Four games into the season, four undefeated teams. Let's take a look at each one.
1. Naples Napalm: surprisingly, Naples Napalm has the lowest PD of all the undefeated teams, with "only" 109 points or an average margin of victory of over 27 points per game. However, their ratings have been spectacular for D.V (average: respectable (medium) ID, respectable (low) IS, and average (medium) rebounding showing the strength of their inside game) and as the manager has been conserving enthusiasm by playing TIE every game, they are still the favorites. It goes without saying, of course, that even if they weren't currently the favorites, having $3 million in the bank gives them the freedom to make any necessary moves while still leaving a comfortable nest egg for their inevitable promotion.
Why they will win: no other team in the league has the firepower to deal with three $40K salary players. Their firepower is just too much, and they can always buy more if they need it.
Why they might not win: Game shape is a concern. With such disparity between the starters and the backups, the GE always wants to play the starters, causing them to play high minutes per week. This could be a problem moving forward, although once they are out of the cup then that problem will likely come to an end.
2. V SQUAD: this team has shown the strongest outside offense of any team in this league, making them someone to be reckoned with. With a $35K center and a $24K SG, they have players who can attempt to match up with Naples Napalm, but will it be enough? Probably not.
Why they might win: If they can make a late-season addition for the missing piece at the playoff deadline they could catch Naples Napalm sleeping. Then, if Naples' GS problems persist and if V Squad can get HCA with decent enthusiasm, with a little luck they could pull the upset.
Why they might not win: That's a lot of things that have to go right. A lot of things. Also, like Naples Napalm GS is a concern due in part to weekly cup games.
3. Maine Claws: this team shocked the league last season with the surprising first-round upset of Shippensburg Raiders, the clear favorite for the title. This season, they look to reload with rapidly improving second-year guard Cedrick Pagan who needs no introduction, along with rookie guards John Paul Golong and Neil Clarke. Golong has always been a solid offensive player and currently averages 13.3 ppg and 7.7 apg. His defense needs work, but with his age and height the team hopes that will improve quickly. Clarke is raw but has excellent potential and upside, and has a nice ability to finish inside along with an improving jump shot. For a third-round pick, he was a steal and he should be a nice role player for many seasons. Rounding out the team's notable players are Youseff Belhadj (a forward on the Al Jazair U21 team), Burt Caruso and Mallory Montel (nice rebounders and solid defenders), Michael Eini (outside scorer) and Gilbert Rutledge (inside scorer).
Why they might win: They did it once last year. Can they do it on a much larger scale against the imposing Naples Napalm? This team has a history of overperforming against stronger competition but they will need to come up big for them to have a chance. Also, rumor has it that the manager has something in his tactical bag of tricks..
Why they might not win: Again, Naples Napalm is just too strong, and Maine can't add the firepower necessary without taking PT from the rookies and hurting the team's long-term growth.
4. Hustling Hawks: a new team entering its first full season, this team is really built around an aging 33yo SF. Likely not a contender but off to a decent start.
Why they might win: Good SFs are hard to find and can be a real problem to guard.
Why they might not win: that SF is their only player, and his skills will be dropping slowly. They simply don't have the dep
Last edited by Trueborn at 2/21/2012 10:58:32 PM