I could’ve copy-pasted last seasons’ preview here and it would still be accurate, with only 1 adjustment
Red Side
IN: Houdeng Donkeys (III.15)
OUT: rode duivels (III.15)
1. Collège Saint-Louis Basket: 557k [+78k]
Last season, HCA based on PD was the determining factor keeping CSBL from BBBL. This season, Tom10 wants to avoid such a situation, already being 5-0 with +159 PD. The team is young enough to have more than 1 chance at promotion, but finances probably work against that.
With Pablito as captain, only a handful Belgian div. II teams can compete with CSBL. I almost want Tom10 to fail, just to see the skillset of the best Pablo Pries in this league.
2. TheRainmakers: 513k [+57k]
Transfers had to come in for TheRainmakers to increase odds of promoting, and they came in indeed. Unfortunately, even at a paycheck of double the salary floor, there still is a better team. A loss by 18 @BouffAssist is far from ideal. These games can decide HCA in the semi-finals.
It wouldn’t be the best thing to see Dejonghe and Roos leave BigT, so let’s hope CSBL goes 22-0 and TheRainmakers wins the division.
3. Houdeng Donkeys: 451k [NEW]
Oh boy. Imagine being Nautelet. Finally getting away from Krifl, the voodoo-master. Only to came back a season later in the more difficult side. Houdeng Donkeys hasn’t had the best start to the season, losing the 4 first games.
With a strong team and plenty of games to go, only finishing 8th will mean relegation for Nautelet, on the condition that game shape and injuries [;)] don’t hold back too much.
4. TheAmbassadors: 432k [-3 k]
TheAmbassadors is still doing it with the same small roster as last season. This is again noticeable in the game shapes. So an early loss in the cup could do wonders. TheAmbassador finished 7th last season, so is the first on the chopping block if s51 is to be repeated.
But just like last season, a 7th place is not to worry if you’re on the red side.
5. armstrongs: 398k [+38k]
Armstrongs had one reinforcement, and it is a necessary one if POs are the goal. no women-* has overcome relegation games in the last 3 seasons.
Even with getting stronger during the off-season, worries for finishing 8th haven’t disappeared.
6. ccf packers: 388k [-3k]
With a 0-5 start, things are looking far from perfect for ccf packers. With Acquet making it to the NT, talent is not absent in this team. But why did dicus start so poorly? Is it game shape, strategic choices or bad luck? Who will say?
This young team does have the potential for better results, as indicated by the PD when compared to other teams in the league.
7. BouffAssist: 381k [+21k]
The team with the biggest arena in this division. And it’s in this arena that TheRainmakers already suffered a defeat to BouffAssist. However, a 5-0 start was probably not even the prediction of marvinxl himself. And with Teerlinck topping certain stat charts, this team could even be a dark horse or a third dog for this season.
8. Kriflonius: 292k [-8k]
90k down to the next team on the red side, Kriflonius currently sits in PO position. I expect this to change soon.
With training in mind, relegating wouldn’t even be a big deal for Krifl. Seminck and Veldeman are still young enough to justify a season in div. III. The question is where this division will be in 2 seasons, is it worth staying to promote then or is risking a change of division a better solution? I’m still questioning this …