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Season 63

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From: Baine
This Post:
00
321830.58 in reply to 321830.57
Date: 12/30/2023 3:18:41 PM
Lion Rebels
III.16
Overall Posts Rated:
221221
Second Team:
The Rebellion
Week Four Power Rankings - Part Four

10. Jumpstop Jumpers
Week 1 Ranking: 11
EFFG: 80.8 (-9.2)
OPP EFFG: 94.1 (-12.9)
Coach Randle El appears to have abandoned hopes for the #1 draft pick, having added nearly $106k in salary from recent transfers and have arrived at a 3-5 record, just out of playoff contention. But their recent additions have moved them from the bottom of the pack in salary to the middle. This week they knocked off a pair of seven seeds in VileOnes and 209's. While they gave up 40-points to league leading point scorer Jordi Bover, their own Raul Blanco scored 31 on just 22 shots (compared to Bover's 50). Then, hosting the 209, they jumped out to a 33-8 lead after the first quarter and didn't look back, settling in with a 34-point victory.

Next Up: at Muffin Men then hosting Linndale.

11. Linndale
Week 1 Ranking: 8
EFFG: 106.8 (+2.8)
OPP EFFG: 121 (+22)
Well, Speedtraps went and did it and sold 5 players, bringing in another two, including newly minted million dollar man Joy Beko. With the departure of Koncki (I don't think I'll ever understand the big man market in this game) and the much maligned Petriukštis, they drop salary from the median to the lower fourth of the league. Tough week to debut, as they lost to FDILC and Tasty, with both games coming on the road, but they showed the ability to score still, averaging more points per game this week than they have been for the season.

Next Up: Hosting VileOnes and then at Jumpstop.

12. Fort Wayne Pistons
Week 1 Ranking: 4
EFFG: 115.4 (-10.6)
OPP EFFG: 133 (+39)
As you can see, the Pistons took quite a drop from Week One, mostly because of their dramatic increase in allowed efficiency by the opposition. They represent the team with the largest such increase thus far. And while their own EFF has suffered a touch, it's still good enough for 7th overall. It's not their offense that's the problem. They're the only team in the top seven in scoring that have a negative point differential. But last weekend they held their own against Balls, defeating them at home by 23 before succumbing to the Lion Rebels by 40. And with a win on Thursday night, they're still alive in the Cup.

Next Up: at San Dominica and then host to Dragmort.

13. VileOnes
Week 1 Ranking: 12
EFFG: 77.5 (-17.5)
OPP EFFG: 125.3 (+2.3)
The first of our 1-7 teams arrive, and while their OPP EFFG has held steady, their own EFFG has dropped pretty significantly, thanks to Week One matchups with Fort Wayne and (surprisingly) Mindless. They did lose both of those games, (Zombies by just 2) but hit 95 EFFG that week. Since then, it hasn't been as pretty as they lost to everyone in their conference except Balls and are now on a four-league-game losing streak. This week was a loss to Jumpstop by 19 and then a loss to Muffin Men by 13 at home, despite 33 points from PG A. Durham on a night that league leading scorer Bover rode the pine. They allowed 109 EFF to the Muffins, despite the Drury Lane Men posting a 65.5 EFFG average in their first 7 games.

Next Up: at Linndale and then host to Internet Lovers Club.

From: Baine
This Post:
11
321830.59 in reply to 321830.58
Date: 12/30/2023 3:19:11 PM
Lion Rebels
III.16
Overall Posts Rated:
221221
Second Team:
The Rebellion
Week Four Power Rankings - Part Five

14. Muffin Men
Week 1 Ranking: 16
EFFG: 70.9 (+15.4)
OPP EFFG: 125.1 (-6.9)
Congrats to the Muffs on their first win on the heels of their seventh loss and their closest chance at a win before actually winning one this season. Their 7-point loss at home to 209's came after they were leading by 5 at the half, but they allowed 36 points in the third quarter and couldn't regain their lost ground, giving up another 35 in the fourth despite their best efforts to fall short. But Tuesday night they made up for it with a gritty (albeit ugly) victory at Vile where neither team scored more than 23 points in any quarter. In fact, the Muffins scoring by quarter was 22 - 22 - 23 - 23 to arrive at their 90-77 victory.

Next Up: hosting the Jumpers and then at Super Sonics.

15. 209's MostWanted
Week 1 Ranking: 15
EFFG: 80.8 (+3.3)
OPP EFFG: 136 (+4)
And a hearty congratulations to Alex and dem boys for getting their first win of the season against Muffins. This victory was highlighted by three 20+ scorers on the evening in Boga, Azheli, and Kavoukas, with the latter two not getting as many shots in the patient offense but were highly efficient on the night to lead the come-from-behind-victory for the 209. Unfortunately, they couldn't mount a winning streak, as they were throttled by Jumpstop on Tuesday by 34-points, giving up 41-points to SF G. Hilliard who was a perfect 50% from the field.

Next Up: hosting the Sonics and then at the Zombies.

16. Balls to the Walls
Week 1 Ranking: 14
b]EFFG: 57.8 (-26.2)
OPP EFFG: 147.9 (+19.9)
Pretty extreme swings in both categories for Scags whose been searching for the right combo of player personnel and while they had success immediately this season, it's been a long trip since game one. A loss on the road at Fort Wayne where they at least made it somewhat respectable by the ending was followed up with a pitiful performance against the Golden Lions at home where they struggled to even score more than 20 points in any quarter including just 11 points in the third quarter while they gave up 41.

Next Up: at the Lion Rebels and then hosting the Warriors.

Onward through interdivisional play - best of luck!

This Post:
00
321830.60 in reply to 321830.59
Date: 12/30/2023 4:52:43 PM
Linndale
III.13
Overall Posts Rated:
142142
Pio looked at each of the three men in his office. “Let’s not waste time. You're here specifically because you're my leaders on defense. Note we only have 1 starter here. That’s because the others aren’t at your level yet. We don’t have a single guard in here. We have a small forward, a power forward, and a center. I expect another small forward to join this group by season’s end. You are the keys to this defense. We are going to surround you with other defensive stalwarts and get back to doing what we do. We will defend. We will take care of the ball. We will rebound. These things are non-negotiable. Mr. Enfes, work on the things I’ve asked you in private and I assure you that you will be rewarded. Mr. Beko, you have a long way to go to reach your potential, but make no mistake about the fact that you are the anchor of this defense. Every one in this room complements what you do, and every one of them will be getting even better. Your challenge is to be that guy, that anchor that your teammates are chasing to reach that level. Mr. Hatfield, remember our talk from last season? It’s time to start delivering. Defense starts with communication. I have communicated my expectations to you. I expect you to communicate on the floor with your teammates and get them where they need to be. Take ownership of this defense. Anyone joining this group must also do the same. Nothing less will be expected. If you leave this meeting with nothing else, understand that if you won’t defend, you won’t see the court. Period. You gentlemen, and anyone who joins this specific group has to understand that, live it, and breathe it. Are we clear?”

The three men nodded.

“Maurizio Cerri, your point guard, will defend. We expect Midas Kops to join this group om the near future. Mr. Enfes, I told you we expect you to become the starter at small forward. I never said it would be easy. Also, Mr. Beko, you’re starting next to Josh MacNeur. Note I never said at what position. You have a skill set we can best maximize by simply not tying you to a specific position at any time. Gentlemen, your presence in this meeting means I am willing to play you defensively either on the perimeter or inside. That’s where ball security comes in. Turnovers need to drop. Rapidly."

Cafer Enfes spoke. “Coach, it sounds like you have a numbers in mind. Where are we, and what do you want the numbers at by season’s end?”

“We’re giving up an average of 102 points and 12.6 turnovers per game. By season’s end I want it down to 90 and 10. We have 4 games before the break. I want to see that at 95 and sub 12. What I will NOT do is sacrifice our style of play to make it happen. We are going to play our style and we are going to defend our way and we are going to make it work the way we want it to work. Let’s get back to doing what we do and we will take care of that. That starts with---”

“DEFENSE, REBOUNDING, AND BALL SECURITY!!!”

"Mr. Beko, a word." Pio waited until for the others to leave. "We are going to do some things with you here, but you are going to have to work. You are the centerpiece. You are the straw that stirs the drink, and you're not even close to being at the height of your powers. You want to see more time on the perimeter, improve your shot. Outside and inside. Last time we had a 7 footer with your skills, he was a point guard playing primarily at small forward. Paul Lutz was a far better shooter than you are, but he's not in your league defensively. You have the ability to become as good or even a better shooter than him over time. Expect work everywhere to better develop your already impressive skills."

"Coach, I'm familiar with Floyd Hearn. Any chance we can get another defensive big like that? We get that, and nobody will touch us defensively."

"That's a tall ask. Let's go see our GM."

This Post:
11
321830.61 in reply to 321830.60
Date: 12/30/2023 7:40:57 PM
Linndale
III.13
Overall Posts Rated:
142142
Happy Ourer: “Happy Ourer with Joshua Doe and welcome to the Linndale pregame show! We are live from Northeast Ohio, and as you might expect, the city and in fact the region is still buzzing after the Cleveland Browns playoff clinching victory on Thursday Night Football, and it seems that some of that buzz is showing up here to watch our favorite basketball team take on the VileOnes. Joshua, what should we expect?”

Joshua Doe: “Happy, we Browns fans have been telling everyone who would listen that these ain’t the Browns you want, Flacco ‘round and find out!”

HO: ‘I see you working there Josh!”

JD: “Happy, you asked what should we expect. Number one, a nack to basics approach from Pio Reina’s squad. They’ve made some additions and the energy seems much better. Number two, expect surprises, starting with our guest, Coach Pio Reina. Coach, how are you doing, and what can the fans expect?”

Pio Reina: “I’m good, Joshua. Thanks for asking. Happy, good to see you. Joshua, fans can expect us to start being who we say we are. They can expect us to going back to the brand of basketball they’ve been accustomed to. We will defend, we will rebound, and we will take care of the basketball. This is what Linndale basketball is, this is who we are, and what we do.”

JD: “Coach, tell us about Joy Beko’s game and what the fans can expect to see.”

PR: “Joy is going to lock someone down. He’s a 7-footer who can guard any position on the court. You might see him on a guard at times, a forward at times, or in the paint. He’s a talented rebounder. He’s the best passing big we’ve seen, but it’s more than that. This young man has the potential to be the best passer we’ve ever had, period. He’s raw offensively, but he’s far too talented to keep off the court or limit to just backup minutes. You’re going to see some of what he can do tonight and it’s going to surprise you.”

HO: “Coach, what can you tell us about the team’s newest addition, Leandro Leao.”

PR: “He’s a young point guard with a lot of upside. He’s raw, but he’s ready to give us some quality minutes. He was brought in to be the backup point guard and grow into a larger role. Whether that is a starting point guard, shooting guard, or combo of the bench remains to be seen, but he’s good enough to be logging meaningful minutes for us right now.”

JD: “Coach, what are expecting to see tonight? What do we need to do to get the win?”

PR: “We need to show up and play our game. Jordi Bover can and will get you. Averaging 32 a game and has hit for 50 plus points at point guard and small forward, so you know they aren’t afraid to move him around. We’re going to find out real quick if our revamped perimeter defense can hold up, and if he gets inside we’ll see how that goes also. If he gets off for 50, we have to shut everyone else down. For us, we need to simply remember who we are and what we do. We’ve always been about team ball. That starts with defense, rebounding and ball security.”

JD: “Thanks Coach! We know you gotta go, we’re looking forward to watching tonight’s game!”

PR: “Thanks, Joshua! Thanks Happy! Happy New Year, and go Browns!”

HO: “That was Coach Pio Reina, and we’ll be back with more during the postgame show. Linndale and the VileOnes coming at you right after this break for the news!”

This Post:
11
321830.62 in reply to 321830.61
Date: 12/30/2023 8:08:08 PM
San Dominica Warriors
III.11
Overall Posts Rated:
9090
Sam Walsh:
Guys this was the locker room 20 minutes before tip off

Coach Stephenson:
All right now listen up! Yeah I know what you guys have been hearing and seeing on ESPN, the newspaper, radio, X, Whatever! Right now that doesn’t mean anything. (points outside the door) In a few minutes Fort Wayne is gonna be on OUR floor! It doesn’t matter that the record says they’re 3-5! It doesn’t matter that they’re in 6th place! It doesn’t matter they’re in Redland!

You know what does matter! What matters is we’ve scouted these SOBs! We’ve studied them. We know their habits. We know their strengths and weakness and we have a plan. We’re going to run and we’re gonna pound. And we’re gonna do it again. Run and Pound! Run and Pound until when they go to sleep tonight they’re gonna be seeing us!

I want this win! I want it! You want it! But I can live with a loss. If they come out and shoot threes like the 2nd coming of Jerry West! Fine! I can live with that! But if they outrebound us! Outhustle us! I swear to every last one of you! Whoever is the person who allows that happen their New Years Resolution is gonna be for puking bucket! Now let’s go and defend this house!

Sam Walsh:
I spoke to both Coach Stephenson and Coach Gordo Long just as starting lineup was announced. Both confirmed that the Warriors are going to go with a pound it inside approach with their speed and athleticism and hopefully whittle down a Fort Wayne team with their superior depth. Back to you Pete & Matt!


Last edited by Coach Stephenson at 12/30/2023 8:21:37 PM

This Post:
00
321830.63 in reply to 321830.62
Date: 12/30/2023 11:24:29 PM
Linndale
III.13
Overall Posts Rated:
142142
Happy Ourer: “Well folks, there you have it! A 105-61 win at home over the VileOnes. Joshua, what did you see tonight?”

Joshua Doe: “It started on defense, and I’m not talking about the 13 steals or 4 blocks. Pio Reina went into the lab and pulled out a defense we haven’t seen used here ever. Pio Reina expected the challenge of Jordi Bover and dialed up a defense to make him work. He didn’t know Bover would be a DNP, but that defense held the VileOnes to 27.5% shooting from the field, 3 of 20 from deep, and only 2 players scored 10 or more for the VileOnes. Aaron Durham, the talented young guard, scored a game high 34 points, but it took him 38 shots. In other words, they made him work. Linndale rebounded. Your starting power forward and center and their backups had at least 11 rebounds apiece. Pio is not going to be happy with the 12 turnovers, but they forced 19.”

HO: “Let’s talk about the newcomers for a bit. What did you see tonight?”

JD: “I don’t know how to describe what I saw for Joy Beko. He was all over the court. He was efficient shooting the ball, he crashed the boards, and defensively he was everywhere. Meanwhile, Leandro Leao had a very solid debut. It’s going to be a lot of fun watching them grow together.”

HO: “Joshua, any other night, the story would likely be Midas Kops and his 27 point night. What else is being overlooked about tonight?”
JD: “The physicality. You don’t grab 61 rebounds without physicality. You don’t have 4 guys grab at least 11 apiece without physicality. You don’t hold a team to 22 of 80 from the field without being physical on defense. There was also physicality on offense! Happy, when was the last time you saw a goaltending call and a shooting foul for the and one? We got that today. Linndale only took 5 three point shots because they were busy attacking the rim. Oh, and the best player on the court tonight? Trenton Tovar. When Trenton Tovar is the best player on the court and he didn’t hit a three, that tells me he bought in to what’s brewing with this team. He didn’t even take a three, and his nickname is Shooter!”

HO: “Joshua, you sound like you expect a playoff run. I don’t think this team is there yet.”

JD: “Happy, I’m not ready to go that far… yet. Linndale is right now looking like that team you don’t want to face in relegation. Next season, however is going to be different. And there is the chance they decide to accelerate the timing to make things happen this season. Roberto Gurgone is not afraid to make a move, and clearly Pio Reina is the coach to take advantage of whatever move that is. Are they a playoff team now? No. We are what the record says we are. Are we close? I think we are, but we don’t know how close. I think we’re going to find out over the next few weeks. Go 3-1 or 4-0 over the next four games, that’s going to change the conversation dramatically.”

HO: “We’ll be back with more after this commercial break!”

This Post:
00
321830.64 in reply to 321830.63
Date: 1/2/2024 10:51:46 PM
Linndale
III.13
Overall Posts Rated:
142142
Gameday with Pio Reina...

*inside the coaches meeting*

Air Allnite: We have to contain Blanco. The problem is he’s moved around and played everywhere but center. He’s the only true guard of note right now.

Marshall Richards: Valentin is a scoring machine. He’s been seeing the bulk of his work at power forward, but he’s listed at small forward and seen time at both forwards spots, shooting guard, and center.

Byron Helm: Watch for Hayes. He’s active. Adam Kozdrowski doesn’t scare me, but we better respect his board work. We’re going to need an answer for Praznik. His rebounding combined with his shot blocking is a serious game changer.

Pio Reina: They seem to like a lot of zone, and they lack depth. Here’s the thing: I don’t care what they seem to like. What we’re going to do is defend, rebound, and take care of the basketball. We’re playing man defense. If they move Blanco around, so be it; I’ll take our chances. I’ll be interested in seeing what Valentin does against our front line. We’re gonna play it straight.

BH: I like our guys to handle theirs. If there’s a wildcard, it’s gonna be Blanco. He’s gonna need to get hot and stay hot.

AA: If he’s shooting, Valentin doesn’t have the ball. Isn’t that what we want?

PR: We need to find out about our front line. We know they aren’t what we think they will be. We need to find out what they are right now. This ought to be a solid test. Besides, Blanco ought to give us a good indicator on what we do with Shooter. I’m not playing a guessing fame to figure out who’s gonna play where. Either our guys are up to task, or they aren’t. Air, my front court is up to this challenge.

AA: So is the back court.

*After the first quarter*

PR: Alright guys, good start. Give me three more quarters of this! Do not get complacent. Valentin will get hot. Their rebounding will keep them in the game. Hilliard and Blanco are dangerous. This is not going to be easy.

*at halftime*

PR: WHAT IN THE ABSOLUTE---

BH: All that good ya’ll did in the first quarter, that’s gone.

PR: Cerri, ya getting cooked. Shooter? Cooked. Enfes? Cooked. What in the… I can’t. Marshall, talk to these people and get them right. *walks out the locker room*

MR: I don’t know what that second quarter was, but I’m telling you that was not Linndale basketball. That was not what we practiced. We prepared you for this. Ya’ll ready to be serious and get back to what we do?

PR: *Charges into the locker room* WHERE’S YOUR PRIDE? WHERE’S THE EFFORT? I TAKE THIS PERSONALLY!!! WHERE’S YOUR FIRE AND PASSION? I AM PISSED OFF! THAT WAS DISGUSTING!!! UNACCEPTABLE!!! *knocks over table, throw chairs at wall* IF YOU’RE NOT PLAYING LINNDALE BASKETBALL, DON’T COME BACK TO THIS LOCKER ROOM WHEN THE GAME IS OVER.

*after third quarter*

PR: Ya’ll better have another way home from the game. You are not going home with me playing like this. Don’t know who you people are, but this is not MY basketball team.

*on-court, post game interview*

PR: We rebounded and took care of the ball, but for some strange reason this team decided they didn’t need to defend. We knew Hayes would be active. It was a priority to have the bench bigs show up. We knew their starting 5 would be a problem in various areas. We did not expect to see our point guard, shooting guard and small forwards get blown off the floor. Our defense did not show up. All I can tell you is that you should probably expect changes to personnel and in roles. That’s a tough team over there, but this was a game I absolutely think we should have won. This was unacceptable.

From: Baine
This Post:
00
321830.65 in reply to 321830.64
Date: 1/3/2024 9:33:41 AM
Lion Rebels
III.16
Overall Posts Rated:
221221
Second Team:
The Rebellion
Day 9 (Saturday 30 December 2023) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️ 114 - Dragmort Dragons Utd 50
Fort Wayne Pistons 87 - San Dominica Warriors 105
Balls to the Walls 86 - Lion Rebels 103
CB Bethesdorf 74 - Shandong Golden Lions 82
Tasty Tardsicles 86 - F.Day Internet Lovers Club 98
VileOnes 61 - Linndale 105
Jumpstop Jumpers 91 - Muffin Men 67
Super Sonics 109 - 209’s MostWanted 92

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 114 : Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️
Rebounds : 62 : Shandong Golden Lions
Assists : 28 : Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️
Steals : 13 : Lion Rebels, Linndale
Block Shots : 11 : F.Day Internet Lovers Club

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 42 : R. Squires (Fort Wayne Pistons)
Rebounds : 21 : L. Praznik (Jumpstop Jumpers)
Assists : 11 : É. Blanchet (San Dominica Warriors)
Steals : 5 : S. Huerta (Lion Rebels), J. Zhizhuo (Shandong Golden Lions)
Block Shots : 4 : M. Coedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), J. Bégin (San Dominica Warriors)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : É. Blanchet (San Dominica Warriors) (23 Points, 7 Rebounds, 11 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 38
Shooting Guard : B. Pascual (Balls to the Walls) (21 Points, 3 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 1 Steals, 2 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 24
Small Forward : Z. Levin (Super Sonics) (27 Points, 10 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 30
Power Forward : I. Tabrizi (F.Day Internet Lovers Club) (34 Points, 17 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 0 Steals, 2 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 50
Center : M. Coedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) (16 Points, 20 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 0 Steals, 4 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 36

MVP of the evening
I. Tabrizi (F.Day Internet Lovers Club) (34 Points, 17 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 0 Steals, 2 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 50

The bad performance of the evening
G. Cinovskis (VileOnes) (2 Points, 5 Rebounds, 0 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : -6

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : G. Cinovskis (VileOnes) : 8 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : M. Albright (Dragmort Dragons Utd), J. Bégin (San Dominica Warriors), É. Blanchet (San Dominica Warriors), S. Aranda (Fort Wayne Pistons), C. Hofstätter (Balls to the Walls), D. Thomson (Lion Rebels), S. Johnson (Balls to the Walls), E. Diršliokas (CB Bethesdorf), D. Conaghan (Tasty Tardsicles), C. Wui Kwong (Tasty Tardsicles), V. Abat (F.Day Internet Lovers Club) : 5 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : M. Coedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), M. Albright (Dragmort Dragons Utd), R. Braswell (Dragmort Dragons Utd), A. Guilla (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), S. Huerta (Lion Rebels), A. Durham (VileOnes), L. Praznik (Jumpstop Jumpers) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : R. Squires (Fort Wayne Pistons) : 6 Three points

The best performer : T. Freeman (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) : Rating : 18.5

The worst performer : A. Handy (Lion Rebels) : Rating : 3.5


From: Baine
This Post:
00
321830.66 in reply to 321830.65
Date: 1/3/2024 9:34:13 AM
Lion Rebels
III.16
Overall Posts Rated:
221221
Second Team:
The Rebellion
Day 10 (Tuesday 2 January 2024) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Dragmort Dragons Utd 117 - Fort Wayne Pistons 111
San Dominica Warriors 135 - Balls to the Walls 73
Lion Rebels 115 - CB Bethesdorf 60
Shandong Golden Lions 100 - Tasty Tardsicles 110
F.Day Internet Lovers Club 98 - VileOnes 69
Linndale 111 - Jumpstop Jumpers 120
Muffin Men 76 - Super Sonics 129
209’s MostWanted 78 - Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️ 108

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 135 : San Dominica Warriors
Rebounds : 61 : F.Day Internet Lovers Club
Assists : 39 : Super Sonics
Steals : 11 : Lion Rebels
Block Shots : 10 : Lion Rebels

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 46 : J. Valentin (Jumpstop Jumpers)
Rebounds : 22 : M. Watkins (Lion Rebels)
Assists : 12 : L. Petrinski (Dragmort Dragons Utd)
Steals : 4 : M. Granja (San Dominica Warriors), D. Branimirović (F.Day Internet Lovers Club)
Block Shots : 5 : T. Armstead (Lion Rebels)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : J. Valentin (Jumpstop Jumpers) (46 Points, 8 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 41
Shooting Guard : U. Jaén (Fort Wayne Pistons) (29 Points, 12 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 40
Small Forward : Z. Levin (Super Sonics) (24 Points, 7 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 28
Power Forward : A. Pakzat (Dragmort Dragons Utd) (25 Points, 15 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 37
Center : M. Watkins (Lion Rebels) (12 Points, 22 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 1 Steals, 4 Block Shots), J. MacNeur (Linndale) (23 Points, 16 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 34

MVP of the evening
J. Valentin (Jumpstop Jumpers) (46 Points, 8 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 41

The bad performance of the evening
L. Boga (209’s MostWanted) (6 Points, 1 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : -10

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : J. Zhizhuo (Shandong Golden Lions) : 5 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : G. Reinhardt (Fort Wayne Pistons), S. Aranda (Fort Wayne Pistons), J. Zhizhuo (Shandong Golden Lions), A. Kozdrowski (Jumpstop Jumpers) : 6 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : R. Larson (Fort Wayne Pistons) : 51 Minutes

The shooter : L. Ma Ying (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) : 7 Three points

The best performer : T. Freeman (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) : Rating : 19.0

The worst performer : J. Graf (VileOnes), C. Maddock (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) : Rating : 5.5


This Post:
00
321830.67 in reply to 321830.66
Date: 1/3/2024 6:52:50 PM
Linndale
III.13
Overall Posts Rated:
142142
Roberto Gurgone was frustrated. “I can’t believe this market,” he muttered to himself. A guy with the skill set at guard I want goes for $120k, and we miss out because of stupid luck. Another one goes for $625k which is almost three times what he should have gone for. This market is insane!”

“I thought we just got a power forward for $1,000,000.” Pio Reina had perfect timing, as he usually does.

Roberto was used to it. “Well, the guard that got away wasn’t going to be here to help us last night. Maybe I can get some help in time for Saturday. Pio, you know what that means, right?”

Pio was ready; he knew what his friend was getting at. “Yeah. I hope the kid improves because we need him. But, I said defense first and I mean it. I know you’re trying to get that guard we need, but if that guard turns out to be a forward, I have to tell you Kops looks like that guard, and Enfes looks like he could be with a bit of work, too.”

Roberto handed three files to Pio. “The first one is the guy that got away this morning. The second one is one I think you’ll like.” Pio read the first file. “I see.” Looking at the second file, Pio was smiling. Then he saw the third file. “Come on, man! He absolutely in no way fits the defense first mentality I want us to get back to.”

“I expected you to say that, and while I agree, even you have to admit we have to be able to put the ball in the basket, and this kid does it better than anyone you or I have ever seen. He’s got the skills you want, has the potential for that positional flexibilty we covet, and consider another point. With Beko, Kops, and Cerri on the court with him we only need him to be playable on defense. He doesn’t have to be the best defender. Or, we can have him on the second unit and get the scoring punch we’ve always wanted to see.”

“Neither addresses Beko’s request.” Pio wasn’t going to give up on that.

“You’re gonna have to give on something. Regardless, we make an expensive acquisition, I’m gonna have to make a corresponding move. That means your current starting center. And we’ll still need to coach guys up. Speaking of coaches, I’ll bet Allnite was chirping earlier when he saw how low the turnovers were yesterday.”

“He was. Byron also reminded me he wants us to get a shot blocker or two.” Pio wanted one also.

“Tell Byron he just has to coach up what he has. Enfes, Beko, and Hatfield all show promise. I’d like to find one at guard also, but this market is crazy as it is.”

Pio thought for a moment. “Go get that guy if you can, the one that had me smiling. That third guy, too. If it means we lose Shooter and MacNeur, I’ll get over it. I want him, Cerri, Kops, Beko and Hatfield on the floor together. We can go short bench, use that for development purposes, and start kicking the crap out some teams.”

Roberto Gurgone checked his computer. “And just that quick, your guy is out of our range. I told you this market was insane. I’ll keep looking, but it looks like there aren’t going to be many chances to add outside help.”

This Post:
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321830.68 in reply to 321830.67
Date: 1/6/2024 4:11:30 AM
Linndale
III.13
Overall Posts Rated:
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Linndale staff meetings, part 1
Roberto Gurgone led this meeting of the coaching staff, and was straight to the point. “Sell me on your players. If you can’t, they’re probably gone. Pio, you get to name three untouchables, but you have to state the case for each. Air, you have point guards. You will split duties on shooting guards with Marshall. Marshall, you get small forwards, and you’ll split duties on power forwards with Byron. Byron you get centers.” Each of the men nodded. Pio spoke.

“Joy Beko is untouchable. Young, affordable, one of the most talented and versatile players I’ve ever seen. He’s the 2nd best player at both forward spots and center. He’s close enough that he’ll likely overtake the best player we have at small forward by season’s end. The distance between him and third best guy at power forward and center both is considerable. You can play him at either guard spot and do well. Despite being the third best at point and 4th best as shooting guard, he could easily overtake all for the top spot at both spots. We’re talking about a kid who can be the best player at all 5 positions by plenty. His biggest weapon is that versatility right now. This is a guy you build around. The second guy is Cafer Enfes. His youth, versatility, and his higher ceiling than Beko are reasons. I recall we brought him in and told him if he can beat out Kops, and we expected him to, he’d be the starter. Well, he’s at the point where we need to have that conversation. We continue to coach him up, and we have us a stud to play next to Beko at worst, and at best two studs to move all over the court and stymie opponents.”

Roberto asked a simple question. “Who’s the third player?” The easy answer was josh MacNeur, and they all knew it.

Pio continued on. “The easy answer isn’t always the best, or even right answer. I reserve the right, and in fact invoke the right to keep the third spot open. I have reason to think that MacNeur could be the guy or maybe not. Same for Midas Kops. We haven’t seen enough to know about Leandro Leao, but what we’ve seen is promising. Let’s wait and see who makes themselves into that guy. It could be Kops. It could be MacNeur. It could be someone not currently on the roster.”

“That manes sense, but it’s crazy at the same time,” Byron Helm blurted out. Josh is that guy for us right now.”

“Byron,” Pio started, is he that guy, or is he the best guy we have now? Is the best guy we have now going to be the best guy in 2 or 3 seasons? He won’t be the best all around player by season’s end. That’s going to Beko, if it isn’t already.”

Marshall Richards spoke. “Byron, look objectively at the differences between Beko and MacNeur. Now look at the three year difference. Remember who we are. Defense first. No question who the better defender is. The other things are either razor thin advantages for Josh, or can be accounted for by the age difference. Even if Beko doesn’t reach Josh’s skill level in a few of those areas, he’s there or past him in just as many. The kid is the real deal.”

Byron admitted defeat. “OK guys; I surrender. Moving on, Damian Hatfield gives us a big who defend inside and out. He rebounds. The impetus on the bigs right now is only going to benefit him more, and as a result, us. He’s not Beko, nut he could be something of a Beko-lite. Pemwieser is the best shooting big here. Again, our inside focus should benefit him short term.”

Roberto went to the door, and had a brief conversation with his secretary. “No need to discuss MacNeur; same for the small forwards; I think his status is established. Before we go to the guards, Pio and Air, I think you’ll be particularly interested in this acquisition. We have acquired another point guard.”

“He’s another friggin’ rookie! What is this, a day care?!?” Air was not pleased at all.

Last edited by Speedtraps at 1/6/2024 4:33:15 AM

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