Hello everyone and welcome to Season 21. Welcome new teams, to a very difficult D3 league. Two of our last 3 managers to promote out of this league were D4 champions, so your new D4 champs have a lot to live up to.
I do power rankings every week, which are based on a formula I created which weights in game ratings, team record, and team point differential. It's not perfect, but it's pretty good and fun to keep conversation going.
I won't have the first real power ranking done until next week once we have some games, but here are a couple notes on each team.
Big 8
End of Story: this is a relatively new team, starting in season 17. Impressive to move up to D3 so fast. They seem to change their team name a lot. Not sure what to think as they currently have zero players on their roster, and don't appear to much money from tranfers. Weird.
Chicken Hawks: Here's our D2 demotee. He's been around since Season 7, and looks to be plenty strong with the second highest total salary.
Demon Hoosiers: Maybe another Indiana resident?? Good stuff if so. This could be good potential for the next promotee as he has been around since the first Buzzerbeater season, has experience in the NBBA, and most likely has tons of bank. Should be interesting to watch this team progress.
Eclypze: Eugene Smith seems to be coming along nicely. We all know Eclypze has the bankroll to buy a championship, but he SAYS he's waiting until Season 22. You never know...
Extra Crispy: Always in the playoff hunt, and led by a great backcourt, Extra Crispy has always been a force, but never a threat to promote. We'll see what happens with him this season.
Lake Charles Creoles: Escaped relegation in a nightmare conference last season, but is always a tough team to beat. Was a runner up a few seasons ago, but is struggling to keep pace right now.
Natellio: Another 3rd place finish in the conference last year, but finally has a little cash, and a growing backcourt with Mike Linton's development. Needs to spend less time in the forums and more time making a good team.
Toronto Traptors: An early favorite to promote. Has a beast of a SF and a great Look Inside game. Always seems to be my rival which sucks for the fan survey.
Great 8
Bushrods: Going to be behind a little bit in terms of salary, but with a promotion bonus and a perfect fan survey, might be able to buy some players to help contend. Another pretty new team though (Season 16).
Cathar Heretics: Another possible favorite to win it all. Last season's D2 demotee was a fraction of a step behind Dong Energy all season. Has expressed struggling to keep interest in the game, but has the ability to promote.
East Gary Eagles: Had a great last season, but was stuck among 4 other very strong teams. Has a great back court as well, but needs something to be a real threat to the top.
Kentucky Wyldcats: Another D4 team who will need to add some beef to compete. Has a lot of experience though (Season 11) so should be able to adjust pretty well.
Lengends: Really glad to see you fight off a relegation series. Had a disappointing Season 20, but remains in D3, and gaining experience.
Real Big Tymerz: Been around since Season 11, and looks to have some cash on hand. Could be a strong D4 team. Also has an all USA roster, which I love.
Ron Swanson All Stars: Had a phenomenal finish to the season. Had a huge win streak going, and then upset Cathar in the playoffs. Look for them to be a force in this conference.
The Door Mats : Always looks to be sure to relegate, but then gets great wins when he needs them. A better start to the season could put him the playoff hunt this season.