FBL EDITORIALS

[Justin]

Painting the Playoffs

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Howard McAfee signing in for another edition of Painting the Playoffs.  Week 7 is now in the books and while General Managers are overpaying most players by at least 25% of their real worth I will give up and updated look on the playoffs from my view point.

Before I begin, here are my predictions for the Eastern Conference from last week in case you forgot:

1)   Waves
2)   Hayseeds
3)   Greenhornets
4)   Blades
5)   Diamonds
6)   Stallions

Now onto the good stuff...

Eastern Conference Playoffs

1st Place – The Waves went into Week 7 with a tough week of games and came out with two more victories. They are now 13-0 and four games ahead of second place.  Week 8 is definitely their biggest test of the season as they play the Seeds again and square off against the Greenhornets.  GM Hondo will be looking for revenge as well as the resurgent Greenhornets.  No team will ever be able to finish a season undefeated and my money is on the Waves losing at least one of their games this week.  With that being said, they will still finish in first place in the conference.

2nd Place – Last week I said the rest of the Eastern Conference is playing for third.  It looks as though the Greenhornets are trying to make me eat my words as they not only beat the Hayseeds, but have tied them for second place.  I'm still going with the veteran Hayseeds, but things could get really interesting and one has to wonder if bringing GoGo back was the right decision.

3rd Place – Birmingham will put up a valiant effort but at the end of the day they will finish third.

4th Place – Last week I had the Blades in the fourth spot.  Of course the underachievers that they are found a way to not separate themselves from the rest of the pack.  They are still tied with the Diamonds, Steamers, and Stallions with a revitalized Bulldogs right behind them.  Montreal has made the big jump to fourth place in the standings at the moment and I'm going to buy into the hype and will leave them in fourth.

5th Place – I am going to stay with the Diamonds here.

6th Place – This spot will come down to the Stallions and Blades I am sure.  Both teams have had bright spots and some not so bright spots.  The team I am picking to have the last playoff spot are the Pittsburgh Blades.

My new playoff teams are:

1)   Waves
2)   Hayseeds
3)   Greenhornets
4)   Foresters
5)   Diamonds
6)   Blades

------

The Western Conference just got more interesting after Week 7 and the playoff race is going to produce some exciting basketball.  Here were my picks from last week:

1)   Volcanoes
2)   Aces
3)   Stars
4)   Bears
5)   Glaciers
6)   Aliens

Time for this week's madness...are you ready?

Western Conference Playoffs

1st Place – Volcanoes, Aces, and now the Stars are all viable options at this point in the season to finish atop of the West.  The Stars are making a run while the Volcanoes and Aces are neck and neck and will remain so.  I'm still going with the Volcanoes to finish the regular season at the top, but that want mean a thing during the playoffs.

2nd Place – See the above argument, Aces will land here.

3rd Place – The Stars are making a run for the top, but I think the Aces and Volcanoes are too talented for the Stars to catch them, however their momentum will bode well for them come actual playoff time.

4th Place – I had the Bears here last week but it seems as though they are slowly fading away.  Meanwhile the Wolves have jumped to the fourth spot in the standings are look to have finally found their stride.  I want to say they will finish a spot down in fifth, but when I look at the teams behind them I can't help leave them here. 

5th Place – The last two spots are up for grabs for at least six teams, which includes the Colorado Hooks.  I don't see this traffic jam clearing up anytime soon, but fortunately for us basketball fans that will produce some great basketball heading down the stretch.  I believe GM Jag has the skills and experience to figure out whatever issues the Bears are having and will land the Bears in the fifth spot.

6th Place – You can flip a coin for the last team, it's that close.  However flipping coins don't mean jack squat in basketball.  That's why I get paid in fried spam to give my professional opinion.  And my professional opinion is telling me that Tempe will knock the Glaciers and GM Franchise out of contention.  The Squirrels have some issues to clear up, but if GM Kirk can own up to his mistakes he will earn the respect of his team and finish strong to make the playoffs in his first season.

The West recap is:

1)   Volcanoes
2)   Aces
3)   Stars
4)   Wolves
5)   Bears
6)   Flyingsquirrels

Strap your seatbelts on folks because the rest of the season is going to be a wild ride!

[Jon]

Q's WEEKLY POWER RANKINGS

Week Seven


1. Puerto Rico Waves (13-0)
Finished off the first half of the season undefeated.
Weekly Results: defeated Pittsburgh & Kentucky
Last Week: 1

2. Las Vegas Aces (10-3)
Successful first half of the season has them tied atop the West.   
Weekly Results: defeated Montana @ Anchorage
Last Week: 3

3. Hollywood Stars (9-4)
Stars have been rolling since their injury plagued slow start.
Weekly Results: defeated Calgary & Tempe
Last Week: 4

4. Honolulu Volcanoes (10-3)
Is the season Creed wins MVP? He has now checked the All-Star MVP off his list.
Weekly Results: defeated Boise & Montana
Last Week: 6

5. Birmingham Greenhornets (9-4)
Birmingham might be the best team to threaten the Waves undefeated season.
Weekly Results: defeated Kentucky & lost to Baton Rouge
Last Week: 5

6. Kentucky Hayseeds (9-4)
Is GoGo Frazier's mind in the right place? 
Weekly Results: lost to Birmingham & Puerto Rico
Last Week: 2

7. Wyoming Wolves (8-5)
With Rip now gone, the Wolves make a big climb.   
Weekly Results: defeated Bismarck & Boise
Last Week: 13

8. Montreal Foresters (8-5)
Foresters are priming themselves up for a big second half of the season. 
Weekly Results: defeated Portsmouth & Mississippi
Last Week: 16

9. Pittsburgh Blades (7-6)
Blades have to find a way to beat the better competition in the East.   
Weekly Results: lost to Puerto Rico & defeated Texas
Last Week: 12

10. Montana Bears (7-6)
Has Corbin Dallas been shunned out of Montana by GM Jag?
Weekly Results: lost to Las Vegas & Honolulu
Last Week: 7

11. Texas Stallions (7-6)
For only playing with six players for the most part, the Stallions have held up very well.
Weekly Results: defeated Providence & lost to Pittsburgh
Last Week: 15

12. Providence Diamonds (7-6)
A long time ago, this team was 7-0. 
Weekly Results: lost to Texas & Boston
Last Week: 8

13. Roswell Aliens (7-6)
Aliens have been playing very well lately, will it convert to a big second half?   
Weekly Results: lost to San Diego & defeated Colorado
Last Week: 17

14. Anchorage Glaciers (7-6)
Glaciers hanging on tight, but will the wheels begin to fall off in the second half with Mike Flips in the locker room? 
Weekly Results: lost to Colorado & Las Vegas
Last Week: 9

15. Mississippi Steamers (7-6)
Can the Steamers find more consistency in the second half of the season?
Weekly Results: lost to Greenville & Montreal
Last Week: 11

16. Tempe Flyingsquirrels (7-6)
Rookie GM Kirk is now making headlines in Tempe for all the wrong reasons.
Weekly Results: lost to Seattle & Hollywood
Last Week: 10

17. Boston Bells (6-7)
GM Strike is heading to Boston with the departure of GM Flins... was wondering where Petri Rovuk was when he arrived... whoops... 
Weekly Results: defeated Virginia & Providence
Last Week: 19

18. Greenville Bulldogs (6-7)
Four straight wins have Greenville on the same path as last season.
Weekly Results: defeated Mississippi & Virginia
Last Week: 21

19. Boise Spuds (6-7)
With Mike Flips on the case, I'm sure everyone in Boise can rest safely knowing Primo will be found.   
Weekly Results: lost to Honolulu & Wyoming
Last Week: 14

20. Baton Rouge Riverbandits  (5-8)
Bandits put together HUGE week! Has GM Dorling finally got this team heating up? 
Weekly Results: defeated Tampa Bay & Birmingham
Last Week: 23

21. Tampa Bay Dragons (5-8)
GM Rebel is heading back to where his FBL career started. 
Weekly Results: lost to Baton Rouge & defeated Portsmouth
Last Week: 18

22. Colorado Hooks (6-7)
Awwwwww yeah CHURCH....BYE...GURL... 
Weekly Results: defeated Anchorage & lost to Roswell
Last Week: 20

23. San Diego Seagulls (5-8)
GM Flins makes a big move by taking the San Diego position and brings Rovuk with him!
Weekly Results: defeated Roswell & lost to Seattle
Last Week: 22

24. Seattle Toppers (3-10)
Don't sleep on Seattle yet! 
Weekly Results: defeated Tempe & San Diego
Last Week: 26

25. Calgary Thundercats (3-10)
Is GM Cory secretly in talks in relocating the Calgary franchise?
Weekly Results: lost to Hollywood & defeated Bismarck
Last Week: 25

26. Bismarck Jaguars (3-10)
GM Rob will have his work cut out for him next season with only Tre Majoe returning.   
Weekly Results: lost to Wyoming & Calgary
Last Week: 24

27. Virginia Colonials (1-12)
Season 16 couldn't arrive any slower for the Colonials. 
Weekly Results: lost to Boston & Greenville
Last Week: 27

28. Portsmouth Defenders (1-12)
This team is just awful... GM Domingo will have his hands full.   
Weekly Results: lost to Montreal & Tampa Bay
Last Week: 28


---------------

BIGGEST JUMP: ▲ Montreal (8 spots)

BIGGEST DROP: ▼ Tempe (6 spots)


CREDIT: JOHNNY QUINN

[Justin]

Top 10 Offenses
99.6   Waves
97.9   Volcanoes
95.1   Hayseeds
93.9   Aces
88.2   Blades
87.1   Diamonds
86.3   Wolves
85.5   Stars
84.2   Greenhornets
83.3   Bells
80.9   Squirrels
79.8   Dragons
79.2   Steamers
78.8   Toppers
76.6   Stallions
86.2   Montana
74.8   Glaciers
73.6   Spuds
70.8   Seagulls
70.6   Hooks
70.4   Bandits
70.2   Foresters
69.8   Colonials
69.6   Thundercats
68.5   Aliens
66.3   Bulldogs
64.2   Defenders
55.0   Jaguars


Top 10 Rebounding
45.8   Hayseeds
43.3   Waves
42.2   Aces
41.7   Stars
41.0   Greenhornets
41.0   Foresters
40.6   Volcanoes
40.2   Bandits
39.2   Blades
38.4   Aliens
37.4   Montana
38.0   Squirrels
37.3   Glaciers
36.9   Wolves
36.9   Bulldogs
36.8   Thundercats
36.5   Diamonds
36.4   Bells
36.4   Dragons
35.4   Spuds
34.5   Stallions
34.0   Defenders
33.5   Steamers
33.3   Jaguars
31.5   Seagulls
31.5   Colonials
31.2   Hooks
27.7   Toppers


Top 10 Assists
23.1   Volcanoes
22.6   Waves
21.0   Hayseeds
20.0   Squirrels
19.8   Aces
19.7   Dragons
19.6   Blades
19.5   Diamonds
18.5   Wolves
18.2   Aliens
18.2   Stallions
18.0   Greenhornets
17.9   Bells
17.6   Stars
19.7   Montana
17.5   Steamers
17.1   Toppers
16.4   Spuds
15.8   Bulldogs
15.6   Thundercats
15.0   Bandits
15.0   Glaciers
14.7   Colonials
14.5   Foresters
14.1   Hooks
14.0   Seagulls
12.2   Defenders
9.4   Jaguars


Top 10 Blocks
6.8   Waves
5.5   Bulldogs
4.8   Hayseeds
4.5   Volcanoes
4.5   Foresters
4.0   Aliens
3.9   Aces
3.8   Bandits
3.4   Montana
3.7   Wolves
3.5   Stallions
3.5   Squirrels
3.4   Diamonds
3.2   Bells
3.0   Stars
2.8   Spuds
2.8   Blades
2.2   Greenhornets
2.2   Defenders
2.2   Dragons
2.2   Thundercats
2.2   Seagulls
1.7   Jaguars
1.6   Toppers
1.5   Glaciers
1.4   Colonials
1.4   Hooks
1.2   Steamers


Top 10 Steals
6.1   Waves
5.5   Aliens
5.2   Volcanoes
5.1   Bulldogs
4.8   Hayseeds
4.7   Stars
4.5   Squirrels
4.4   Aces
4.3   Wolves
3.8   Spuds
3.7   Bandits
3.7   Stallions
3.6   Diamonds
3.2   Dragons
4.6   Montana
3.2   Jaguars
3.1   Foresters
3.0   Seagulls
2.9   Greenhornets
2.9   Glaciers
2.8   Bells
2.8   Thundercats
2.6   Blades
2.5   Toppers
2.5   Hooks
2.5   Steamers
1.5   Colonials
0.9   Defenders


Top 10 Turnovers
1.5   Aces
2.1   Waves
2.5   Diamonds
2.5   Foresters
2.5   Steamers
2.6   Volcanoes
2.6   Hayseeds
2.6   Stars
2.6   Blades
2.8   Greenhornets
3.0   Stallions
2.2   Montana
3.2   Hooks
3.2   Wolves
3.2   Dragons
3.3   Bandits
3.3   Glaciers
3.6   Bells
3.7   Squirrels
3.9   Colonials
4.0   Aliens
4.1   Thundercats
4.2   Bulldogs
4.4   Spuds
5.1   Seagulls
5.6   Jaguars
6.6   Toppers
7.4   Defenders

Top 10 Opponent's Scoring
68.7   Aliens
69.1   Bulldogs
70.4   Foresters
71.8   Waves
74.2   Jaguars
70.2   Montana
75.7   Spuds
76.0   Stars
77.1   Dragons
77.8   Wolves
77.9   Hooks
77.9   Bandits
77.9   Thundercats
78.2   Stallions
78.5   Aces
78.6   Glaciers
80.2   Volcanoes
80.4   Seagulls
81.3   Blades
81.4   Greenhornets
81.8   Squirrels
82.5   Diamonds
83.3   Hayseeds
84.2   Bells
84.6   Steamers
84.7   Colonials
87.5   Defenders
89.1   Toppers

[Jon]

Q's WEEKLY POWER RANKINGS

Week Eight


1. Puerto Rico Waves (14-1)
Didn't take the Waves long to lose the undefeated season to start the second half of the season.
Weekly Results: lost to Kentucky & defeated Birmingham
Last Week: 1

2. Las Vegas Aces (12-3)
Could Redford Shack be put into the starting Power Forward spot by season's end? Scary to think about. 
Weekly Results: defeated Anchorage @ Colorado
Last Week: 2

3. Hollywood Stars (11-4)
Just thinking about it... I would hate to be the mentee of Brian Beast.   
Weekly Results: defeated Tempe & San Diego
Last Week: 3

4. Honolulu Volcanoes (12-3)
The Volcanoes looks like the team to beat right now. 
Weekly Results: defeated Montana & Anchorage
Last Week: 4

5. Kentucky Hayseeds (11-4)
Huge statement week for the 'Seeds as they spoiled Puerto Rico's undefeated season. 
Weekly Results: defeated Puerto Rico & Texas
Last Week: 6

6. Wyoming Wolves (10-5)
Another big week by Wyoming helps spread the gap between the top four and everyone else.
Weekly Results: defeated Boise & Montana
Last Week: 7

7. Montreal Foresters (10-5)
Not sure there is a hotter team in the East NOW. 
Weekly Results: defeated Mississippi & Virginia
Last Week: 8

8. Pittsburgh Blades (9-6)
That was the type of week the Blades needed to start the second half of the season. 
Weekly Results: defeated Texas & Boston
Last Week: 9

9. Birmingham Greenhornets (9-6)
Birmingham seemed a bit "late" to the party this week. 
Weekly Results: lost to Baton Rouge & Puerto Rico
Last Week: 5

10. Providence Diamonds (9-6)
Slump has ended momentarily... can they keep it going though?
Weekly Results: defeated Boston & Greenville
Last Week: 12

11. Mississippi Steamers (8-7)
Does Greg Walton deserved to be benched? Absolutely he does. 
Weekly Results: lost to Montreal & defeated Tampa Bay
Last Week: 15

12. Montana Bears (7-8)
Have to feel bad for Corbin Dallas and the way his career with Montana will end. 
Weekly Results: lost to Honolulu & Wyoming
Last Week: 10

13. Texas Stallions (7-8)
There are not very many people who think Jesus Chavez has a chance in hell in building a case against the Stallions. 
Weekly Results: lost to Pittsburgh & Kentucky
Last Week: 11

14. Baton Rouge Riverbandits  (7-8)
The GM Dorling farewell tour is off and running and has the Bandits playing spirited basketball. 
Weekly Results: defeated Birmingham & Portsmouth
Last Week: 20

15. Roswell Aliens (7-8)
Ugly week for the Aliens who also had their assistant coach point fingers at the production off the bench.   
Weekly Results: lost to Colorado & Seattle
Last Week: 13

16. Anchorage Glaciers (7-8)
No question about it, Van Lowe needs to be starting pronto. 
Weekly Results: lost to Las Vegas & Honolulu
Last Week: 14

17. Greenville Bulldogs (7-8)
Couldn't keep the streak rolling, but still hanging in the playoff hunt.   
Weekly Results: defeated Mississippi & Virginia
Last Week: 18

18. Boise Spuds (7-8)
Will be glad to have Primo Orlando back this week. 
Weekly Results: lost to Wyoming & defeated Calgary
Last Week: 19

19. Tempe Flyingsquirrels (7-8)
Not sure what has happened in Tempe... but GM Kirk may not last much longer.
Weekly Results: lost to Hollywood & Bismarck
Last Week: 16

20. Boston Bells (6-9)
Despite the season all but lost, Rovuk has been fun to watch.
Weekly Results: lost to Providence & Pittsburgh
Last Week: 17

21. Seattle Toppers (5-10)
Troy Marshall put on a clinic this week! 
Weekly Results: defeated San Diego & Roswell
Last Week: 24

22. Colorado Hooks (7-8)
Allan, Rogers, Tamlin have turned into a young trio the Hooks can really build around.
Weekly Results: defeated Anchorage & lost to Roswell
Last Week: 22

23. Tampa Bay Dragons (6-9)
Sad to think this is the last season we'll see Leighton Lee in a Dragons jersey.   
Weekly Results: defeated Portsmouth & lost to Mississippi
Last Week: 21

24. San Diego Seagulls (5-10)
I'm getting antsy for next season at seeing Drake, Rovuk, and Reed together.
Weekly Results: lost to Seattle & Hollywood
Last Week: 23

25. Calgary Thundercats (4-11)
Cats' got a win, but how long will they remain in Calgary?
Weekly Results: defeated Bismarck & lost to Boise
Last Week: 25

26. Bismarck Jaguars (4-11)
One has to question if it's even possible to have a successful franchise in Bismarck?
Weekly Results: lost to Calgary & defeated Tempe
Last Week: 26

27. Virginia Colonials (1-14)
Who will win the Week 9 matchup against Portsmouth? First pick could be on the line! 
Weekly Results: lost to Greenville & Montreal
Last Week: 27

28. Portsmouth Defenders (1-14)
Who will win the Week 9 matchup against Virginia? First pick could be on the line! 
Weekly Results: lost to Tampa Bay & Baton Rouge
Last Week: 28


---------------

BIGGEST JUMP: ▲ Baton Rouge (6 spots)

BIGGEST DROP: ▼ Birmingham (4 spots)


CREDIT: JOHNNY QUINN

[Justin]

Painting the Playoffs

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Howard McAfee signing in for another edition of Painting the Playoffs.  Week 8 is done and the playoff picture has become a little more clear....well for me anyways.

Eastern Conference predictions after Week 7:

1)   Waves
2)   Hayseeds
3)   Greenhornets
4)   Foresters
5)   Diamonds
6)   Blades

The Eastern conference has all of a sudden gotten tougher as the season progresses and the talent level is catching up to that of the Western Conference.  Some teams are surging and others not so much.  Here is my predictions post Week 8.

Eastern Conference Playoffs

1st Place – As I predicted, the Waves lost their first game of the season.  According to Coach McLoo it looks as though it may have lifted a heavy burden off of the team which will give them the freedom to play with their minds clear.  Sounds like it could create an even more dangerous team.  Their lead has been trimmed to three games, but I don't see a late season slide happening.  Waves remain number one.

2nd Place – The Greenhornets made me eat my words last week, but they had a tough week and now the Foresters move into the next team looking to fight the Hayseeds for the number two spot.  Only one game separates second and third and if the Foresters keep playing great basketball they could surprise some folks.  However, I am not one of those folks as I believe Hayseeds still finish second.

3rd Place – I predict the Foresters will continue to play inspired basketball and will beat the Greenhornets for third..

4th Place – Greenhornets, Diamonds, and Blades all share the same record for the last three playoff slots.  As much as I want to put the talented Blades here, news from the trade wire has me questioning whether or not the team chemistry will remain intact for them to make the much needed final push.  Providence has only won 2 of their last 8 games, both coming last week.  However I don't see their winning streak being anything concrete.  Greenhornets are my pick.

5th Place – I will move the Blades up one spot from last week.

6th Place – Honestly, I'm not buying what the Diamonds are selling anymore.  The Steamers are my new pick here behind a dynamic rookie duo.

My new playoff teams are:

1)   Waves
2)   Hayseeds
3)   Foresters
4)   Greenhornets
5)   Blades
6)   Steamers

------

The top of the Western Conference remains crowded with two games separating first and fourth.  One bounce of the ball this way, or one sprained ankle and the top can easily flip-flop.  Week 7 picks were:

1)   Volcanoes
2)   Aces
3)   Stars
4)   Wolves
5)   Bears
6)   Squirrels

Western Conference Playoffs

1st Place – Volcanoes and Aces....take your pick.  It looks like the deciding game to separate these two is who will win their second matchup.  I'm going with Volcanoes

2nd Place – See the above argument, Aces will land here.

3rd Place – I've had the Stars here for the past couple of weeks, but there have been some grumblings inside the Stars camp according to my sources around the league.  I'm not sure what those grumblings are but I've been told they could be potentially fatal.  For that reason I am going with the rejuvenated defending Champions to finish third.

4th Place – The rest of the West won't catch up so the Stars land here by default. 

5th Place – The last two spots are up for grabs with six teams still being in the mix.  You can roll a dice and pick one to land in the last two spots.  For number five I am going to go with the Aliens.

6th Place – Word from my sources is GM Jag is having some personal issues that are affecting his job.  GM Jag is a good GM that often times gets overlooked.  If he is able to get his life right I think he will find a way to land the Bears into the last playoff spot and possibly play spoiler in the playoffs.

The West recap is:

1)   Volcanoes
2)   Aces
3)   Stars
4)   Wolves
5)   Aliens
6)   Bears

Week 9 shall clear the way even more and until then, I have to tend to my hemorrhoids.

[Jon]

Q's WEEKLY POWER RANKINGS

Week Nine


1. Honolulu Volcanoes (14-3)
It took nine weeks... but the FBL has a new #1!   
Weekly Results: defeated Colorado & Las Vegas
Last Week: 4

2. Puerto Rico Waves (15-2)
Another slip up this week by the Waves moves them to #2, but still in prime position for the East Title.
Weekly Results: lost to Baton Rouge & defeated Texas
Last Week: 1

3. Hollywood Stars (13-4)
Been on an absolute tear, but will the team begin to wonder which two of them will be the odd men out?   
Weekly Results: defeated Seattle & Roswell
Last Week: 3

4. Kentucky Hayseeds (13-4)
Will we see some vintage Kamil Bennett this week with Crander most likely to sit? 
Weekly Results: defeated Boston & Greenville
Last Week: 5

5. Las Vegas Aces (13-4)
Had a chance to take the number one spot, but fell just short against the Volcanoes. 
Weekly Results: defeated Roswell & lost to Honolulu
Last Week: 2

6. Wyoming Wolves (12-5)
Will the words of Damore Richards be the downfall for the Wolves?
Weekly Results: defeated Anchorage & Colorado
Last Week: 6

7. Montreal Foresters (12-5)
Sitting patiently and waiting for one of the teams above to slip up... as they eye a first round bye. 
Weekly Results: defeated Providence & Pittsburgh
Last Week: 7

8. Pittsburgh Blades (10-7)
At some point they need a marquee win against an upper echelon team. 
Weekly Results: defeated Greenville & lost to Montreal
Last Week: 8

9. Birmingham Greenhornets (10-7)
Team has been pretty bleh lately... maybe re-signing Brage with help out matters.
Weekly Results: lost to Texas & defeated Boston
Last Week: 9

10. Baton Rouge Riverbandits  (9-8)
With morale at an all-time high... Bandits becoming a real threat in the East. 
Weekly Results: defeated Puerto Rico & Mississippi
Last Week: 14

11. Montana Bears (9-8)
Biggest test is to see if they can work through the Corbin ordeal... on the right track this past week. 
Weekly Results: defeated Calgary & Tempe
Last Week: 12

12. Mississippi Steamers (9-8)
Will fight altercation between Teddy, Clappy... and Grubby?? have negative effects moving forward? 
Weekly Results: defeated Portsmouth & lost to Baton Rouge
Last Week: 11

13. Texas Stallions (8-9)
Sigh of relief in Texas as Jesus Chavez lost his appeal to the courts.   
Weekly Results: defeated Birmingham & lost to Puerto Rico
Last Week: 13

14. Boise Spuds (9-8)
Will be glad to have Primo Orlando back this week. 
Weekly Results: lost to Wyoming & defeated Calgary
Last Week: 18

15. Providence Diamonds (9-8)
Does a change need to be made in Providence to get this team to the playoffs?
Weekly Results: lost to Montreal & Tampa Bay
Last Week: 10

16. Roswell Aliens (7-10)
Where in the world is GM Steven? has been the cries of the GreenNation.   
Weekly Results: lost to Las Vegas & Hollywood
Last Week: 15

17. Greenville Bulldogs (7-10)
Is Yabla beginning to rub off negatively to the youth of this Bulldogs team?   
Weekly Results: lost to Pittsburgh & Kentucky
Last Week: 17

18. Seattle Toppers (6-11)
Just think about what could have been if the TOP3 had one big man and a bench. 
Weekly Results: lost to Hollywood & beat Bismarck
Last Week: 21

19. Anchorage Glaciers (7-10)
So much for that incredible start by GM Franchise as the Glaciers begin to slip out of playoff contention.   
Weekly Results: lost to Wyoming & Calgary
Last Week: 16

20. Tempe Flyingsquirrels (7-10)
Is the apologies coming a bit too from GM Kirk?
Weekly Results: lost to Boise & Montana
Last Week: 19

21. Boston Bells (6-11)
Has Mr. O'Shady regretted the firing of GM Terrorist-Bone, who has the Volcanoes erupting with success? 
Weekly Results: lost to Kentucky & Birmingham
Last Week: 20

22. Tampa Bay Dragons (7-10)
Owner, Mr. Master has went out and secured the services of Ernie Bell for next season to help aid in the loss of Leighton Lee.   
Weekly Results: lost to Virginia & defeated Providence
Last Week: 23

23. Colorado Hooks (7-10)
Are the Tull sisters in need of an extended timeout?
Weekly Results: lost to Honolulu & Wyoming
Last Week: 22

24. San Diego Seagulls (6-11)
Still antsy...
Weekly Results: defeated Bismarck & lost to Boise
Last Week: 24

25. Calgary Thundercats (5-12)
Will Mr. Bolt pull the trigger on GM Cory?
Weekly Results: lost to Montana & defeated Anchorage
Last Week: 25

26. Virginia Colonials (3-14)
Two wins... whoop de doo. 
Weekly Results: defeated Tampa Bay & Portsmouth
Last Week: 27

27. Bismarck Jaguars (4-13)
Will the Reverand cut Ty Kwondo?? ... leaving Majoe the only returning player for next season?
Weekly Results: lost to San Diego & Seattle
Last Week: 26

28. Portsmouth Defenders (1-16)
Still losing... 
Weekly Results: lost to Mississippi & Virginia
Last Week: 28


---------------

BIGGEST JUMP: ▲ Baton Rouge & Boise (4 spots)

BIGGEST DROP: ▼ Providence (5 spots)


CREDIT: JOHNNY QUINN

[Jon]

Q's WEEKLY POWER RANKINGS

Week Ten


1. Honolulu Volcanoes (16-3)
Last Week: 1

2. Hollywood Stars (15-4)
Last Week: 3

3. Puerto Rico Waves (16-3)
Last Week: 2

4. Kentucky Hayseeds (14-5)
Last Week: 4

5. Wyoming Wolves (13-6)
Last Week: 6

6. Las Vegas Aces (13-6)
Last Week: 5

7. Birmingham Greenhornets (12-7)
Last Week: 9

8. Baton Rouge Riverbandits  (11-8)
Last Week: 10

9. Montreal Foresters (12-7)
Last Week: 7

10. Pittsburgh Blades (11-8)
Last Week: 8

11. Montana Bears (11-8)
Last Week: 11

12. Boise Spuds (10-9)
Last Week: 14

13. Providence Diamonds (11-8)
Last Week: 15

14. Mississippi Steamers (9-10)
Last Week: 12

15. Roswell Aliens (8-11)
Last Week: 16

16. Greenville Bulldogs (8-11)
Last Week: 17

17. Texas Stallions (8-11)
Last Week: 13

18. Anchorage Glaciers (8-11)
Last Week: 19

19. Colorado Hooks (9-10)
Last Week: 23

20. Tampa Bay Dragons (9-10)
Last Week: 22

21. Seattle Toppers (6-13)
Last Week: 18

22. Boston Bells (7-12)
Last Week: 21

23. Tempe Flyingsquirrels (7-12)
Last Week: 20

24. San Diego Seagulls (7-12)
Last Week: 24

25. Calgary Thundercats (6-13)
Last Week: 25

26. Virginia Colonials (4-15)
Last Week: 26

27. Bismarck Jaguars (4-15)
Last Week: 27

28. Portsmouth Defenders (1-18)
Last Week: 28


---------------

BIGGEST JUMP: ▲ Colorado (4 spots)

BIGGEST DROP: ▼ Texas (4 spots)


CREDIT: JOHNNY QUINN

[Justin]

The playoffs are winding down and the frenzy of the FBL offseason is fast approaching.  The biggest spectacle of the offseason is the FBL Draft.  Teams bank their future success on the draft eligible players and the trading bonanza is amazing to watch.  I have teamed up with Oliver Pike, a young, pimpled face, wet behind the ears sports journalist who is looking to learn from one of the journalism industry greats...me..Howard McAfee!

Oliver and myself and decided to produce our mock draft for the first round of the Season 16 FBL Draft.  It should be noted that our picks do not incorporate possible trades.  If we did that we would go insane.  Instead we decided to focus on the current draft order.  We agreed on the first four picks, but after that things get interesting.

Enjoy!


1. Portsmouth Defenders - Nick Jenkins (SG/SF)
Portsmouth has a need at every position.  The smartest option is to go with a four year college player who has the maturity and game that will convert to the next level.  -- McAfee

1. Portsmouth Defenders -  Nick Jenkins (SG/SF)
The consensus #1 here it seems. Portsmouth needs quite a few players, so taking the top ranked player in the draft makes the most sense. -- Pike


2. Texas Stallions - Andy Wallace (PF/C)
With a nearly full roster, grabbing added depth at the 4 and 5 works for the Stallions. Their backcouurt seems stocked with talent, so this pick gives them some options. -- Pike

2. Texas Stallion - Andy Wallace (PF/C)
GM Talon has a decent backcourt aligned for next season so it would make sense for him to add depth to his frontcourt.  Wallace could very well be the best player in the draft. -- McAfee


3. Bismarck Jaguars - Monty Green (SF/SG)
Bismarck needs a few things here, and a defensive minded player could be a nice fit alongside Majoe. -- Pike

3. Bismarck Jaguars - Monty Green (SF/SG)
Tre Majoe needs all the help he can get.  Adding the defensive minded Green will help create possessions for Majoe on offense. -- McAfee


4. Boise Spuds - Bobby Dane (PG/SG)
With questions about Jour, Dane makes sense as a insurance policy, just in case. -- Pike

4. Boise Spuds - Bobby Dane (PG/SG)
It seems as though the rookie Pike has agreed with me so far.  I guess he has learned well from me.  We make it 4 for 4 with us both projecting Bobby Dane going to the Spuds here.  A combo guard gives GM Metro some flexibility with his lineup. -- McAfee


5. Montreal Foresters -  Joe Howley (PF/SF)
Here's where things start to differ. I can see the benefits of both picks here, I simply went with the PF/SF combo to give the team some more flexibility. Taking someone like McDuck could be a good idea too, especially since the rest of the Montreal roster seems pretty straight forward. -- Pike

5. Montreal Foresters - Jim McDuck (SG/SF)
My colleague went with Joe Howley here who I have going a few spots later.  I think there is more of a scoring need from the shooting guard position as opposed to big man help.  It looks like McDuck will definitely be an option with questions swirling about John Cunningham. -- McAfee


6. Greenville - Tulip Krandle (PF/C)
This pick might come down to which PF/C Greenville likes more. But they should probably address that spot at this pick with one of the many left. -- Pike

6. Greenville - Preston Fuller (PF/C)
I have Fuller here while the youngster has Krandle.  I will agree with Oliver and say that the Bulldogs can go either way, but I believe Fuller to be the better prospect of the two. -- McAfee


7. Tempe Flying Squirrels -  Jim McDuck (SG/SF)
With Dekker and Falls still on board, I think Tempe can roll the dice on someone to replace Hughes rather then a backup or replacement. -- Pike

7. Tempe Flying Squirrels - Tulip Krandle (PF/C)
I went with Krandle because I believe Falls will not be on the roster once the off-season begins.  I could be wrong and if I am, then Krandle is not a need here unless Tempe decides to use him as sixth man. -- McAfee


8. San Diego Seagulls - Preston Fuller (PF/C)
Seems there's a consensus that San Diego could use a big man. There's no telling how Klomen's style will transition to the FBL, so a back up plan like Fuller could be more of a benefit to the Gulls. -- Pike

8. San Diego Seagulls - Buck Fisher (C)
Talk about a perfect scenario for the Seagulls.  I have Buck Fisher falling to them at #8 and he is primed to be the next big thing after learning from Joe Reed the next couple of seasons.  Oliver has Fuller going here and if he is still on the board I think the Seagulls can't go wrong, but Fuller will not be here. -- McAfee


9. Seattle Toppers - Buck Fisher (C)
It's hard to find a good C, which is why I feel that Fisher is the option if he's still there at 9. Howley could work too, since really all this team needs is some stable bigs. -- Pike

9. Seattle Toppers - Joe Howley (PF/SF)
Howley gives the Toppers a much needed frontcourt presence. -- McAfee


10. Mississippi Steamers - Kai Lunia (C)
They've got Wilson and McKnight, they just need some better performances from their big men. -- Pike

10. Mississippi Steamers - Kai Lunia (C)
The Steamers have the dynamic rookie duo who will be even better next season.  They need big men help BAD.  Kai Lunia fits that need. -- McAfee


11. Boise Spuds - J.R. George (PG/SG)
Either pick could work, though I think George might give them more depth scoring, especially if Pederson makes a move back to the 6th man role. -- Pike

11. Boise Spuds - Harvey Shields (PF/C)
This is where the rookie factor kicks in with my buddy Oliver.  He has JR George going here, but he plays the same position as Bobby Dane who we projected the Spuds to take.  I won't hold against him though, it's damn near impossible to be on the same level as me.  Shields gives the Spuds a chance to shore up their depth chart. -- McAfee


12. Boston Bells - Arjan Sniep (SF/SG)
At least we agree that this might be the first time we see an international player taken. It might depend what the Bells do in the off season, though with the big men they have now, they could afford to try a wing player to try and help out their scoring. -- Pike

12. Boston Bells - Basra Rusak (C)
Our picks our different, but we both have the first international player off the board.  This pick will all depend on what the Bells do in the offseason. -- McAfee


13. Tempe Flying Squirrels - Harvey Shields (PF/C)
Naturally, if George is available at 13, the Squirrels should take him. However this also depends what they do at 7. If they take a big then, they can afford to take the guard here. Shields wouldn't be a bad option to play off the bench. -- Pike

13. Tempe Flying Squirrels - J.R. George (PG/SG)
Tempe needs to replace their departing guards.  This is a solid pickup at the #13 spot. -- McAfee


14. Providence Diamonds - Rob Shilton (PF/C)
The Diamonds could use a solid big body to give Juice some help rebounding.  -- Pike

14. Providence Diamonds - Rob Shilton (PF/C)
Juice needs help on the block.  Shilton can be that help. -- McAfee


15. Boise Spuds - Julius Hallmark (PF)
I have the Spuds taking a guard at their last pick, which is why I've got Hallmark down for them here. It might be worth it for the Spuds to roll the dice on a known last name with their third pick in the first round. -- Pike

15. Boise Spuds - Helmet Heed (SF/SG)
At this point Boise is just adding to their depth. -- McAfee


16. Portsmouth Defenders - Jay Morrison (PG)
The Defenders could use a solid point guard to lead the team on the floor. I can see the value in taking a forward, though, since they kind of need a little bit of everything. -- Pike

16. Portsmouth Defenders - Julius Hallmark (PF)
I think the frontcourt is a bigger need than the point guard position.  Portsmouth goes with Hallmark and hope he is half as good as his cousin has been in the FBL. -- McAfee


17. Baton Rouge Riverbandits - Shuzou Tagawa (PF/C)
The Bandits could use a big man, and I feel Tagawa gives them a bit more flexibility for other picks and free agency. -- Pike

17. Baton Rouge Riverbandits - Slum Cotcha (C)
This is a depth pick for Baton Rouge. -- McAfee


18. Montana Bears - Adam Roberts (SF/PF)
The Bears need a small forward, and he's one of the top ones left. -- Pike

18. Montana Bears - Adam Roberts (SF/PF)
SF is really the only position the Bears need.  I think Roberts will fit nicely with the team and will be a surprise producer for GM Jag. -- McAfee


19. Colorado Hooks - Brett Thomas (PF/C)
If Tagawa is still here, I would probably go with him since he might be more of what the Hooks could use. However, if he's not, Thomas is  a good option as well to play alongside Tamlin. -- Pike

19. Colorado Hooks - Shuzou Tagawa (PF/C)
A big man is what the doctor ordered for the Hooks.  Tagawa gives them a big body. -- McAfee


20. Virginia Colonials - Andy Langton (PF)
With Hallmark still around, if the Colonials don't want to shift Danberry to PF, then they should probably pick one up with this pick. Langton could provide a bit of a compliment to Danberry, and help out on the defensive side of things. -- Pike

20. Virginia Colonials - Jay Morrison (PG)
The heir apparent to Hallmark?  Only time will tell. -- McAfee


21. Birmingham Greenhornets - Brad Schmidt (SF/SG)
I see the reasoning for Thomas - there's some questions about Coplex. If Thomas is around, I can agree with the Hornets taking him here, however if he's not, I'd probably grab someone like Schmidt who can play the wing and possibly provide a spark as the 6th man. -- Pike

21. Birmingham Greenhornets - Brett Thomas (PF/C)
Coplex will either be gone in the offseason or will be relegated to the 7th or 8th position off the bench.  Schmidt could be a choice but I think  a big man is more of a need. -- McAfee


22. Las Vegas Aces - Rakro Mastra (PF/SF)
The Aces need a PF here unless they're planning to move one of Roberts or Shack there. With the departure of Pollock, it leaves a hole that the Aces should address. -- Pike

22. Las Vegas Aces - Heath McCain (PG/SG)
I like the versatility McCain brings by being a combo guard.  He could spell Payton when needed or be paired with him on the court at the same time.  The Aces could address the frontcourt here but I think McCain has too much upside to pass on. -- McAfee


23. Pittsburgh Blades - Slum Cotcha (C)
The Blades are in a good place here where there are still some C's left. They've got some pieces throughout their team, and someone like Cotcha could slide in alongside Dreams to finalize this team for next season. -- Pike

23. Pittsburgh Blades - Terry Christie (PG)
Champ Martin will need to be replaced in two seasons.  This gives Christie enough time to learn from one of the best. -- McAfee


24. Wyoming Wolves - Benk Umbako (C)
I think however you look at it, the Wolves could use this pick to grab a back up and potentially possible replacement to Mowa. - Pike

24. Wyoming Wolves - Ibake Nui (C/PF)
This is all about the backup for Mowa.  Can't go wrong with either pick. -- McAfee


25. Hollywood Stars - Heath McCain (PG/SG)
With the way the Stars roster is looking, this pick could end up being trade bait or it could be used to fill in some potential holes. I don't think one of these two is a better option for the Stars then the other. -- Pike

25. Hollywood Stars - Tobias Craddock (SF/SG)
I like Oliver's thinking with McCain here, but I think he will be off the board by the time this pick rolls around.  Craddock will give them a scoring option to help with Blair Smith. -- McAfee


26. Puerto Rico Waves - Ibake Nui (C/PF)
This is along the same lines as the Wolves a few picks back. They could use a big man and these might be two of the better ones left by this point. Couldn't go wrong with either. -- Pike

26. Puerto Rico Waves - Benk Umbako (C)
With the departure of Randal Junior imminent the Waves will need a big man. -- McAfee


27. Kentucky Hayseeds - Nick Starr (PG)
They could use another guard to fill out their roster, and I don't think either option is bad. Brown gives them more flexibility on the court, but GM Hondo might be one of the GMs that could handle any problems a relative of the game might bring. -- Pike

27. Kentucky Hayseeds - Bedwell Brown (PG/SG)
A backup PG is needed and either pick will work.  However, with the success of Vinyl I believe GM Hondo goes with another combo guard to pair alongside Vinyl. -- McAfee


28. Honolulu Volcanoes - Grant Grand (PF/C)
Both are high school players that might be what the Volcanoes are looking for, for money's sake. Either option is good for them here, though there's no telling what a high school player like Grand could do learning from someone like Creed Jackson. -- Pike

28. Honolulu Volcanoes - Apple Core (SF/SG)
This is a project pick all the way for GM Bone which allows him to pick not based on need, but which player he feels will be better down the road. -- McAfee

[Justin]

The Season 16 draft is in full effect and boy have there been some surprises!  The first overall pick didn't sign with the team that drafted him because of his price tag.  A projected top 3 pick dropped almost out of the top 10 and there have been trades galore!  So while the offseason is still going on and I am going to review the teams that have already locked in for the season.


Hollywood Stars

Season 15 saw another disappointing season for the Stars after falling short in the playoffs.  GM Jen has done a great job of getting her team to the playoffs, but has had issues getting over the hump once the playoffs arrive.  Season 16 provides another opportunity and Hollwood's owner, Frank Delvichio has made it known that he expects an FBL Championship this year.  I would dare to say that GM Jen is in the hot seat this season and if she can't produce a championship then her time in Hollywood may come to an abrupt end.

With that being said, I believe she has the best chance to win in Season 16.  Rhys Mitchell has proven to be one of the best, if not the best point guard in all of the FBL.  Coupled with him in the backcourt is a resurgent Chris Thomas who adds much needed firepower.  Blair Smith is being moved over to the small forward position where I think he will fit in fine.  Smith and Thomas is a lethal combo and will put up gobs of points.  Michael Owale has proven to be a solid power forward and the addition of Jason Howard gives the team much needed height. 

The only issue that GM Jen is going to have is her bench.  Sanders and Ford are good bench players and will get the team 15-20 points a game.  The problem is Davis Newton and his ability to play basketball at all.  He can't really provide any type of relief which will put the pressure on Owale and Howard to overachieve.

I'm a fan of GM Jen and believe she has assembled a very good team, but I think Davis Newton will be the cause of her fall in the conference semi-finals to the Volcanoes.


Boston Bells

The Bells have a brand new GM in Strike who has brought in basically a whole new roster.  I believe GM Strike to be a solid GM, but I am starting to question that with this team he has built for Season 16.  Though I will give him the benefit of the doubt and call it a rebuilding year for Boston.

GM Strike has brought in a very capable point guard in Wash Owens to run the show.  An aging Jimmy Street finds himself back in the FBL and will play the two guard position.  While he has the size to play the position, I'm not sold on his actual ability to do so.  Rookie Joe Howley will also be playing out of position at the small forward position, but it will give the Bells one of the biggest frontcourts in the FBL.  Howley's shooting ability is going to be key here.  The best offseason transaction for GM Strike was to bring Thomas Powell  and sign him to a contract extension.  I think Powell will have a true breakout season this year.  The Block Party returns at center, despite Big Red and Kamil Bennett both retiring.  Kaden's knees gave him some issues last season so it will be interesting to see how his health holds up in Season 16.

The bench for Boston is...well...horrid if I am being honest.  Kerry Smith, Bryant Carty and Gary Boldeer are nothing to write home about and collectively could be the worst bench in the FBL.  Luckily for Strike, Boldeer is in the last year of his contract which will free up $7.5 million.  He can unprotect Jimmy Street and Kaden Apollo after the season and free up another $21 million which will give him plenty of cap room to go after a big time free agent.

The Bells do not make the playoffs.


Boise Spuds

The trading phenom, GM Metro has assembled a very good Boise Spuds team, well starting five at least.  Henri Jour is coming off a great season and has proven he can lead the team on the court.  Malcolm Hayes looked better than ever and is primed to make a legit MVP run.  The addition of Donnie Henderson will help shore up the frontcourt to go alongside Hank Wheatley. 

The collective very good starting five will not be enough to mask the ugly bench.  Dawson is only in his second year and can get better, but right now he is just average and Jamie Anderson and Nick Trehurd are pathetic. 

When looking at the starting five the Spuds are a lock to make the playoffs, but when you factor in the bench I just don't know. 

Another factor is the level of coaching the Spuds have.  Jon Donald and Clint Wayne are below average coaches. 

Boise will miss the playoffs.


Greenville Bulldogs

GM Kirk had a promising start to Season 15 with Tempe, but soon had a mental breakdown and blew a gasket.  He now finds himself in Greenville with a team that will have the same issues as last season....scoring.
Bralin Hurtz is set to run the point which is a horrible mistake.  Hurtz belongs on the bench while Flem Johnson should be the starter.  Val Keaton provides some much needed scoring and will be a 20 point scorer.  GM Kirk should make it a priority to extend his contract.  Yablo Yabla is the best defender in the game, hands down.  Only problem is...he can't score.  Michael Olicha and Findi are below average and will grab a few rebounds and block a couple of shots but that's about it.  It should also be noted their lack of big size.

Cameron Hull and Flem Johnson are great off the bench and will provide a much needed spark, but I believe Johnson needs to be starting.  They can use his energy and production in the starting lineup.  Rob Shilton is the rookie who will probably play his way into the starting lineup a couple of weeks into the season.

GM Kirk has got a good coaching staff in place who will coach the team up, but it will not be enough to make the playoffs.

Greenville will miss the playoffs.


Montreal Foresters

Despite the complete meltdown against the Waves in the playoffs, the Foresters had a great season last year and that's due in large part to GM Soul.  GM Soul has made some splashes in the offseason that could very well find his team making a deep playoff run.

Melvin Smarts is a decent point guard and fits well with the team.  The handling of John Cunningham will either make or break the Foresters season.  I like the balls GM Soul has displayed in keeping Cunningham as the team captain, despite the issues from last season about the talk of him being overpaid and underperforming.  We will have to keep a close eye on this.  GM Soul made the biggest splash of the offseason by signing number one pick Nick Jenkins after the Stallions refused to meet his price tag.  The rookie has a complete game that warranted him being the number one pick.  Hopefully teaming with his old college teammate, Cunningham will help the development of both players.  Mack Ryan and Manhattan Jones are back as the foundation of this team.

Cordela is a competent 6th man, but the production from Tena and Flynn is what worries me.  I think both will put up okay numbers, but I don't know if they will be enough to help them get past the Blades or Hayseeds.

Montreal will lose in the conference semi-finals.


Wyoming Wolves

GM Jon and the Wolves fell short of the FBL Finals, but did make it to the conference finals with seven players which is no easy feat.  His guys pulled together at the right time and with their good coaching they were able to make that happen.  I believe GM Jon will have a little tougher season in Season 16.

I've looked the Wolves roster up and down and while it is a very solid roster there isn't one player that stands out to me.  Hans Frabuld is a very capable point guard and will be a solid player for years to come.  Sam Thompson is only 19 and will continue to get better, but I'm not sure he is ready to be the superstar for a team and carry them on his back.  However, GM Jon did a great job extending his contract and the $10 million salary will soon become a bargain.  Matt Foster is as good a player as they come, but in terms of the FBL he is old which makes me question how good will he really be this season.  Kenny Wang and Mowa round out the front court.  Both men are solid starters bur are only 6'10" and 6'11" respectively which I think may hinder the team during the playoffs.

The 27 year old rookie Olaf Hansen, Suziki Hondo and Jose Caballero make up the bench.  These three guys are as solid as a bench you will see in the FBL.  GM Jon can count on 20-25 points a game from his bench which will be huge in the playoffs.  My only concern is the lack of size once again.  Caballero is only 6'10".  The strength of the coaching staff the Wolves have will help big time with the development and cohesion of this Wolves team.

Wolves will lose in the conference finals.


Once the next wave of teams lock in, I will be back with my opinions on them.

Until next time....Howard McAfee signing out.

[Justin]

Howard McAfee back with my analysis of the latest teams to have completed their offseason activities.


Pittsburgh Blades

GM Pancho navigated his underdog Blades into the FBL Finals for the second time in three years, though he lost once again.  While it sucks to be the Buffalo Bills of the FBL, GM Pancho has had a great offseason and might have just put together a team to win it all.

The starting five he has assembled is right up there with the Volcanoes starting five of a season ago.  Champ Martin is still a very capable point guard and doesn't have to do much other than lead the team on the court.  I'm going to go ahead and call it...Bedwell Brown is the steal of the draft!  I've talked to numerous scouts who watched him play at Duke and those who have watched his offseason training and they all rave about the youngster.  My only concern, albeit a very small one, is whether or not he will be able to replace the 15-20 points a game of Val Keaton.  Brown is a point guard at heart but is said to be a combo guard and the Blades will need the offense.  The pickup of the underachieving Michael Barnes is set to payoff beautifully.  Barnes will be subjected to a great coaching staff and a very solid organization. With that type of support Barnes has the chance to really flourish.  Leon Dreams is well, Leon Dreams.  He is a dominant big man who will have another great season.  Randall Junior fills out the starting five after coming over from the Waves.  He is in his third year, only 20 years old and still developing.  I think his game will improve throughout the season working alongside Dreams.  His production is going to be the key for the Blades success.

The lone real weakness of this Blades team is the bench.  Hurtado is set to be the sixth man and has produced okay numbers throughout his career but he is 30 years old now so I beg to ask will he really be a spark of the bench when needed?  Giankopolis is competent, but won't do much other than a couple of rebounds and blocked shots.   The rookie MJ Bull rounds out the bench, but my issue is he is another shooting guard.  The two point guards the Blades have are both starting which means one of them will always have to be out on the court.  This may not be that big of a deal but it is something to keep an eye on later in the season.

Blades lose in the conference semi-finals.


Kentucky Hayseeds

Season 15 was a bit of disappointment for GM Hondo and the Hayseeds, but boy has he put together a squad for
Season 16.

GM Hondo managed to land Joey Mazuka to run the point guard position.  Mazuka will succeed given the talent around him that he has to pass the ball to.  Nicky Vinyl is the reigning 6th man of the year and now finds himself in the starting lineup.  You can expect his production to be even better.  Lou Malone has etched himself a role in the Hayseeds lineup for years to come and is a solid producer.  James Grant continues to get better and will be a force to be reckoned with this season.  He is my prediction for the Season 16 MVP.  The rebounding machine Max Crander accompanies Grant downlow and has proven to be a solid contributor for the Seeds.

The Seeds have a very good bench with Bishop, Walton, and Blackstock.  There are no real weaknesses on the bench, but my only concern is the age.  Luckily for them, they don't have to play extended minutes. 

This might just be the best team GM Hondo has put together.

Hayseeds will win the FBL Championship.


Texas Stallions

GM Talon has created himself some stability in Texas and had a good season to build off of.  He was super active this offseason, however he might have flipped one too many players.

The pickup of Tim McDonald was great and will give the team some much needed offense, especially with the departure of Krease McCool.  I have a slight issue though because McDonald is a scorer first, passer second and I don't know where the rest of the offense will come from.  Perm Pederson is a capable scoring option, but I think he is a better 6th man instead of a starter.  Kolo Rolo is a defensive maestro, but can't throw the ball in the ocean if he was standing on the beach.  I like the size of rookie Clyde Baker and coming from a proven basketball institution in Duke, he should be good.  Hopefully for GM Talon he can score.  Rik Kluff returns at the center position and has proven himself to be on the cusp of a walking double-double.

I applaud GM Talon for the solid starting five he has assembled and I think they will win a good amount of games, but the Stallions success will be hampered by their bench.  The bench are all of names you've never heard of because they are all rookies!  I just don't think this is a plausible for scenario for success.  I would suggest putting Apple Core into the starting lineup and move Pederson to 6th man, but Core is straight out of high school and I don't believe him to be nowhere near ready to start.  Luckily for the Stallions their division isn't as tough as their northern counterpart.

Stallions lose in the divisional knockout.

[Justin]

Ladies and gentlemen of the FBL, I present to you the next four teams!

Las Vegas Aces

GM Blade returned to his old stomping grounds where he won an FBL Championship and had a pretty good Season 15 campaign.  The Aces return in Season 16 with an even better team. 

The starting five GM Blade has managed to put together will be one of the best in the FBL.  Flo Payton is quietly becoming a top three point guard in the league.  Sean Rivers has been a consistent player his entire career in the FBL.  Wilk Smith is a great compliment player to Payton, however I believe Smith may have reached his plateau and is as good as he is going to get.  Ronnie Stanza provides a big body that can bang with the best of them and grab buckets of rebounds.  Cal Roberts continues to get better and I believe will be a finalist for the Season 16 MVP award.

GM Blade has done a very good job in putting together a solid cast of bench players led by Damore Richards who will undoubtedly give them a scoring spark off of the bench.  The rookies Heath McCain and Ibake Nui should fill in nicely.

While I can honestly say I don't see a real weakness for the Aces, I do see a huge problem.....the division they play in consists of Honolulu and Hollywood. 

Aces lose in the divisional knockout.


Tampa Bay Dragons

I would like to go on record and say that GM Rebel is probably the most underrated GM in all of the FBL.  He's had a couple of bad breaks along the way coupled with what seems to me as a lack of attention at times.  However, I think he is a great decision maker when it comes to putting a roster together and I look forward to seeing what his Season 16 Tampa Bay Dragons will do.

Days of Leighton Lee running the point are gone and now will be replaced with a solid player in Ernie Bell.  He is joined in the backcourt by Bernie Bells who I believe will have a very good year in his second year in the league.  Detron Gains proved to be a very valuable piece to this Dragons team last season and will be even more valuable this season.  GM Rebel did a fantastic job of drafting Preston Fuller who I believe will make an immediate impact and will average a double-double by season's end.  The foundation of this Dragons team rest on the wide shoulders of Blue Reed, who is as solid a center as they come.

I believe GM Rebel put together a nice bench that will be able to give solid contributions.  This is a very solid team the Dragons have and the only real weakness is they just won't be the most talented team in the division.  However they have a core for the future with a lot of young talent.

Dragons lose in conference semi-finals


Colorado Hooks

A very surprising season the Hooks had in Season 15.  GM of the Underpants did a great job of making this team competitive.  However, I'm not sure about Season 16.

Harry Allen is a great point guard and if he was two inches taller he would be the best point guard in the game.  Joe Gallen is slated to start at the shooting guard position......yeah you read that right.  He goes from being a backup point guard to the starting shooting guard.  I strongly encourage GM Underpants to reconsider this decision.  Sy Rogers is a 20 point scorer and will have to carry the team on his back.  The rookie from Japan, Shuzou Tagawa (say that fast five times) gets the nod at the power forward position and I think it is the right move.  Second year man Shell Tamlin anchors the team at the center position and is poised for a breakout year.  Other than talent level the real problem with the Hooks is size.  Their point guard is 5'11" and shooting guard is 6'3".  This opens up a lot of holes, especially with Rogers being only 6'6". 

The bench is nothing to write home about and I'm not sure they will average 15 points combined.

Hooks will not make the playoffs.


Honolulu Volcanoes

That terrorist GM Bone and the Volcanoes are the Season 15 Champions and have to be the favorites to repeat as champions.  Or are they?

The Volcanoes had the best starting five last season and does again this season with the exact starting five.  Kenka Sai came into his own in Season 15 and will look to be even better this season.  Reggie Jones has serious game and provides matchup problems all over the court.  Swoop McCarthy has resurrected his career and gives the team serious athleticism.  While undersized, Rajak Vle proved he can play with the big boys.  And then there is the MVP, Creed Jackson.  The man is an absolute beast on the block.  While not quite Redford Shack dominant, he is the best since Big Red in his prime.

I said it last season and I will say it again, the weakness of the Volcanoes is their bench.  Luckily for them, the Blades didn't have a much better bench last year and they were allowed to ride their uber talented starting five.  They will not get away with it this year.  Matter of fact their bench seems to be worse than last season.  I truly believe their bench will be their downfall this season, especially against a team like the Hayseeds.

Volcanoes lose in the FBL finals.

[Cory]

The Art of Drafting

GM Cory here, and in the down time between assembling arguably the greatest expansion team to ever grace a court within the FBL, GM Jon and his Seagulls and GM Dorling and his Colonials can suck it, Morgantown is here to bully those pretenders in the North East. The Hayseeds, Blades and Forresters can suck on my big Canadian d**k.

Anyways, with the draft concluding and many of you making poor picks, its really made me think about trading away all my picks every year and giving you guys a chance to draft the best players. No one has ever been a perfect drafter, but over the years not many GMs have had the success rate I have had, from taking highly coveted players like Troy Marshall and Hans Stimar to finding steals of the draft in Reggie Jones, Malcolm Hayes Dave Kradle, and Greg Walton.

You must figure I have an inside track on who is going to be good, and who is going to blow? No, its all about how you effectively use your scouting reports. Now usually it'll cost you a pretty penny to take a glance at my scouting books, but today I'll give away a few tips out of the kindness of my heart, and being the draft is almost over, not many of you can redeem yourselves after the garbage drafts you've all had.

1) Proven Programs: Now this one is easy, and anyone who a level head on their shoulders should glance at the program said player is coming from. There have been excellent ratio programs that dont produce much FBL talent but when they do their excellent. BYU with Ernie Bell and Troy Marshall and Temple with Joe Harding, Krease McCool and Flo Playton is another.

But its the coveted programs that produce great talent, that you need to find in the amount of sheer quantity of players they produce. Its almost always safe to assume a projected top 5-10 player from one of these schools is going to pan out for you. For me the big 3 for me are Duke, UCLA, and UNLV.

Duke has produced Kaedon Apollo, Bernie Class, Matt Foster, Cam Drake, Lou Malone and Davey Powell, all being stars in this league. UCLA have the greatest FBL player of all time in Redford Shack, Sunshine Stream, DeSean Drummound and Ty Williams....if you have the opportunity to draft a big for UCLA, great history there. UNLV has produced Freddie Bishop, Miles Peters, Mack Ryan, SL Starlet Rolly Pounds and Michael Barnes. Other programs just missing the cut we Kentucky, Michigan and Virgina.

When drafting a player from these select schools know your history. If they've produced all excellent power forwards and center, maybe that's their bread and butter and the guards they produce are poor. Use your head.

2) The 50/50 game: High School prospects. The amount of players who skip college and head straight to the FBL tends to be consistent most drafts. I dont recommend new GM's to take the risk with college players as half of them turn out to be busts, and the ones that can make it always seem to need a proven GM and coaching staff to help them mature into the league.

For every good high school player, there has been s**t. Gems include Rich Deane, Larry Hardaway, Chris Jones, Caleb Toom, Felix Johnson, Harry Allen, Pebbles Lane, Ballz and Sam Thompson. Out of those guys, half of them caused problems for their respectful GMs. The busts coming from high school are plentiful but to name a few: Mark Daugherty, Pete Trafford, Craig Gary, Marcus Wear, Davis Newton, and Craig Austin.

Its a 50/50 gamble for me in regards to high school prospects. Do your scouting and take your chances, if you have a good coaching staff you can form a young superstar.

3) The 50/50 game: African prospects. The final part of the 50/50 game is African prospects, who usually you can get for a cheaper contract, like the high school prospects, but you run the risk of every other one being a dud. Since season 6, there have been many African players to grace the FBL court. The great defensive players in Kolo and Mukwaza, and the underrated talents in Maluka, Mowa, Plains, Odemwuyio, Elbomu and Muwama and the s**t in Akanna, Juiana, Akabussa, Oladunna, Orlio, Olicha, Sangson and Rina.

You're playing the 50/50 game once again when you're talking about African prospects. I believe where you need a strong coach staff best case scenario for most of the high school prospects, taking a gamble on African ones is far less risky. They almost always, regardless of talent level, come at an affordable price and all tend to posses natural defensive skills. For me, I'd rather take the risk here than with a high school prospect.

4) International players: Croatia, Germany, and Holland. We GM's have had the opportunity to look elsewhere for talent since season 13 with the introduction of the international prospects draft. There have been 3 countries that have dominated. Croatia has strong roots in the FBL dating back before the new draft format, just looking back at that team GM Dorling had in Virgina. Vraba and Ronko, though characters, are two of the best to play the game. Croatia hasnt produced much talent since then, but they do bring a strong ratio for talent.

One of the strongest countries that provide players who have transitioned well into the FBL has been Germany. Dating back to Hans Stimar, Andreas Kurtz, Bralin Hurtz, Franz Otto and Heinz Gratz....all of those players have been playmakers, and players from Holland have also shown to be talented, with Ron Dekker, Yablo Yabla, Rim Jargun, Merl Voosten and Rik Kluff.

The International Prospects aren't as well known as the college kids, but are often worth scouting because of the success rate they have had making the jump to the FBL.

5) "Small school" talent. Now I'm not going to do tooo much into depth here and this is by far the ace in the hole in terms of drafting "steals" and why would I want to give away ALL of my secrets, but I'll leave you with this. Since season 6, a few of the small school talents have been Dave Kradle, Reggie Jones, Malcolm Hayes, Nick Vynyl, Bernie Bells and Swoop McCarty. All had doubts whether the program they were coming from and if the change in competition would rattle them.....hmmmm, look out for that kid Bedwell Brown this year to, to continue the trend of small school players.

[The TeeJ of Philly]

Bruno Soulson here once again and I'm not here to rank something silly like the nicknames or jerseys (Although, that's not such a bad idea, maybe next time). Nope I'm gonna actually do something that won't elicit such a reaction from GM Franchise, well it might...screw it, I'm American.

I'm going to give you the 100%, certain to happen, I'd bet Franchise's mama on, predictions that other writers will skim over such as: MVP of the year, Coach of the year, Team of the year, and such great calls like "Stat line of the year", "First GM to get Fired" and "The BS Award" which I'll explain later. This is going to be a two parter, first, I'm going to predict who makes the playoffs, who makes the conference finals, who makes the finals, who wins, and all those great awards. The second will be a win-loss predictions and a grade of each team's offseason.

Western Playoffs Teams

NORTH WEST
Seattle Toppers
- Let's see, TOP3 with possibly the best big in the TOP3 era along with a very solid bench? I find it hard to believe they won't win the North West, but they make the playoffs without a doubt.

Wyoming Wolves
- My only concern here for the Wolves is if Hans doesn't translate back to the FBL with success. If he does, I don't think the Wolves will miss Washington Owens, if not, we're going to say that for a second straight offseason, GM Jon may have underestimated the value of one of his back court players.

Montana Bears
- I think Seattle and Wyoming are the two best teams in the division, and Bismarck and Calgary are a bit away from actually contending, which means Anchorage, and Boise, and Montana all battling for the third spot. Basketball is a team game dominated by star players and there are few star players more dominating than Lincoln Frazier.

SOUTH WEST
Hollywood Stars
- Let's see, replaced Shakers Lee with Jason Howard. That's a plus. Added Chris Thomas. Plus. Rhys Mitchell is another year better. Big plus. Kev Standers and Shannon Ford still on the bench. Plus. The only thing I have against Hollywood is Davis Newton. But I don't think he'll hurt this team's title hopes.

Honolulu Volcanoes
- This is the bigger threat to Hollywood's title hopes, the reigning champs. Reggie Jones says this is the start of a Dynasty, I say this is the start of the disease of  ME. Reggie Jones feels he is elite, Swoop feels like an important part of the team, Creed is the best center and top 5 player in the league, I think Honolulu Win% drops a bit this year.

Las Vegas Aces
- Cal Roberts is vastly underrated, mainly because he's one of the guys that can keep up with Creed Jackson and does it for half the price. Flo Payton should have been talked about as a top 3 MVP candidate last year, this year, he'll be there.

Eastern Playoff Teams

NORTH EAST
Pittsburgh Blades
- The reigning Eastern champs I have as the North East winners because unlike two seasons ago, GM Pancho is wiser, at least the city of Pittsburgh hopes so. Leon Dreams paired with Randall Junior and Michael Barnes. This is a scary team.

Kentucky Hayseeds
- The veteran presence of Kamil Bennett is gone, but this is still GM Hondo leading this team, Nick Vinyl isn't a surprise anymonre, I for one expect him to start next to newly acquired Joey Mazuka. But a SF heavy, aged bench, for as skilled as it is, is a bit of a weakness.

Montreal Foresters
- The biggest question for the Foresters is if the implosion in last years playoffs will linger and affect what should be a very talented team.

SOUTH EAST
Birmingham Greenhornets
- Pebbles Lane and Ty Williams will lead Birmingham to the South East crown. Even with Puerto Rico still with the strong core of CCD, no not the religious kind. Birmingham is built to counter the Waves at what they're good at.

Puerto Rico Waves
- Cunningham? Check. Chang? Check. Drummond? Check. But there is a lot of turn over outside of those three and Larry Hardaway, if Montreal showed us anything, that sort of change over at key starting positions can cause early season struggles, couple that with the wisdom this team has, I think we see them coast through the regular season, leaning on being one of the better teams in the weakest division, in this man's opinion.

Mississippi Steamers
- This comes down to three teams, Texas, Tampa, and Mississippi, who I think will be the one to sneak in. Another year with Wilson and McKnight adding the likes of Truck Lynch, who off the court antics may over shadow the improvement over Phil Cook, and Clappy Swan being a quiet 6th man of the year candidate, I think Mississippi will be the last team in the S.E. to make it in the dance.

FBL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
KNOCK OUT ROUND
Puerto Rico over Mississippi
Kentucky over Montreal
Wyoming over Montana
Las Vegas over Honolulu

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
Puerto Rico over Birmingham
Pittsburgh over Kentucky
Wyoming over Seattle
Hollywood over Las Vegas

CONFERENCE FINALS
Puerto Rico over Pittsburgh
Hollywood over Wyoming

FBL FINALS
Hollywood over Puerto Rico

And onto the awards

MVP - Rhys Mitchell. I think we're going to see one of the years that will stand out as one of the greatest ever. I'm not talking MVP type year, I'm thinking "Holy Hell, how the hell was this guy only making 4 mil a couple years ago?"

RUNNER UP - Pebbles Lane

6TH MAN OF THE YEAR - A lot of solid picks here, Kev Sanders, Miles Peter, and Damore Richards. Older sixth man guys like Pablo Hurtado and Sunshine Stream. Young project players like Shannon Ford and Cordela. I think any one of these names can win, this is always the hardest award to predict, but I'm going with Kev Sanders.

RUNNER UP - Damore Richards

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Call me Crazy, but I think, in Texas, Kolo Rolo will finally get his due as DPOY. At least I hope so, I'm already suffering from Yablo fatigue. He's great, but he shuts down one position completely, Kolo may not shut down as much, but last year he showed how great he was, moving around and tracking down the best player on the other team

RUNNER UP - Yablo Yabla

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Nick Jenkins is my call here. Team with the "franchise player" in place, one of the most intimidating front courts, a smart PG, solid bench and there's worse coaching out there, Nick Jenkins has the tools to come out and steal the league, and possibly this team, forcing GM Soul to make a choice after this season with John Cunningham, if not then, sooner.

RUNNER UP - Andy Wallace

FIRST GM TO BE FIRED - GM Gates. If we judged a GM on just the first half of a season, GM Gates has done great the last two years since taking over for the fugazi, but that's not the reality. GM Gates has seen two promising starts end in missing out on the playoffs. Add that to losing Chris Thomas to free agency, trading away promising player Bernie Bells for money promised Mason Griffin, trading away Juice's buddy and defensive player of the year candidate Andy Dawson, signing trouble maker Jay Riggins and losing a good coaching duo, GM Gates needs a patented Gates start to retain his job past the all-star break

RUNNER UP - GM Metro

STAT LINE OF THE YEAR - This award is for the guy who puts up the single game stat line that makes you stop and go, "HE DID WHAT?!" Last year, went to Yablo when he almost had a quad-double on Portsmouth, this year, it's coming from Michael Barnes. Something like a 30 point game with 8-10 rebounds, 5-7 assists, 2 or 3 blocks and 3 or 4 steals is possible from this guy, and with the coaching he has now, WATCH OUT!

RUNNER UP - Rhys Mitchell.

BS OF THE YEAR - Not Cow feces BS, Bold Statement of the year, outside of predictions and awards, something that I can go "HA, TOLD YOU!" because why not. We just saw the "shocking" retirements of Kamil Bennett and Redford Shack, this year we will see a truly shocking retirement, not from someone holding onto a bench spot based on legacy, but a starter, a high profile player. I say on this day, Season 16 will be the last time Krease McCool steps foot on a basketball court. No super league, no more FBL. Krease will take his ball and go home.

THE NEWSY -  What I think will be the source of the greatest general news this season and there are a lot of great things like Krease McCool having 3 women players on his team, Nick Shaw taking his coaching greatness to TOP3, but I'm going to go with Cedric Malone in his attempts to be a part of the Pillars in Virginia

See part two as we approach the beginning of the season!

[Justin]

Morgantown Flyers

GM Cory once again found himself without a job during the middle of Season 15.  However, he has found a new home with the expansion Morgantown Flyers and I believe he will be a good fit.  Despite his sometimes raging temper, the man has a passion for his job and is a good GM.  Let's take a look at how the inaugural season will pan out for his Flyers.

I love the pickup of Eric Eisen and making him the captain.  Eisen is a really good point guard who will continue to get better as he ages.  He has flown under the radar in Montana and Mississippi and being with Morgantown will give him a chance to be on center stage.  GM Cory looks to have found a stud in Steve Fletcher, who we yet don't know if he is related to Scott Fletcher.  GM Cory has him slated for the shooting guard position which I think will cause matchup nightmares for teams.  The frontcourt is where the Flyers will have their growing pains.  Rookie Lovrenco Horvat isn't a very exciting player, but we have to remember this is a foundation building year for this team.  Vagn Dahl comes back from the Super League, but is 29 and his prime has long passed him.  Jordan Smith is the bright spot of this frontcourt and has very good size to be able to dominate.  He is only 20 years old and will be an exciting player for years to come.

I've seen better bench players and I've seen worse bench players than those GM Cory has assembled.  Though it should be pointed out that he has two combo guards on the bench, though both are more point guards than anything.  I'm not really sure what his thought process was on that.

Luckily for GM Cory he can leave the overpriced Zack Fields and Joe Johns unprotected at the end of the season and $12 million dollars to his salary cap to go after a big player in free agency.

Flyers will not make the playoffs.


Anchorage Glaciers

GM Franchise finished an entire season for the first time in well, I don't know how long but it's be a long ass time.  On top of that, he actually had a decent season and had a good chance to build on his Season 15 success. 

However, I'm just not so sure he did that.

When I look at this team from top to bottom I can't help but think how this team is going to be dominated physically.  They just are not a big team.  The WAY overpriced Jamal Tees still has a roster spot, not to mention a starting one and is joined in the backcourt by rookie JR George who is more of a point guard himself and an inch shorter than Tees.  Marbles Kutt finds himself slated at the small forward position and at only 197 pounds I'm not so sure that is a great idea.  His body just isn't big enough to take the potential pounding.    Dusty Britches is a serviceable power forward, but nothing more.  Anders Van Lowe is the real bright spot for this team, but his production and development is going to be stunted by playing undersized at the center position.  His natural position is the power forward and GM Franchise really wants to capitalize on Anders talent his should swap him and Dust Britches.  While I understand Britches has no real capability to play the center position his size is better suited to do so and not to mention you will more than make up for the production by putting Anders at his natural position and let him shine.

I like the addition of Druzen Krakovic on the bench, but I think he should be the 6th man.  He is the only player on the team with real size.  Rookie Jay Morrison, who is WAY overpriced as well,  and assistant player coach Michael Free round out the bench.  But once again, size is the problem.

I believe GM Franchise has taken a step back for Season 16, however he can keep his job I believe he is primed for Season 17.  He has $10 million left on his salary cap now which should go to extending the contracts of Kutt and van Lowe.  He should unprotect Jamal Tees which will save him $13 million, and if you ask me, Jay Morrison as well.  This will give Franchise $26 MILLION to really go after a couple of big time players.  You move JR George to the point guard position, Kutt back to the shooting guard position and you go find a small forward and center.

Enough of my free team building advice.

Glaciers will not make the playoffs.


Baton Rouge Riverbandits

The great GM Dorling is gone and GM Taurus is in.  Boy, will he have a tough season.
GM Taurus has assembled a decent starting five that is anchored by Krease McCool.  The rookie Nick Starr gets the starting nod at point guard.  McCool at the two spot, and Govind Patel at small forward.  I like Patel here and think he will have a great season.  Justin Crane is really going to shine and Basra Rusak, the rough Russian anchors the frontcourt.  Outside of McCool and Patel I'm not sure where the scoring is going to come from for this Baton Rouge team.

Add to that the all-rookie bench and well GM Taurus is going to have some tough games.  The good thing for him is he has ample salary cap room to go after some free agents to bolster this team for the future.  Season 16 will be a learning curve.

Riverbandits do not make the playoffs.

[Justin]

Calgary Thundercats

GM Mike Powers had enough with the Greenville Bulldogs and traded in the sunny south for the Canadian cold.  By the looks of it, I think he will have a good first season north of the border. 

Lyle Fredericks and Eddie Hughes come over from Tempe and their chemistry together will help the team chemistry.  Rookie Max Chassell is athletic and should help extend the floor on both the offensive and defensive end of the court.  Oyvind Tarbla has transformed into one of the better big men in the game and I believe will have a huge season, huge enough to finish in the top 10 MVP voting.  Rookie big man Buck Fisher has good size, though he is a little thin.  I think he has a good down low game and his rebounding skills will shine.

GM Powers has assembled a quality bench.  Veteran Bernie Evans will provide a constant and steady presence though I believe Rim Jargun should be the sixth man.  His skills around the rim are too valuable not to have him be the first off the bench.  Second year man Billy Hanger rounds out the bench, but he is a serviceable backup.
Calgary will be improved over Season 15, but unfortunately for them the division they play in will be too tough for them to overcome.

Thundercats do not make the playoffs.


Tempe Flying Squirrels

The atrocity that was GM Kirk is gone and Tempe can look forward to building their future with rookie GM Georgie.  While she didn't put together a spectacular team, she did put together a team that will be able to compete.
Michael Watchen is a proven veteran that will be a good fit to lead this team.  Bolak Huir has been a vergy good ball player over his career and his leadership will be valuable.  The rookie Jim McDuck from Scotland will get the start at small forward.  He should prove to be a scoring punch for Tempe and his development will be key for their future success.  The Battering Bruin, Cabbidan Falls is still with the team and will look to improve an otherwise disappointing career thus far.  The move to get Ronald Dekker was important for this team as it gives them a presence in the paint.  Dekker is a very good center and will really help this team. 
T
he bench of Hitomi, Terry and Shields is nothing spectacular but will get the team 13-17 points a game which will help them win some games.

With the division they're in, Tempe doesn't come close to making the playoffs but they will still have a good season.  GM Georgie also has a blueprint for the future.  She has cap room already and can easily unprotect Bolak Huir and recoup his $11.5 million contract.  Depending on how Falls develops she has the option to either trade him or leave him unprotected as well and take back his overpriced salary.  This will allow her to move McDuck to his more natural shooting guard position and use the money to shore up their frontcourt.

Tempe does not make the playoffs.


Puerto Rico Waves

The odd season urban legend struck again in Season 15 for GM Justin.  The Waves were cruising right along until he had some bizarre idea that would never have worked...even in his dreams.  Luckily for him he does pretty good in even number seasons and that is exactly what Season 16 is.

Bobby Chang has been a consistent producer his entire time in the league and as long as he is on the same team as Scott Cunningham he will continue to produce.  Larry Hardaway gets the call up from 6th man to the starting lineup.  This could potentially pay dividends for the Waves as Hardaway may have something to prove.  Scott Cunningham is not only All-FBL, but All-World and will look to win the MVP award for the second time.  The always productive Deshawn Drummond is back and will produce as always.  Slum Cotcha, the rookie from Nebraska finds his way into the starting spot mainly out need for size.  I see him as being a good rebounder but that is all.
The bench of Ballz, Alex Henry and Chico Velez has the potential to be great.  Ballz has been given the 6th man role and can fill the spot very nicely as long as he focuses on basketball and not rap during the season.  Alex Henry can be a great addition as well, but his attitude may pose a problem...especially coming off the bench.  Chico Velez is a solid veteran presence and not to mention he's from Puerto Rico.  If these three stay focused they can easily average 25-30 points a game which is huge in the FBL.

After thinking about it long and hard, this roster has a chance to produce a second FBL Championship for the Waves or could backfire given a couple of personalities on the team.

Waves lose in the conference finals.