Category: 3rd Division

TDL Winter 2017 Playoff Preview (All Sunday Divisions)

(2) SK WAR DOG vs (6) SHAWN KEMP’S KIDS

D1 Sun Playoffs (Semifinals) – Sunday, March 26, 1:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
At this point, just getting into the playoffs is enough for SK WAR DOG, the seeding isn’t. Their Big 3 back court is back, though not as efficient from the FT line as in some seasons past. Which may or may not come into the play this post-season. But this is a multi-time former champ with a roster full of veterans. Playoffs are their playground.
SKW
5-2

61-56
SKK
3-4		 SHAWN KEMP’S KIDS was able to dictate the tempo vs ADG and advance. But an uptempo style might do worse for them here as SKW invites it, and is better at it. But aggressive perimeter D can frustrate the aging SKW backcourt, which can mean forced shots, or an even more focused effort. It’s a gamble, but why not make them work for it.
Key Player: Kash Miah

The veteran gunner isn’t 100% yet, but he’s still the most dangerous player on the floor. You just can’t leave him by himself. He will never stop shooting, and if you let him get hot, you will lose the game.

 Pos: G
17.8 ppg
4.0 3pg
4.8 rpg
Pos: G/F
12.0 ppg
7.0 rpg
4.0 apg		 Key Player: Dan Linnane

Linnane was relatively quiet during the regular season, but in SKK’s 1st rd win over ADG, he showed his versatility off the wing. Able to score inside/out and setup his teammates, they’ll need plenty of that here. 

(2) NO FLY ZONE OG vs (7) TAP NY

D2 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Sunday, March 26, 2:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
It’s no secret, NO FLY ZONE OG was terrible before rookie (F) Phil Thomas joined as a free agent. He has lifted them to contender status, by not only putting up solid #s, but making every one of his teammates better. That should seal his MVP prospects this season. This is now a veteran team with plenty of guard play, shooting, defense, and a rare athlete in Thomas.
NFZ
5-2

62-58
TAP
3-4		 This is actually the deepest TAP NY team they’ve ever fielded. Having (F) Jin Bae Kim and (F) Dave Liu in the front court is the most formidable they have ever been at those positions. There just might not be enough basketball to keep everyone happy offensively. (G) Will Chu has given them a chance in every game, but they just haven’t closed as well this season as in the past.
Key Player: Phil Thomas

Thomas might be the most athletic player in D2 this season, and he is plenty versatile as well, leading his team in PPG, RPG, second in APG, and BPG. He is the hero that NFZ had been looking for.

 Pos: F
18.4 ppg
10.6 rpg
3.2 apg
Pos: G
20.6 ppg
4.4 3pg
4.4 apg		 Key Player: Will Chu

Should be no surprise, but Chu is carrying TAP offensively. And his 3.1 spg is his highest in years. If no one else steps up, they’ll need another big one from Chu to keep pace with NFZ’s fire power.

(3) SEX PANTHERS vs (6) WOLVERINES

D2 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Sunday, March 26, 2:30pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
With the most dangerous back court in D2, along with an MVP candidate in the front court in (F) Chris Di, the SEX PANTHERS are fully loaded for a title run. No team gets more scoring from their Top 3, which also means attendance can be an issue. But this is a multi-time former champ that can go down big and still comeback to win.
SXP
5-2

62-56
WOL
4-3		 The WOLVERINES offense has transitioned to (G) Nick Abrapour this season, which is fine. He’s the most capable scorer in the back court, but roster inconsistency has made this season a head-scratcher despite solid 3-pt shooting (which WOL needed). This is a defensive minded team that will be physical, but a lot hinges on Abrapour now.
Key Player: David Chu

Chu is not only a dangerous shooter that is capable of going for 30 in any game, the Panthers also work to get him as many touches as possible to get there. His shooting can wear even the toughest defenses thin.

 Pos: G
24.1 ppg
4.7 3pg
4.6 rpg
Pos: G
14.4 ppg
9 rpg
3.2 spg		 Key Player: Nick Abrapour

He’ll be the best athlete in this game, which means he can get any shot he wants. But he has stay disciplined on both sides of the ball. TOs, missed assignments and bad shot selection are his downfall. 

(4) GRITTY FOB CITY vs (5) NY BRICKS

D2 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Sunday, March 26, 3:30pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
It should no surprise that GRITTY FOB CITY is a contender again with (F) Chris Youn on the floor. Having him almost always means FOB is winning the chip. But they’re all a little older, and haven’t been quite as convincing this season. But if anyone can pick them up and carrying them, it’s Youn.
FOB
5-2

55-54
BRI
4-3		 Speed and aggressive transition is FOB’s weakness, and NY BRICKS have plenty of that. They don’t really have to worry about efficiency as much as keeping the attack going in waves. Eventually, FOB will tire. If the Bricks are hitting from the perimeter, and turning TOs into points, they can win this game.
Key Player: Chris Youn

He does it all, score, rebound, pass defend, and he is the only player seemingly in FOB history that can get the most out of this group. The team are underachievers without him, or he’s just that good.

 Pos: F
15.3 ppg
8.5 rpg
5.5 apg
Pos: G
9.7 ppg
5.1 apg
2.9 spg		 Key Player: Eric Kim

He hasn’t had a great season scoring wise, but Kim is still the catalyst for his team. He hasn’t looked great in his last few games, but he has to pick up his game and the tempo vs FOB. His speed can kill here. 

(1) BOMB SQUAD vs (9) SPAGHETTI RAMEN

D2 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Sunday, March 26, 3:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
BOMB SQUAD has easily been the most dominant team in D2 this season with the same core leading the way. Key adds in (G) Daniel Wolff & (C) Spencer Bartlebaugh have given them great depth, but this is still a team built on their defense and ability to score off rebounds and turnovers. This is championship caliber.
BOM
6-1

65-52
SPR
3-5		 SPAGHETTI RAMEN pulled of a miracle comeback win over GOA in the play-in game, but it’s a bit much to expect them to do the same here. Then again, in single-elimination, you just never know do you. You can count on one thing, Ramen will fight in every second of this game, and they will not quit. So if BOM is prone to sleep like GOA, look out.
Key Player: David Hsiung

The game was essentially a forfeit, but Hsiung scored 37 in it. Which means he is perfectly capable of lighting it up if you don’t pay very close attention to him. He is also their best perimeter defender.

 Pos: G/F
19.2 ppg
5.7 rpg
2.2 apg
Pos: G/F
16 ppg
8 rpg
7 spg		 Key Player: Matt Auerbach

The versatile Auerbach does a pretty good impression of (G) Leuis Ng in the #s when the latter is out of the lineup. But with a totally different approach. They’ll need another big game from him today. 

(1) YUNG NO FLY ZONE vs (4) THE LIZARDS

D1 Sun Playoffs (Semifinals) – Sunday, March 26, 4:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
YUNG NO FLY ZONE hasn’t been as dominant as past regular seasons, but that hasn’t necessarily led to titles either. But as they’ve shown this season, this veteran team finds ways to win. And key additions of (F) Sherwin Salar & (F) Phil Thomas have given them more depth than they’ve ever had. This is the team to beat right now.
NFZ
6-1

65-62
LIZ
5-3		 Solid 1st rd win for THE LIZARDS, the game was never in doubt. They got balanced scoring across the board, and moved the ball well, assisting on 17 of their 20 made FGs. They will have to keep up that kind of polished attack vs NFZ, a team that won’t take as many ill-advised shots as STM. The Lizards must dominate the glass to win this game.
Key Player: Michael Reding

They run the entire offense through Reding to give him as many chances as possible to see his trademark 3-pt streaks. When he goes off, NFZ gets big leads. And he’s also their most versatile defender.

 Pos: F
18.1 ppg
8.3 rpg
3.0 apg
Pos: F
11 ppg
7 rpg
5 apg		 Key Player: Nat Schacht

Add 3 blocks and you have Schacht’s all-around effort in their 1st rd win over STM. A versatile forward with great height & length, Schacht will be a match-up probably for NFZ if they can get him involved early. 

(4) POGI POINTS vs (5) NY FALCONS

D3 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Sunday, March 26, 4:30pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
POGI POINTS won’t beat you with great speed–outside of (F) Jin Bae Kim–but they have great size, and balanced scoring from all over the floor. They proved in their regular season win over NFU that they can win close games against a faster team. Well, they’ll have to do it again here, against that same tea, now with a scouting report.
POG
4-3

48-46
NFU
4-3		 Their last loss of the season came to POG, so this will be a revenge game for NY FALCONS U. But keeping composure will be key to that. This team has plenty of youth and speed, but making the right decisions vs a strong team like POG is a whole different thing altogether. Falcons have to keep going hard, but now in crunch time, they have to close.
Key Player: Jin Bae Kim

Kim may be the most athletic player in D3, and he has shown it this season by contributing across the board for his team. He is their best slasher, rebounder, passer, and defensive player. And he’ll need to do it all again in this one.

 Pos: F
15.6 ppg
11.8 rpg
4.2 apg
Pos: G/F
12.6 ppg
4.7 rpg
1.4 spg		 Key Player: Jeff Zheng

Like all the NFU scorers, Zheng is aggressive in attacking the defense whenever he gets the chance. The tricky part has always been staying under control. They have the talent to get the lead, now they have to figure out how to keep it.

TDL Winter 2017 Playoff Previews (D1, D2, D3)

(4) THE LIZARDS vs (5) STRANGER TEAM

D1 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Saturday, March 25, 1pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
THE LIZARDS have been here before, though not with the all the same faces. But this is a calm and collected team with (G) Joe Zenz & (G) Adam Bottorf at the helm, with some streaky outside shooting from (G) Christian Jordan, who is very capable of creating his own shot. This is also a very big front-line, built for the playoffs.
LIZ
4-3

58-56
STM
3-4		 Young-ish and athletic, STRANGER TEAM is an enigma. Possibly D1’s most athletic team with (F) Pete Panos, (G) Dylan Rafferty, and in particular, (F) Chris Tsatsis, but more than 50% of their FGAs come from behind the 3-pt line, and not at a strong clip. When they get hot, they can beat anyone. But too often, bad shot selection does them in.
Key Player: Joe Zenz

Perennially a top PG in D1, Zenz might also be the best rebounder at the position we’ve ever seen. A pass-first setup man who can score if called upon, Zenz always gives his team a chance to win.

 Pos: G
12.8 ppg
7.8 rpg
4.5 apg
Pos: G
23.3 ppg
3.7 3pg
3.9 rpg		 Key Player: Dylan Rafferty

Young gunner Rafferty led D1 Sun in scoring this season, he’s one of those streaky shooters that just can’t miss when he gets hot. Barely even looks at the rim, ball barely touches the net. But he is a volume shooter. 

(2) JAPAN UNITED vs (7) THE CRUSTACEANS

D3 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Saturday, March 25, 2pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
There are really only two contenders in this season’s D3, STR and JAPAN UNITED. And United is the deeper team on offense, they just don’t have the defensive stoppers STR has. Which is to say, if you don’t put up a strong defensive effort right from the beginning, JPU will blow you right out of the water.
JPU
6-1

60-51
CRU
2-5		 Despite their reg season record, THE CRUSTACEANS had good showings against D3’s top teams. They did this with tough D, and streaky shooting. But in each of those games, they didn’t finish strong. So, here’s another chance to see if they can figure it out. Their superior size will help. If they can control the glass and give CRU second shots, they’ll have a chance.
Key Player: Daniel Mosley

Mosley is the steady anchor to all of JPU’s outside speed. he does all the dirty work, gets all the tough buckets for them. It’s his ability to create something out of nothing that puts JPU on the same level as STR above the rest.

 Pos: G/F
14.7 ppg
10.3 rpg
3.1 apg
Pos: G
16.1 ppg
7.3 rpg
3.1 apg		 Key Player: Jason Lai

Lai is a streaky shooter with a sneaky crossover. Also a willing rebounder and solid passer, he is CRU’s most versatile player and focal point. He can’t hesitate, CRU bigs need to give him as many chances as possible to get hot from 3.

(8) GOAT HERDERS vs (9) SPAGHETTI RAMEN

D2 Sun Play-In Game – Saturday, March 25, 2:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
The GOAT HERDERS have more than enough talent on the roster, but they needed to win 2 of their last 3 just to squeeze into this play-in game. (F) Pete Tsevdos and (F) Andrea Kormosis are finishers in the paint, and Tsevdos is even their best 3-pt shooter, but finding consistency in the backcourt is key.
GOA
3-4

61-52
SPR
2-5		 The veteran SPAGHETTI RAMEN will be missing a lot of key players in this play-in game, but if they have a key piece available in (G) Ryan Chong, they may have a chance. He hasn’t quite lived up to the PAAG Tourney MVP billing he earned last summer, but he is capable. Chances here will be slim regardless.
Key Player: Pete Tsevdos

The veteran Tsevdos has carried this GOA team for a long time now, and he always does so with a smile. Arguably the most formidable big man in D2, he will be called upon to carry a heavy load here again.

 Pos: F/C
19.8 ppg
12.6 rpg
1.6 spg
Pos: G
15.3 ppg
5.3 rpg
3.3 spg		 Key Player: Ryan Chong

Word on the street is (G) Leuis Ng will not be available. If so, Chong will need to carry a very heavy load. He is a streaky shooter with deep range but hasn’t found the stroke this season. They’ll need it today.

(3) THE BLOUSES vs (6) THE PANDAS

D3 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Saturday, March 25, 3pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
THE BLOUSES are suddenly hit with the injury bug. Key players (G) Roswell Lo, (G) Mark Feeney, and (C) Danius Giedraitis are all out for the playoffs. This leaves a huge whole in the offense that won’t be easily compensated. Veteran (G) Brent Morita will do his best to keep his team in play. They’ll need strong D and a little luck for the rest.
BLO
5-2

51-53
PAN
3-4		 They may consider themselves lucky, THE PANDAS just missed out on playing a powerhouse in BLO. They have had their own struggles this season. The new personnel hasn’t meshed as quickly as they’d hoped. So they’ll have a chance here to get it together. If they can get by BLO, maybe they turn that momentum into some team chemistry.
Key Player: Brent Morita

One of the best setup men in TDL history, Morita will have to pick up the scoring with Feeney and Lo out. Tough ask for a player who’s not used to shooting first, but there’s not much Morita can’t handle.

 Pos: G
5.2 ppg
5.2 apg
2.8 spg
Pos: G
16.7 ppg
5.5 rpg
2.8 apg		 Key Player: Eddie Tsao

Tsao may be the fastest player in D3 but not only are his numbers down this season, his overall impact has seemed to diminish as well. But it’s playoff time, and he is very capable of putting up a big game.

(1) STREET DREAMS vs (8) GOON SQUAD

D3 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Saturday, March 25, 3:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Led by reigning MVP (G) Miguel Melbourne,  STREET DREAMS is the odds on favorite to win it all. Last season’s best player stacked his roster this season in a bid to win it all. (F) Neil Dumadag is having a dominant season on D, the favorite to win Def MVP, as Melbourne is to win overall MVP. 
STR
7-0

60-48
GOO
2-5		 If GOON SQUAD has anything going for them, it’s that they can be very streaky shooters, and STR probably doesn’t know who those shooters are. If (G) Bob Zhang and (G) Charles Zheng get hot in this game, they can give GOO a chance. Outside of that, they need to control the boards to even smell a win.
Key Player: Miguel Melbourne

Unstoppable one-on-one, Melbourne is D3’s biggest match-up problem. He can be as dangerous on defense as he is on offense, too. The shot has not been as efficient this season, but the steals and easy transition points have made up for most of that.

 Pos: G
21.9 ppg
3.9 apg
3.9 spg
Pos: G
14.5 ppg
6 rpg
2 spg		 Key Player: Bob Zhang

Zhang is a streaky shooter who can carry an offense in stretches, and if he and Zheng are hitting, this is a team that can put up some points. So, GOO will let it fly and hope for the best in this one. In single-elim, you just never know.

(3) ADAM D GAMBLERS vs (6) SHAWN KEMP’S KIDS

D1 Sun Playoffs (1st Round) – Saturday, March 25, 4:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
If the playoffs were meant for big, defensive-minded teams, then the ADAM D GAMBLERS are built for success. With D1’s biggest (and heaviest) lineup, they were also the league’s top D, giving up a paltry 44.1 ppg. Their biggest short-coming has been 3-pt shooting, where they shoot 13%, a league low. 
ADG
4-3

44-43
SKK
3-4		 If ADG has a weakness, it’s speedy guards that can beat their man, and force TOs. And SHAWN KEMP’S KIDS have plenty of those. They also have some solid size with (C) Graham Diamond in the pivot. SKK’s back court was held at bay in their first meeting but if they play well, this one’s a toss up.
Key Player: Erik Jerrard

ADG (F) Rich Schuler is their most capable scorer, but Jerrard is their biggest mismatch. He doesn’t need plays called, he just waits at the box for his team to shoot and pushes any defender under the basket for an easy put-back. It’s all day.

 Pos: F/C
13.5 ppg
14.5 rpg
1.2 spg
Pos: G
17.7 ppg
5.8 rpg
3.0 apg		 Key Player: Donovan Walsh

Walsh at his best is like the Isaiah Thomas of D1. Undersized but able to finish tough acrobatic shots at the rim, and knock down big 3FGs in crunch time. He does, however, throw up some stinkers from time to time. SKK can’t afford that here.

TDL Winter 2017 Playoff Preview (D1, D2, D3)

(1) SPAGHETTI RAMEN vs (5) NY DYNASTY

D1 WN Playoffs (Semifinals) – Thursday, March 23, 7pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
This is always the team to beat in D3 but SPAGHETTI RAMEN were short-handed last season in the title game when they lost their first D3 title game to SKL. They will short-handed again today, but (G) Leuis Ng will be there. And sometimes, that’s all they really need to win.
SPR
6-1

55-52
DYN
4-4		 NY DYNASTY is a team we knew would find a way to get back to the semis. They haven’t always looked great–SPR dismantled them in the reg season–but in tight games, they’ve found ways to win with some veteran savvy. Only this time, they’re playing a proven champion.
Key Player: Leuis Ng

He does it all, multi-time MVP, blah blah blah. At this point, you know what you’re gonna get from Ng, You should have the scouting report, but can you stop him? Probably not.

 Pos: G
13.4 ppg
7.6 rpg
6.4 apg
Pos: G
27.3 ppg
5.9 3pg
3.1 rpg		 Key Player: Quinn Hood

Chu is the most dangerous shooter in D3 and when he’s efficient, his team has found ways to win. This is not a team that will dominate on D. So, Chu’s shooting is a huge asset. 

(4) JUSTICE LEAGUE vs (5) OPTION A

D1 WN Playoffs (1st Round) – Thursday, March 23, 8pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
JUSTICE LEAGUE is the best of the second tier of teams in D1. And they have the best chance of keeping up with the contenders offensively. If this team gets hot from three, they can certainly beat any team from 4 down. And despite their size, they scrap pretty well on D, too.
JLA
3-4

56-55
OPA
2-5		 If JLA needs to make 3FGs to beat the Top 3, then OPTION A needs consistency in the paint. This team has plenty of size, and (F) Haris Ahmed is a great, versatile big. But with (C) Pablo Salcedo out to injury, Ahmed needs to dominate the paint more than he has..
Key Player: Maxwell Ruffin

Versatile on both ends of the court, Ruffin can do everything for JLA. But the key to their success is whether he is hitting his three. When he is, it makes him that much more effective off the bounce and setting up his teammates.

 Pos: G/F
14.7 ppg
10.3 rpg
3.1 apg
Pos: F/C
15 ppg
8.6 rpg
1.9 spg		 Key Player: Haris Ahmed

Ahmed is rangy, mobile defender that can shut down the paint on D, but tends to drift to the perimeter on offense. He can shoot the three, needs to use it as a supplementary instead of a primary weapon. OPA needs him in the paint.

(4) DON’T EVER PLAY YOURSELF vs (5) NYC GRITTY COMMITTEE

D2 WN Playoffs (1st Round) – Thursday, March 23, 9pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Great turnaround for DON’T EVER PLAY YOURSELF this season but now it’s playoff time and we’ll see just how much they’ve come along. This is a big, physical team that, if slow, plays with no lack of effort. Win or lose, you’ll get a full effort from this group.
DPY
5-2

58-56
NGC
3-4		 NYC GRITTY COMMITTEE is one of those veteran teams that’s always ready to turn it on the playoffs. But they’re also not getting any younger. This isn’t the same dominant Gritty of the past, but they can still get it done with savvy play and one hot shooter.
Key Player: Kali Pearson

Pearson has gotten better as the season has gone on. He is a physical play-maker that can do a little of everything for his team. His Achilles heel might be his FT shooting, but that’s the same for all of DPY.

 Pos: G/F
14.1 ppg
6.6 rpg
4.1 apg
Pos: G
13.9 ppg
3.1 3pg
3.1 apg		 Key Player: David Chu

Chu is perennially one of D2’s best 3-point threats, though NGC hasn’t quite figured out how to best use him so far this season. But he is the one player most capable of carrying NGC on offense.

TDL Winter 2017 Playoff Preview (D2 & D3)

(4) 30-FOR-30 vs (5) NY DYNASTY

D3 Playoffs (1st Round) – Tuesday, March 21, 7:30pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
It has not been the prettiest season for 30-FOR-30 after an impressive run last season, but they managed to get back to the playoffs. Scoring has been 30Fs biggest weakness, but a solid, aggressive defense just might be enough to get them into the next round. Capt (F) Adam Wang will have to find his jumper though.
30F
3-4

45-43
DYN
3-4		 There is no team more reliant on its back court than NY DYNASTY. At their best, they can score with anyone, but when they’re off the mark it can get ugly. DYN hasn’t had the same defensive chemistry they had last season, but crafty veteran play might just be enough to get them out of the first round.
Key Player: Ezekial Kim

Kim is a beast on the offensive glass, and an able paint protector. He has not dominated offensively as much as he’d like, but he is 30F’s leading scorer and most efficient shooter.

 Pos: C
11.0 ppg
11.5 rpg
1.0 bpg
Pos: G
27.3 ppg
5.9 3pg
3.1 apg		 Key Player: David Chu

The D3 scoring champion will fill it up if you don’t mark him early and on every play. And DYN has no problem with going to him play after play. He is their catalyst on offense. 

(2) SKILLSHARE vs (6) GAME OF ZONES

D3 Playoffs (Semifinals) – Tuesday, March 21, 8:30pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
SKILLSHARE is the D3’s biggest and deepest team, led by two Top 5 players in (G) Elliott Curtis and (F) Scott Sullivan. But it was GOZ who upset them in the regular season in a baffling loss. We don’t expect SKL to duplicate that effort, this is a revenge game now.
SKL
4-3

56-51
GOZ
2-5		 They just squeaked into the playoffs but here they are. GAME OF ZONES has reached the semifinals with an upset win over NYE. They got balanced scoring from their best four in the win. (G) Tommy Zheng is still a big weapon for them, but don’t underestimate their D. 
Key Player: Elliott Curtis

If we could fit two guys here, we would. Sullivan is just as important as Curtis, but as the PG, Curtis is also one of D3’s headiest players. He always gives his team a chance to win with his decision-making.

 Pos: G
13.7 ppg
4.4 rpg
5.7 apg
Pos: G
18.5 ppg
4.0 rpg
1.5 spg		 Key Player: Tommy Zheng

A solid shooter, and able to attack the basket with great speed, Zheng is GOZ’s best offensive weapon. He’s also great at getting to the FT, and converting, which makes GOZ clutch at the end of games.

(3) JUNKIES vs (6) GUARD ME MAYBE

D2 Playoffs (1st Round) – Thursday, March 21, 9:30pm at Fashion HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Make no mistake, the JUNKIES are a contender, but they’re often at the mercy of who available. They aren’t very fast outside of the back court, but they have great size, and (F) Mark Promax has been a defensive stalwart. This team has all the pieces it needs to win it all.
JUN
5-2

65-59
GMM
2-5		 GUARD ME MAYBE lit up JUN in the latter’s season opener with their best game of the season. And that’s where their paths diverged. Sharp-shooter (G) Tommy Wong just hasn’t had the touch this season, but if he and (G) Kento Kato ges hot, an upset is certainly possible.
Key Player: Allen Granowski 

Granowski it the biggest player left in D2 now, but he spends more of his time shooting outside the paint. Which isn’t to say he’s allergic to it. He’s D3’s most dominant rebounder, and his work on the glass will be integral vs GMM’s shooters.

 Pos: F
13.8 ppg
12.3 rpg
3.2 apg
Pos: G
11.4 ppg
3.2 3pg
3.4 rpg		 Key Player: Tommy Wong

For whatever reason, Wong hasn’t had his best season. And with key players out of the GUARD ME MAYBE lineup, his team needed him to carry the load. But here they are in a single-elim playoff, where anything could happen.

TDL Winter 2017 Week 6 Player Awards (D3)

3RD DIVISION (SUNDAYS)

3rd Division (SUN) Player of the Week

(G) CHARLES ZHENG (GOON SQUAD)

25 points, 5 3FGs, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Runner-up: (F) Jin Bae Kim (POG) 28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blcoks

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(G) BILLY HUANG (NY FALCONS U)

6 rebounds, 4 steals
Runner-up: (C) Kevin Leung (POG) 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(F) JIN BAE KIM (POGI POINTS)

28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
Runner-up: (F/C) George Casale (NFU) 11 points, 15 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(G) BOB ZHANG (GOON SQUAD)

24 points, 5 3FGs, 9 rebounds, 3 steals
Runner-up: (F) Miguel Panlileo (POG) 21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

The High-5 Club

Jin Bae Kim (POG) 28-9-3-3-2
Miguel Panlileo (POG) 21-10-3-2-2
Felix Zhang (GOO) 6-13-1-2-1

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: Jin Bae Kim (POG) 28, Charles Zheng (GOO) 25
3FG: Bob Zhang, Charles Zheng (GOO) 5
REB: George Casale (NFU) 15, Felix Zhang (GOO) 13
AST: Ben Wang (PAN) 6, Jon Lau (GOO) 5
STL: Billy Huang (NFU), Kevin Leung (POG) 4
BLK: J. Kim, M. Panlileo (POG), B. Shi (PAN) 2

TDL Fall 2016 End-of-Season Honors (D3)

3rd Division (Sundays)

Position: G
Seasons: 1

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

MIGUEL MELBOURNE (STREET DREAMS)

Statistics: 23.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3 spg

Season Notes: Whenever SPR (G) Leuis Ng is in the mix it’s never clear cut against him, but Melbourne gets the nod for carrying his team to a #1 seed as their catalyst both on offense and defense. He was the MOP.
 Runner-up: (G) Leuis Ng (SPR) 21.7 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 apg, 0.7 spg
Position: G/F/C
Seasons: 1

Wat Misaka Defensive Most Outstanding Player

BEN WANG (THE PANDAS)

Statistics: 17 rpg, 2.8 spg, 1.2 bpg, 2 fpg

Season Notes: There was no more suited defender in D3 this season than Wang. Able to defend every position with his combination of length, height and mobility, Wang anchored the Pandas’ defense.
 Runner-up: (G) Eddie Tsao (PAN) 6.3 rpg, 2.3 spg, 1.8 bpg, 1.3 fpg
Position: G/F/C
Seasons: 1

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

BEN WANG (THE PANDAS)

Statistics: 6 ppg, 17 rpg, 6.8 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.2 bpg

Season Notes: Getting the double nod here, Wang was not only D3’s most versatile defender, he was relentless on the glass and going after loose balls. Wang gave his team a chance to win every time he got on the floor.
 Runner-up: (G/F) Jon Lau (GOO) 10.3 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 3 apg, 1.3 spg, 1 bpg
Position: G
Seasons: R

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

LEON CHEUNG (GOON SQUAD)

Statistics: 17.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1 spg

Season Notes: Cheung seems like he plays in slow-motion, but there were moments this season when it looked like he’d drop 20 a game. But he often seemed to take a back seat to get teammates involved.
 Runner-up: (G) Charles Zheng (GOO) 17.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.7 spg

All-Dynasty First Team

(G) Miguel Melbourne (STR) 23.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3 spg
(G) Leuis Ng (SPR) 21.7 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 apg, 0.7 spg
(G/F) Daniel Mosley (JPU) 18.2 ppg, 12 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg
(F) Marc Lashly (JPU) 16.7 ppg, 10 rpg, 4 apg, 2.7 spg. 0.3 bpg
(G/F/C) Ben Wang (PAN) 6 ppg, 17 rpg, 6.8 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.2 bpg

All-Dynasty Second Team

(G) Eddie Tsao (PAN) 17.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.3 spg, 1.8 bpg
(G) Ryota Takahashi (JPU) 17.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 spg
(F) Neil Dumadag (STR) 14 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.3 bpg
(F) Leo Fu (PAN) 15.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.5 spg
(C) Felix Zhang (GOO) 9 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 0.7 apg, 1 spg

All-Defensive Team

(G) Eddie Tsao (PAN) 6.3 rpg, 2.3 spg, 1.8 bpg, 1.3 fpg
(G) Miguel Melbourne (STR) 7.8 rpg, 3 spg, 0.4 bpg, 1.2 fpg
(G/F) Matt Auerbach (SPR) 9 rpg, 3.5 spg, 0.3 bpg, 0.5 fpg
(G/F/C) Ben Wang (PAN) 17 rpg, 2.8 spg, 1.2 bpg, 2 fpg
(F/C) Brian Chin (SPR) 6.7 rpg, 0.3 spg, 2.7 bpg, 2.3 fpg

All-Hustle Team

(G) Barrington Grant (LIF) 8.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.8 apg, 0.6 bpg
(G/F) Matt Auerbach (SPR) 8 ppg, 9 rpg, 3.8 apg, 3.5 spg
(G/F) Jon Lau (GOO) 10.3 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 3 apg, 1.3 spg, 1 bpg
(G/F) Daniel Mosley (JPU) 18.2 ppg, 12 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg
(G/F/C) Ben Wang (PAN) 6 ppg, 17 rpg, 6.8 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.2 bpg

All-Rookie Team

(G) Leon Cheung (GOO) 17.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1 spg
(G) Charles Zheng (GOO) 17.7 ppg, 3 3pg, 6.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.7 spg
(G) Zhongsheng Hao (PAN) 13.5 ppg, 3.8 3pg, 4.3 rpg, 3 apg, 2.5 spg
(F) Daniel Olmann (LIF) 9.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 apg
(F/C) T.I. Pusey (STR) 9.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1 apg, 0.5 bpg

3rd Division (Weeknights)

Position: G
Seasons: 3

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

ELLIOTT CURTIS (SKILLSHARE)

Statistics: 16.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.3 spg

Season Notes: This was a toss-up between two veteran floor leaders, but this season Curtis gets the nod for leading his team to a top seed and the eventual title, the first for the Skillshare franchse.
 Runner-up: (G) Leuis Ng (RIS) 20 ppg, 8 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.8 spg
Position: F/C
Seasons: 2

Wat Misaka Defensive Most Outstanding Player

DANIUS GIEDRAITIS (LEGO)

Statistics: 13 rpg, 3.6 spg, 1 bpg, 2 fpg

Season Notes: His team did not play to their potential this season, but on the defensive end, Giedraitis certainly did. He used his length and mobility all season to bait opposing players into throwing the ball his way.
 Runner-up: (C) Ezekial Kim (30F) 15.3 rpg, 0.7 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.7 fpg
Position: F
Seasons: 3

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

SCOTT SULLIVAN (SKILLSHARE)

Statistics: 14.4 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 0.6 spg

Season Notes: Sullivan should be well recognized at this point for his relentless effort both attacking the paint and the offensive glass. And also, for his bright red complexion, which indicates when he’s in the red.
 Runner-up: (G) Kavin Zhao (11.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.3 bpg
Position: C
Seasons: R

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

EZEKIAL KIM (30 FOR 30) 

Statistics: 9.5 ppg, 15.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.5 bpg

Season Notes: There was no bigger presence in the paint this season than the rookie Kim. Dominant on the offensive glass, had he a single post move he might have put up 15 & 15 every night.
 Runner-up: (G) Kavin Zhao (NYK) 11.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.3 bpg

All-Dynasty First Team

(G) Elliott Curtis (SKL) 16.5 ppg, 3 3pg, 5.7 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.3 spg
(G) Leuis Ng (RIS) 20 ppg, 55% FGs, 8 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.8 spg
(F) Adam Wang (30F) 14.3 ppg, 3.8 3pg 4.8 rpg, 2 apg, 2.8 spg
(F) Scott Sullivan (SKL) 14.4 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.4 bpg
(C) Ezekial Kim (30F) 9.5 ppg, 15.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.5 bpg, 1.7 fpg

All-Dynasty Second Team

(G) David Weiss (UBC) 16.8 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.8 spg
(G) Steve Shin (DYN) 21.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2 apg, 2.5 spg, 0.2 bpg
(F) Matt Auerbach (RIS) 13.2 ppg, 2.6 3pg, 6.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg
(F) Ben Hoynes (UBC) 10.2 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 1 bpg
(C) Danius Giedraitis (LEG) 3.6 ppg, 13 rpg, 3 apg, 3.6 spg, 1 bpg

All-Defensive Team

(G) Kavin Zhao (NYK) 8.7 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1.3 bpg, 0.8 fpg
(G) Michael Hamane (SKL) 1.7 rpg, 5 spg, 0 bpg, 0.7 fpg
(F) Adam Wang (30F) 4.8 rpg, 2.8 spg, 0.3 bpg, 2.3 fpg
(F) Ben Hoynes (UBC) 8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 1 bpg
(F/C) Danius Giedraitis (LEG) 13 rpg, 3.6 spg, 1 bpg, 2 fpg

All-Hustle Team

(G) Kavin Zhao (NYK) 11.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.3 bpg
(G) Leuis Ng (RIS) 20 ppg, 8 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.8 spg
(F) Scott Sullivan (SKL) 14.4 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 0.6 spg
(F/C) Danius Giedraitis (LEG) 3.6 ppg, 13 rpg, 3 apg, 3.6 spg, 1 bpg
(C) Ezekial Kim (30F) 9.5 ppg, 15.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.5 bpg

All-Rookie Team

(G) Kavin Zhao (NYK) 11.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.3 bpg
(G) Craig Shelley (UBC) 7.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1 apg, 2 spg
(F) Hei Ching (30F) 7.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg
(F) Ben Hoynes (UBC) 10.2 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 1 bpg
(C) Ezekial Kim (30F) 9.5 ppg, 15.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.5 bpg

TDL Fall 2016 Championship Preview (D3 Sun)

(2) SPAGHETTI RAMEN vs (4) JAPAN UNITED

Championship – Sunday (11/20) 2:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Well, here we are again. Spaghetti Ramen is in rare territory, looking to win their 4th straight D3 title, a feat only accomplished by one other team, NYC Skyline, which won 5 in D1. They will miss the dominant defensive presence of (F) Mark Hahn but players have stepped up offensively. Their late season and playoff run leaves no doubt who is favored to win it again. 
SPR
5-2

58-55
JPU
4-4		 This is uncharted waters for Japan United, their first ever title game. And it should be no surprise that this their most talented team ever, if not necessarily the biggest. But that won’t hurt them vs SPR, who also plays small ball. If the JPU front-court (F) Daniel Mosley and (F) Marc Lashly can dominate the paint with their physical play, United has real chance to pull of the upset.
Key Player: Leuis Ng

There is no more important player on the floor than Ng. He simply never fails to bring his A game. In the biggest games, Ng comes up with his biggest performances. He has never not won a championship MVP at the D3 level.

X-Factor: Matt Auerbach

Auerbach didn’t post big #s, but he is SPR’s most consistent rebounder, a great passer from the (F) spot, and sneaky good in the passing lanes. If he’s hitting the jumper today, SPR can’t lose.

 Pos: G
21.7 ppg
8 rpg
5 apg

Pos: F
8 ppg
9 rpg
3.8 apg
Pos: F
18.2 ppg
12 rpg
2.2 apg


Pos: F
16.7 ppg
10 rpg
2.7 spg

 Key Player: Daniel Mosley

As mentioned, JPU’s advantage lies in their physical duo of forwards who can finish in and around the paint. If Mosley is also hitting his jumper, United will be a tough out. If JPU wants to take out the champs he’ll have to outplay Ng. 

X-Factor: Marc Lashly

Lashly will be the biggest player on the floor, and like Mosley he can create his own shot in and around the basket. The key will be getting him enough touches. He is also JPU’s best front-court defender. 

TDL Fall 2016 Semifinals Playoff Preview (D3 WN)

(1) SKILLSHARE vs (5) NY DYNASTY

Semifinals – Thursday (11/17) 7:00pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Skillshare was by far the best team in D3 this season despite putting up stats less gaudy then in previous campaigns. But in their 3rd season now, the team looks comfortable and battle-tested. They have great chemistry and everyone seems to know how they can best help the team win. If this keeps up, the road to the title will go through them.
SKL
5-1

62-55
DYN
3-4		 Their reg season match-up with SKL was blowout loss. NY Dynasty just doesn’t have the size to match-up with SKL, so they’re forced to play zone. With that, if SKL is hitting their jumpers, it’s going to be a long night. But this is also playoff DYN, in which they tend to play up with (G) Ren Hsieh at the helm. He will give them a chance to win.
Key Player: Scott Sullivan

SKL’s leader is (G) Elliott Curtis, but Sullivan puts them on another level. He has the size and versatility at his position that no one else in D3 has. When he’s wreaking havoc in the paint and on the offensive glass, AND making jumpers, SKL is nearly unbeatable.

 Pos: F
14.4 ppg
12.4 rpg
3.6 apg
Pos: G
21.2 ppg
4.2 rpg
2.5 spg		 Key Player: Steve Shin

Shin has been DYN’s bonafide scorer all season, but his shot selection had been questionable at times. But in the 1st rd win vs UBC, that changed. He had his best game of the season even if it wasn’t his highest scoring. If keeps it up, DYN might have a shot. 

(2) 30 FOR 30 vs (3) JUST RISE

Semifinals – Thursday (11/17) 7:00pm at Murry Bergtraum HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
30-for-30 doesn’t exactly pass the eye test, their strength is in their intangibles. Yes, they have the most dominant rebounder in D3 in (C) Ezekial Kim, and one of the most versatile players in (F) Adam Wang, but everyone else on the roster can be characterized by a unified, all-out effort. And don’t sleep on (G) Peter Kim who tends to lay low, but is one of the craftiest PGs in D3.
30F
6-1

55-58
RIS
5-2		 If you want to talk about not passing the eye test and intangibles, Just Rise pretty much invented it. There is a reason RIS, a slightly modified Spaghetti Ramen, has never played a D3 season without winning it all. They have all 30F has, and the best player on the floor in multi-time MVP (G) Leuis Ng. And for that, plus 30F’s relative inexperience in the playoffs, they are the favorites.
Key Player: Adam Wang

Wang has been 30F’s best shooter and most consistent 3-pt threat all season. And he has a knack of making them in clutch situations. This is a team that spread the ball well, but inevitably, this will become a game of limited possessions at the end and Wang will have to step up and lead.

 Pos: F
14.3 ppg
4.8 rpg
2.8 spg
Pos: G
20 ppg
8 rpg
4.8 apg		 Key Player: Leuis Ng

Who’d you think it would be? Ng can completely take over a game, and probably will. Double-teaming him doesn’t work, he’s a great passer and facilitator. The trick might be limiting his teammates, particularly (F) Matt Auerbach, who’s had as good a season as he’s ever had.