Alaska :
Keys to Success:
--JaMichael Harvey: Ja is an awesome basketball player, and won't need to do much in this one, the Freeze have this one won before the game even starts. Ja needs to have at least 15, and the rest of the team can do the rest. San Diego just doesn't bring alot to the table.
--Ford: Dwayne Ford isn't a good player at all. He is on the other hand a great pass man. He can pass the ball with the best of 'em and through the best of 'em. You think he's bout to shoot and BAM he passes to Ja or Kobe, he'll make a difference in this game.
--Kobe McGrady: Kobe showed what he is really worth. He came out of last year as one of the best ballers in the USIBL. He is a big difference and rounds out one of the top 1-2 punches in the USIBL.
San Diego:
--Shawn McGrady: S-Mac is one of the few things that the Sting Rays have going for them, and even he isn't anything special. S-Mac can help keep this team within 20 of Alaska, but can't help them win.
-- Carlos Santibanez: Santibanez is a good player on this team, he can hook S-Mac up with ill passes and the more he dishes it off, the better chance they have to win.
Overall:
This isn't going to be a good game at all. Alaska will walk all over them. San Diego isn't good at all, and don't deserve to be in this league. They are like an expansion team each an every year... THEY HAVE NO TALENT. On the other hand, Alaska has showed us what they were worth and that they are here to stay.
Prediction: Alaska 97, San Diego 84
Player of the Game: JaMichael Harvey
#5 Colorado Aviators vs. #12 Harrisburg Grasshoppers
Colorado
Keys to Success:
-- Trevor Dashmushman: This rookie has all the goods, he is as good and better than alot of starters and veterans of this sport. He's definitly gonna make a big difference in the outcome of this game, and if they want to win, this little man needs to dish out 10+ assists.
--Quincy Haynesford: This guy showed us he has what it takes last year on Alaska. Now he is on an expansion team, and has to be a leader.. can he do it? We'll find that out tonight.
--Gary Goshleg: Gary has the tough job of shutting down ex-team mate Dave Smith. Gary is good, but is he that good? Well tonight he will have to be.
Harrisburg
Keys to Success:
--Magic Jordan: The Grasshoppers finally have landed a trade that is a franchise changer. Will he help them? HECK YEA! He is one of the top players in the USIBL, and could actually lead them to their first players. His shooting will be a key factor in tonights game.
--Drew Smith: Drew is one of the best assist men this league has to offer. He has Brian, Dave, Jack, and... MAGIC awaiting his passes. With Magic on his team this year, he will have someone to finish his assists. This team will go places if these two hook up like they can.
--De Young: Brian De Young, showed some promising games last year, and will definitly need to bump his game up again, this time as a SF, his all aroundness is a key factor in tonights game
Overall:
This game will be alright. Magic Jordan and Drew Smith will end up being just too much for the new Colorado. What do you expect, this is Colorado's first game EVER. It will take some time for them to get situated with each other. It will be a good game, but Harrisburg will come out on top.
Prediction: Harrisburg 101, Colorado 94
Player of the Game: Magic Jordan
#6 Philadelphia Firedogs vs. #11 Orlando Wolfpack
Firedogs:
Keys to Success:
--Zac Corbin: Zac is gonna have to be one of the leaders on this expansion team. He has some talent, but he will have to take it to the next level. They have what it takes to beat Orlando, but Zac needs to step it up for real.
--Drob: Dante Robinson is the best this team has to offer. He can definitly ball, but can he keep his team up top along with the top dogs this league has? Doesn't seem like it, but it should be enough against Orlando.
Orlando:
Keys to Success:
--Drake Norluskin. WOW! Drake on Orlando, I forgot all about that? Drake alone can beat the Firedogs. Well one player won't win it, but he will come close to it. He is a beast, who can score and rebound like crazy. He needs to have an outstanding game to pick up his sucky team.
--Michael Andersen Jr.: This rookie is one of the few outstanding rookies. He can already beat some starters, but he is a key factor in this game. He is the second best on this team, and needs to play like that, even if he is a rookie.
Overall:
The Firedogs are new, but still the Wolfpack are weak, and only have Norluskin. Swish, Corbin, and Robinson, lead them into this one, and they will lead them to victory. This expansion team will surprise all and come out on top, and upset Norluskin and Co.
Prediction: Philly 99, Orlando 91
Player of the Game: Drake Norluskin
#7 New Jersey Skyhawks vs #10 Oklahoma Wranglers
New Jersey:
Keys to Success:
--Top 1-2 Punch: This team has the top 1-2 punch in this league. They are completley nasty and can take on anyone. Carmelo Jones ,and Fonzi Relli, of course! Fonzi dishes it out, and Carmelo finishes it. Can anyone stop them? Probably, but it won't be easy, and these two will lead this team into victory... if they win.
--Yaz Starkey: The 6th man for Buffalo last year, looks to make his debut starting, and he is ready to break out. He has to show the league he can be a starter and Oklahoma might have to face his wrath... we'll see
--Dante Trinh: Dante is a vet in this league. He can ball with the best of them... even with Carmelo, Fonzi, and Yaz stealing the show, he'll still just do his thing, and get his averages. He's your average ball player...w ell hes NOT average, just underrated. POWER TO YA DANTE!
Oklahoma:
Keys to Success:
--Colin Falls: The best player on this team, has the easiest challenge of all, with only Abdul , the worst Skyhawk, to cover. He just needs to hold his ground, get some rebounds, and some second chance points. His performance will help them stay within reach... if possible
--Julius Smith: Julius is trying to warp his player into an assist man. So far it seems to be looking good, but who does he have to pass to? Exactly NO ONE! So passing isn't really an option for this team, shooting is the only way to stand a chance.
**NOTABLE: Jason Parrot, not a difference maker, just a notable in this game.
Overall:
New Jersey, I feel ,is the top team this league has. They are definitly a top contender for not only the pre season tourney but also the BIG one in the end. Oklahoma will have a tough time shutting down Fonzi, Carmelo, Yaz, Dante, and ABDUL. Every starter is talented and it's gonna be hard to beat 'em. Sorry Oklahoma, but your run in this tourney is ENDED! You are the weakest link... GOODBYE!
Prediction: New Jersey 109, Oklahoma 96
Player of the Game: Carmelo Jones
This is Drew Smith, saying thanks for reading, and good luck in your respective games tonight. Now lets have some fun!
