a few observations to mark the end of the first half of the season:
-- i think 14 of the NBBA's 16 teams are very competitive. even Anchorage and Golden State can put out lineups that require serious attention to win.
-- i feel bad for the tough luck in the Cup when NBBA teams face each other early, but it's fun for observers. Delta - TnT was a great matchup, and TnT's victory i thought was noteworthy. i keep hoping to see the final chapter in Beware of Dogs' run, but not this season -- TnT's squad is my pick to make the league finals. and, in one of those scheduling quirks, Delta gets a rematch tonight (my memory is similar situation occurred with my squad and TnT a couple of seasons ago).
-- the Cup pursuit is looking quite intense, as i'm guessing six NBBA teams will be in the final 16.
-- Tucumcari is playing at an awesome, unchallenged level. at this point, all i can think of is are unlikely roadblocks from winning a second straight title:
Ozone will have two tough (although at home) games to get to the finals
at some point, he may have to choose between the Cup and the Title (although a three game lead gives him some breathing space)
perhaps like the Atlanta Hawks, Ozone's squad has peaked, but Toronto and High Point (and Delta, Ohio State, EDH, and BM) have not
or, what happened last season to TnT, an injury to his prize SF (or other starter)
-- speaking of which, i have just noticed that Ozone has been playing Semmelrath at SF but he is listed as a PF. and his SF ratings are the stuff of legend (i.e., similar to Stankovic). at some point, i would love to know Semmelrath's skill set. it is a tribute to Ozone he was able to nab such a player for only $1.2 million. i have paid twice as much for lesser players.
-- relegation matches look horrifying, as i see four very good teams trying to avoid dropping out.
here is a good luck balloon to all who need it.
