Well, because I am bored, here is the unofficial official finals preview:
Whitebeard versus the Lewisham Wombats
(guessing a bit at Whitebeards positions, since he flips the buggers around a bit
)
PG: Alexi Asvestas v Hahi Bin Awang
Both players play a similar role for their team, get the ball to the bigs, and try to stop the opposing PG from doing the same. Neither are big scorers, but both can be prone to jacking up a few poor shots. The coaches will be hoping they are able to limit that in this game. Hahi is probably a slightly better alround guard, but Asvestas is a very solid player for the Bearded one.
Advantage: Wombats
SG: Cranshaw v Anczkowski
Two pretty different players here. Both players are good passers of the ball. But while Cranshaw rarely scores, Ancz is capable of being a key offensive player for the Wombats when on song. However, against Cranshaw's D, you'd expect his offensive influence on this series to be minimal.
Advantage: Tie
SF: Walker v Yalduz
Again, two very different players. Yalduz has had a very good season as an all around SF, and is capable of consistently scoring 15-20 points. Walker has tailed off a bit after a good start to the season, but is an outside threat and a good defender. Again, I'd expect these two to nullify each other.
Advantage: Tie
PF: Galvin v Manfrotto
A key battle. Both players are capable of piling on the points, rebounding, and playing D. Alot depends on whether Manfrotto can stay on the court, because while he is foul prone, when he has been on the court he has probably (in my biased opinion) been the most dominant player in the ABBL.
Advantage: Wombats
C: Lakhin v Kremer
Lahkin is a key player for Whitebeard, and Kremer will need to be on his game to stop him. Kremer had a disappointing semi final, but has had a great season, so will be looking to bounce back. Again, alot depends on whether Kremer can stay on the court.
Advantage: Whitebeard
Bench:
Whitebeard has alot more depth here, with five players who can play a role. With the decline of Gafa, the Wombats only really have two blokes who can come on to do the job, so they will be hoping to minimise fouls and injuries...
Advantage: Whitebeard
Overall:
These are two evenly matched teams, as shown by the cup final. The two differnet philosophies on display will be interesting - The Wombats are probably the best offensive team in the ABBL, and Whitebeard the best defensive. There are two factors that give the edge to Whitebeard:
- its pretty rare that Kremer and Manfrotto both get through a game without getting into foul trouble
- HCA
You'd expect this to go to 3, but with HCA Whitebeard would head in as pretty comfortable favourites.