot blocker, Yo Noid, from Los Angeles, giving up its second pick in the Season 43 draft.

-- Sacramento gave up its first two draft picks next season to Milwaukee, getting in exchange second-year forward Doo-Ragg Dripp and rookie guard Potus Obama.

-- Two-time defending champ Oklahoma City is giving it a go for a third consecutive title, giving away excellent starting forward Pap Smearz and the just-acquired center Naceg Gecan to Seattle in order to get veteran point guard Ginger Vampire to run the offense. Second-year center Carga Larga was a toss-in by Seattle.

THE SEASON 42 SCHEDULE


COMING: We will list the rookies and rank them. Team-by-team predictions.