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Week Six Power Rankings - Part Two
8. Lion Rebels (8)
EFFG: 8 OPP EFFG: 9
Despite dropping back to back games for the first time this season, the Lion Rebels have maintained their position in these rankings, but have lost ground in the standings. The team's management is reportedly quietly seething, but thanks to the positive point differential, there's still hope, though rumour has it, some in the organization are settling for a upper relegation spot to win out and remain in the league. They're looking forward to losing a third straight game as they travel to The Basketball Center to face The Ashkickers.

9. Miami Cleo (10)
EFFG: 11 OPP EFFG: 6
Up one spot this week with a decent improvement in both categories, especially on defense, their offense still has their struggles, but was able to break their six game losing streak and win back to back to get back to .500 and keep their point differential positive, landing them back in pursuit of the playoffs in the Great 8. Unfortunately for them, they play host to Jbogoroff and them boys before the All Star game.

10. Żubr Białystok (9)
EFFG: 9 OPP EFFG: 10
Swapping spots with Miami this week, whitestok finds themselves at .500 with a barely negative PD after upsetting Linndale and trying to hang with Philly this last week. No real movement in either category for them and they have an interesting matchup with San Dominica at home this week. Hopefully will be fun to watch Miami and Żubr battle it out for the fourth spot in the Great 8.

11. The Beer Bellys (11)
EFFG: 12 OPP EFFG: 12
Dropping two more this week to extend their losing streak to three (including five of the last six), thatguy's group is still better than the worst of the conference, but doesn't appear to be fighting for much more than the chance to win out in relegation (sounds familiar). In what could be a preview of a relegation matchup, they host Carolina Rebels this Saturday.

12. Carolina Rebels (12)
EFFG: 13 OPP EFFG: 11
Winners of five games so far this season, they're putting on a good show of trying to contend for a better spot in the relegation matchups and put on a great run through the Cup, finally falling to the 86th ranked US team, Knights of Autumn. Two wins this week against the slums of the Great 8 and with the aforementioned matchup on the road against Beer Bellys, we'll see who is who we thought they were before all of this happens.

Week Six Power Rankings - Part Three

13. 2 percent (13)
EFFG: 10 OPP EFFG: 15
2 percent's record is proof of their 2nd to worst defense in the league, but they are sporting a middle of the packish EFFG rank, scoring at least more than 200 points more than 12-16 on this list (they're averaging 96.4 PPG, good for 6th in the league). Mighty Moose decided to come to life this week to try and squeeze out a win, but came up 3 points short against 2% who had a nice fourth quarter come back with 48 points from the young American SF Harvey Griffin (Peter's long lost cousin). They've another chance to notch a third win on their belt as they play host to The Lone Wolf on Saturday.

14. The Lone Wolf (14)
EFFG: 14 OPP EFFG: 13
Not much change at the bottom of these rankings, but lonewolf8's crew is hanging in just above the mess at the bottom as they ride a 10-game losing tidal wave into 2% this weekend. Their seemingly lone bright spot on the roster is Italian SF Nicola Mezzalira who is in the top 10 in points, averaging 19.2/game. Can they eek out a 2nd win on the road before the break?

15. Is This Heaven? (15)
EFFG: 15 OPP EFFG: 14
The struggle continues for IOWA as they dropped another two games to pile onto their losing streak. Unfortunately, they haven't been close, even in matchups closer to their level, but they do have what may be their only chance of the season to prove they are indeed the 15th team and not the 16th team in these rankings as they host Mighty Moose Rockets on Saturday. It's hard to find a bright spot on this roster, but England's U21 rostered C Paul Baker is the closest, averaging 13 Reb/game and is ranked in the top 5 in total rebounds in our conference.

16. Mighty Moose Rockets (16)
EFFG: 16 OPP EFFG: 16
Decidedly at the bottom of the Cellar, Hutch44 went for it on Tuesday night, but came up short after leading most of the game. Did they blow their chance to not go winless or will they be able to beat Heaven in this week's premiere match up of the "Why aren't we in DIV.IV already?" teams.

I'll try to get to my all-star predictions tomorrow, but I make no promises to display my ineptitude at guessing things. Cheers!

Sad to report that I just discovered Is This Heaven? hasn't signed in since the beginning of last month.

Hustlas team, still active in the Cup, faces a good team this week. The objective is to still be active in the cup after the all-star break.

Hustlas Radio host James Spy is on the scene. "The Hustlas have a solid chance of continuing on the the Cup, keeping them active for the BBM playoffs and The Cup after the all-star break. And looking at this match, the Hustlas took Jumpstart seriously, but they did not take the Hustlas seriously. The Hustlas will win this one going away."

Season 58 All Star Predictions
Much like my power rankings, I base these all-star predictions on player efficiency for the season (for the most part - there are a few instances where potential all-stars are not in the top twenty of player efficiency, at which point I "resort" to player ratings, and in one instance, Big 8's backup PG prediction, I had to resort to actually looking at statistics adn comparing them. Ugh.). Each player listed will show their efficiency on the season behind their name, followed by their overall conference ranking.

Big 8 Starters
PG: Miguel Velasco: 14.9 EFF - Philly Dribble - unranked in EFF - 6th in Average Ranking (AR)
SG: Nikos Neochoritis: 22.6 EFF - Rip City Revival - 6th in EFF
SF: Jérome Bégin: 21 EFF - San Dominica Warriors - 9th in EFF
PF: Arley Coronado: 23.5 EFF - Linndale - 4th in EFF
C: Terry Armstead: 28.5 EFF - Lion Rebels - 1st in EFF

Great 8 Starters
PG: Lorenzo Rojas: 19.1 EFF - The Ashkickers - 19th in EFF
SG: Arys Varpukevicius: 19.4 EFF - Miami Cleo - 17th in EFF
SF: Paolo Mari Acuna: 22.5 EFF - 2 percent - 7th in EFF
PF: Gordon Pullen: 25.6 EFF - Tachenko - 3rd in EFF
C: Richard Mason: 27.2 EFF - Tachenko - 2nd in EFF

Big 8 Backups
PG: Edward Rutledge: 13 EFF - Rip City Revival - unranked in EFF & AR - see notes below
SG: Luís Alberto Baião: 21.4 EFF - San Dominica Wariors - 8th in EFF
SF: Kurt Brown: 20.7 EFF - Lion Rebels - 11th in EFF
PF: Frederico Fornels: 23.1 EFF - Rip City Revival - 5th in EFF
C: Dewayne Allen: 20.5 EFF - Carolina Rebels - 12th in EFF

Great 8 Backups
PG: Harvey Griffin: 20 EFF - 2 percent - 14th in EFF
SG: Juan Gilberto Segovia: 20.2 EFF - The Beer Bellyus - 13th in EFF
SF: Graziano Gattoni: 16.4 EFF - The Ashkickers - unranked in EFF - 16th in AR
PF: Josef Talman: 21 EFF - Hustlas - 10th in EFF
C: Clark Riggins: 19.4 EFF - Żubr Białystok - 18th in EFF

Season 58 All Star Predictions: Flyers, Snubs, and other Drubs
From the Efficiency side of things, Linndale's Center Mikhail Klimenkov is the biggest snub for the Big 8, with an EFF of 19.7, good for top 15 in EFF in the league. He's followed closely by Rip City's Center Elio Pagnini with a 19.1 EFF, good for 20th on the list so far this season.

The Great 8 was a little harder to determine, from an EFF standpoint, but looking through the list of top Average Ratings, Krzysztof Huk, the Hustlas SG tops the list with a 16.8 EFF and a 13.7 AR, and The Ashkickers Center Samuel Fortune follows him with a 13.6 AR (but a measly 9.1 EFF).

Another player who probably deserves a shout is Philly's SG Paride Fasselli who is top 5 in Average Rating, but got beat out by two deserving guards, in Nikky Nay and Baião.

Couple of notable flyers I took, again based on EFF, but in terms of team record are definitely sketchy picks - here's looking at you Dewayne Allen, Harvey Griffin and Paolo Mari Acuna, whose teams have a combined 7-17 record, mostly thanks to the Carolina Rebels. In truth, 2 percent's Paolo is ranked higher in EFF than the Beer Bellys Sexy Segovia, but I'm hoping team standings plays some factor into the selections...but who knows.

As far as team snubs, Philly Dribble and Hustlas stick out with only one selection, so I assume my arena will be getting egged this weekend.

But the biggest guess out of all of these comes at the Big 8 backup PG selection of Edward Rutledge. Originally I was going to go with Philly's Sébastien Rigaux, who is ranked 3rd in FG%, 2nd in 3FG%, 1st in PTS/48 min and boasts a 13 AR to go along with a 16 EFF. He's shooting above 55% from the field (including three), but only averaging 21.8 MPG. Maybe that shouldn't matter, but that led me to move down the line where I was picking between Rutledge and San Dominica's Étienne Blanchet. They match up fairly well, but Rutledge edges Blanchet out in points, rating, and efficiency per game, so I gave the bench nod to him.

3-Point Contest Predictions
I was pretty close in my 3-point predictions for last season's all star matchup - it seems to me that you have to have at least 50 attempts on the season, so I'm taking the top 6 3-point percentage shooters who've shot at least 50 shots, which excludes the following "sharp" shooters thus far:
Sébastien Rigaux - Philly Dribble - 56% on 41 attempts
Juljonas Glicas - Philly Dribble - 52.3% on 44 attempts
Aleksa Kričković - Żubr Białystok - 48.5% on 33 attempts
Max-Phillip Woesler - Philly Dribble - 47.8% on 46 attempts (this one might come back to bite me).

So, here are my guesses:
Paride Fasselli - Philly Dribble - 58.2% on 55 attempts
Luís Alberto Baião - San DOminica Warriors - 53% on 66 attempts
Nikos Neochoritis - Rip City Revival - 49.6% on 75 attempts
Sirmantas Legkauskas - Hustlas - 49.3% on 69 attempts
Paul Lutz - Linndale - 49% on 51 attempts
Lorenzo Rojas - The Ashkickers - 47.6% on 63 attempts

Some great three point shooters missing out on the contest this year. As always, good luck this weekend and can't wait to find out how wrong I am about all of this!

This is Chris McSpirit here on the Warrior Pregame Show. And here with me is Coach himself. Coach thanks for joining us. I know you and your staff have a long day ahead before taking on Blaystok tonight here in the Stok.

COACH: Thanks Chris

MCSPIRIT: First of all you know we got to show it.

(Last Tuesday End of Game:)
PLUCK: Pluck TaPaul here with Coach Stephenson. Coach congratulations. You guys came in and won big.

COACH: Thanks! Whoo! This was a big, big win for us! We had some concerns but our guys came through. Especially this guy! (grabs passing BLANCHETT) You said watch! And you finally broke out! (arms locked around BLANCHETT's neck) 12, 13 points! Yeah!!!! Expecting a few more dimes but you did good Pig! You did good! (Lets his PG go)

COACH: This was a big one. Hopefully we can get some more good news. A few games we've trying to keep track off. Hopefully we can get some help on our North and South flank. Give us some breathing room! Oh man I'm just proud of my guys...

MCSPIRIT: (chuckling) You guys did get a little bit of help least on that South flank. The Hustlas took out the Rebels to give you guys a three game lead for the final playoff spot. Unfortunately Linndale came out with the win over Tachenko so no ground gained there. But you were so happy for that win and we rarely see you that emotional

COACH: It was just when we analyzed the scouting report and film we were expecting them to go big and then when they went small, we were concerned Jerome was going to be put in a difficult position on the defensive end especially given we were only up two at halftime and it seemed like momentum was going their way

MCSPIRIT: But it worked out.

COACH: Yeah for the first time in a long time we got it going in the third quarter, a quarter that lately has been not so kind to us and we didn't take our foot off the petal until the end. From a coach's standpoint that 2nd half was beautiful sight to see. People talk about seeing beautiful sunsets and all that. B-ball coaches love to see wonderful team chemistry and smart play in the 2nd half of games.

MCSPIRIT: Tonight you guys take on Zubr Bialystok. Last game before the All-Stark Break. What are you guys expecting to see tonight?

COACH: That's the thing. Not sure what we're going to see. This team they're chameleons. You think they are going to A and they end up being B. A scouting report would make one think you can play it safe and then next thing you know you're Linndale walking away with a loss. We're going to first and foremost make sure that no matter what our defense is ready. Offensively hopefully we can get another big game from Begin. Blanch and Al can give some scoring power to take the pressure off LAB

MCSPIRIT: And hopefully Blanchett can drop a few more dimes this game.

COACH (laughing): Yes I'll be really really surprised if two consecutive conference games show with one assist.

MCSPIRIT: Warriors have acquired a few new faces this past week. We'll discuss them when we come back. This is the Warrior Pregame Show.

Last edited by Coach Stephenson at 9/10/2022 2:32:44 PM

"We are here live at the Hustlas Smackdown arena in beautiful downtown Las Vegas. And we are here for the Hustlas pregame report. I'm your host Dillard Crenshawàa you #z1#

"We are here live at the Hustlas Smackdown arena in beautiful downtown Las Vegas. And we are here for the Hustlas pregame report. I'm your host Dillard Crenshaw, and we have some interesting things to cover. First off, the Hustlas just lost two pieces of their bench. The second best outside defender was transferred last night, Trepicchio, and their other point guard, is also gone. Two players, and this could really affect this team. They used them as shock troops, so that they could dominate all benches in the league. It was paying dividends, but we will see how the team reacts tonight against Linndale. After this game, the Hustlas has another BBM game and another CUP match before the all-star break. And the Hustlas want to win out. The loss of the two of them make it that much tougher."

"You didn't introduce me," says Alvin Ames.
"And I say the Hustlas will win this one, no problems. There are two scary matchups, especially when the second string come in, but Jim Layton now has to play and will do well. He will keep growing and developing. The Hustlas will keep it close, then pull away in the end. They will not be denied," says Ames.

"And I say it's not that cut and dry. You have no idea how the loss of two players that can start almost anywhere will have on this team. Also, they are looking at Denkovic, Kobuki, or Sazmuk as another player to release. This is is going through upheaval. Hustlas lose by 5," says Crenshaw.

"I can't wait for you to eat your words," says Ames. "Legkauskas will have a field day today. He'll drop 30, or it will be a team effort. But I prefer his 30."

"And this is why I didn't introduce you," says Crenshaw. "You're unforgettable."

Last edited by Reece at 9/10/2022 5:40:12 PM

Happy Ourer with Linndale legend Pio Reina on the WINO radio Pregame report, and this one's gonna be short and sweet folks. Pio, it's All-Star Week. What does that mean for the team?

Pio: Usually, that means if team training week for Linndale. Stamina and free throw shooting, with stamina chosen about 80% of the time, but I think Coach has something different in mind for the team.

Happy: What makes you say that?

Pio: Game shape doesn't seem to be quite the issue for the team it might have been in the past. It could always be better, but it's not the issue it used to be. Free throw shoooting is a problem, but I think that will get addressed later. I think Coach has to address the lack of depth defensively inside, the lack of rebounding, or the lack of depth with the inside game of offense. Last week. emphasis on the guards offense was inventive. Putting them in paint offensively paid off a little bit, and I'd expect to see more of that type of thing in the future. Tonight, I think the emphasis is going on the defense or rebounding.

Happy: You seem to hammer of depth inside. Do you think the team will focus on the younger guys tonight?

Pio: I would. Look, Hustlas are stacked. We simply do not have anyone who can match up with Suen Jun Hoi---and that's no disrespect to our guards, but we don't. Domenic Ziehaus and Josef Talman inside are really good, too. In fact, Klimekov and Coronado will both admit those two are better.

Happy: And our guys are pretty good; that's saying something!

Pio: Right! That's respect.

Happy: Given that, do you think we will see guys like Daniel Gale and Balthasar Gebhardt Datler get extensive time tonight?

Pio: I think so. Klimenkov and Coronado carry the load inside for Linndale and we have to develop some guys behind them. Kevin Jung and Sutori both could see plenty of time depending on which way Coach decides to go. Joe Brown and even Bobby Coenen could as well.

Happy: So you think this is going to be a training exercise for Linndale?

Pio: It could be. Depends on the foul situation and what guys Hustlas decides to suit up. Listen, take those three big guns out of the picture, and I think Linndale beats them. I don't think you see Klimenkov or Coronado tonight. I think you see the younger guys get schooled inside, and Linndale loses. If the game spirals out of control with foul trouble or injury, then I'd expect Coach to scrap whatever plan wa for the week and just shift to Free Throw week. His emphasis is going to be something inside. Free throw is a fall back, and Linndale is pretty good about stressing that, but make no mistake: they're working on something inside. I just don't know what part of the inside game they choose.

Happy: Well Pio, you know better than almost anyone the three pillars of Coach's philosophy!

Pio: Defense, rebounding, and free throw shooting. You want to have fun and run? Take care of those things first.

Happy: You played on some pretty good Linndale squads, Pio. You've played for Coach.

Pio: I think a few of the teams I played on would smoke this team. We were really good. We knew how to ugly things up against better teams and steal a win, and we were better than a lot of teams straight up strictly because of our defense. Coach won't say it publicly, but I don't think he's happy with the defense. I know he's not happy with the rebounding. He's going defense tonight.

Happy: There you have it folks! That's your pregame report! Happy Hourer and Pio Reina saying goodnight for now, and we'll see you at tipoff!

Happy Ourer live at halftime in Smackdown Arena, and Pio, we've got ourselves quite the surprise!

Pio: I did NOT see this coming and I am not ashamed to admit it!

Happy: Folks, at the half, and no, your eyes do not deceive you, the score is Linndale 80 and Hustlas 70.

Pio: I know the 70 points is driving Coach mad, but that 80 spot is making him giddy, I assure you!

Happy: Kyle Knowles and Paul Lutz both lead the way with 21 points apiece for Linndale.

Pio: The aggressiveness they are playing with is setting the tone, and Lutz getting to the line 7 times is something to watch. This attack is something. Nick Guevara, whose aggressiveness had been questioned, is also looking good.

Happy: They're doing this with Klimenkov and Coronado on the bench tonight which is surprising, but keep an eye on the Daniel Gale situation. The kid went down with an injury early in the 2nd quarter with 5 points and 5 boards. It will be interesting to see if he comes out for the second half.

Pio: You don't want to see anyone get hurt, but the whole team has stepped it up with their aggressiveness. 14 steals versus only 3 turnovers while grabbing 21 boards, versus 2 steals, 18 turnovers and 35 rebounds for Hustlas.

Happy: The way Linndale has been looking since the introduction of the full court press, it looks like Coach may have to make this a staple the rest of the way.

Pio: I know Coach pretty well, and I can tell you he'll do what needs to be done for training purposes, to develop the team, and to get them ready for the postseason; it's nice knowing that the press is a weapon he can turn to when he wants it.

Happy, Yeah, and the other team won't know when or what group will run it!

Pio Reina and Happy Ourer on the WINO Basketball Network and we'll be back to start the second half! Again, the score at halftime, Linndale 80, Hustlas 70!