Season 58 Rookies Unveiled...Rookie Game...plus, a few more tidbits

WEAK ROOKIE CLASS 

Tyler and I agree that the loss of a number of fine MBA stars to retirement does not seem to be replenished with the incoming rookie class. Based on a five star rating, they are, as follows:

GUARDS

6-4 Bonafazio Spegatini (Tyler 3, Dave 3 1/2)

6-0 Ziggity Boo (Tyler1 1/2, Dave 1)

6-0 Philly Greenthumbs (Tyler 1, Dave 1)

5-9 Hum Apua (Tyler 3, Dave 3)

6-1 Harrison Buttcracker (Tyler 1, Dave 2 1/2)

6-4 Sweet Sweetie Dee (Tyler 2, Dave 2 1/2)

FORWARDS

6-8 Zach "Zing-Zing" Zigler (Tyler 4, Dave 4)

6-5 Aiewilgo SanFrancisco (Tyler 2 1/2, Dave 2 1/2)

6-7 Pete Zaparty (Tyler 3, Dave 3 1/2)

6-8 Fashion Boy Vuitton (Tyler 2, Dave 2 1/2)

6-10 Homina Homina Homina (Tyler 2, Dave 2 1/2)

6-8 Vorna'do "El Bonito" Spaceheater (Tyler 2 1/2, Dave 3)

6-5 Cookies Dog (Tyler 2 1/2, Dave 2 1/2)

CENTERS

6-9 Jim "Mr. Tedious" Boopsqueak (Tyler 3, Dave 3)

7-2 Fore Antz (Tyler 3 1/2, Dave 3 1/2)

6-8 Cash "The Mad Butcher" Cleaver (Tyler 2 1/2, Dave 2)

DALLAS -- After winning the last four rookie games (the last three against cut pile competition), this year's crop of newcomers was tasked with beating the six-time defending champions from Dallas.

They didn't, losing 69-55, finding it difficult to score (42.1 percent shooting) and confronting a balanced Demons attack that featured all five starters scoring from 11 to 13 points.

The rookies kept things sem-respectable early and doubled Dallas in the rebounding department, 36-18.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

23 GVP...Four seasons of coming off the bench netted him four championship rings, but Dallas forward VENIAL SINN will finally get a chance in the starting lineup this coming campaign. He showed he is ready in this contest, as the 6-8 twin to Sacramento's Mordle Sinn led the Demons in rebounding with 7 caroms while tying for team-high in scoring with 13 points (6 for 12 from the floor, 1 for 2 from the foul line, 1 slam, 0 for 2 from deep). He added 2 assists and 1 blocked shot. 

Other 20-plus GVP performers

21 GVP...Dallas Hall of Fame guard Juzan Djinn...11 points...6 assists...3 blocked shots...1 rebound.

21 GVP...Rookie guard Hum Apua...15 points...4 rebounds...2 assists.

 FRANCHISE VS. FRANCHISE NEWS

-- Seattle has a winning overall record against just one team...Gillette, which they lead 11-10

-- Charleston has a winning record over four teams...Seattle, Oklahoma City, San Jose and Gillette

-- Milwaukee has a winning record over every team with the exception of Oklahoma City and Dallas

-- Oklahoma City has a winning record over five teams: Seattle, Milwaukee, San JOse, Sacramento and Gillette

-- Los Angeles has a winning record over four teams: Seattle, Charleston, Oklahoma City and Sacramento

-- Philadelphia has a winning record over every team except Milwaukee (47-49)

-- San Jose has a winning record over four teams: Seattle, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Gillette (meaning every team in the West)

-- Dallas has a winning record against every team except Philadelphia (36-38)

-- Sacramento has a winning record against three teams: Seattle, Charleston and Gillette

-- Gillette has a losing record against every franchise, although they are tied with Los Angeles (10-10) and trail Seattle just 10-11.

COMING SUNDAY: The 58th MBA draft