All-Star Game Preview

Eastern Conference Starters

Coach: Greg Kowalczyk

C- Donyell Matrell, Chicago Lightning

No doubt well deserved selection. After being a reserve to cousin Drake Nolurskin he gets his chance in front of everyone to show everyone just why he was voted a starter and that his domination game in game out is not a fluke. This Chicago team is so powerful, top to bottom. Matrell is just one of four Chicago All-Stars and all four are well deserved. Look for Matrell to dominate the West inside and get 15+ rebounds.

Stats - 15.5ppg 18.2rpg 4.1bpg

PF- Dante Trinh, New Jersey Kryp

Some people think he doesn't deserve to be the starter over Buffalo Brave Dan Miller, but Trinh has played very well since his arrival to Jersey. Ever since leaving St. Louis Trinh has put up 20ppg and 8rpg, well deserving of this starting position. Cummy is very happy so far with Dante and Trinh looks to show off his skills during the All-Star Game as he matches up with Troy Hutson of the Missiles.

Stats - 16.4ppg 6.7rpg 3.4apg

SF- James Sircumalot Jr., New Jersey Kryp

Amazing. Last year he was the MVP of the 6th man game as he routed the West Benchies with 32 pts 7 boards and 2 blocks. Sircumalot looks to win another MVP, this time in the big show. He has been electric and is one of 2 reasons why NJ most likely will head to the playoffs, along with James Kidd, one of the biggest snubs this year. Cummy can do it all shoot,rebound defend anddunk. He looks to show up former teammate Dante Robinson and the West Thursday Night.

Stats - 25.1ppg 8.4rpg

SG- Greg Kowalczyk, Buffalo Braves

MVP....easily. Whats surprising is that he is the only Brave starter and their 9-0. Thats messed up. Greg K is easily my pick for MVP as I look at him he reminds me of MJ. His attitude and grace on the court is unmatched and his game is unmatched. He gets 30 ppg on a team full of scorers. He is truly an amazing talent, but his opponent for the AS Game, friendly rival JaMichael Harvey isn't backing down either. Look Greg to lead the East in scoring and to a victory.

Stats - 29.8ppg 4.0spg 2.2apg

PG- John Payton, Chicago Lightning

Wow. Easily the best passer in the USIBL. He passes like no-other I have seen. He is the leader on and off the court for the 7-2 Chicago Lightning as they are looking to get passed Buffalo and onto a Championship. Payton leads the league in assists with 14 apg, and steals with 4.1 spg. He can also shoot getting 11.9 ppg so far. With those kinds of numbers and his supporting cast at the All-Star Game, its over for the West.

Stats - 11.9ppg 14.0apg 4.1spg

Eastern Conference Bench

C-Drake Nolurskin, Buffalo Braves

Could be a starter, and probably just missed out on his 2nd stating job. Another monster in the paint and does everything for the Braves. Scoring,rebounding,blocking machine with a great attitude and has a great heart. When he comes in Thursday expect the same thing from him that Matrell gives. 1 of 3 Braves on the bench on this loaded East squad.

Stats - 15.7ppg 18.2rpg 4.1bpg

PF-Dan Miller, Buffalo Braves

Underrated. He has come on strong for Greg K and the Mighty Braves. Well eserving of this All-Star selection Miller has been a thorn on the side of most off the opponents this year for Buffalo. He has come up big for Buffalotime and time again and has put up solid numbers often unnoticed by the incredible talents of Kowalczyk, Nolurskin and Ferrino. Johnson also has played well and he is on a list of top snubs.

Stats - 12.6ppg 13.6rpg 2.3bpg

SF-Stee V. Franchize

First of 2 stars on the bench for this lethal East squad. Currently the leagues 4th leading scorer at 29 ppg. All-Star caliber stat of course but a complaint is that he is just about scoring and nothing else. That looks like a true statement with Rebounding at 20 his next best stat. But in todays age when Scoring is all ppl look for Stee is a superstar and a stud who looks to make the West look bad.

Stats - 29.0ppg 2.2rpg

SG-Magic Jordan, Chicago Lightning

The only reason why Magic isnt a starter is because Greg Kowalczyk is in his division. Leading the league with an incredible 31.4ppg Jordan has sold many jerseys and when Magic enters the All-Star Game expect an instant offensive explosion from this Kobe-like SG. He can do it all, go to the hole and dish and can also is a highlight reel, trying old dunks from idol Michael Jordan. Expect 10-15pts from this MJ.

Stats - 31.4ppg 4.6rpg 1.9apg

PG-Greg Ferrino, Buffalo Braves

Last but not least on the East roster is Greg Ferrino, this Point Guard is incredible with the basketball and was USIBL's first great PG. He does things old fashioned and his leadership skills with Kowalczyk has kept Buffalo steady through many games. For a team to be 9-0 it has to have many stars in this league and with virtually every player All-Star caliber, whos going to stop them?

Stats - 13.4ppg 13.2apg 2.67spg

Western Conference Starters

Coach: Matty McCabe

C-Max Baez, St. Louis Crusaders

Along with O'Reilly, Max has been one of the consistent Crusaders all year long. He has helped guide St. Louis to a 6-3 record and are leading the West as we speak. He does all the normal things for a center, rebound and block shots but his shot is incredible inside. He is a veteran who has came up big in numerious occasions for Coach McCabe. He will need to lead the West once again to keep them in range of the powerful Eastern Conference.

Stats - 16.2ppg 18.1rpg 2.0bpg

PF- Troy Hutson, Honolulu Missiles

Hutsons a new comer to stardom and he brings the surprising 6-3 Missiles with him. The only star besides Jalen Jarrett on his team, he does everything for them. He does the usual, scores - rebounds - blocks but does all 3 exceptionally well and is deserving of the start @ PF. He should play well when he gets in and could be a diff maker if he plays to his potentional. A very bright player and knows how to use his body.

Stats - 20.6ppg 15.3rpg 4.9bpg (wow)

SF- Dante Robinson, St. Louis Crusaders

A PF in New Jersey, Dante came over in the big Trinh deal and he looks to prove to us all that he deserves to start and looks to take on Cummy, his former teammate at the SF position. With #'s like 16.4ppg and 11.3rpg he is well deserving of this spot, and this is a weak position too. Robinson should play well considering he was in NJ and wants to prove that he can ball w/ the best I expect a good game from him.

Stats - 16.4ppg 11.3rpg 1.8spg

SG- JaMichael Harvey, Alaska Freeze

JA reportedly led the League in voting to new surprise. He is 2nd in the league in ppg with 30.8 and along with All-Star Kobe McGrady have given Alaska fans life and playoffs in the future? With JA on their team it seems likely. But JA faces MVP Greg Kowalczyk and Greg seems to be the better man here, but when JA gets on fire it is hard to stop him. Look for JA to lead the West in pts and give a good showing for the fans.

Stats - 30.8ppg 2.2spg 2apg

PG- Pancho O'Reilly, St. Louis Crusaders

Pancho makes 3 Crusaders in the West Starting Lineup. O'Reilly is incredible when he steps onto the court, his vision and grace matched by none other and leadership has given the Crusaders a guide on many occasions. At the break, Pancho is averaging 20.8ppg 9.2apg and 3.6spg - truly a special player and one of a kind. Can the backcourt of JA and Pancho give the West a shot?

Stats - 20.8ppg 9.2apg 3.6spg

Western Conference Bench

C-Keith Logan, San Diego Sting Rays

Lack of talent at this position? Yes. But Logan has been a talent since moving to SD from Oklahoma. Logan mans the middle for this team trying to sneak into the Playoffs. He should come off the bench and help the West. This is his time to show us what he is made of, will he choke??

Stats - 12.2ppg 9.4rpg 4.1bpg

PF-Zow Wang, Alaska Freeze

1 of 2 Alaskans on the West bench. Zow has been consistent throughout his career, in the top 5-6 in rebounds. He also will be an enforcer downlow for the West. He has played well all year but has shot the ball poorly, he looks to come into Thursday and get some boards and blocks and chip in his help. Another guy trying to prove he belongs here. His second straight appearance on the West All-Star Bench looks to bring some intensity.

Stats - 12.1ppg 14.6rpg 2.1bpg

SF-Julius Smith, Oklahoma Wranglers

Will he play? Recent rumors that he will be kicked out have simmered, itlooks like Julius will play. Another weak position for the West but Smith has earned this spot by playing well as of late for Oklahoma who depends on Smith and another snub Jason Parrott for their offense. Julius is improving and should give the West some key baskets during his time out on the floor.

Stats - 16.9ppg 3.4rpg

SG-Shawn McGrady, San Diego Sting Rays

Wow. 2 Sting Rays on the roster. who expected that? No doubt a good player that has lead SD, but why not Fred Strong or Jason Parrott? McGrady better play well or alot of owners will question the voting and whether he was the right vote. He is a good player and should play well but alot of questions are swarming around him.

Stats - 23.7ppg 8.0rpg 4.0apg

PG-Kobe McGrady, Alaska Freeze

Rounding out the All-Stars is a rare Rookie All-Star, Kobe "K-Mac" McGrady has surpirsed the whole league and has played terrific for Alaska helping them to a 4-5 record at the break and are currently in the #3 West Playoff seeding. K-Mac can dish out the dimes as good as any and can rebound and shoot when asked. Should be called upon to give Pancho rest and to make some big shots to keep the West in it. Jalen Jarrett gets snubbed here, can the rookie prove he belongs here??

Stats - 14.9ppg 7.6apg 2.2spg

OVERALL:

Overall: The East is way better top to bottom, with great players. The West will have to rely on its Starting Lineup to give most of its power, so the bench must step up for the West to have a shot. Pancho and JA must lead the West along with help downlow from Baez. The East will get Greg K shots early and pass it around to their stars (Cummy, Matrell, Ferrino,Payton, Jordan, Nolurskin etc lol) The East wins by 15...102-87