I guess I'll do a quick power rankings for the league. Haven't done one of these in a while...don't like em? do em yourself!
1. ETBU Tigers
Projected Record: 18-4
ETBU is coming to the season with the highest salary of the entire league at 337k. They have a great assortment of starters, being led by Paul Marion, "JT" Timmons, and "D-Wag" Wagner. Great supporting players like Badham, Sciacca, and Branden Lee help give the team versatility and seems to be one of the few teams that invests in the bench. They will be the frontrunner to take the crown in the Big 8.
2. Wilmington Tiger Sharks
Projected Record: 16-6
A savvy GM at the healm, the Sharks are well ran and have a great cast of supporting players to rally behind Frank Battle, their star center who takes up almost half of the team's salary at 100k a week. The team will go as far as he and the manager take them, and with championship aspirations I can see the Sharks with 16 wins, perhaps losing in a few close games vs. rivals in the Great 8. It'll be interesting to see if he has any other plans to enhance his team.
3. Gremlins
Projected Record: 16-6
The recent demotee from division 2 comes in with likely money in the bank as well as players who can help lead his team back to D2. Led by a trio in Furs, Jian, and Sami, they will look to feast on the less competitive Big 8 teams to try and stack up wins. They might face a bit of a battle when interconference play comes into the picture, but otherwise i see them being the Tigers' biggest threat for the Big 8.
4. Ashkickers
Projected Record: 15-7
A veteran team led by their 2 big men monsters (not even gonna try to name them it too difficult) they seem intent on making a deep run at the playoffs. Last season they came short and got blown out by the eventual champion; this time around the Great 8 seems very balanced and they will make an effort to try and surprise a few teams going into the season.
5. Mountain Eagles
Projected Record: 15-7
Last season was all about training up the kids. Now that the difficult training is out of the way, the 3 will look to work on enhancing their game some more and taking their skills to the next level. While my 3 are still improving they also have a nice compliment of big men to work with them. The downfall of the Eagles might be the lack of defense on the roster, as they recently got lit up in their relegation series. However with good minute management, Mrosla and the Eagles should get to the playoffs at the very least.
6. Lebron Slams Up
Projected Record: 14-8
Apex is back in division 3 and is hungry for the competition in the Great 8. Rumors have it that he still has a major war chest he built up in D4 so he can compete with a click of a button. Currently has a plethora of big men to lead the team while he trains up prospects Big Raz Rasmusson and Barry Askew, who seem to have hopes of making the U21 team this season. Training them might be the only reason why he gets 8 losses, that and taking a beating by Mrosla on 8/20 ;)
7. Timequake
Projected Record: 13-9
I really like the depth this team has. They have good veterans mixed in with a couple of young guys ready to hit their prime. However it'll be worth noticing that their bench is kind of weak, and it may need addressing if they want to keep up with the contenders in the league. I think they'll squeak into the playoffs, but after that it'll have to be determined how much the manager wants to improve his team.
8. Portland Porcupines
Projected Record: 12-10
Portland made some noise last season, and managed to stay up with the leadership of Stefano Cobbe, their star guard. Portland also has big men/bench who are ready to help Cobbe and them try to compete for a playoff spot, which I think they have a great chance of doing this season. I do think he needs a couple of tweaks to turn int
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