Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
MBA Season 43 West Division Preview
1. SAN JOSE FIGHTING AMIGOS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-First, T-First
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Third, 5-5
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 41
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Kyle Sherwood (9.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg) to free agency
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: G-Jesus Moron Joseph free agent in draft (1.4 ppg)
WEAKNESS: Defense at both guard positions
STRENGTH: Overall Depth, Front Court Defense
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: Pippi Pippistrelli, this will be his 6th season, all with San Jose
THE SKINNY: After three consecutive 5-5 seasons and four in their last five, San Jose hopes to break through by replacing perennial star center Pippi Pippistrelli with the younger, more offensive-minded Hunk R. Down, who has been biding his time for three seasons on the bench. The 7-0 Down has taken some big leaps forward, according to Coach Augustus McCrae, in rebounding and defense...big enough to supplant the two-time All-MBA, 5-time All Star Pippistrelli. Also looking good is 6-10 power forward Egg Yolk Carpaccio, who will replace Kyle Sherwood as a starter, allowing Blue "Rondo" Alaturk to play small forward, where the 6-9 veteran has been more effective in the past.
2. LOS ANGELES BIG ONE
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Second, T-Second
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Last, 2-8
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 36 (as Houston)
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Team MVP F-Vic Hitler (16.6 ppg) to retirement
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Baba Brinkman (18.2 ppg) free agent draft from Milwaukee, G-Dr. Marcus Brody, rookie who comes in as top-rated guard in the Season 43 draft.
WEAKNESS: More of a question...how will forwards Brinkman and Walter Sobchack perform at new positions of small and big forwards, respectively?
STRENGTH: Overall Depth, with a good sub at every position.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: F-Walter Sobchack and G-Guy Clark, each five seasons with Houston/Los Angeles.
THE SKINNY: This is the most improved team in the MBA, thanks largely to a draft that saw them get double the players of most teams. In that group they harvested two great starters and a solid back-up. Brinkman is an excellent replacement for the retired Hitler, but the addition of snagging rookie point guard Dr. Marcus Brody rockets this team into playoff contention. The 7-foot rookie forward Tomm Foolerie adds depth off the bench. After two seasons of last place finishes, it appears that The Big One is ready to make its first playoff move in Los Angeles.
3. SACRAMENTO RIVER DOGS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Third, T-Third
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Fourth, 5-5
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 34
ROSTER TURNOVER: 20 percent (1 new starter)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Tea Time Typhoo (13.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg) to retirement
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: Back-up 7-2 rookie center GoToo Grot in draft
WEAKNESS: Middle-of-the-pack good everywhere, great nowhere
STRENGTH: Youngest starting lineup averages 3.2 years and should improve in future.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: Center Tree Fiddy has been the team's starter for five seasons.
THE SKINNY: River Dogs had just one pick in the draft and did not improve its starting lineup. Otherwise young team suffered big blow when steady forward Tea Time Typhoo suddenly retired after just six seasons. Replacing him with third-year man Bouganvillea Hedge is a downgrade. Despite back-to-back 5-5 seasons and a good, young core, the league's longest playoff drought is expected to continue.
4. OKLAHOMA CITY LARIATS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Fourth, T-Fourth
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: First, 8-2 (0-2)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 60 percent (4 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Hall of Fame center and All-MBA last season Max Payne (16.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg) to retirement, top scorer G-Ginger Vampire (16.6 ppg) to retirement, F-Sloppy Dollop (15.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg) to free agent draft, G-Akbar Zagobia (8.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg) traded
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: 7-foot rookie center Willie Carry McCoffee, rated No.1 pivot in the draft in trade involving Zagobia with Philadelphia, G-Mel A. Noma (9.9 ppg, 3.6 apg)in trade with Philadelphia, G-Brownie McShytles (11.3 ppg) in draft
WEAKNESS: Question marks at two starting positions and putrid substitutes at forward off the bench.
STRENGTH: Young center to build on for the future.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: F-Bang-Bang Reiner, 5 seasons, all with Lariats
THE SKINNY: After two championships, three straight division titles, seven division titles in nine seasons and eight playoff appearances in nine campaigns, the party is over in Oklahoma City. McCoffee is a good building block and Reiner will score, but the future is a long way off.
5. SEATTLE STAMPEDE
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Last, T-Last
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Second, 5-5 (0-2)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 50 percent (3 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: C-Naceg Gecan (16.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg) retired, F-Jairo Capoeira (14.1 ppg) retired, G-Mel A. Noma (9.9 ppg, 3.6 apg) free agent draft.
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Kyle Sherwood (9.7 ppg)
WEAKNESS: Lacks an impact scorer, overall size and rebounding ability. Worst bench in the league.
STRENGTH: None.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: G-Bob Kittle, seventh season, all with Seattle, last of the S37 champions.
THE SKINNY: Downgrades at three starting positions will have Stampede taking a major fall.
PRE-SEASON AWARDS PREDICTIONS (all unanimous by D and T)
All-MBA
G - Naf Naf, Charleston
G - Colquitt Croix, Philadelphia
C - J.J. Gargantuan, Charleston
F - Chip "the Crip" Battoe, Dallas
F - Pietro Destroyer, Chicago
MVP - Naf Naf, Charleston
Rookie of the Year - Chip "the Crip" Battoe, Dallas
MOST DECORATED PLAYERS ENTERING SEASON 43
21 awards - Hall of Famer Naf Naf, Charleston
10 awards - Hall of Famer Beezow Bop-Bop, Charleston
8 awards - J.J. Gargantuan, Charleston
8 awards - Pippi Pippistrelli, San Jose
6 awards - Colquitt Croix, Philadelphia
6 awards - Diss Reflexia, Philadelphia
5 awards - Baba Brinkman, Los Angeles
5 awards - Pap Smearz, Seattle
THE MBA's OLDEST ACTIVE PLAYERS
15 - G- Steve Carter, Los Angeles
13 - C- Wayan Garuda, Los Angeles
11 - F- Matthew Vanden Boogart, Dallas
11 - G- Giacoma Ferrari, San Jose
10 - G- Beezow Bop-Bop, Charleston
10 - F- Pythogoras Theorum, Sacramento
10 - F- Shag Bark, Chicago
MBA's OLDEST CUT PILERS
11 - F- Vermin Supreme
11 - C- Shits McGriddle
10 - C- Hoot Barnowl
10 - G- Buzz Kill
INTERESTING MBA FACTOID
Only one rookie, guard Anass Rammer, did not make an MBA roster this season.
NEXT UP: SEASON 43 GETS UNDER WAY THURSDAY, APRIL 25
Game 1 - San Jose at Chicago in cross-over contest...The Gale again opens its season with games against the top teams in their division. Chicago's second game is at Charleston.
The rest of Bracket 1
Oklahoma City at Sacramento
Los Angeles at Seattle
Philadelphia at Milwaukee
Charleston at Dallas (featured game) starting the season with a rematch of last season's finals
PREDICTED FINISH: D-First, T-First
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Third, 5-5
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 41
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Kyle Sherwood (9.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg) to free agency
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: G-Jesus Moron Joseph free agent in draft (1.4 ppg)
WEAKNESS: Defense at both guard positions
STRENGTH: Overall Depth, Front Court Defense
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: Pippi Pippistrelli, this will be his 6th season, all with San Jose
THE SKINNY: After three consecutive 5-5 seasons and four in their last five, San Jose hopes to break through by replacing perennial star center Pippi Pippistrelli with the younger, more offensive-minded Hunk R. Down, who has been biding his time for three seasons on the bench. The 7-0 Down has taken some big leaps forward, according to Coach Augustus McCrae, in rebounding and defense...big enough to supplant the two-time All-MBA, 5-time All Star Pippistrelli. Also looking good is 6-10 power forward Egg Yolk Carpaccio, who will replace Kyle Sherwood as a starter, allowing Blue "Rondo" Alaturk to play small forward, where the 6-9 veteran has been more effective in the past.
2. LOS ANGELES BIG ONE
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Second, T-Second
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Last, 2-8
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 36 (as Houston)
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Team MVP F-Vic Hitler (16.6 ppg) to retirement
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Baba Brinkman (18.2 ppg) free agent draft from Milwaukee, G-Dr. Marcus Brody, rookie who comes in as top-rated guard in the Season 43 draft.
WEAKNESS: More of a question...how will forwards Brinkman and Walter Sobchack perform at new positions of small and big forwards, respectively?
STRENGTH: Overall Depth, with a good sub at every position.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: F-Walter Sobchack and G-Guy Clark, each five seasons with Houston/Los Angeles.
THE SKINNY: This is the most improved team in the MBA, thanks largely to a draft that saw them get double the players of most teams. In that group they harvested two great starters and a solid back-up. Brinkman is an excellent replacement for the retired Hitler, but the addition of snagging rookie point guard Dr. Marcus Brody rockets this team into playoff contention. The 7-foot rookie forward Tomm Foolerie adds depth off the bench. After two seasons of last place finishes, it appears that The Big One is ready to make its first playoff move in Los Angeles.
3. SACRAMENTO RIVER DOGS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Third, T-Third
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Fourth, 5-5
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 34
ROSTER TURNOVER: 20 percent (1 new starter)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Tea Time Typhoo (13.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg) to retirement
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: Back-up 7-2 rookie center GoToo Grot in draft
WEAKNESS: Middle-of-the-pack good everywhere, great nowhere
STRENGTH: Youngest starting lineup averages 3.2 years and should improve in future.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: Center Tree Fiddy has been the team's starter for five seasons.
THE SKINNY: River Dogs had just one pick in the draft and did not improve its starting lineup. Otherwise young team suffered big blow when steady forward Tea Time Typhoo suddenly retired after just six seasons. Replacing him with third-year man Bouganvillea Hedge is a downgrade. Despite back-to-back 5-5 seasons and a good, young core, the league's longest playoff drought is expected to continue.
4. OKLAHOMA CITY LARIATS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Fourth, T-Fourth
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: First, 8-2 (0-2)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 60 percent (4 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Hall of Fame center and All-MBA last season Max Payne (16.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg) to retirement, top scorer G-Ginger Vampire (16.6 ppg) to retirement, F-Sloppy Dollop (15.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg) to free agent draft, G-Akbar Zagobia (8.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg) traded
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: 7-foot rookie center Willie Carry McCoffee, rated No.1 pivot in the draft in trade involving Zagobia with Philadelphia, G-Mel A. Noma (9.9 ppg, 3.6 apg)in trade with Philadelphia, G-Brownie McShytles (11.3 ppg) in draft
WEAKNESS: Question marks at two starting positions and putrid substitutes at forward off the bench.
STRENGTH: Young center to build on for the future.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: F-Bang-Bang Reiner, 5 seasons, all with Lariats
THE SKINNY: After two championships, three straight division titles, seven division titles in nine seasons and eight playoff appearances in nine campaigns, the party is over in Oklahoma City. McCoffee is a good building block and Reiner will score, but the future is a long way off.
5. SEATTLE STAMPEDE
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Last, T-Last
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Second, 5-5 (0-2)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 50 percent (3 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: C-Naceg Gecan (16.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg) retired, F-Jairo Capoeira (14.1 ppg) retired, G-Mel A. Noma (9.9 ppg, 3.6 apg) free agent draft.
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Kyle Sherwood (9.7 ppg)
WEAKNESS: Lacks an impact scorer, overall size and rebounding ability. Worst bench in the league.
STRENGTH: None.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: G-Bob Kittle, seventh season, all with Seattle, last of the S37 champions.
THE SKINNY: Downgrades at three starting positions will have Stampede taking a major fall.
PRE-SEASON AWARDS PREDICTIONS (all unanimous by D and T)
All-MBA
G - Naf Naf, Charleston
G - Colquitt Croix, Philadelphia
C - J.J. Gargantuan, Charleston
F - Chip "the Crip" Battoe, Dallas
F - Pietro Destroyer, Chicago
MVP - Naf Naf, Charleston
Rookie of the Year - Chip "the Crip" Battoe, Dallas
MOST DECORATED PLAYERS ENTERING SEASON 43
21 awards - Hall of Famer Naf Naf, Charleston
10 awards - Hall of Famer Beezow Bop-Bop, Charleston
8 awards - J.J. Gargantuan, Charleston
8 awards - Pippi Pippistrelli, San Jose
6 awards - Colquitt Croix, Philadelphia
6 awards - Diss Reflexia, Philadelphia
5 awards - Baba Brinkman, Los Angeles
5 awards - Pap Smearz, Seattle
THE MBA's OLDEST ACTIVE PLAYERS
15 - G- Steve Carter, Los Angeles
13 - C- Wayan Garuda, Los Angeles
11 - F- Matthew Vanden Boogart, Dallas
11 - G- Giacoma Ferrari, San Jose
10 - G- Beezow Bop-Bop, Charleston
10 - F- Pythogoras Theorum, Sacramento
10 - F- Shag Bark, Chicago
MBA's OLDEST CUT PILERS
11 - F- Vermin Supreme
11 - C- Shits McGriddle
10 - C- Hoot Barnowl
10 - G- Buzz Kill
INTERESTING MBA FACTOID
Only one rookie, guard Anass Rammer, did not make an MBA roster this season.
NEXT UP: SEASON 43 GETS UNDER WAY THURSDAY, APRIL 25
Game 1 - San Jose at Chicago in cross-over contest...The Gale again opens its season with games against the top teams in their division. Chicago's second game is at Charleston.
The rest of Bracket 1
Oklahoma City at Sacramento
Los Angeles at Seattle
Philadelphia at Milwaukee
Charleston at Dallas (featured game) starting the season with a rematch of last season's finals
MBA Season 43 East Division Preview
1. CHARLESTON MOUNTAINEERS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-First, T-First
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: First, 10-0 (5-1) Champions!
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent (1 new starter)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Pietro Destroyer (14.6 ppg)free agency, G-Jesus Moron Joseph (1.4 ppg) free agency
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: None
WEAKNESS: Question mark at starting forward. Will Sheik Yerbouti be able to replace Destroyer? Bench strength.
STRENGTH: Three of the best starters in the league in G-Naf Naf, G-Beezow Bop-Bop and C-J.J. Gargantuan.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: Beezow Bop-Bop ... 8th consecutive season with Mountaineers
THE SKINNY: After completing the best single season in the history of the MBA, the Charleston Mountaineers are still favored to win it all, but they are feeling the hot breath of the Philadelphia Phobia and Dallas Demons from within their own division. The Mountaineers boast a Hall of Fame guard combo in Naf Naf and Beezow Bop-Bop (the only two active Hall of Famers in the league) plus the best center around. Third-year forward Wawa Wewa is one of the up and comers in the game. But losing Pietro Destroyer makes Charleston somewhat vulnerable, which they were not last season.
2.PHILADELPHIA PHOBIA
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Second, T-Second
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Third, 5-5
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 38
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: G-Brownie McShytles (11.3 ppg)free agent
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Sloppy Dollop (14.2 ppg) in draft, G-Akbar Zagobia (8.3 ppg, 4.6 RPG) in trade
WEAKNESS: Nothing worth mentioning.
STRENGTH: Solid starters at every position, plus superstar at guard in Colquitt Croix. Excellent depth.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: C-Diss Reflexia mans the pivot for the sixth consecutive season.
THE SKINNY: After just missing the playoffs at 5-5, the sleeping giant will presumably awaken this season and may just challenge for the top spot in the East. Seriously improved two starting positions and two back-up positions (F-Shwayze and C-Carga Larga). Only question is whether third-year forward Poodle "Stix" Jackson can repeat his All-MBA season of Season 42 or return to what he was his rookie year -- a solid starter. Either way, Philly is again dangerous.
3. DALLAS DEMONS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Third, T-Third
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Second, 5-5 (3-3)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 20 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: All-MBA power forward Gulemon Mon-Mon (17.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg) retired
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: Top-ranked player in draft, 6-8 rookie forward Chip "the Crip" Battoe and 6-8 rookie center General Horseplay.
WEAKNESS: Still not much depth at back-up forward, but that's nit-picking. Point guard Bootlace Barnaby always a question mark.
STRENGTH: The two rookie additions and guard Bingo Bango (17.9 ppg) can all score. Battoe is a monster defender.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: F-Matthew Vanden Boogart has been in the league 11 seasons, all with Dallas.
THE SKINNY: Dallas replaced longtime favorite and All-MBA forward Gulemon Mon-Mon with the league's most spectacular newcomer since Philadelphia's Colquitt Croix. Battoe is the best shot blocker in the MBA since Jimsy Redfern was knocking away 50-plus per season for Charleston. And Battoe can rebound and shoot as well. Horseplay is an excellent scorer and passer in the pivot. This is a better team than the one that made the Finals last season, but they could be blocked by Charleston and Philadelphia.
4. CHICAGO GALE
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Fourth, T-Fourth
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Last, 2-8
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 38
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Forward Reckless Abandon (15.9 ppg) to retirement
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Pietro Destroyer (14.6 ppg) in draft from Charleston and G-Lapiz Lapiz Boligrafo in trade.
WEAKNESS: Defense yielded league-worst 82.7 per game is maybe a tad better.
STRENGTH: Proven scoring at forwards (Bill Cull scored 15.9 per game last season) and guard Norman Conquest (over 16 per game his first two seasons).
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: G-Norman Conquest, G-Santo Thomas and backup center King Schmeckpepr, 3 seasons each.
THE SKINNY: Getting Destroyer in the draft likely saved Chicago from notching a fourth consecutive campaign in the East Division cellar. They seem much better than Milwaukee, but they are a far cry from the three powerhouse teams ahead of them.
5. MILWAUKEE GREYHOUNDS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Last, T-Last
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Fourth, 3-7
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 40
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Team MVP for the past four seasons, F-Baba Brinkman (18.2 ppg) to free agency.
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: Yet-to-be-determined how big, but lower-ranked rookies G-Hurricane Furrwizard and F-James Payne qualify as additions.
WEAKNESS: Scoring, rebounding, defense. Mostly scoring. Nobody in starting lineup has scored more than 12.8 ppg in any one season.
STRENGTH: None
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: 7-1 center Ugatta Noluvfer Spikie has been starter all 7 seasons in Milwaukee.
THE SKINNY: They will vie with Seattle in the West for the worst MBA record and No. 1 pick in the Season 44 draft. Through no fault of his own, Coach Fly Davia will be on the hot seat by the All Star Game break.
NEXT: Previewing the West Division for Season 43.
PREDICTED FINISH: D-First, T-First
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: First, 10-0 (5-1) Champions!
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent (1 new starter)
BIGGEST LOSSES: F-Pietro Destroyer (14.6 ppg)free agency, G-Jesus Moron Joseph (1.4 ppg) free agency
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: None
WEAKNESS: Question mark at starting forward. Will Sheik Yerbouti be able to replace Destroyer? Bench strength.
STRENGTH: Three of the best starters in the league in G-Naf Naf, G-Beezow Bop-Bop and C-J.J. Gargantuan.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: Beezow Bop-Bop ... 8th consecutive season with Mountaineers
THE SKINNY: After completing the best single season in the history of the MBA, the Charleston Mountaineers are still favored to win it all, but they are feeling the hot breath of the Philadelphia Phobia and Dallas Demons from within their own division. The Mountaineers boast a Hall of Fame guard combo in Naf Naf and Beezow Bop-Bop (the only two active Hall of Famers in the league) plus the best center around. Third-year forward Wawa Wewa is one of the up and comers in the game. But losing Pietro Destroyer makes Charleston somewhat vulnerable, which they were not last season.
2.PHILADELPHIA PHOBIA
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Second, T-Second
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Third, 5-5
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 38
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: G-Brownie McShytles (11.3 ppg)free agent
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Sloppy Dollop (14.2 ppg) in draft, G-Akbar Zagobia (8.3 ppg, 4.6 RPG) in trade
WEAKNESS: Nothing worth mentioning.
STRENGTH: Solid starters at every position, plus superstar at guard in Colquitt Croix. Excellent depth.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: C-Diss Reflexia mans the pivot for the sixth consecutive season.
THE SKINNY: After just missing the playoffs at 5-5, the sleeping giant will presumably awaken this season and may just challenge for the top spot in the East. Seriously improved two starting positions and two back-up positions (F-Shwayze and C-Carga Larga). Only question is whether third-year forward Poodle "Stix" Jackson can repeat his All-MBA season of Season 42 or return to what he was his rookie year -- a solid starter. Either way, Philly is again dangerous.
3. DALLAS DEMONS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Third, T-Third
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Second, 5-5 (3-3)
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 42
ROSTER TURNOVER: 20 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: All-MBA power forward Gulemon Mon-Mon (17.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg) retired
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: Top-ranked player in draft, 6-8 rookie forward Chip "the Crip" Battoe and 6-8 rookie center General Horseplay.
WEAKNESS: Still not much depth at back-up forward, but that's nit-picking. Point guard Bootlace Barnaby always a question mark.
STRENGTH: The two rookie additions and guard Bingo Bango (17.9 ppg) can all score. Battoe is a monster defender.
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: F-Matthew Vanden Boogart has been in the league 11 seasons, all with Dallas.
THE SKINNY: Dallas replaced longtime favorite and All-MBA forward Gulemon Mon-Mon with the league's most spectacular newcomer since Philadelphia's Colquitt Croix. Battoe is the best shot blocker in the MBA since Jimsy Redfern was knocking away 50-plus per season for Charleston. And Battoe can rebound and shoot as well. Horseplay is an excellent scorer and passer in the pivot. This is a better team than the one that made the Finals last season, but they could be blocked by Charleston and Philadelphia.
4. CHICAGO GALE
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Fourth, T-Fourth
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Last, 2-8
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 38
ROSTER TURNOVER: 40 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Forward Reckless Abandon (15.9 ppg) to retirement
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: F-Pietro Destroyer (14.6 ppg) in draft from Charleston and G-Lapiz Lapiz Boligrafo in trade.
WEAKNESS: Defense yielded league-worst 82.7 per game is maybe a tad better.
STRENGTH: Proven scoring at forwards (Bill Cull scored 15.9 per game last season) and guard Norman Conquest (over 16 per game his first two seasons).
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: G-Norman Conquest, G-Santo Thomas and backup center King Schmeckpepr, 3 seasons each.
THE SKINNY: Getting Destroyer in the draft likely saved Chicago from notching a fourth consecutive campaign in the East Division cellar. They seem much better than Milwaukee, but they are a far cry from the three powerhouse teams ahead of them.
5. MILWAUKEE GREYHOUNDS
PREDICTED FINISH: D-Last, T-Last
SEASON 42 RECORD AND FINISH: Fourth, 3-7
MOST RECENT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: Season 40
ROSTER TURNOVER: 30 percent (2 new starters)
BIGGEST LOSSES: Team MVP for the past four seasons, F-Baba Brinkman (18.2 ppg) to free agency.
BIGGEST ADDITIONS: Yet-to-be-determined how big, but lower-ranked rookies G-Hurricane Furrwizard and F-James Payne qualify as additions.
WEAKNESS: Scoring, rebounding, defense. Mostly scoring. Nobody in starting lineup has scored more than 12.8 ppg in any one season.
STRENGTH: None
LONGEST TENURE ON TEAM: 7-1 center Ugatta Noluvfer Spikie has been starter all 7 seasons in Milwaukee.
THE SKINNY: They will vie with Seattle in the West for the worst MBA record and No. 1 pick in the Season 44 draft. Through no fault of his own, Coach Fly Davia will be on the hot seat by the All Star Game break.
NEXT: Previewing the West Division for Season 43.
Monday, April 22, 2019
MBA Season 43 Draft, trades (at bottom of draft page) and Improvements/Deprovements
Tyler's teams, with a shit-load more picks due to previous trades, definitely had the better drafts. They got the top two guards in the draft, the top two forwards and the top center. The top three rated players in the draft all went to Tyler teams.
The grades:
Los Angeles A Picked up top guard in draft, rookie Dr. Marcus Brody and fourth-rated veteran forward Baba Brinkman. Both will start.
Chicago A Their draft was made on their first pick, the second pick in the draft, when they filled their forward need with Pietro Destroyer, rated the No. 3 forward in the draft. He is a big upgrade and the team's best player.
Milwaukee C- Had five picks and could only muster rookie forward James Payne, the 9th best forward and rookie guard Hurricane Furrwizard, the 6th best guard. Both will start, mostly by default.
Sacramento B- Considering they had just one pick, managed to nab second-best center, big rookie GoToo Grot, who will back up Tree Fiddy.
Philadelphia A Getting forward Sloppy Dollop, an Oklahoma City mainstay and the third-best player in the draft immediately makes the Phobia a big contender. They also grabbed top-ranked center, rookie Willie Carry McCoffee and veteran guard Mel A. Noma, ranked second among guards, who they turned into a nice trade with Oklahoma City for guard Akbar Zagobia to complete a strong lineup. (see trades at bottom of this list).
San Jose C+ Three bench players, the best being strong back-up guard Jesus Moron Joseph, rated third best guard in draft.
Seattle C Got fifth-best forward in Kyle Sherwood, a defensive specialist, who will start.
Oklahoma City D Picked up fourth-best guard Brownie McShytles and decent back-up center Jefferson McNuggets, but after losing three excellent starters, needed so much more.
Dallas A Got the prize of the draft, the No. 1 rated player in the draft, forward Chip Battoe, who will replace retired star Gulemon Mon-Mon and is actually considered an upgrade in that regard. Also got third-rated center, rookie General Horseplay, an offensive-minded player who will also start.
Charleston D The best the defending champs could muster was rookie forward Mortimer Masterson, the 11th-rated forward in the draft, who will be a back-up.
NOTEABLE IMPROVEMENTS
Pietro Destroyer -- Chicago caught lightning by first, getting him, then having him extend his shooting range tendency where 3-pointers will now be a big part of his game.
Flip Testerton -- Milwaukee's 6-5 jumping jack forward got even better in his rebounding ability, improved defensively against the shot, got better at free throwing and improved his overall speed. Still not a good shot, however.
Potus Obama -- Rookie of the Year last season, Sacramento's Obama improved his speed to fast which gets him into his sweet shooting zone, the medium, a lot more. Also improved both on the ball defenses.
Colquitt Croix -- Evidently did not like missing All-MBA for first time last season. Philadelphia star improved his passing, his defense against the pass, his defensive rebounding and his already tough-shot in the short zone. Big upgrade for a guy who really didn't need it.
Sloppy Dollop -- Star Philly acquisition improved twice against the dribble and will be a real ball hawk in that regard. Look for lots of steals.
Egg Yolk Carpaccio -- San Jose forward celebrated move to starting lineup by becoming a slick passer, much better on the ball defender and upgrading speed to fast.
Hunk R. Down -- San Jose center-in-waiting is tired of the bench. Big time improvement on defense and in offensive rebounding as well as defensive rebounding. Ready to star.
Carga Larga -- Hard-working third-year center really upped his game, improving twice against the pass and in dribbling ability. Oklahoma City traded him to Philadelphia where he is more than capable back-up to long-timer Diss Reflexia (see trades at bottom of draft sheet).
Wawa Wewa -- Third year forward for Charleston is now a free-throw-making machine at the charity strip while improving his 3-point shot immensely and upping his defensive rebound ability.
NOTEWORTHY DEPROVEMENTS
Mel A. Noma -- Veteran guard added a big fat foul in the defensive sweet spot, which will hurt his playing time. Phobia sent him packing in trade with Oklahoma City.
Naf Naf -- League's best player got faster going into his seventh campaign, which will actually hurt him because it will advance him a few more times beyond his miraculous 3-point zone into the medium zone. The Charleston superstar also improved his dribbling ability, which makes him one of the top dribblers and passers in the game.
The grades:
Los Angeles A Picked up top guard in draft, rookie Dr. Marcus Brody and fourth-rated veteran forward Baba Brinkman. Both will start.
Chicago A Their draft was made on their first pick, the second pick in the draft, when they filled their forward need with Pietro Destroyer, rated the No. 3 forward in the draft. He is a big upgrade and the team's best player.
Milwaukee C- Had five picks and could only muster rookie forward James Payne, the 9th best forward and rookie guard Hurricane Furrwizard, the 6th best guard. Both will start, mostly by default.
Sacramento B- Considering they had just one pick, managed to nab second-best center, big rookie GoToo Grot, who will back up Tree Fiddy.
Philadelphia A Getting forward Sloppy Dollop, an Oklahoma City mainstay and the third-best player in the draft immediately makes the Phobia a big contender. They also grabbed top-ranked center, rookie Willie Carry McCoffee and veteran guard Mel A. Noma, ranked second among guards, who they turned into a nice trade with Oklahoma City for guard Akbar Zagobia to complete a strong lineup. (see trades at bottom of this list).
San Jose C+ Three bench players, the best being strong back-up guard Jesus Moron Joseph, rated third best guard in draft.
Seattle C Got fifth-best forward in Kyle Sherwood, a defensive specialist, who will start.
Oklahoma City D Picked up fourth-best guard Brownie McShytles and decent back-up center Jefferson McNuggets, but after losing three excellent starters, needed so much more.
Dallas A Got the prize of the draft, the No. 1 rated player in the draft, forward Chip Battoe, who will replace retired star Gulemon Mon-Mon and is actually considered an upgrade in that regard. Also got third-rated center, rookie General Horseplay, an offensive-minded player who will also start.
Charleston D The best the defending champs could muster was rookie forward Mortimer Masterson, the 11th-rated forward in the draft, who will be a back-up.
NOTEABLE IMPROVEMENTS
Pietro Destroyer -- Chicago caught lightning by first, getting him, then having him extend his shooting range tendency where 3-pointers will now be a big part of his game.
Flip Testerton -- Milwaukee's 6-5 jumping jack forward got even better in his rebounding ability, improved defensively against the shot, got better at free throwing and improved his overall speed. Still not a good shot, however.
Potus Obama -- Rookie of the Year last season, Sacramento's Obama improved his speed to fast which gets him into his sweet shooting zone, the medium, a lot more. Also improved both on the ball defenses.
Colquitt Croix -- Evidently did not like missing All-MBA for first time last season. Philadelphia star improved his passing, his defense against the pass, his defensive rebounding and his already tough-shot in the short zone. Big upgrade for a guy who really didn't need it.
Sloppy Dollop -- Star Philly acquisition improved twice against the dribble and will be a real ball hawk in that regard. Look for lots of steals.
Egg Yolk Carpaccio -- San Jose forward celebrated move to starting lineup by becoming a slick passer, much better on the ball defender and upgrading speed to fast.
Hunk R. Down -- San Jose center-in-waiting is tired of the bench. Big time improvement on defense and in offensive rebounding as well as defensive rebounding. Ready to star.
Carga Larga -- Hard-working third-year center really upped his game, improving twice against the pass and in dribbling ability. Oklahoma City traded him to Philadelphia where he is more than capable back-up to long-timer Diss Reflexia (see trades at bottom of draft sheet).
Wawa Wewa -- Third year forward for Charleston is now a free-throw-making machine at the charity strip while improving his 3-point shot immensely and upping his defensive rebound ability.
NOTEWORTHY DEPROVEMENTS
Mel A. Noma -- Veteran guard added a big fat foul in the defensive sweet spot, which will hurt his playing time. Phobia sent him packing in trade with Oklahoma City.
Naf Naf -- League's best player got faster going into his seventh campaign, which will actually hurt him because it will advance him a few more times beyond his miraculous 3-point zone into the medium zone. The Charleston superstar also improved his dribbling ability, which makes him one of the top dribblers and passers in the game.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
GREAT GAMES OF THE PAST
HIGHEST POINT TOTAL BY A TEAM IN ONE GAME
As we recently said, the last-place Seattle Stampede of Season 21 set the single-game scoring mark, and here is the score sheet from May 19, 2006, confirming as much.
This game bested the previous record of 114 points in one game set the previous season by Oklahoma City, their opponent in this game.
This game marked the first (and thus far only) time a team scored 100 points and still lost, with Oklahoma City notching 103 points. In losing, the Lariats tied their own Season 13 record for most free throws made in one game (25), which was then surpassed later that same season by Sacramento's 27 and in Season 27 by Houston's 27.
Seattle made just 2 3-point shots in establishing this record, attempting only 6 for the game. Nipple Rings Raguski accounted for both Stampede treys, going 2-for-2. He was 11 for 12 for the game and tied for high rebound total with 5.
Four players had more than 20 points in this game, with Player of the Game Nipple Rings Raguski and rookie center Gram Parsons, both of Seattle leading the way with 27 each.
Seattle shot 79 percent from the floor. Oklahoma City shot 65.5 percent. At the half, Oklahoma was shooting 81.8 percent but still trailed. Seattle was shooting 84.4 percent at the half.
Raguski had a triple-double in the win.
As we recently said, the last-place Seattle Stampede of Season 21 set the single-game scoring mark, and here is the score sheet from May 19, 2006, confirming as much.
This game bested the previous record of 114 points in one game set the previous season by Oklahoma City, their opponent in this game.
This game marked the first (and thus far only) time a team scored 100 points and still lost, with Oklahoma City notching 103 points. In losing, the Lariats tied their own Season 13 record for most free throws made in one game (25), which was then surpassed later that same season by Sacramento's 27 and in Season 27 by Houston's 27.
Seattle made just 2 3-point shots in establishing this record, attempting only 6 for the game. Nipple Rings Raguski accounted for both Stampede treys, going 2-for-2. He was 11 for 12 for the game and tied for high rebound total with 5.
Four players had more than 20 points in this game, with Player of the Game Nipple Rings Raguski and rookie center Gram Parsons, both of Seattle leading the way with 27 each.
Seattle shot 79 percent from the floor. Oklahoma City shot 65.5 percent. At the half, Oklahoma was shooting 81.8 percent but still trailed. Seattle was shooting 84.4 percent at the half.
Raguski had a triple-double in the win.
Saturday, April 13, 2019
MBA Records through Season 42
With the Season 43 draft one week away, now is a good time to review MBA records. Only one single-game team record was recorded in Season 42...rebounds in one game by Oklahoma City.
The oldest team record, Season 5, Milwaukee best 3-point percentage one game.
Oldest individual record, Season 2, Sol Mambo of Milwaukee going 13 for 13 from the foul line.
Of course, we're still waiting for an MBA player to break the sound barrier...i.e., exceed 14 rebounds in one game. Six different players have grabbed 14, but that elusive 15th is still out there in the blue.
The oldest team record, Season 5, Milwaukee best 3-point percentage one game.
Oldest individual record, Season 2, Sol Mambo of Milwaukee going 13 for 13 from the foul line.
Of course, we're still waiting for an MBA player to break the sound barrier...i.e., exceed 14 rebounds in one game. Six different players have grabbed 14, but that elusive 15th is still out there in the blue.
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