SK War Dog took a surprising loss to HON in which they finally looked their age. (G) “Vegas” Dave Wong hasn’t been himself this season, but SKW nevertheless bounced back as we expected. Both (G) Kash Miah and (G) Pat Youreneff are playing at an MVP level right now.
2 (n/a)
HON
4-2
With (G) Alex Tsay back in the fold, and the addition of (F) Zach Moretti to bolster their defensive back-line, this is starting to look like a true Honey Badgers type of roster. Moretti has, in fact, been their most consistent scorer. They’ve been a little uneven offensively, but when they’re good, they’re very good. Just ask SKW.
3 (n/a)
SHA
4-2
Shawty Likes the Way I Ball Out is kind of like San Francisco Giants. They bounce back strong after a disappointing season, usually winning a title. This would be that season. Despite a 2-2 start, SHA has won their last two straight (one by forfeit) to lock in their playoff spot. The lineups have been thin, but at full strength, this team is still a contender.
4 (n/a)
LMA
3-2
An up-and-coming franchise, Lace’O My Aso made a big jump last season by making their first post-season. Now, with (G) Mathew Joshy back in the lineup, they’re looking to improve on that showing. (F) Kyle Jose has been a solid addition, solidifying their front-court. Jose has been LMA’s best rebounder all season.
5 (n/a)
LIF
3-3
Let It Fly has looked pretty good at times this season, and the big reason, of course, is the addition of (F/C) Shawn Bailey. Tall, agile, long as hell, and versatile, Bailey can do whatever LIF needs him to do. But what he needs from his team, if LIF is really going to lock down a playoff spot, is more consistent perimeter shooting to open up his lanes.
6 (n/a)
JAM
2-3
It seems like the same story every season, Space Jam is inscrutable. You just never know what you’re gonna get. They’re usually good enough to make it to the playoffs, and (G) Jason Fulford is a gamer, but an inconsistent roster gives JAM no continuity from game to game.
7 (n/a)
X1
2-4
Well, it’s the same old story for X1, they just don’t have enough consistent offense. Individually, each player has put up a good game or two, but 45 ppg isn’t going to cut it. With that said, they are headed in the right direction, and (C) Michael Boord is really starting to look like a franchise cornerstone. One more piece might do it.
8 (n/a)
LOB
0-5
Another tough season for L.O.B., they wanted to get at least one win this season–and they still have two chances to do so–but the struggle has been very real, scoring a league-low 37 ppg, not to mention they have shot just 22% from the field as a team.
Eastern Conference
Rank
Team
Record
Comments
1 (n/a)
NFZ
6-0
They’re the only undefeated team remaining this season and with one more win, No Fly Zone will be the first team in this division to go back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. Of course, last season, that didn’t mean a title. As well as (F) Michael Reding and (F) David Farnham have played, it’s nothing without the championship.
2 (n/a)
ASN
4-2
The Asphalt Ninjas started strong and looked early on to be maybe the only team that could knock off NFZ, but they haven’t had their full roster in the past few weeks, and that’s resulted in them winning just 1 out of their last 3 games. They’re off to NACBAIT Nationals over Memorial Day weekend, so the roster could get even thinner.
3 (n/a)
FVG
4-2
The same holds true for Financial Ventures Group, key players will be going to NACBAIT. It’s a war of attrition, but if they can survive this team is a dark horse to win the title. (F) Kev Chang has been playing MVP ball all season, carrying FVG for stretches over this season. They’ll have a chance to beat NFZ in the season finale.
4 (n/a)
FAS
3-2
Free Agents have been low key good this season, living and dying on the 3. Only NFZ has shot and made more. But when (G) David Chu has the 3 going, and the offense is clicking, they have a lot of weapons. This team could be in for a few upsets come playoff time.
5 (n/a)
JAY
2-3
It’s been an up and down season for this rookie franchise, but Jay’s Angels has some solid talent that might be able to make some noise if they can make the playoffs. (F) Johnny Spillane has been solid and consistent, but there may not be a more athletic and active guard in D-1 than (G) Sal Nasser. This guy has motor to spare.
6 (n/a)
SKK
2-3
There may not be a more confounding team in the league this season than Shawn Kemp’s Kids. When they’re good, they’re really good, but when they’re bad, they stink. (C) Graham Diamond gives them the size they’d been missing, but shooting has been erratic. As always, though, if they can make the playoffs, they’ll always be a tough out.
7 (n/a)
RAR
2-4
The Raining Rosebuds has fielded more players this season than any other, and when you have no “salary cap restrictions” you can do that, but they’ve never gotten into any kind of rhythm as a team. (G) Miguel Melbourne has been solid when present, as has (F) Mitch Moxley, but again, continuity is RAR’s biggest weakness.
8 (n/a)
TOP
0-5
The Top Stars are not without talent. Sometimes they’re on the brink of a breakthrough, and then other seasons end up like this. It’s been a tough 5 games and attendance has been an issue. One of these seasons, though, we fully expect the TOP to make title run.