(part 1)
RECAP OF SEASON 33: The Big 8 sadly has another year of its representative being upset in the finals. I Believe That We Will Win dominated the Big 8 all season long. If it wasn't for the 1.9 million dollar signing, then I Believe would be moving on to III. This has left the Big 8 just like the Big 12, in NCAAB, for another season. There will be very few "off days" when it comes to this league. Congrats to the Great 8 on another title, however, to be honest, I don't pay much attention to your side of the conference until playoffs. Would love to see someone do the predictions for the Great 8. But as for this post; it is time for the Big 8 preseason predictions:
Washington Generals: The Generals are the oldest team to stay in the Big 8 playing 8 consecutive seasons. After having 3 seasons in League V, the Generals have been battling their way to the top of League IV since Season 26. Washington has won the past 3 regular season league titles. Also the Generals past two seasons have resulted in 20 regular season wins.
Total Big 8 Record: 136-40 (77%). Playoff Appearances 6. Finals Appearances 3 in a row from Season 30-32.
Prediction this season: 18-4 2nd in league
Team Turn Up: Team Turn Up have been in the league since Season 28. Powerhouse and ankle biter aren't terms that fit this team. Team Turn Up always is competing for a playoff bid but never seems to be able to tackle the top on a consistent basis. Last season ended 12-10 but still had one of the best attendance/capacity ratio in the league. If the money is there Team Turn Up could finally make that step in becoming a Big 8 power.
Total Big 8 Record: 75-57 (57%). Playoff Appearances 5 consecutive from Season 28-33. No finals appearances.
Prediction this season: 12-10 5th in league
Green Peppers: The Green Peppers have been in the league since Season 28. Have stayed as the obvious third best team in the league since I Believe spent millions on their roster. The Green Peppers have made the playoffs every year since joining the league. The Green Peppers have struggled getting over their rival the Washington Generals. Season 33 marks the first time the Generals and the Peppers didn't meet up in the playoffs. Green Peppers will need help if they're going to get over the two powerhouses of I Believe and Washington.
Total Big 8 Record: 89-43 (67%). Playoff Appearances 6 consecutive since joining in Season 28. 1 Finals appearance in Season 29.
Prediction this season: 16-6 3rd in league
Clairemont Condors: The Condors joined the league in Season 29. Clairemont survived a third relegation series and will stay in Big 8 for a 6th season. In Season 29, the Condors came into the league with a bang and made the playoffs right off the bat. Since then the Condors have yet to reach the postseason. There is no doubt the Condors have the lowest average age roster in the Big 8. They are headlined by 25 year old Center Mike Churchill who will have to pull a lot of weight for a postseason birth.
Total Big 8 Record: 43-67 (39%). Playoff Appearances 1.
Prediction this season: 6-16 7th in league Survive Relegation
Mercy Buckets: The Buckets joined the league in Season 30. The Buckets have had three straight seasons of having 15+ wins. The Generals knocked out the Buckets this past season in the first round after making it to the Semi-finals in Season 31 & 32. The Buckets currently are selling two of their young guards. If these two are sold this would leave the Buckets with 6 players and, in turn, a very small payroll. The Mercy Buckets boast a growing stadium that could create quite a profit to buy some more talent.
Total Big 8 Record: 65-23 (74%). Playoff Appearances 4 consecutive since joining the league. Have yet to make finals even though they have made semifinals twice.
Prediction: 13-9 4th in league assuming they don't make a big move