MBA: SEASON 49 PREVIEW...INCLUDING DRAFT and Improvements

THE WEST

1. SAN JOSE FIGHTING AMIGOS — Last Season 5-5, 3rd place — Improvements by 13th-year guard pick-up Cremofsum Yunguy may be the key to team’s success. He replaces scoring guard Mister Methane and can also play point, giving two-time All-MBA guard and league’s top scorer Jesse Shershot option of moving to shooting guard. Amigos obtained proven scorer at center Sabado Gigante to replace retired point-getter Hunk R. Down.

2. SACRAMENTO RIVER DOGS — Last Season 9-1 (5-3) 1st place, Won Championship —Just two starters (Hall of Fame and All-MBA center Tree Fiddy and Playoff MVP forward Doo-rag Dripp) remain from last season’s championship squad. Lost both guards from best tandem in the league to retirement and free agency. Freddy Chepuzzo has to step up. Still a playoff contender.

3. GILLETTE HUMPS — Last Season 2-8, Last place —Year two in the wilds of Wyoming promises continued improvement with the addition of the top rated rookie guard in the draft, Freddy Gooch.

He should at least get this fifth-year franchise over the hump as far as last place goes.

4. LOS ANGELES BIG ONE — Last Season 5-5, 4th place — Only Odell Taters returns as a starter for L.A. which lost franchise favorite Dr. Marcus Brody to retirement. Will struggle to stay out of last.

5. SEATTLE STAMPEDE — Last Season 5-5 (0-2), 2nd place —From defensive-minded playoff squad to last seems likely.

THE EAST

1. MILWAUKEE GREYHOUNDS — Last Season 8-2 (4-3), 2d place, made Finals —After snagging Sacramento’s premier point guard Great Gruncle Terry in the free agent draft, the Greyhounds are favorites to win it all and bring the MBA’s longest championship dry spell to an end. The build-up from second place to first place and a finals berth last season is bringing title talk to the forefront. The front runners face the toughest schedule, but should be up to the task.

2. OKLAHOMA CITY LARIATS — Last Season 7-3 (1-2), 2nd place —After an excellent 7-3 playoff season, the Lariats lost star center Chochky Galumpkus to free agency, had the worst draft of any MBA team and replaced Galumpkus with a trade for Juji Mufu, adequate, but a definite downgrade. Rookie of the Year guard Handsy Joe Potatoe will carry a heavier load.

3. PHILADELPHIA PHOBIA — Last Season 4-6, 3rd place —After securing highly rated rookie forward D. Fenestration in the draft, look for Philly to battle Oklahoma City for the second playoff spot in the East. Front line excellent defensively. Junior Dabas at two guard is dubious.

4. CHARLESTON MOUNTAINEERS — Last Season 3-7, 4th place — Roster has talent, but this team is going nowhere with Charles “FP” Pompeo at the point. Two deprovements to guards hurt.

5. DALLAS DEMONS — Last Season 2-8, Last place —Landed Chochky Galumpkus, but Chip Battoe is gone.