We now know the disturbing reality that the loss of even one key player to injury will effectively kill any hope to the current lineup's B3 aspirations. Before things become too depressing and lugubrious for the team's supporters, let's look at how the team has improved. Gerry Stavridis and Mauro Da Ros were both twenty-three during the Season 18 B3 run and both were considered to be great players who were budding stars. Three seasons later and they are no longer budding -- they are both full fledged stars. Both players have mastered the art of defense and have added an offensive punch to their arsenal. The time when these two would stand around gawking at EAK or WHU go to work on offense are long gone. Even though the Philosopher Kings will still be running their traditional inside offense, Canada's point guard (Stavridis) and Mauro Da Ros will both be expected to contribute to the scoring load.
The three and four spots feature the heart and soul of the team. Franchise cornerstone and global superstar Essa Abu-Kaleel will once again display his multifaceted game from the small forward position, while the legendary Waldemar Hielscher-Uhl will continue to put up gaudy numbers as the team's power forward and primary offensive weapon. It is exceptionally rare to have two players that work off of each other as well as Essa and Waldemar do, and it's this chemistry that is going to be relied upon to bring in the results. The chemistry these two players share is also the reason why the Philosopher Kings re-acquired Waldemar at the end of last season after letting him and his massive contract walk after the completion of Season 18. Some fans were skeptical of the signing and weren't convinced that signing a player in their early thirties for well above market value was the most financially responsible decision the team could make. After the move was made, general manager RiP was quick to defend his decision:
Waldemar Hielscher-Uhl is a once in a lifetime talent that can not be replicated, recreated or replaced. There are players in this league that possess skills similar to his... even better perhaps, but the intangibles he brings to the court cannot be overstated. With his extremely high basketball IQ and his great leadership abilities, failing to bring him back to the team was not an option; even though it meant overpaying for his services. Over the course of a thirteen year career that has seen him play for six teams, Waldemar has been a division I league champion six times, an eight time cup champion, a two time B3 semi-finalist, a two time B3 finalist and a B3 champion. Wherever this guy goes, success follows. Good luck trying to find a player with a more impressive trophy case...
At center the team now features former Canadian national team player Glenn Richards. He's a slight downgrade from Season 18's Engelbert Howingsbrook, but that's nothing fans should be particularly concerned about. Richards will likely average a double-double and be a key factor if the Philosopher Kings are to have any success going forward.
In conclusion, the Philosopher Kings of today appear to be every bit as good as the Season 18 roster. For the next few seasons the team is poised to be a dominant force that should consistently find themselves competing in the final 32 elimination portion of the BuzzerBeater's Best tournament. The Kings won't take anything for granted though, and will work hard to accomplish their goals.