I'm going to be very bold here. Tonites game will feature the top 2 BBBL managers facing off against each other.
I think that nobody will contest Joe being a great manager. he's innovative, tries out new things and always is amongst the first to change his game plan to suite it best to the latest GE modifications ( u could even argue that he might have to have some insight into the GE to stay on top all the time. but if he has got such a thing, then he's smarter than the GM's since we can't catch him :P)
However, u got to acknowledge Nico as a equally great manager. he's the longest serving manager in the BBBL (since season 7!) In his 17 seasons ( this one not included) he has failed to make the PO's only 6 times. and despite an aging roster he preforming well season after season. He might not have the same amount of trophies than Joe has, but he's been an extremely consistent manager (and he's been able to stay in the BBBL all these seasons in the bloodred conference none the less!)
Futhermore, it's also a face off between the 2 of the top 3 longest serving managers in the BBBL. Stonestars is the longest serving manager, with Boes being second and Vottem being 3rd. So tonites game is without a double a clash between titans.
i would like to clarify that i mean no disrespect to the other BBBL managers, especially those who already particiapted in the B3 tourney's. they are among the top too, but Nico has been at it much longer than any other. some teams have been good for a couple of seasons and might have more trophies than stonestars, but it's easy to be good for a couple of seasons. It's very hard to replicate what Nico has done, and he should deserve the recognition for that aswell. Everyone respects Joe for how good he is ( he didn't just limit himself to his team. he also took on the U21 & NT challenges) but imo, Nico deserves the same respect. furthermore, Nico has taken somewhat of a gamble this season. he's turned his team around to be an outside team, so i'm very curious to tonites game. It's outside vs inside on the new GE. the top inside team vs arguably the strongest outside team. let the game begin!