BuzzerBeater Forums

Roberto Gurgone: Gentlemen, I want to get your thoughts on something. What if I could go out and get a true center? A bona fide, shot-blocking, interior defending, glass cleaning center?

Byron Helm: You’ve got prospects, don’t you?

Marshall Richards: I know I’ve been hearing things...

Pio Reina: We coach who’s here. If you bring in a center, we’ll make things work like always. I’ll allow that I’m not happy with production from the bench. We’d need to have a conversation about who moves to the second unit.

RG: What’s your biggest issue with the bench?

PR: I can’t pick one. The defense. The lack of rebounding. The lack of scoring. The ball security. The lack of intensity.

RG: OK; this wouldn’t address ball security, probably. Defense and rebounding, definitely. The lack of scoring? That’s going to depend on how you want to alter your rotations, but this could be promising.

MR: (whispers three names in Roberto’s ear)

RG: Who told you and how did you know?

MR: Easy, ‘Berto. I was media recently; I still know people. They say stuff. Most of what they say is wrong, but they also talk to scouts. So do I.

RG: Fill in Pio and Byron. None of this leaves the office. Also, nothing is guaranteed. You’ll need to make plans just in case.

PR: You do know we have a game tonight, right?

RG: Yeah. Don’t expect another 20 point win tonight. I’ll be interested in what Bolibok does for an encore performance.

PR: We’re interested in seeing what Enfes does tonight. I guess we’ll both find out soon enough.

RG: I’ll see you after the game, gentlemen.

Guys,
Lion Rebels had made it to top 8 in tournament, one of the two in League 3. he is now rank 26th in the nation!!!

Yeah - honestly got lucky on several of my cup match ups after running into a struggling Div II team in the third round. I had four Div IV matchups in a row after that, and then back to back Div II teams, the second of which threw the game. I’ve only made it to the round of 64 once, so this feels pretty good. But I’m not holding out too much hope…but that is one reason I lost to Muffin on Saturday, trying to preserve my starter’s game shape. Also, I feel like the ranking system is inflating my team’s rank just because of the cup run…and I’m not sure it’s entirely accurate. But I do wonder if there’s just several Div I & II teams tanking a bit.

At any rate - I’m enjoying it while it lasts. Cheers!

…and after losing out in the BBM in the round of 32, I’m not holding out hope for tomorrow!

Tied it up at 72 with 30 seconds left in the third, only to give up a three pointer to end it. Doing better than I thought, but pretty sure I’m about to be finished.

Week Nine Power Rankings
As we're getting closer to the end of the season, the overall rankings have settled into what feels like some solidity with only four movements in EFFG ranking and two in OPP EFFG, with everyone else staying near the same and not affecting the overall rankings from last week that much. So, to switch it up, this week and next week we'll have a slightly different power ranking. In week nine, we'll reveal the season's most improved EFFG teams from week one and in week ten, we'll have the season's most improved OPP EFFG since week one. Which will set us up for our final regular season week before the playoffs begin. Without further ado, here are the rankings for Most Improved Efficiency!

16. VileOnes
Week 1 EFFG: 95
Week 9 EFFG: 64.4
EFFG Diff: -30.6
EFFG Rank: 16

The race to the #1 pick comes to a head on Tuesday, when Vile visits Balls in an attempt to avenge their lone win earlier this season.

15. CB Bethesdorf
Week 1 EFFG: 139
Week 9 EFFG: 114.8
EFFG Diff: -24.2
EFFG Rank: 9

Just two games back from the playoffs with five games left, will CB find themselves battling in those playoffs, facing the Big 8 seven seed, or the Big 8 six seed in relegation? Hosting Fort Wayne this week should be the indicator.

14. Tasty Tardsicles
Week 1 EFFG: 146.5
Week 9 EFFG: 131.8
EFFG Diff: -14.7
EFFG Rank: 3

At the very worst, they are the third best team in the league this season, but they've passed through the toughest part of their competition in the second part of their Great 8 schedule and look to go undefeated in the Great 8 while marching their way to the title game.

13. Balls to the Walls
Week 1 EFFG: 84
Week 9 EFFG: 72.9
EFFG Diff: -11.1
EFFG Rank: 15

While falling short this season, they've at least attempted to be competitive and appear destined for relegation vs a Big 8 five seed.

12. SuperSonics
Week 1 EFFG: 133
Week 9 EFFG: 124.5
EFFG Diff: -8.5
EFFG Rank: 5

Since being ranked 1st in Week Five, the Sonics have lost five games. They're like the Miami Dolphins of our league - can't beat the above .500 teams!

11. Fort Wayne Pistons
Week 1 EFFG: 126
Week 9 EFFG: 119.5
EFFG Diff: -6.5
EFFG Rank: 7

Two wins this week propelled them into playoff contention and a separation from their closest competition. A win against CB on Tuesday could solidify their position the rest of the way.

10. San Dominica Warriors
Week 1 EFFG: 138.5
Week 9 EFFG: 132.9
EFFG Diff: -5.6
EFFG Rank: 2

It's nearly impossible for San Dominica to miss out on the playoffs at this point, but they do have the potential to move up for home court advantage in the first round or could end up in the 4th seed. F.Day visits on Tuesday to help determine that scenario.

9. Jumpstop Jumpers
Week 1 EFFG: 90
Week 9 EFFG: 86.2
EFFG Diff: -3.8
EFFG Rank: 13

After a loss to Fort Wayne and a run against the numbers 2, 3, and 1 seeds in the Great 8, it's going to be difficult for the Jumpers to do anything but get to that fifth seed.

Week Nine Power Rankings - Part Two

8. Lion Rebels
Week 1 EFFG: 137.5
Week 9 EFFG: 134.4
EFFG Diff: -3.1
EFFG Rank: 1

A near loss in the Elite 8 stage of the tournament makes for a dumb first regular season loss to start the week. The matchup of the season is probably tonight, to determine who goes to the championship from the Big 8.

7. F.Day Internet Lovers Club
Week 1 EFFG: 126
Week 9 EFFG: 130.9
EFFG Diff: +4.9
EFFG Rank: 4

A 14-game win streak has led them to a shot at 1st in the Big 8 with a victory tonight.

6. Linndale
Week 1 EFFG: 104.5
Week 9 EFFG: 109.5
EFFG Diff: +5
EFFG Rank: 10

While the Warriors loss was expected, losing to Dragmort stings and after a DNP - Coach's Decision for Tovar, Shooter appears to be looking for somewhere else to shoot.

5. Shandong Golden Lions
Week 1 EFFG: 105.5
Week 9 EFFG: 114.9
EFFG Diff: +9.4
EFFG Rank: 8

This come week's schedule will solidify their presence in the Big 8, but the week after that presents a V in the Golden Lions path toward the end of the season as they will host the Warriors.

4. Mindless Zombies
Week 1 EFFG: 105.5
Week 9 EFFG: 119.7
EFFG Diff: +14.2
EFFG Rank: 6

A 5-3 record through interconference competition pushed the Zombies into 2nd in the Great 8. A 13-point road loss to Tasty tells us that a run to the championship isn't out of the question.

3. 209's MostWanted
Week 1 EFFG: 77.5
Week 9 EFFG: 94.6
EFFG Diff: +17.1
EFFG Rank: 12

In spite of just three wins on the season, 209's EFFG form has substantially improved. Unfortunately, there's two wins, tops, in the rest of their schedule.

2. Muffin Men
Week 1 EFFG: 55.5
Week 9 EFFG: 74.9
EFFG Diff: +19.4
EFFG Rank: 14

I'm not saying the Lion Rebels are responsible for Muffin having this much of an improvement, but they did give up 93 efficiency in their loss to the Muffins.

1. Dragmort Dragons Utd
Week 1 EFFG: 78
Week 9 EFFG: 98.4
EFFG Diff: +20.4
EFFG Rank: 11

They have potential, still to make the playoffs, and the coming matchups set them up perfectly for that opportunity, but face three of the top four in their final three games to determine their fate.

Best of luck this week!

We join the Linndale pregame show in progress…

Jimmy Buckitts: Coach, tell us about the big man, Gao Rongjing.

Pio Reina: He’s a 21 year old center who is an old school center. Plays in the post, can shoot the jumper, defends, rebounds, block shots. We think he pairs nicely with both Stojakevic and Beko.

JB: So who moves to the bench, or are we seeing a three big lineup tonight?

PR: We absolutely can start all 3 if we want, but that’s not necessarily what’s best for the team right now. We’re going to roll out Rongjing in the middle, Stojakevic, Pasman, Bolibok, and Frias. The second unit has been a source of concern, so we’re going to put Beko on the second unit with Pemwieser, Enfes, Kops, and Leao.

JB: After the San Dominica game, is this a show of confidence in Pasman?

PR: Not at all; Walt doesn’t need a show of confidence. We have all the confidence in the world in Walt, and he knows that.

JB: With the roster makeover, what can the newcomers learn in the backend of this season?

Pio Reina: We still have a lot of ground to make up to be competitive here in the Big 8. This is still the toughest conference in the toughest D3 league, and we’re on the wrong side of the competitive divide. We are going to be a problem for someone, but this group needs the experience now. We have a deep, talented, young roster. Once these kids figure out how to play together, we’re going to be a tough draw for anyone and everyone.

JB: Is there something the fans should watch for tonight?

PR: I would say the foul situation and bench production. We’ve got to get them in foul trouble and force them into their bench. Then, our bench has to take advantage of the opportunities they get. The other key is not letting their big man have his way. We'll need to take advantage of every opportunity we can, but the second unit specifically has the depth and ability to make things happen. We need to get a lift from them tonight.

JB: Thank you for your time, and good luck tonight, Coach.

PR: Thanks, Jimmy.

Marshall Richards was mic'ed up during the first half. Let's listen in...

Timeout, 5:16, 1st
Good start. Gotta limit them on the boards and try to slow the game down a bit. Let’s try to clean up these turnovers and tighten up a bit defensively. Gao, be smart out there.

End of 1st
Jimmy Buckitts: Marshall, what’s going good and what needs to change so far?
Marshall Richards: We got off to a fine start in the first couple of minutes hitting our first couple of shots and transitioning defense into offense. Darko looks like he might be in for a nice night, but the early fouls on Rongjing are a bit of a concern. Walt’s being a terror on the defensive end as we expected he would. Long way to go; we expect a fight. Gotta limit them on the boards and see if we can get someone going offensively with Darko; it looks like it might be Piotr Bolibok. The bench is doing a nice job collectively. We need that to continue. Still a lot of basketball to be played.

11:46, 2nd
MR: Mr. Petey Freakin’ Buckets!!! How do you do!!!

10:59, 2nd
MR: Gotta score when they give three-for-ones! Let’s get a stop here and make up for that!

9:02, 2nd
MR: That’s what I’m talking about! 4 shots and no points! Now can we get these boards so they don’t get 4 shots per possession please?

7:01, 2nd
MR: Carlos, he’s getting to the rim too easy. Let’s get tough on that!

6:10, 2nd
MR: Petey, we don’t need to play hero ball. You have teammates. Play WITH them.

3:10, 2nd
MR: Pio, I think there’s something about this new look second unit. I think we have something here. Pemwieser especially looks… different.

1:23, 2nd
MR: Starters let’s finish this half strong! Second unit, Great job, guys!

Jimmy Buckitts: Marshall, you’re down 1 at the half. What needs to happen to change that?
MR: We need to limit their 2nd chance and 3rd chance opportunities. We need to stop settling for the three point shot and attack the basket. We also have to get someone going besides Darko, and Gao has to not pick up quick fouls. For now, we focus on starting the third quarter with the same strong defense we opened with.

JB: Thanks Marshall, and good luck in the second half!

Samantha Walsh:
Guys we just came out of the Warrior's Locker Room here at the Playground and this is what we saw!

Coach Stephenson:
All fellas. Good job so far. Begin, O’Brien. Way to go wreckin’ on the boards. That’s what we talking about when we say Silverback play. Keep it up. Double Double, the both of you. That’s what you should have by the end of this night.

Ranger! I’m liking the 5 outta 9, but there’s more to a game than scoring. You doing the hustling but you can do a bit more.

LAB! Keep gunnin’ they gonna fall in at some point. Keep it up. Love the D you giving!

Ali Baba! In fact all of you guards. Good job taking what the game is giving you. I don’t need all of you to be heroes, I just need all of you to not be stupid.

Now. Do we respect this team!

Everyone:
Yes!

Coach Stephenson:
And what does that mean?

Everyone:
It means we show them no pity or mercy. A respected team is dangerous team.

Coach Stephenson:
And what do dangerous teams do?

Everyone:
Can make a** outta you and me!

Coach Stephenson:
And are we a****!

Everyone:
No!

Coach Stephenson:
Who are we?

Everyone:
Warriors!

Coach Stephenson:
Who are we?

Everyone:
Warriors!

Coach Stephenson:
Now go and put these SOBs away like the warriors we see them to be! LAB!

Baiao:
Put it in guys! On three. 1 … 2…3.

Everyone:
Warriors!

Samantha Walsh:
Coach told me that his team is not going to take this lead as a guarantee of victory. There's still a half of ball to be played and his team is gonna play it hard to the final bell. Back to you guys.



Last edited by Coach Stephenson at 2/3/2024 9:04:56 PM

Jimmy Buckitts: Coach, congratulations on the win tonight. What was the difference in the second half from the first?

Pio Reina: We got off to the strong start in the 3rd like we wanted, but we knew this would be a fight. So, we made sure to bring the fight to them. The three point shot was keeping them in the game the third quarter; their makes and our misses. When we attack the rim, we’re tough to defend. You got a good example of that specifically in the third quarter, but we were pretty consistent with the effort the entire game.

JB: The defense seemed to tire a bit in the fourth quarter.

PR: Our defense wasn’t very good in the 4th quarter, but that is a good basketball team over there. Give them some flowers. Tonight, our defense was good enough to get the win. We still have a ways to go.

JB: You said before the game that your depth needed to show up and you need to get them in foul trouble. I gotta admit it; Coach, you called that one.

PR: Well we needed that to happen, and fortunately for us it did. I was particularly pleased with the strong play off the bench tonight. Cafer Enfes was efficient scoring, Pemwieser was aggressive, Leao and Kops were steady in the back court, and Beko was solid as a rock.

JB: The starting five were not slouches, either.

PR: You asked pregame about Walt Pasman needing a vote of confidence. Walt was the tip of the spear defensively tonight. Stojakevic was the steady man on offense, Bolibok showed us his scoring, Rongjing had a very tough assignment in the middle and handled it as well as we’d hoped, and Frias didn’t have his best game, but he brought it defensively and held his own. This was a team win. Every man contributed. It wasn’t pretty, no style points.

JB: Next up are the Lion Rebels.

PR: I’m sure we don’t register on their radar, and we shouldn’t. They’re trying to get the one seed in the playoffs. We’re just trying to get better and set the bar for next season. Why would we register on their radar?

JB: Last question. How does the future of Linndale basketball look?

PR: We think it’s bright. We’ll find out I short order, won’t we? Two of our final four against Lion Rebels and F.Day; we’ll find out if we’re moving in the right direction real fast.

JB: Thanks, Coach. That was Pio Reina after a 106-100 victory over the Shandong Golden Lions. Back to Joshua and Sam in studio after a word from our sponsors.