BuzzerBeater Forums

the ragin stajans(33578)
Manager: Stajan
League: Naismith, 7-8, 4th in Big 8
Current Country Rank: 10th
Next Cup Opponent: Philosopher Kings

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
I've placed no interest in winning throughout my time in Naismith. I'm indifferent to the idea of competing for titles right now. I don't believe I'm failing to win, but know I'm failing to progress - and progress is my measure. I've been stuck for a while and tried making steps to rectify that this season, but with dipping my toes into the water, I might as well have been swallowed by a shark.

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
I managed to beat the Griffins on the road and I'll lose this week against RiP. There's not much more to say.

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
RiP, I suppose. I can't win that, especially with a big injury and tragically bad game shape including subs. Griffin was 50/50 too, and due to events that occurred in the game (my starting PF fouled out and C got injured with my team losing) the whole logistics of me winning doesn't make complete sense. Sans injury and foul out I should've probably been the rightful victor, though.

4) Thoughts on your next opponent?
Pszczyna. Pszczyna. Pszczyna is who I'm playing right now. My thoughts are that he's alright and might beat me by a hundred.

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
RiP.

6) Hows Denny Hall looking?
Bad. Not "he's a bad dude" or "he's bad ass, yo". But truly not good.

7) Would you consider your team elite currently among Canadian teams?
No. Not to be brazen or cocky, but with the way Naismith has been, I think I could've won the league and cup for the past few seasons without incident and possibly while profiting each week. Undefeated if I so chose. Now I don't have the resources to do these things, but it's a genuine belief.

8) Whats your favourite aspect of this game?
Training and actually getting pops, which I only have faint memories of. A close second for me was the ascension from lower divisions to Naismith.

9) NHL, NBA, MLB, or NFL?
NHL. With great shame, the Leafs are probably my biggest priority in life. It's excruciating. I care about the Raptors and Blue Jays about equally.

Richmond Pork Chops(33945)
Manager: LucyFigo
League: III.1, 15-0, 1st Big 8
Current Country Rank: 93
Next Cup Opponent: sg united

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
13-0 can't mess with that!

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
Amazing I knew I had a good Div3 team but never thought I would make it this far.

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
Petone Hurricanes last round

4) Thoughts on your next opponent?
Tough draw was hoping for Lighting Thunder they look like an easy win!!!!! Just kidding of course!

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
Winner Lawerence Park.
Darkhorse. Sony Rox your sox

6) You have been an under the radar team for a while. Been stuck in III.1 for a little bit and always a contender, but never following through, is this your year?
Yes I think so It's definitly my best shot

7) Why aren't you signup up to the new offsite forum for Canada?
Honestly not interest in the NTs.

Pangaa(24990)
Manager: kpd
League: II.2, 10-5, 1st Great 8
Current Country Rank: 43
Next Cup Opponent: Headless Thompson Gunners

1)Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
Its been going as planned, I wanted to win enough games in the beginning so i would have more flexibility with training and this way i dont drop back to div III either

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
Didnt think i would make it this far, top 64 was the best I thought i could do, but favorable matchups helped out a lot and had to sacrifice gameshape for the extra money, but it was all worth it

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
Has to be the last game against binopolis celtics

4)Thoughts on your next opponent?
HTG has a solid team n he will most likely beat me for the 3rd time but avenging the Div IV QF loss would be nice

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
Not sure havent looked at the teams, but for darkhorse i would pick the hounds just because beener is one of the best managers and has surprised everyone with his quick rise to naismith

6) You are one of the quickrisers starting not too long ago, any tips or tricks to hand out?
Its all about gameshape and enthusiasm and as long as u know how to manage those i believe u can be good at this game and luckily for me i realized gameshape was important for the get go and learned about ent when i made div III, and thats basically the reason for my success along with some luck

7) Your thoughts on II.2 this season?
I think CLE is oging to win and there isnt a team thats even trying to challenge them but anything can happen

8) 1st season in div II and youre a conference leader, surprised?
Yes, this season is a huge success i really dont have a team with a high payroll, my bench is horrible, but still we are winning so cant ask for anythign more

9) Why aren't you signed up for the offsite?
I signed up 5-6 months ago and then msged that approves the thing but never got in for some reason

http://w11.zetaboards.com/BB_ECU/index/ btw kpd and everyone else not signed up(shameless plug!). Sign up, BBmail me, and make an intro, then you gain full access!

East-End Screaming Goombas B.C.(33356)
Manager: Mahatma Kane Jeeves Esq.
League: II.2, 6-9, 6th Great 8
Current Country Rank: 36
Next Cup Opponent: lifters

Mahatma decided to have some fun with his :)

Finally, after calling in a few favours, I received permission to meet and interview the enigmatic and secretive Mahatma Kane Jeeves! I was told that permission is not easily granted and that I should be careful what I say and how I say it. I thought to myself this can’t be that hard, after all this is BuzzerBeater what can happen? Anyway, I arrived at the address that was given me – not to my surprise it was an espresso bar with all the goings on that one would expect at a secluded coffee joint. As I walk in I was greeted by a couple of rather large, hairy, sweaty and smelly men.

One barks: Hey! Gettouta here kid, or I’ll knock some sense into you!

I respond: B…B…But, I had an appointment with Mr. Jeeves.

The other shouts: Scusi signore Jeeves – there’s a smartass here, says he has an appointment, wanna let me and Guido take him out back for a good talkin to?

Then a voice from the dark recesses of the coffee bar responds: It’s OK Sal let the kid in – show him back here and don’t let me smack you again – be nice to the kid don’t rough him up.

I am led, rather I should say shoved, to some far dark corner and pushed into a chair. Only then am I overcome with the sweet strong smell of coffee that everyone around me seemed to be enjoying. Everyone seemed to talk in some foreign language and laugh rather loud I could tell that profanities abounded in conversations even if I couldn’t understand the language. As I looked up from my chair, I could see the outline of Mahatma Kane Jeeves, his face was semi-hidden in the darkness and he seemed to be wearing a white suit. Rumour has it that not even his players know exactly what he looks like.

He starts the conversation: Kid you wanna an espresso and a canoli?

I respond: No thanks, I just ate.

Rudely he snaps at one of his assistant, whom I had the pleasure of meeting just before: Sal, get the kid a double-espresso and a couple of the canolis that mama made for me.

Before I could say a word the other assistant barks: Shutup kid – you gonna drink the espresso and eat the canolis or I’m gonna smack you a couple – capisce!

Timidly, I sip the strong coffee and nibble on the extra-rich dessert.

Then Jeeves says: OK, kid – what do you wanna know from me?

Ah! The moment of I have been waiting for so long, I unfold a piece of paper and I start asking the questions.

Tell me Mr. Jeeves, what are your thoughts on the regular season so far? Has it been up to your expectations?

Jeeves responds: It started off on the wrong foot, by losing games I thought I should have won, but in many ways this has got to be my worse season. I already have more losses this season than what I usually have in two. Definitely not fun. I think somebody at BB headquarters has it in for me – when I find out who – I’m gonna pay them a visit.

Yep, don’t want to know that, so I try to change the subject a bit: What are you thoughts on your cup run so far?

He smiles, that much I could tell in the ssurrounding gloom, and starts: Well, you know, I really have been lucky. I somehow avoided being matched up with Div I teams or even strong Div II opponents so this is great and the money isn’t bad either. The teams I played have basically been weaker than mine so in that sense there was no tough opponents so far – Life is good. But, now I worry about my next opponent “The Lifter” have this mother and a half playing point guard – I tell you how am I gonna beat him? Frankly, I don’t know what to do. I’ve looked at the films, I’ve sent my scouts, I’ve had brain-storming sessions with my coaching staff and I tell you that I just don’t know. I am at a loss maybe I’ve had my run this year – which has been good. Yeah! I’ll just play it TIE take my money and look forward to next year. As for this season’s winner I think that the Philosopher Kings will take it all. Although I do have a soft spot for my favourite darkhorse candidate, The Canadian Steamrollers – yeah! The best team in Div III, I think it would be great to have such a high quality team that is currently mired in the dregs of Div III send a message to all – that, yes, it can be done!

As I madly scribble every last word, I ask the next question: What are your thoughts on Div II.2?

The smile disappears and in a mood of reflection he says: Yes, Div II.2, the Big 8 conference is strong led by the Crystal Lake boys and the Montreal Aces aren’t so bad either – But I honestly think Crystal Lake will take it all after giving a good beating in the finals to Pangaa. By the way, what the hell is a Pangaa, if you find out please tell me. Hey, kid you done with that canoli yet – there’s two more after that one and you don’t wanna get mama angry – do you?

Swallowing hard – I burp up my next question: After rising so quickly from Div IV your team now seems to be failing – what happened?

His sombre mood now turned sour, I don’t think I should have asked that question – too late to take it back now. He leaned forward on the table – I could almost make out his features and he says in slow deliberate words: Che cazzo! I concentrated on team building to the detriment of money making – as a result my arena is too small for this division. Now, I am regrouping – taking a breath if you will – I am building up my arena while trying to be competitive – which I am not (with every word I could tell he is getting angrier). I am not failing (those words were emphasized) - I really don’t think I should have asked that question. Slamming his fist on the table put an end to that conversation.

Meekly – I asked about his thoughts on the Olympics. After staring hard at me for what seemed fifteen minutes he finally said: Who gives a flying crap about the Olympics when I am pissing away my season in Div II.2, when people laugh at me for failing, calling me a loser – you think you’re smart kid believing that you could get away by calling me a loser. Guido – Sal, take thisthis punk out back and teach him some respect.

Last thing I remember after waking up in the hospital was being picked up out of my seat at the table and then nothing. But hey! At least Mahatma Kane Jeeves sent me a get-well card and a box full of mama’s canolis.

sg united(24985)
Manager: rapsfan
League: II.3, 14-1, 1st in Great 8
Current Country Rank: 11th
Next Cup Opponent: Richmond Pork Chops

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
It's been a pretty smooth ride outside of the unexpected loss I suffered. I got a huge game this week that will probably decide who gets home court in the finals.

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
I've been pretty lucky to not draw any D1 or good D2 teams, hopefully it continues past this week.

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
Probably my most recent matchup this past week.

4) Thoughts on your next opponent?
Got lucky again to face an inferior team - let's hope I didn't just jinx myself.

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
No real idea, not that deeply involved in scouting the cup to have a educated answer.

rest of interview cut out by BBmail character limit :(

Jets de Montreal(33454)
Manager: Goonnz
League: III.5, 14-1, 1st in Great 8
Current Country Rank: 84th
Next Cup Opponent: Lighting Thunder

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
Going pretty well so far

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
Didn't think I would get this far

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
The Syndicate

4) Thoughts on your next opponent? (Answer carefully)
D.II opponent with a 124k C. Just hoping he gets injured to have a chance.

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
Pretty hard to go against RiP this far in the competition. My darkhorse would be sg united.

6) How is Ferguson turning out?
Would have loved for him to pop more often but there is still 6 more weeks until next season, just hoping he will be ready by then.

7) You have had quick success in this game. Your secret?
Well basicly, I looked what the guys in Naismith looked like. They had a big arena, had guys with good potential and made transfers to get better. Luckily I've been able to put things up to win some games. There are still a few things though that I don't know well yet in the game.

The Hounds(25054)
Manager: Beener
League: Naismith, 1-14, 8th in Big 8
Current Country Rank: 25th
Next Cup Opponent: MBCT

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?

The season has already started? Am I doing well?

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?

I promise my players MacDonald's ice cream after every Cup win. Strangely, that seems to be quite the motivational tool.

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?

I played a couple of D5 teams early, I'm still not sure how I got through both of them.

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup?

The Rajan Stajans.

6) You were and are one of the quickest risers Canada has ever seen, if you had to give newcomers one tip, what would that tip be?

Drink 8 glasses of water every day and eat all your vegetables. Most importantly, substitute Beer and Wings for those first 2 things whenever possible.

haha Beener :)

Luxury Tax(33298)
Manager: LuxuryTax
League: II.3, 3-12, 7th in Big 8
Current Country Rank: 43rd
Next Cup Opponent: Canadian Steamrollers

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
I'm struggling a little to make any headway in terms of competing for a chance at promotion, which has dampened my enthusiasm a bit. Canada II.3 and my conference (big 8) in particular are very competitive with the 6th and 7th place teams often having better records than the 4th or 3rd place team in the other conference (tho as I check that now, this season it's not the case). I'm also finding that the high end game play requires a significant change in my team building strategy and I haven't really figured it out entirely yet. Overall, I made a decision early in the season to use league games to train and make an effort in the cup since that was something I hadn't done before. I'm not really worried about relegation. if it happens it happens and at least I'd have a chance of getting in a slightly easier division once I got back to tier II.

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
I normally don't put so much effort into the cup games as I've been actively training players and usually use them simply for playing time, but for the reasons mentioned above, I've decided to try and see how far my roster can get me in the cup this year. The next game will be a real test.

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
The Sens (24909) gave me a really good run and I wasn't pulling any punches so props to them.

4) Thoughts on your next opponent?
I know they are rated highly, but I haven't done any research on them yet. I actively use www.buzzer-manager.com for scouting prior to setting up my strategy. So I should have a better feel for them in the next few days

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
To be honest, I don't know much about most of the remaining teams yet. I have a lot of respect for the ragin stajans (33578) from our time together in II.3. If I had to pick a non-Naismith team as a darkhorse, I'd pick sg united (24985) who have been very competitive in II.3 for the last 3 season and look to be pushing for promotion this season.

6) You are in a dangerous position where relegation is a possibility, is this cup run interfering with your league success?
Not really... I wasn't very competitive last season when I was focused on league play, so I simply decided that as long as I wasn't in the instant relegation spot ,I'd try focusing on the Cup games this season. My poor showing in the league is less a result of my Cup aspirations and more a symptom of the level of competition in II.3

7)Favourite part about buzzerbeater?
I enjoy the team building, but I've kind of hit a ceiling with my team as it's currently constructed and I'm unsure which way to take my team to get to that next level, so I'm struggling a bit. When I figured out the training system, I found I really enjoyed training a player that I drafted to the point he is the now the best player on my team and a very competitive player in tier II.

Sony Rox ur Sox(33144)
Manager: BuzzyG
League: III.9, 15-0, 1st in Big 8
Current Country Rank: 44th
Next Cup Opponent: Lawrence Park Panthers

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
I have been dominating my league, mostly due to the fact that my roster is way beyond a normal division III roster. Still, my league is fairly strong so im proud.

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
Ive been facing non-bot/div IV teams all season. Its been difficult, but helpful with all the healthy competition.

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
Big ballerz. I had to play them in the third round. Got lucky with HCA and a normal.

4) Thoughts on your next opponent?
Lawrence Park Panthers. CRAP. I wanted my run to continue, im going to lose, not much else to say. Wish I could be moving into the quarterfinals, but ill take a round of 16 appearance at the div III level any day.

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
Philosopher Kings.
the ragin stajans.

6) You have made claims to be the best div III team in Canada. Sticking by those claims even though it appears you are on your way out and your main opponent for "Best div III team" will probably advance?
Yes. Look at my ratings, my cup draw, my roster. I have the advantage in all 3. He poorly built his "beast team". If youre gonna have lots of money, at least spend it wisely. My team is the best current division III team, no ifs ands or buts.

7) Is there a rivalry starting between you and the Canadian Steamrollers?
Just trying to put him in his place. Can't really be a rivalry because that means that both teams can beat each other any given day, but on equal effort I would beat his team. Anyday.

Strong words from BuzzyG.

lifters(33646)
Manager: lifter
League: 9-6, 3rd in Great 8
Current Country Rank: 47th
Next Cup Opponent: East-End Screaming Goombas B.C.

1) Thoughts on your teams regular season so far?
im 3rd in a tough league, not gonna relegate, thats good

2) Thoughts on your teams cup run so far?
knocked off the best team in Canada, basically, my cup run is complete, very happy!

3) Who has been your toughest matchup so far this season in the cup?
Beanz Odyssey

4) Thoughts on your next opponent?
very balanced team, dont know how this game will play out

5) Other than yourself who would you pick to win the cup? Darkhorse?
Lawrence park Panthers
sg united

6) You have one monster player(Caio Palermo) that no one seems to be able to figure out. Can you give us any hints?
he isn the reason I win games =)

7) Your strategy is unorthodox, you basically have a one man team. How is this working?
Caio Palermo is great, but it isnt a one man effort, thats what seems to be confusing people