Until someone proves otherwise, the Sex Panthers the team to beat. The younger, more athletic teams that gave SXP fits last season are not in the field this season so the fast track for a repeat title is there. It just might depend on SXP not getting complacent. Spring championship MVP (F) Chris Di has been putting up some vintage numbers so far.
2 (n/a)
NFZ
3-0
After a disastrous spring season, No Fly Zone OG made some changes, and the turnaround has been immediate. The biggest change is getting (F) Kevin Wong back in the lineup. His work on D and heady offense, along with the addition of defensive stalwart (C) Dan Tak, let (G) Ren Hsieh & (F) Young Wang focus on offense, which is much improved.
3 (n/a)
TEA
2-1
With Teal Curtain‘s size, defense, and heady guard play, they could be just as much a contender as anyone in the Top 3 by season’s end. (F) Noah Scovronick is virtually unstoppable in the low-post and they won’t be outworked in any game. Somehow they got derailed last season, mostly by attendance. Full roster, this is a very good D2 team.
4 (n/a)
TAP
2-1
The good news for TAP NY is that (G) Will Chu is shooting like his old self again, and the addition of (F) Jin Bae Kim has been a pretty good fit. Kim gives TAP the athleticism and finishing ability in transition that they have needed. He’s also a terror on defense, putting game after game in the High-5 club. If TAP gets hot they can make some noise.
5 (n/a)
FOB
1-2
Truth is, Gritty FOB City should be 2-1, but they pretty much gave away a game to NFZ. Or NFZ stole it. Either way, nothing chances with any (F) Ethan Kim produced team. If they can make the playoffs, they look to make a run. And good news for FOB is that (F) David Ri has looked more aggressive to start this season. They need him to be.
6 (n/a)
RAP
1-2
The Raptors gave away a game last week by forfeit, which is something they can’t much afford to do. They will likely be on the fringe of the post season all season, and will need every win they can get. A big step in that direction is the addition of (F) Mike Adames who should be good for 20-10 every game. If he actually makes the games.
7 (n/a)
LAR
0-3
Larry the Cable Guy’s Kids have some great pieces. (G) Eddie Tsao may now be the fastest end-to-end player in D2 (or D1), apologies to Will Chu. (F) Ben Wang is a versatile, play maker and rebounder, (G) Leo Fu is starting to pick the scoring and (G) Joe Tsai is a solid shooter. They just might need some more seasons together to contend.
8 (n/a)
GOA
0-3
After an ugly opener, the Goat Herders have played better with (F) Pete Tsevdos, (F) Pete Stanojevic and (C) Gus Konidas joining the roster. They may be second only to TEA in overall team size, so they will score in the paint. The key to breaking out of this losing streak will be getting more consistent, solid guard play out of their backcourt.