Countdown To Houston: Breakdown and Projections

By: Gary Plonderson

First things first, let me apologize for not joining you fine gentlemen in 2010. I was on one of my usual trips, this time to the Artic backwoods of Siberia when my trailer was robbed by 3 Cambodian prisoners. Without food and other supplies me and my fellow journeymen nearly perished. However, we found a cottage in the mountains of Sarka borfitz where we met a gracious and noble man named Porfee. He and his wife Yurks and two sons Boris and Beetlebork took care of us for 3 months and we survived through the brutal winter. I am nearly fully recovered now, back in my home of state of NY ready to once again deliver my talents to fantasy leagues across the country.

I am happy to be back reporting for the league that has been on going since 1987 and ready to deliver my analysis for the rest of this tournament. Last time I joined you, in 2009 I broke down a lot of the history of this league and I suggest all of you take a look at it here. But now we move on to 2011 and we are once again in the Sweet 16, who will be crowned champion this year? We have many contenders and it can sway many different ways so let’s get started. But quickly before we start let’s all keep Evan Swalling in our thoughts/prayers as he had surgery today. Let’s hope he has a speedy recovery and is back enjoying the Madness as soon as possible.

THE CONTENDERS

Last years Champion, Brian Davies blew the rest of field out by scoring 729 points ,109 more than the 2nd place finisher Ken DeAngelo (who we will get to in a minute). Davies made all the right selections going with players from Cornell, Michigan State and the Mid-Major darling Butler. This season Davies is 123 points back going into the Sweet 16 with 6 players. His team is led by Number 1 overall pick Kemba Walker and with Walker he will have a chance to not only repeat as champion, but to get the high scorer as well. Davies needs one other game to go his way however and that is Kentucky over Ohio State. If he can get that game, then hes’ primed for another championship run. If he doesn’t get that game then he will need Florida to get to the Final game or at least the final coupled with a Uconn final birth. Regardless, Davies has some options right now going into the Sweet 16.

Ken DeAngelo has now finished 2nd in this league two years in a row. He is still trying to claim his first title since 2001. And again he’s right back in the thick of things. With David Lighty and William Buford from Ohio State he has two very solid scorers on probably the best team left in the tournament. But he needs one game to go his way that will probably determine his fate. He is going to need Arizona with his player Derrick Williams to upset Duke this round. Can it happen? Sure, but it will be tough especially as Kyrie Irving gets more comfortable with his Duke teammates. Right now Ken is in 4th place and only 30 points back of 1st with 7 guys left. Ken was almost in big trouble after Arizona nearly lost to Texas, but they survived and Ken did a double-dutch type jump for joy when they won.

Wadman and Sharkey are currently holding 2nd place but with only 4 guys left. They are 15 points back of the leader Glen-Marv, Glen and Stinky or whatever you want to call them. They are going to need North Carolina to run the table if they want to win this league as they have Harrison Barnes, John Henson and also Leslie McDonald. The Notre Dame 2nd round loss to Florida State really hurt them, but if Carolina can run the table and Butler can get to at least the Final 4 as they have Matt Howard they have a chance for the title. If Carolina loses in the next two rounds they won’t have a chance to win.

The leaders right now are Glen and Marvin with 454 points and 6 players left. They are led by the no #1 overall pick of the draft, Jimmer Fredette. Every game Jimmer plays this team increases their chance of not only winning the championship but high scorer as well. Jimmer currently has 66 points in two games and you can pretty much bank he’s getting at least 30 a game on average from here on out. If Jimmer gets to the Final 4 this team should have the high scorer locked up easy, and they should also be able to finish at least 3rd overall. A Wisconsin win vs Butler will also help increase their chances as they have Jordan Taylor. But what may prove to be the best pick of the draft in Kryie Irving who was selected in the 5th round, may be the deal breaker for them. If Glen/Marv/Stinky/Glen etc,etc, can get Jimmer or Jordan Taylor to the Final 4 along with Irving in the Finals then they are going to win this thing. Right now they are the favorites to win it all and are in the best shape. It has been a long time coming for the commish and he has been due for a title. There is a good chance it comes this year with his new partner Marvin.

JJ&Kowalski, this year known as the Deacons have a great shot to win this. Currently 64 points back with 7 players left they have a very nice team in place. Led by Marcus Morris of Kansas who now has a clear path to the final 4 and Erving Walker for Florida he could easily get these two players into the final 4, then secure one of them into the finals. A Marquette upset of North Carolina would be huge as he has the prolific scorer Darius Johnson-Odom. If he can get a win from either Wisconsin or Marquette coupled with a Kansas, Florida Final 4, then the Deacons are going to have a supreme chance to take this down.

Evan Swalling is 94 points out but has an impressive 10 players left. The key game for him much like Davies will be the Kentucky, Ohio State game. Evan has Terrance Jones and Doron Lamb. He also has Kyle Singler from Duke. If he can get a Duke/Kentucky Final 4 along with at least one Florida State victory and a Kansas Final 4 appearance, Evan will have enough points to win this. He hasn’t won this in a long,long time and has finished in 2nd place a couple of times here recently so it will be interesting to see if he can get off the schnide.

Steve and Dennis are again back in the thick of things looking to attain their 4th title in 5 years. That would be unbelievably impressive if they could accomplish that. The 3-peat was impressive enough. Last year they looked to be in good position before Syracuse was knocked off by Butler and Ohio State also went out early. Well this year they are backing Ohio State again as they have the Big man Jared Sullinger and savvy Freshmen guard Aaron Craft. They will need them to get to the finals, but they will also need some other upsets. Right now they currently have players from San Diego State, Richmond, Butler and Florida State. They will need at least two of those teams to advance to have a shot. If they can get Ohio State along with San Diego State in the Final 4 with either a Richmond/Butler/Florida State advancement into the elite 8 they will be in prime position once again to be crowned champions.

DUST IN THE WIND

Is it a record to only have 2 guys in the Sweet 16? We are going to have to confirm that somehow but that is exactly what Ray Alvarez has. Could it be the curse of Dusty Schmidt? Former Dusty partner Ken Sullivan has said that ” Food tastes better, air is fresher and he can once again enjoy re-runs of Saved by the bell without Dusty as his partner. However how can you blame Dusty? Ray did all the drafting here. He has said the commish screwed him out of the #1 draft spot, but you have to be able to create a solid team from all locations. Ray was a big east supporter and they let him down as he lost two players from Pittsburgh and two from Louisville. Can’t blame the strategy but 2 players in the Sweet 16? Dusty is going to have to put a little more input into next year’s draft if this team wants to contend for the title. Maybe Ray was a little over-confident after winning the Capital City Fantasy Football league this past year where him and Dusty have enjoyed much success. The El-Guapo team name, a 3 amigos reference proves that, like in the movie 3 amigos El Guapo underestimated the power of the 3 amigos and Ray seemed to do the same thing with contestants of this league. Next year they should change their name to Dusty Rhodes which was the character played by Chevy Chase.

Mike Esposito, best known as “Espo”, one of the loyalists of the basement crew for years now was in prime position going into Sunday. But things quickly fell apart as he lost two guys from Texas, a key player in Etwaun Moore from Purdue and two Illinois players as well. His tournament fate was pretty much sealed. He is only 38 points back from 1st, but only has 3 players left. Something tells me that Espo will twinge his formula just a bit for next year and be back hard with a vengeance as he will be gunning for first place next year. Nobody watches more college ball than him, so he will continue to be a threat every year.

John Donadio who owns the record for getting kicked out most times in the a draft room (once every 2 minutes) once again has a ton of guys left (13), but not a lot of points. It’s a strategy that has been tried in the past without much success. Currently in 9th place and 125 points back, Donadio has a solid amount of players, but doesn’t have the scoring ability to make it to the top. He needs a lot of things to go his way to come back from this many points. Markieff Morris is looking like a sure bet to the Final 4 with Kansas, but then he will also need Florida, Ohio State and Duke all in the final 4 as well. Seth Curry is another player who can have big games, but with the return of Kryie Irving he has seen less minutes and actually put up a doughnut against Michigan. Can players like Alex Tyus, Terell Reid and DeShaun Thomas produce enough points to win it all? Ol gary doesn’t think so, but John D might have a chance to finish in the money because of all the players he has left.

Phil DeAngelo has tried many things the past couple seasons, going with son Mike DeAngelo but it didn’t work, then last year bringing in a sleeper draftee who went all Big-East only to see the Big East falter early. So this year, he went by himself and went with his usual strategy of stacking players on one team, but usually the wrong team. This year it’s San Diego State where they drafted 5 players ( a record I believe) which is not necessarily the wrong team, but they will have a tough road going against Uconn and Duke. The real problem is the rest of the squad, just simply not enough talent which in turn produced a little amount of points. For example they have 3 players from Kansas who have scored only 6 points the entire tournament combined. So while they have 13 players left they are 193 points back. They will need San Diego State/Duke Elite 8 with San Diego State getting to the finals to have a chance to finish in the money. He will also try to avoid finishing in last place two years in a row. Word on the street is, he’s already in the market for a draft expert to lead his team to the top. Send your Resume’s now.

Lastly we will talk about Kenneth Sullivan. He has a new partner since breaking away from Dusty. But it hasn’t seemed to workout thus far, although they did finish in 3rd place last year. They are currently 130 points back with only 5 players left. Maybe they can get high scorer with Nolan Smith if he reaches the finals. But they are done and without any chance of finishing in the money. Maybe Ken will long for the days to have Dusty as his partner once again.

That’s it fellas, it has been a great run for this league as it continues to surge on. Next year we will celebrate 25 years, which I am hearing will be held in Las Vegas. I can’t wait for that trip, I will be visiting my Aunt Borgen who can fire up better milk biscuits than anybody I know. Until then this is Gary Plonderson saying take care  and what it takes to be a champion, must be found in life at some point.

PROJECTED FINISH

Glen/Marv- 649

Steve and Den- 641

Kenny D- 614

John Donadio- 610

JJ&Kowalski- 608

Wadman&Sharkey-543

Evan-533

Espo-505

Phil D- 490

Sullivan and Co.- 465

Davies/Sayle- 433

Ray-372

TOP 5 SCORERS

Jimmer Fredette-126

David Lighty- 108

Marcus Morris-106

Markieff Morris/Jared Sullinger-105

William Buford-93

The Sweet 16

I remember when it was my Sweet 16, my parents wouldn’t let me have a Sweet 16 party so I had my own. Me and my Friends went down to the ol gorly railroads in Menskanhoff, Nebraska, we pulled a “hey mister” at the local bar and got our beers.  It was a great time when being 16 meant listening to the tunes of the 60′s and having a crush on Edna Wittencolmes, boy she was beautiful.  I hope being 16 was as good for you as it was for me.  I can see why they call it the Sweet Sixteen. 

Hello all, Gary Plonderson once again reporting for the 2009 NCAA Basketball League.  I was requested by a couple members from the Capital City Football League to report here so I am giving  it a shot. I will be breaking down the positions of each team at the current moment and what their chances are at being the #1 team when  it is all said and done. I want to tell you all I have followed College Basketball very closely this season and I have some good input to contribute.  Let’s get to my breakdown as well as some other thoughts.

I got handed a little book here that was well put together. It is sort of a little guideline for Ol Gary here.  It has a breakdown of each team and has all the  previous winners as well as some records from tournament’s past.  I was told this booklet is handed out every year and I am impressed,  I want to go over some of the History in this book to start out. 

First as you can get from the cover page this is the 22nd year of this League. 1987 Glen  Garvin and friends thought about the idea to start this league, how did the idea first spring about? That is unknown to me but maybe one of you can chime in.

Glen  Garvin, Hak Kirimcan and Steve DeAngelo  are the only members with 3 Titles, followed by Mike Miller, (who I was told  had a horrible draft strategy and got lucky) and Eric Matuszewski with two titles each.  Everyone else has just one title and there have been alot of different names in this Tournament throughout the years. 

It looks like Dusty and Ray are the only original members without a title, is that correct?  Although both  Dusty and Ray have not participated every year since 87, it appears the only ones to do that our Ken DeAngelo (one title), Evan Swalling (one title), and Glen Garvin ( 3 Titles).  Although Ken and Evan might of took of some years during their college years, I need that confirmed.

There also have been many different pairings throughout the years.  Mike and Steve DeAngelo combined for a couple years and then Steve Joined Dennis Severino in 2006 while Mike Joined his Dad in 06.  Dusty and Ken Sullivan teamed up for 3 years until Sully announced he no longer wanted Dusty on his team, So Ken went solo while Dusty joined with his Fellow Duck Owner From the Capital City Football league Ray Alvarez.  Brian Davies has also teamed up with Mark “Rolls” Werner back in 1994 and then Neil Owens last year.  Evan Swalling joined with Chin for his lone championship back in 1988 when he still rocked the mullet and then teamed up with some guy named Greg in 1997.  Kevin and JJ have been a steady combo since their inception and Frank&Eric were also a steady combo until they left the league last year.  It appears the only mainstay solo acts throughout the years have been Kenny D, Glen, Hak and Mike Esposito who joined the league in 1998.  One more thing who was Larry and Larry??

I would like to know the history of Mike Dub, Glenn Kesch, Brian Schornerz (sounds like a name I would make up) , Jon Patullo,  Tom James, Larry Fine, Wilson?, Brian  Kilroy, Kevin Weinman, Larry Fisher, Bob Bensch, Bill Doyle,  Dave Cannici,  all of whom were in this league but never won a title.  Who are these guys? How do you know them? Please leave some comments for the Gar Man!!!!    Off the names I don’t know that won a championship were Scott Kastin in 1993 and Soren Petro in 1992 who are these guys?

Of the 1 point scorers Mark Dickel from Unlv selected by Kowalski in 2000 and Tick Rogers from Lousiville selected by Larry Fine in 1995 have the worst names.  For  the Worst picks by Round Michal Ignerski from Miss selected by Ken DeAngelo in 2003,  and Eric Eberz from Villanova selected by Mike Miller in 1995 have the worst names.  Ken DeAngelo also has the most appearances with 4  in the worst picks by round stat.  Round5 Richard Jefferson 2 points in 1999, Round 9 that Ignerski guy 0 points in 2003, Shavlik Randolph 0 points in 2003 in Round 14 and Jerry Nichols for G’townin 1996 for 0 points at round 17.  For the Best Picks by Round 5 Teams have appeared twice- Kevin  Price, Evan  Swalling, Steve DeAngelo, Kevin Weinmann and Hak  Krimcan. With names like Rony Seikaly, Austin Croshere and Udonis Haslem.  Rony Seikaly in 1987 for Syracuse haaa.

That is enough history for now, I’ve teased you long enough let’s get to the good stuff and the positioning, breakdown  and forecast for each team. 

After 2 Rounds the leader is Brian Davies, a longtime member who has never claimed a title.  Brian Davies, a Kinnelon NJ native and 7 year member of this league. His first year in the league was 1994 then skipped a year in 95 came back in 96 then took a 8 year hiatus came back in 2004 and has been in ever since.  So 6 years without a title can he get it in his seventh year?  Well it was a great run for Brian but I think his team has reached it’s peak.  His first pick Tyreke Evans and second Pick Jon Scheyer are bothgoing to go bye after this round IMO and that will dwindle his chances along with Jordan Hill and Arizona falling to Louisville. Also Jeremy Pargo will fall as the Zags get beat by UNC.  Also I see Tony Crocker and Oklahoma going down to Syracuse. Sheron Collins from Kansas could advance against Michigan State, that game is a tossup to me.  Currently he has 6 players and 498 points, I think after  the Sweet 16 Brian Davies will have only 1-2 players left and that will be his demise.  He is going to need a Memphis,  Arizona/Kansas Matchup and a Oklahoma/Duke matchup on the other side it could happen but it is unlikely,  that 3 guys from Wisconsin strat could come back to bite him, although he got some good production from them. Projected Final Score – 619  Projected Highest Scorer- Sheron Collins 97 points

In SecondPlace currently right behind Brian Davies is  Ken DeAngelo with 498 points and 8 players left. Ken has been hosting the annual kickoff to the tournament since I can remember and many thanks from league members go to him for that.  Ken has been  in this league since its inception, that’s 22 years but only has one championship which came in 2001.  Interestingly enough this is the 22nd year of the tourny and his 22nd appearance and it’s no secret that 22 is his favorite number, can this matchup for him in the 22nd year? I have to admit his team I like alot and I think  he has a great chance to win this thing.  I believe Sam Young will advance to the Final 4, Dante Cunningham will advance to the Elite 8,  Eric Devendorf will make it to the final game as well  as Preston Knowles although he doesn’t score much with  only 6 points in two games thus far.  I think Chase Budinger hits the fan in this round as well as Doneal Mack as I am going with the Missouri upset over Memphis. Again Michigan State/Kansas is a tossup to me and he has Raymor Morgan and Delvon Roe both from Michigan State.  He has a  great chance here, he has some options.  I like him to advance at least 4 players into the elite 8 and maybe  5 or 6 which would be solid.  Ken has a great chance to win this whole thing or maybe Mendez-Valdez or Christmas time needed to go one more game. Projected Score- 702  Highest Projected Scorer- Sam Young 113 points

This is where it falls back a bit from the Top 2. Mike Esposito is in 3rd place currently with 440 points and 6 players left.  Espo as the league calls him joined the league in 1998 and has been in ever since. That makes this his 11th year in the league and he has claimed one title back in 1999.  Espo comes very prepared to the draft with Last 10 scoring averages for each player and probably watches more games than anyone in the league.  Basement dwellers have commented on  how great of an asset he is to the league with his pure passion for the college game and the tournament.  He loves going with big scorers but sometimes it bites him in the ass case in point Tony Douglas this year.  Last it almost won him a title though with Stephon Curry going off.  This year it’s  no different as he has the best player in the tournament in Blake Griffin. If Oklahoma goes to the championship game Espo will win high scorer and possibly the whole thing to claim his first title in 10 years. However I have the Cuse taking down Oklahoma and Blake Griffin, the 2-3 of CuseI feel with disturb the sooners.  Their guards are gonna have to be making some shots and I don’t think they are gonna be able to. Also Oklahoma isn’t a great defensive team, especially their guards and I think Cuse can put up some good points against  them.   Scottie Reynolds should advance to the Elite 8,  Shawn Taggart will fall as well as Blake’s Brother Taylor Griffin who joins him on that Oklahoma squad.  Corey Stokes should advance and he will be the key to them beating Duke if he bangs threes they should def get the win. Micah  Downs should also see the pine as they fall to UNC.  I see Spo advancing only 2 players although It could def be more. He has a great chance and will most likely win if he gets  Oklahoma, Villanova,  and Memphis all in the Final 4 he may only need Oklahoma and Nova.  Projected Score- 553    Projected Highest Scorer- Blake Griffin 87 points

Sitting in 4th is Mike/Phil DeAngelo Father and Son at 433 points and 6 players left.  They have been partners for the past 3 years with their highest finish in 2007 at 5th  place.  For Phil this is his 4th year, for Mike this is his 7th or 8th year and he has one title when he won in 2004 with his Brother Steve.  This team likes to go with the Low Seed Stack combo,  this year getting 3 guys from Ucla, 2 guys from Utah St and 3 guys from USC.  Last year it was 2 guys from Vanderbilt 2 guys from Oregon and 3 guys from Boston College. I think the strategy comes from 2007 when they had 2 guys from Oregon and I believe 2 guys from Vanderbilt when  both those teams almost advanced to the elite 8 and if they would of they would have had a solid shot at the title.  This year besides stacking on low seeded teams they rode Louisiville with two great picks in Samardo Samuels and Terrance Williams.   I like Lousiville to get to the finals and the two players should put up some solid points.  They then have the combo of BJ Raymond and Derrick Brown from Xavier but I don’t think they get past Pitt, if they do look out for this team.  Robbie Hummel was a good pick but I don’t see Purdue getting past Uconn.  Rick Jackson  was  another good pick and  he has been  solid so far for a 11th roundpick scoring 25 points in two games.  Again I have Syracuse in the Finals so Jackson can  add to this team’s total.  This team Clearly Needs Louisville in the Final Game with Xavier winning in the Sweet 16 giving them two more games played. Also if they can get Cuse in the Final 4 and Hummel to the Elite 8 look out for this team. Projected Score- 628  Projected High Scorer Terrance Williams- 108

The Commish and Marvin Koenig Sit in at the 5 slot with 431 points and  5 players left.  Glen Garvin commissioner of the Capital City Football league recently stepped his game up by adding GlenGarvin.com and it has  been a great addition. It even got ol gary aboard the league now.  Glen is also entering his 22nd year in the league and has 3 titles (91, 96, 2002). Marvin is best known for  stinking up the toilet horribly a couple years back in the basement while being  Kevin Price ‘s former partner before going solo in 2007. He did not particpate last year but is back in 09 as he has %25 pct ownership of this team. Having only 5 players left hurts but they do have some good players left.  Gerald Henderson is a solid player but I think Duke is only going to play only one more game here as they fall to Nova.  Hasheem Thabeet and Uconn I see in the Final 4 andas time goes on I can see them in the Finals now, but I am sticking with my original pick for the Finals and that was Lousiville.  E’twan Moore will most likely fall  but I like Leo Lyons to advance to the Elite 8.  Nic Wise was a great pick but I see them falling to Lousiville.  Glen and Marvin Need a Uconn, Duke Final with Arizona upsettting Lousiville and Missouri upsetting Memphis, possible but the chances aren’t too high.  Projected Score- 560    Projected Highest Scorer - Leo Lyons 73 points

In the Sixth Slot is Steve DeAngelo and Dennis Severino Currently at 427 points with 8 guys left.  They have been partners for 3 years starting in 2006 and in those 3 years they have 2 titles going back to back the last two years. They were the favorites coming into this thing once again.  For Dennis this is his 4th year and he has won it 2 of the three years he’s been in.  This is Steve’s 9th year andhe has 3 titles (04,07,08) in the 8 years he’s been in. He first joined way back in 1997 when he was just 15 years old but then took a a four year hiatus before joining again in 2002.  This team’s claim to fame is going with their best team  and stacking up on that team. Last year Kansas 3 guys, two years ago Florida two guys as well as G’town who made it to the final 4 they had 3 guys from them. Also  back in 04 when Steve won with his brother Mike they had 4 guys from Uconn.  However you also need to not only advance you need to put up points. This year they have 3 guys from Uconn in AJ Price, Stanley Robinson and  Kemba Welker.  Again I picked Uconn to fall to Lousiville in the Final 4,  so Uconn should see at least 3 more games.  Ty Lawson played great and came back solid from the Toe Injury with 23 points last game but I see them falling in the Elite 8 to Syracuse.  Matt Bouldin’s done next round against Carolina.  Dwyane Anderson should advance to the Elite 8.  Brad Wannamaker and Andre Mcgee our not big scorers but Wannamaker should get to the Final 4 with Pitt and Mcgee I see in the Finals for Lousiville.  This team could claim the 3 peat which would be a first for this league.  Mike Miller went back to back in 97&98 but no team has 3 peated. Can they pull the Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees Type feat? They will need a Uconn/Carolina Final to do it.  Projected  Score- 662   Projected Highest Scorer-  AJ Price- 121

We have JJ&Kowalski currently in 7thplace at 413 Points with 7 players left.  Kevin Kowalski joined the league in 1998 and has been in it ever since making this year his 12th year in the league.  Kowalski had  to take on a partner before he could win and he and JJ hooked up in 2004 and then won a title two years later in 2006.  For JJ this is his 6thyear in the league.  Good thing he stayed away from the big name Wake guys this year as they went out like a bunch of little sissies in the first round.   Their First pick Jeff Adrien lit it up last game and again  I expect Uconn to reach the final 4. Wait what’s this? Uconn could be in Violations with the Ncaa for recruiting? Wow,  never expected Jimmy Calhoun to be invloved with this, how will this effect Uconn, they might go out to Purdue now , but I will stick pick them for the Final 4.  Kyle  Singler will also Fall IMO as they go down vs Villanova.  Josh Heytvelt the ex Mushroom Swindler will also fall as Gonzaga goes down to UNC.  The rest of their team fills out with Austin Johnson for OU,  Two Kansas guys in Cole  Alrich and Tyrel Reid and Chris Allen from Michigan State.  I see this team advancing about 3 guys into the Elite 8 which will not be enough to get them  in the money.  They will need a Kansas Uconn, Duke Final 4 to have a shot.  Projected Score- 551 points   Projected Highest Scorer-  Jeff Adrien 80 Points

8th Place right now is John Dinnadio with 392 points and 7 players left.  Dinnadio joined  the league last year and this is only his 2nd year.  He reportedely did not show up  to the draft this year and had JJ draft his team.  Hansborough was the first pick and I believe they go out in the Elite 8, but  if he gets to the finals he has a chance for high scorer. He is going to need alot of other things to happen to win this thing. He will need Willie Warren past the Cuse, Kalin Lucas and Michigan State to go to the Final game and that would also advance Goran Suton who is from  Michigan State. They would then lose Tyshawn Taylor from Kansas though but he would rather have Michigan State move on.  He will also need Xavier to upset Pitt as he has CJ Anderson.  Arinze Onanku faces Willie Warren’s OU team but I’m sure he wants the better scorer in Warren to advance.  In the end doesn’t look good for this team as he is lacking points and doesn’t have great matchups.  Projected Score- 534     Projected Highest Scorer- Tyler Hansborugh 82 Points

9 Is fine and Buck is Slucky, at the 9 Spot is Evan Swalling with only 372 points but an impressive 12 players left.  Evan hasn’t claimed a title since 1988 which was 21 years ago and gives him the longest drought of all the members.  He has finished in second place twice in the last 6 years though and is still a solid competitor.  His tournament started solid with Robert Sallie Aka the Salamander but he just couldnt get enough points to get into the top 5.  Some argue he goes with the low scorer from good teams a little too much.  However that hasn’t been his problem this year as guys like Travis Walton, Robert Sallie,  and Matt Lawrence have produced OK up to this point considering their draft position.  Earl Clark was the first pick followed by Back to back Memphis picks in Robert Dozier and Antonio Anderson.  I have Lousiville into the finals but I think Memphis falls to Missouri and he will then lose 3 guys in Dozier, Anderson, and Sallie. Corey Fisher and  Rautins will both advance as will Jerry Smith and Matt Lawrence.  Im starting to lean a little more towards Michigan State as the days go on so I think he will lose  Brady Morningstar while surviving Travis Walton from Michigan State.  Keaton Grant from Purdue and Jason Love from Xavier will also fall.  Evan was at the heap of some controversy on Friday night as he left early and then got booed out of the Basement by fellow league members.  He then went on to Miss two great games with Siena/Ohio St.  Wisconsin/Florida St.  He is going to need a Lousiville Memphis Final 4 while also getting Nova and Cuse in the Final 4 as well. He has 12 guys left but he needs to put up some points. Projected Score- 620      Projected Highest Scorer-Earl Clark 90 points

10th Place goes to Ken Sullivan Aka Sully with 343 points and 7 players left.  For Sully this is his 7th year but no titles yet.  Started off solo in 2003 before joining with Dusty in 2004. They then were partners until 2006 when Ken again went solo.  Ken has already announced he will be buying the Natural Light Keg as he is anticpating a last place finish.  I think he may be right, Wayne Ellington is a solid pick and he has produced great so far he will need them in the finals where maybe he could even get high scorer as Ellington has 48 points already.  Levance Fields is alive for him and should get to the Final 4 but needs to score a bit more than he has.  Edgar Sosa should get to the Final game, and Reggie Redding with Nova should get to the elite 8.  The rest of bunch is a big question mark.  Marcus Morris is questionable to advance for Kansas and even if Greg Paulus and Bobby Frasor advance they aren’t going to score many points.  He got 0 points for From Frasor and Paulus combined last round.  Will he be buying the keg? Or will Wayne Ellingoton put him in the money? Projected Score- 491 Points  Highest Projected Scorer- Wayne Ellington 80 points

 

11th Slot goes to the Duck Ownership in Dusty Schmidt and Ray Alvarez with 325 points and 10 players left.  Dusty and Ray both were members of the inaugural season, both took some time off in between.  They both as I stated earlier are the only original members to not have won a championship, maybe that is why they teamed up, they got the  Title in Football two years ago maybe they can get it done here.  Dusty even though he was an original member has only particpated in 8 seasons, he joined early took some time off came back again and then took time off again before now this being his 7th consecutive seasons. For Ray this is his 9th season and his 3rd season as Dusty’s Partna.  Dejuan Blair and Johnny Flynn will meet up in the Final 4 with Flynn advancing to the finals, two solid picks right there.  Deon Thompson should advance another game as well as Darrell Summers from Michigan State.  Paul Harris  needs to score more but he has  some more games  to play as he will advance.  They will need the Purdue upset of Uconn as they have the Big Man Jujuan Johnson who is a solid player.  They also Need Duke to take down Nova as they have Nolan Smith from  Duke. Craig Austrie, Elliot Williams and Juan Patillo round out the team but these guys will not score much so they are pretty much a non-factor.  Ray Did all the drafting while Dusty just got Drunk and Enjoyed the fire, will that combo work?  This team is going to need a miracle to win this thing but they could get High Scorer or At least finish in  the money.  Will Dusty be Fined for the Half Punch he gave to Wadman on Thursday Night during a poker game in the basement? Projected Score- 583 Points   Projected Highest Scorer- Johnny Flynn 105 Points

The last  slot goes to Brian Wadman and Kevin Sharkey with 317 points but have the most players left at 13.  Problem with those players is they don’t score alot of points.  This  is only their 2nd year in the league as they joined last year.  As Ray did with Dusty , Sharkey drafted the whole team while Brian just drank and enjoyed the fire. He  then  was in the basement just wanting to play poker instead of watching the games.  How  will this combo work? Well the two teams who didnt have input from the partners are struggling, but they do have alot of players left and maybe they can make  a run for the money.  Danny Green was the first pick he’s got two more games to play.  Demare Carroll will also  advance as they beat Memphis. Jermaine Dixon from Pitt was a good pick this guy just isn’t scoring with only 6 points so far but he should see the Final  4 as will Tyrell Biggs who is also from Pitt.  Austin Daye was another good  pick but they will fall To UNC.  Steven Gray will also fall from Gonzaga. Ed Davis will survive from UNC and so will Tyler Zeller although he barely even  shoots.  Gilbert Brown is still alive from Pitt and  so is JT tiller thru this round . Also Marcus Denmon from Missouri but again they have too many guys who don’t score and being so far back they will need some unusual performances from these guys. Maybe they can get Kim English from Missouri to score in  Double Digits again and Give The Salamander on run for his money.  Ashton Gibbs at 19 has been a good pick as he has 19 points so far.  If they can get Missouri, Pitt and Unc in the Final 4 this team actually has a good chance to make a stab at this.  Projected Score- 549 Points   Projected Highest Scorer- Danny Green 50 Points

 

Well that is it theres  the full and complete roundup. I disected this league a little bit and dabbed with some history, gave some insights and offered some predicitions.  Your man Gary now has a big trip to the Marshoon Islands for some Harpoon Throwing contests going on there.  I  will  return in time for the Final 4 for a revised projectory of the field until then take care everyone and have a Superior day.  I will leave you with a summary of my Projected Finishes and my 5 Highest Projected Scorers.

Projected Finish

Ken DeAngelo 702 Points

Steve/Dennis 662 Points

Mike/Phil 628

Evan Swalling 620

Brian Davies 619

Dusty/Ray 583

Glen/Marvin 560

Espo 553

JJ&Kowalski 551

Skarkey/Wadman 549

John Dinaddio 534

Sully 491

 

Top 5 Scorers

AJ Price 121

Sam Young 113

Terrance Williams 108

Johnny Flynn 105

Earl Clark 90