Season 56 Featured Game No. 2...Dallas at Charleston

DALLAS 83, CHARLESTON 67

TOO MUCH HICK IN DEMONS WIN

CHARLESTON -- Dallas point guard supreme Vicious Hick was a perfect 8 for 8 from 3-point range as the four-time defending champion Demons squashed the hopes of Charleston early and went on to win their 15th consecutive game, 83-67.

Charleston staged its biggest rally in the fourth quarter, halving an 18-point deficit to come within 9 points with 24 time units remaining, but one time unit later, Hick canned another long one to dash the faint hopes of the Mountaineers.

The Demons are now 2-0, while Charleston fell to 0-2.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

38 GVP...Third-year Dallas point guard VICIOUS HICK was virtually un-guardable on the way to a game-high 32-point performance in which he bombed away at will with an 8 for 8 effort from beyond the arc. The 32 points exceeded the previous Season 56 high by San Jose's Eddie Creamer, who netted 30 in his lone game this campaign. Anytime there was a scintilla of a chance for Charleston to get back into the game, Hick would calmly bury a deep trey. For the game, he was 12 for 15 from the floor, while dishing 2 assists and tying for game-high in rebounds with 5. He accomplished all this while missing 41 time units to a first quarter forced rest. This may well be the year he gets that first All-MBA foil star.

Other 20-plus GVP performers

25 GVP...Dallas forward Pete "The Steakman" Marzano...17 points on 7 of 7 shooting...4 rebounds...3 blocked shots...1 assist...2nd in turnovers caused with 3

25 GVP...Charleston rookie shooting guard Famichiki Whiskey...22 points (4 treys)...2 RBs...1 assist

21 GVP...Dallas Hall of Fame guard Juzan Djinn...10 points...5 assists...4 blocked shots...2 rebounds...tied for tops in points prevented with 5.

21 GVP...Charleston rookie power forward Grand Demur Fuyacho...16 points...3 rebounds...2 blocks

21 GVP...Charleston small forward Piping Plover...12 points...5 rebounds...3 assists...1 steal...tops in turnovers caused with 4.

20 GVP...Charleston point guard Kopi Luwak...12 points...4 rebounds...3 assists...1 steal. 

Dallas prevented 12 points while Charleston prevented 8.

Dallas caused 7 turnovers while Charleston caused 6.

Tops in preventing points

1. Juzan Djinn of Dallas with 6

1. Nick Kenpoop of Dallas with 5

3. Grand Demur Fuyacho of Charleston with 4

Tops in causing turnovers

1. Piping Plover of Charleston with 4

2. Pete Marzano of Dallas with 3

MBA Standings … Season 56

EAST DIVISION

DALLAS………………2-0

PHILADELPHIA………1-0

MILWAUKEE………..1-0

OKLAHOMA CITY…..0-1

CHARLESTON………. 0-2

 

WEST DIVISION

SAN JOSE…………1-0

GILLETTE…………1-0

SACRAMENTO… 0-1

LOS ANGELES….0-1

SEATTLE………….0-1

 

NEXT UP: Oklahoma City at Milwaukee. It’s been a while since the Greyhounds have been favored in this match-up, but they hold the upper hand in their first home game of the season. Starting off 2-0 would go a long way in soothing the “We-might-have-to-move-the-franchise” blues the team has been facing for a few seasons now. In fact, a win would put them in first place all alone thanks to the division wins tie-breaker.

Season 56 Featured Game No. 1...Dallas at Seattle

 

DALLAS 83, SEATTLE 62 (Slaughter Rule Enforced)

DEMONS STOMP STAMPEDE

SEATTLE -- The anticipation of two contenders knocking heads in their season openers faded quickly as the four-time defending champion Dallas Demons took control early and held on for a Slaughter Rule 83-62 cross-over road triumph at Seattle.

The home town Stampede did manage to raise the hopes temporarily in the third quarter when they cut Dallas' 21-point advantage to just 8, but they never got that close again.

Dallas now has 14 consecutive wins, closing in on its own record of 18 straight, which was only interrupted by a loss in their second game last season. That's 31 wins in 32 games.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

29 GVP...Hall of Fame Dallas guard JUZAN DJINN got his seventh season off on the right foot, capturing POG honors with a game-high 21-point performance, despite being guarded by the fine defender Hilbee Juggleboy, whom he smoked. Djinn, who actually had to sit for a while for the first time due to his age, is coming off back-to-back MVP campaigns and, aside from the forced rest, shows no signs of slowing down. He was 7 for 13 from the floor, draining 3 treys in 7 tries while going a perfect 4 for 4 from the foul line. The 6-2 star also grabbed 5 boards, blocked 2 shots and added 1 assist. 

Other 20-plus GVP performers

27 GVP...Seattle center Chochky Galumpkus...16 points...6 rebounds...3 blocks...1 steal...1 assist.

25 GVP...Dallas forward Pete "the Steakman" Marzano...19 points (7 for 7)...5 rebounds...1 block.

21 GVP...Dallas point guard Vicious Hick...16 points...4 rebounds...1 assist.

21 GVP...Dallas power forward Nick Kenpoop...10 points...7 rebounds...2 blocks...1 assist...1 steal.

MBA Standings … Season 56

EAST DIVISION

PHILADELPHIA……..1-0

DALLAS………………1-0

CHARLESTON……….

MILWAUKEE………..

OKLAHOMA CITY…..0-1

 

WEST DIVISION

SAN JOSE…………

GILLETTE…………

SACRAMENTO…

LOS ANGELES…..

SEATTLE………….0-1

 

NEXT UP: Milwaukee at Charleston. I don’t think that the Mountaineers have ever held the overall edge against Milwaukee, but a win here will give them just that. The teams (both originals) have played a total of 106 games with each winning 53 to this point. Charleston is favored over an improved Greyhounds team.

Season 56 Preview

 Although many changes have been made to the 10 MBA squads, it appears that the same four teams that made the playoffs last season are favorites to get back to the post-season in Season 56. Dallas, shooting for a historic fifth consecutive championship, is the overall favorite once again. But, of course, anything can happen in the topsy-turvy world of the MBA.

THE EAST

Dallas and Charleston look like playoff repeaters. But can Milwaukee stay out of the cellar and away from a 50 percent roll for changing cities? Third through fifth place are toss-ups.

1. DALLAS DEMONS...4-time defending champs...9-1 last season, 5-0 in playoffs

Winners of 30 of their last 31 games and their last 13 in a row indicates the pure dominance of this team. Lost longtime power forward Satan Israel to free agency but replaced him with promising second-year man Nick Kenpoop in trade with Charleston. Dallas runs the mini-gauntlet right out of the gate, opening the season with road games at Seattle and Charleston, both considered to be their top opponents. The guard tandem of Hall of Famer Juzan Djinn and Vicious Hick is one of the best of all time. 

2. CHARLESTON MOUNTAINEERS...6-4 last season, 2-3 in playoffs, losing in Finals to Dallas

Youngest roster and starting lineup in league has been revamped to include concensus choice of top rookie, shooting guard Famichiki Whiskey and 6-10 power forward Grand Demur Fuyacho, a top three rookie who will give Charleston much-needed rebounding. Moving Kopi Luwak to the point should increase his scoring, and small forward Piping Plover is coming off back to back All-MBA seasons. Toppling Dallas, however, is a tall order, despite the obvious improvements to the Mountaineers.

3. PHILADELPHIA PHOBIA...5-5 last season, fourth place

Lost both starting guards from last season (Dick Papers to Los Angeles and Splash Gordon to retirement). Johnny Jazzhands as a starting guard sets off warning bells. But the front line of center Brother Jasper and forwards Leonard Pinth Garnel and Phillip Mianus (the latter a newcomer) is solid.

4. MILWAUKEE GREYHOUNDS...2-8 last season, last place

Can they stop the unhealthy trend of three consecutive last-place finishes, all with 2-8 records? Front line totally revamped and should score more, but lost defense with J.J. Gargantuan leaving, and only Los Angeles yielded more points last season.

5. OKLAHOMA CITY LARIATS...5-5 last season, third place

Window of contending seems over. Worse at two spots in starting lineup. Could maybe rise to third.

Tyler picks

1. Dallas

2. Charleston

3. Milwaukee

4. Oklahoma City

5. Philadelphia

THE WEST

Seattle and San Jose look like the class of the West, with the last three spots up for grabs. But this division always comes up with at least one surprise team every season.

1. SEATTLE STAMPEDE...7-3 last season, first place, 0-2 in playoffs

Had the best regular season defense last season and improved it with addition of top defending power forward Kevin Duran-Duran via trade with Sacramento. Ranked sixth on offense, and adding only Duran-Duran (9.6 ppg last season, 53.4 %) doesn't seem to help there. But that is a strong front line with Duran-Duran, center Chochky Galumpkus and third-year star Erik A. Crocidale. They get tested immediately with a season opening cross-over at home against mighty Dallas. 

2. SAN JOSE FIGHTING AMIGOS...7-3 last season, second place, 0-2 in playoffs.

By far the oldest roster in the MBA. They need to win now. Toward that end, added much-needed rim protector in ancient Hall of Fame center J.J. Gargantuan via free agency and talented but untested forward L.S. Island in trade with Philadelphia. Can guard Vinny Zazeech and forward Eddie Creamer repeat their All-MBA seasons of last campaign? Point guard Donny Dupons is also a key.

3. LOS ANGELES BIG ONE...1-9 last season, last place

Added two solid veterans to starting lineup in guard Dick Papers and forward Turk Attaturk. They join the explosive guard Pinky Toe and defensive center Chat Bot as starters. Power forward, 6-10 Philibuck Davia is a question mark.This team should be able to avoid last place, and could even get second.

4. GILLETTE HUMPS...6-4 last season, third place

Only one newcomer added to the roster, but he's very promising. Rookie guard Maboroshi No Hotcake replaces veteran Joey Shamadu, Jr. to run the point. But weakness at forwards will be hard to overcome.

5. SACRAMENTO RIVER DOGS...2-8 last season, fourth place

League's worst offense replaced power forward Kevin Duran-Duran with Dallas stalwart Satan Israel, but they will struggle to get out of the cellar.

Tyler picks

1. Seattle

2. San Jose

3. Los Angeles

4. Gillette

5. Sacramento

ALL-MBA PREDICTIONS(from Dave)

Guard...Hall of Famer Juzan Djinn of Dallas

Guard...Rookie Famichiki Whiskey of Charleston

Center...Chochky Galumpkus of Seattle

Forward...Satan Israel of Sacramento

Forward...Hall of Famer Crentis Dentist of Oklahoma City

ALL-MBA PREDICTIONS (from Tyler)

Guard...Juzan Djinn, Dallas

Guard...Pinky Toe, Los Angeles

Center...Biggus Dickus, Dallas

Forward...Satan Israel, Sacramento

Forward...Erik A. Crocidale, Seattle

MVP

Center Chochky Galumpkus of Oklahoma City (Dave)

Guard Pinky Toe of Los Angeles (Tyler)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Guard Famichiki Whiskey of Charleston (both Dave and Tyler)

ACTIVE HALL OF FAMERS ENTERING SEASON 56

17 awards…Juzan Djinn, Dallas guard

14 awards…J.J. Gargantuan, San Jose center

13 awards…Crentis Dentist, Oklahoma City forward

 

ACTIVE PLAYERS CLOSEST TO THE HALL

9 awards…Chochky Galumpkus, Seattle center

8 awards…Kopi Luwak, Charleston guard

8 awards…Pete “the Steakman” Marzano, Dallas forward

7 awards…Satan Israel, Sacramento River Dogs forward

7 awards…Biggus Dickus, Dallas center

7 awards…Al A. Orden, Dallas forward

6 awards…Eddie “the Milkman” Creamer, San Jose forward

5 awards…Flufferton Springs, Philadelphia guard

5 awards…Vinny Zazeech, San Jose guard

5 awards…Vicious Hick, Dallas guard

5 awards…Johnny Bananas, Milwaukee center

 

TEN OR MORE SEASONS ENTERING SEASON 56

19 seasons…J.J. Gargantuan, San Jose center

16 seasons…Al A. Orden, Dallas forward

14 seasons…Hurricane Furrwizard, Los Angeles guard

13 seasons…Chai Walla, cut pile guard

12 seasons…Eddie “the Milkman” Creamer, San Jose forward

12 seasons…Phillip Mamouf-Wifarts, cut pile guard

11 seasons…Nicholas Pickles, cut pile forward

11 seasons…Charles “F.P.” Pompeo, cut pile guard

11 seasons…Ray “Big Ticket” Natuzzi, cut pile guard

10 seasons…Joe Momsawhore, San Jose guard

10 seasons…Dick Papers, Los Angeles guard

10 seasons…Jospah Gecan, San Jose forward

10 seasons…Tootie Heathcliffe, cut pile forward

10 seasons…Itsaka Numdrum, cut pile guard

10 seasons…Vito Andolini, Oklahoma City forward

NEXT UP: The Season opener, with Oklahoma City at Philadelphia

The first bracket's FEATURED GAME follows, with Dallas taking on Seattle in a battle of preseason favorites to win their respective divisions.

Season 56 Improvements/Regressions

Summary: Individually speaking, there wasn't a great deal of change, either plus or minus, to MBA players this season. It appears that free agents did the most improving overall.

-- Turk Attaturk, Los Angeles forward acquired in free agency from Philly, improved to a 5 against the pass, which will make him a tough defender on the edge for The Big One. 

-- Milwaukee guard Itstha Bishop, who tied for the league lead in scoring last season, improved against both the pass and the dribble to 2s on each, making him a tougher defender.

-- Phillip Mianus, acquired in free agency from Oklahoma City, improved his passing to a 5, making his move to small forward more palatable, while also going from a 3 to a 4 against the dribble.

-- Second-year San Jose point guard Donny Dupons improved three times. He's now a 4 against the pass and has a block on 8 against the shot. The third improvement was going from a 0 to a 1 on offensive rebounding, so, no big whoop there.

-- San Jose's newly acquired Hall of Fame center J.J. Gargantuan, entering his 19th season, is showing his age a little more, having lost a point against the dribble and the pass, where he is a 0 and a 1, respectively. However, he can still alter shots with the best of them. 

-- Seattle picked up Karma Chameleon from Sacramento in free agency, and the offensive-minded guard upgraded twice against the shot, adding a deny on 5 and upping his forced miss on 11 to a block.

-- Seattle's All-MBA center Chochky Galumpkus, on the verge of the Hall of Fame, has added passing to his already impressive card. After getting a career-high 2.6 assists per game last season, he upped his passing ability from a 7 to an 8.

Demons regress: The four-time defending champs from Dallas fared the worst in improvements this season. Of the 8 players up, 7 either got slightly worse or remained the same. Guard Vicious Hick is now a zero against the dribble and center Biggus Dickus went from a 6 passer to a 5. But overall, the regressions were negligible. The good news for the rest of the league is that the Demons players did not get even better than they have been.