Red Side
IN: TheAmbassadors (III.9), Laeken (III.6)
OUT: Moortgat Monsters (III.2), BC Brugge (III.12)
1. College Saint-Louis Basket: 423k [+36k]
Where last year Tom10 was the clear favorite, this year it is way more of a toss-up. Proven by his two losses in just three games, granted they were @ his two strongest contenders for this season. Last year, the main focus was the cup, if it’s the case this season than first place will be a stretch.
With his trainees (mainly Pries) closing in on their potential, I’m expecting a return to BBBL in either this or one of the two coming seasons.
2. TheAmbassadors: 497k [NEW]
A newcomer with the highest salary in the league, not seen too often. What keeps TheAmbassador from the first place in this list is the transfer price of his players, they look too cheap. Either he was very lucky, or the players are lacking in certain secondary skills. While this may work to easily reach POs in div. II, becoming champion in a difficult league is a whole other thing. Even then, any weakness you have gets exploited in BBBL.
3. BouffAssist: 332k [+33k]
marvinxl has a young team, with still a high skill cap. Proof of this is, despite selling +-20k salary, his total still increased 33k. The situation is similar to that of CSLB, but with 3 seasons extra to spare. However, for now the team is still lacking a real star player to be a serious contender. I’m sure “Big E” Teerlinck will change that in the near future.
With a great beginning to the season, something has to seriously go wrong to not ensure POs.
4. Kriflonius: 255k [+10k]
Doubting whether I should be down one or three spots from last season shows why the TV contract has increased so much this season. With training in mind, I’ll have to do everything in my power to remain in II.1 or reach POs. Seeing I was 5 games ahead for POs last season, I, like so many others, still have plenty of hope to reach POs.
Despite the low salary, I feel like my player are versatile enough to punch above their weight. Anything but demotion is a win for me this season.
5. TheRainmakers: 246k [+36k]
Despite being 2k below the salary floor, BigT is far up this list. A combination of experience, recent results and trainees reaching their potential have led me to believe a PO spot is possible, but unlikely this season. Yes, BigT lost to Laeken, but first games are notorious for surprising results. With a strong starting 5, picking the right games will lead to results, but the bench is not strong enough to win sufficiently.
6. ccf packers: 366k [+91k]
Am I biased putting ccf packers under me? Maybe. However, with the first results of the season and his C on sale, who knows. Since this is only dicus’ second season in div. II, a lack of experience is not helpful. And having trainees also doesn’t help short term, but every survived season makes the next ones easier (unless the division gets a lot stronger).
I see ccf packers playing relegations again this season. We’ll see if it’s as 5th or 6th seed.
7. armstrongs: 323k [+44k]
With the salary no women-* has, you would expect better results. I gave him a 4th spot last season, yet it was an HCA decided tiebreaker which kept him in II.1. Is the team lacking outside players? Most likely. But that’s an easy fix if the money is there and just like the blue side, one transfer can shoot you up two places.
With a lack in offensive flow and assists, salary means less than usual.
8. Laeken: 202k [NEW]
Despite the win vs. TheRainmakers, I’m putting Duff BXL into the relegation spot. With already bad minute management and three out of the four decent players above 35yo, I have very little hope for this line-up to work in div. II. An immediate rebuild is necessary to not see Laeken play in div. III next season.