Tag: Fall 2016

TDL Fall 2016 Semifinals Playoff Preview (D2)

(1) WOLVERINES vs (5) NYUNITED

Semifinals – Saturday (12/3) 1:15pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Wolverines have been D2’s most dominant team all season. This is the same tough, defensive-minded team as in past seasons except this season (F) Nick Liveris has been a much-needed consistent scorer, and (G) Nickolas Abrapour gives them athleticism they’ve never had. It’s no fluke, WOL was always playoff-ready with their size and D, but now they’re the odds on favorite to win it all.
WOL
6-1

56-52
NYU
5-3		 NYUnited has actually been a bit of a disappointment this fall. Carrying a ton of talent and size, they finished just 4-3. But they have improved as of late, and they come in having knocked out the two-time defending champs. This is a team that can actually go all the way if they keep their heads. It’s a young roster, so they if they convince themselves they can win it for long enough, they just might do it.
Key Player: Nick Liveris

This has been arguably Liveris’ best career season. The veteran big has scored vintage efficiency, and he has never played with any shortage of defensive intensity. It was always the offense that was questionable, not this season.

X-Factor: Nick Abrapour

Abrapour may be the most athletic player on the floor, maybe more so than Morrison. He’s also relentless. But his shot is erratic, which keeps him an x-factor. If he’s on, he makes WOL real tough to beat.

 Pos: F
19 ppg
9.3 rpg
2.2 spg

 

Pos: G
9.7 ppg
6.8 rpg
2.3 spg
Pos: G
14.7 ppg
7.3 rpg
5.7 apg

 


Pos: F
13.6 ppg
9.6 rpg
2.2 spg

 Key Player: Nakami Morrison

Morrison is arguably the best 1-on-1 player in D2, he can create his own shot, hit the 3 and play-make as well as anyone. He’s also a terror in the passing lanes. Don’t be loose with the ball around him, he will take it and score with a quickness.

X-Factor: Blog Zou

Zou is a force with his versatility and physicality. But he tends to lose his composure, and that not only affects him, but his entire team. If he can keep cool, he can give NYU a real shot at upsetting the #1 seed. 

(2) BOMB SQUAD vs (3) GRITTY FOB CITY

Semifinals – Sunday (12/4) 12:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Despite a couple of slip-ups, Bomb Squad has looked like the only team capable of giving WOL a run for their money. But they’ll have to beat a veteran, battle-tested FOB team first. For their part, they match-up well. BOM’s front-court is one of the few who can go toe-to-toe with FOB. And they have more scoring depth on the perimeter. Trick is whether or not the jumpers are falling. If so, good night.
BOM
5-2

58-55
FOB
6-2		 Gritty FOB City is kind of like the TDL version of the Yankees, well the Yankees of yore, pretty much a shoe in for the playoffs every season. The question is always is this season’s team good enough to win it all. The jury’s still out for this group, but they have all the necessary pieces, if not quiet enough pieces. FOB scored a franchise low 48.7 ppg this season. They will need to do better than that against BOM.
Key Player: Sherwin Salar

When Salar first joined BOM, he had to feel his way to this point. But now he’s their spiritual & physical leader from start to finish. BOM will go as far as Salar takes them. And that’s been as far a previous title with this team.

X-Factor: John Mei

Mei led the team in scoring this fall, but he still isn’t what you would call consistent. When he’s on, he’s a tough match-up due to his length and athleticism. He can get any shot he wants when he’s on.

 Pos: F
12 ppg
11.2 rpg
5 apg

Pos: F
13.6 ppg
3.7 rpg
2.9 spg
Pos: G
21.4 ppg
6 rpg
2.2 spg


P: G/F
14.3 ppg
4.2 rpg
2.2 apg

 Key Player: Ace Watanasuparp

Watanasuparp is a scorer of pure will power. He just will not stop attacking. That can be a bit of a double-edged sword, especially vs a defensively savvy team like BOM, but he’s carried FOB all season and there’s no stopping now.

Key Player: David Ri

Ri can be erratic on offense, it seems like he doesn’t want to be the focal point, which is okay now with Watanasuparp at the helm. But if Ri gets into it on D, and if he’s feeling the jumper, he’s capable of big #s.

TDL Fall 2016 Semifinals Playoff Preview (D1 Sun)

(1) YUNG NO FLY ZONE vs (4) LACE’O MY ASO

Semifinals – Saturday (12/3) 2:15pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
Yung No Fly Zone finished 7-0 but they weren’t necessarily the most dominant team all season. They are just a deep, veteran unit that knows how to win games. And they’re hungrier than ever after 4 seasons of disappointment following a debut title as a unit. Their wing scorers are their strengths, but NFZ relies heavily on 3-pt shooting, so whether they’re hot or cold will be key to whether LMA has a shot.
NFZ
7-0

63-60
LMA
5-3		 Lace’o My Aso has come a long way, finally knocking off arch-rivals SKW, coming in as a true contender. They’ve found a way to win games with opportunistic D and clutch shooting, even when it looked like they had lost all momentum. Much of that has to do with (G) Mathew Joshy‘s ability to score from any spot on the floor. LMA isn’t very deep, but they have a sparkle about them. It could be their season. 
Key Player: Michael Reding

Do-it-all Reding has been the most dominant player in D1 for the past year, with 3 MVPs to show for it. But his team relies on him so much that he has no margin for let up in the post season. They’ll need his A game to win it all.

X-Factor: David Farnham

Since his first season, Farnham has fit in well with NFZ’s run & gun style. He can put up huge #s, as he did this season with 35 ppg in 3 gms. If he hasn’t cooled in the layoff, NFZ might be unbeatable.

 Pos: G
21.6 ppg
14.8 rpg
4.6 apg 

Pos: G/F
35 ppg
8.3 rpg
4 apg
Pos: G
26.8 ppg
2.8 rpg
4.3 spg 


Pos: F
17 ppg
10 rpg
2 spg

 Key Player: Mathew Joshy

Joshy has been a killer all season, not only leading his team in scoring, but leading the league in steals. He can create his own shot, and knock down 3s with anyone off the pass. He must be the focal point of any defense. 

X-Factor: Kevin Cheddie

Cheddie is often overlooked, but he is one of D1’s most versatile players. He is a big who can score off the dribble, and if the shot is going, he creates match-up problems. LMA needs a goodie from Cheddie. 

(2) DORIS FROM REGO PARK vs (6) SESAME CHICKEN

Semifinals – Saturday (12/3) 3:15pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
They didn’t finish undefeated, but in their wins, Doris From Rego Park looked the most dominant. Mostly due to a suffocating defense that has them attacking opposing guards to force defenders while also making it hard to finish in the paint. You have to be able to make 3FGs against Doris and well, SES is not a great 3-pt shooting team. This one could be a blowout.
DOR
7-1

62-51
SES
3-5		 Sesame Chicken didn’t look good this season, but they snuck into the playoffs and caught a short-handed RAR in the 1st rd. They’ll need to play a perfect game to beat DOR, a team that feeds on TOs. SES will have to protect the ball better than their 13.3 TOpg and maybe get it in to (C) Het Sun a little more. DOR can sometimes be susceptible to bigger scorers in the paint.
Key Player: Zack Koerber

Arguably the best two-way player in D1, Koerber is a big, physical defender and scores the same kind of way. He loves to sneak up on you out in transition, going hard into the paint to finish or go to the FT line.

X-Factor: Jordan Calhoun

We’d put (G) Will Chu here, too, because if he gets hot from 3, DOR is nearly unbeatable. But Calhoun gets the nod because it’s his ability to protect the paint that allows the DOR guards to attack on D.

 Pos: G
22.7 ppg
6.3 rpg
3 spg 

Pos: F/C
11.8 ppg
12.8 3pg
1.8 bpg
Pos: F
18.6 ppg
2.8 rpg
0.6 spg 


P: G/F/C
7.8 ppg
6.3 rpg
4.8 apg

 Key Player: Richard Sun

Sun is SES’s best scorer, he can post, he can hit the 3, he can take it off the bounce. But he tends to leak out and his rebounding rate is poor. They’ll need his presence on the glass in this one.

Key Player: James Zhang

Zhang is maybe the most versatile player in D1, but he isn’t always tuned in, especially on offense. But when he can get out on the break and is focused, he can finish tough shots and create mismatches.

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 First Round Playoff Preview (D1 Sun)

(3) RAINING ROSEBUDS vs (6) SESAME CHICKEN

First Round – Sunday (11/20) 12:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
It’s been awhile since the Rosebuds were a powerhouse, yet here they are at 5-2 and a 3 seed. They don’t seem to have the same talent at first glance as those previous teams, but what they do have is (G) Miguel Melbourne playing as well as anyone in the league right now. And the ball has really fallen their way this season. Will be interesting to see how far they can take it.
RAR
5-2

61-55
SES
2-5		 Sesame Chicken is kind of all over the place. They have obvious talent and (C) Het Sun can be a force in the paint. But they too often get caught up in little things, distracted by the moment and losing sight of the bigger picture: winning. But they have a ton of depth and if they can strong some plays together, RAR miay be susceptible to upset. But it doesn’t seem like it.
Key Player: Miguel Melbourne

The veteran guard has never had any shortage of confidence and this season he has elevated his game to a level of consistency that has put RAR in this position as a favorite to move into the semifinals. But if RAR struggles with fielding a full roster, Melbourne will have to shoulder a big load. Can he hold up?

 Pos: G
21.7 ppg
5 rpg
4.3 apg
Pos: F
7.8 ppg
6.3 rpg
4.8 apg		 Key Player: James Zhang

His numbers don’t blow you away, (F) Richard Sun is the scorer, but Zhang is the only who can keep this team sane. If he’s up for it. There are times where he completely dominates a game with intangibles, and then there’s some when he just disappears. The success of this team is reliant on him appearing.

(4) LACE’O MY ASO vs (5) SK WAR DOG

First Round – Sunday (11/20) 1:30pm at MLK HS

Team Notes Team Score Team Team Notes
It’s taken a number of seasons but finally Lace’O My Aso comes in as the legit favorite over arch-rivals SKW. In the past SKW has shamed LMA out of the playoffs, but they have a chance now to prove once and for all it’s a changing of the guard now.  LMA lost a few games with key players out, but at full strength, this is a contender.
LMA
4-3

64-61
SKW
4-3		 The defending champs are missing their starting backcourt of back to back titles, but it’s a testament of their depth that this team could very well defend that title with veteran (G) Dave Wong and key addition (G) John Hsu, as crafty a guard as you can find. Five players on SKW score in double-digits, and they’ll need that balance in this one.
Key Player: Mathew Joshy

There were a lot of great MVP caliber players this season, but Joshy rose to another level by not only dominating on both sides of the ball, but playing clutch ball all season, making big plays to get big wins. His play will be key here, SKW doesn’t have a good match-up.

 Pos: G
26.8 ppg
2.8 rpg
4.3 spg
Pos: G
20 ppg
2.5 rpg
1.5 spg		 Key Player: Vegas Dave Wong

Even at 40 years old, “Vegas Dave” is asked to one thing in this game, and that’s to score the rock. He can still do it with anyone in D1, scoring 38 in the regular season finale. If he gets hot, there’s really no stopping him. Well, there’s no stopping him from putting up shots regardless.