A1 Preview

1.Triple Fat Goose – Contrary to popular belief, the Commish actually is a part of this team, in fact he drafted it. Anytime you can grab a player of Alex Delpleche’s talent with the sixth pick of the draft, you’re going to be in good position heading into the season. Seriously, how did Al fall to #6? Here’s hoping he doesn’t pull a Paul Pierce and absolutely obliterate the teams that past over him in the draft. Round those two out with Jon Hall, Richio, and newcomer Gary Fisher (another steal, in the 4th round!) and you’ve got the look of a champion.

2.Franks & Beans – Combined, Greg Poulos and Kester ‘Dirty’ Sanchez are good for 50 – 60 points per game. How they mesh with big man Dan O’Donnell and Neild Montgomery remains to be seen. GM Serge Gottschalk has put together a team that will be able to shoot the rock with anyone, but can they get it done if the shots aren’t falling?

3.Insider Trading – This may be the most balanced inside-outside team in all of A1. Mike Turin and Tim Brady will be down low on the block grabbing boards and running the floor. Jared Perrine and Ian Tosti will be hovering on the outside, just waiting to bury a 3pointer or drive down the baseline. Toss in a couple of solid role players in Michael Louca and Joe Meldrim and you’ve got match-up headaches.

4.Hello Nasty – What this team may be lacking in guard depth it makes up for in versatility. Jay Pro can hurt you with the 3 or on the block, Eric Hinton, while running the point can post up almost any guard in the league. Big men Raj Singh and Jason Tibbetts come up from their successful B1 East team to add some muscle and finesse down low. With Edwards and Maverick getting boards, filling the lanes and playing defense, these guys are going to cause match-up problems for everyone in this league.

5.Passing Ruffians – If Cheese can get his teammates to show up to all their games, don’t be surprised if the Passing Ruffians are seeded higher than #5 come playoff time. Trevor McAndrew, as noted by the Wolverine in his B1 East Preview, will be a name everyone knows by the time this season ends.

6.Crooked I – Kevy Kev, in his quest for another CRFC Banner has assembled what looks to be a very solid squad. With scorer Quincy Stanley on the court, Kev can use his time wisely on the sidelines to rebuff the constantly jeering crowds. Slobodan Jokic can score at will in the paint and will be tough to keep off the boards. And just who is, and how good is, this Paul Bilodeau that we keep hearing so much about?

7.CRFC Idol – Although TBP has moved down to the uber-competitive B1 East League, Kichen isn’t going anywhere. Paired with Sean O’Callaghan, they need to shoot and pass their way past some of the bigger teams in the league. Added to the team via a late round draft pick, is B2 Rookie of the Year Mike Zizik, (he of the 50 point outburst) to give this team a plethora of scoring options.

8.House of Pain – Hinkel has surrounded himself with superstar Tim Gasper and a good compliment of role players. The question seems to be; do they have enough scoring and/or defense to keep pace with the higher-octane offenses?

9.Fab 5 – A late entry team full of players new to CRFC, it is going to take them a few games to get used to the 4 v 4, small gym, close walls, imposing championship banners, and of course the refs. Another team of shooters that should be able to beat teams by running and gunning.