Toughness. Chemistry. Physical Conditioning. Heart. Those are the words that Jeff Sabin has instilled in his team within one week as first year team captain. Sabin has come under fire since PCTI2 as a renegade veteran that is going to do things his way, regardless of how it is received. He has no problem being the bad guy if he thinks someone is stepping out of line. Now, in a leadership role, the question becomes how his hand picked team will respond to his dictator-like ways. One thing that can't be argued is the group he drafted are going to show up every game, play their butts off, and do whatever it takes to win. Now, on to the grades.
#1 Overall-Ben Wilson-B
This pick was up in the air whether Sabin would take his fellow 0-2 running mate, or Brent Carney. Teasing his teammates with greatness each year, Wilson has shown he can be the most explosive scorer in PCTI... There is not a time more necessary for him to be that guy than on this team. The question becomes-Will he get in top conditioning so he can lead this team offensively for a full seven games? After looking at the rest of Legs Feed the Wolf's draft, there is no doubt BW was the right choice at this spot.
#4 Overall-Danny Krow-F (Sorry Bruise, gave myself this slot)
Do-nothing guy that has continued to develop his already overblown reputation as a great teammate (Because he doesn't shoot), tough defender (Because he talks a lot on D), savvy player (Because he does not do anything outrageous therefore never turning the ball over), great mid range shooter (Which he shoots about 35% but since no one else can hit the shot he gets the credit), team leader (Because he is loud), and try hard guy (Despite the fact that he actually does not try overly hard). Krow has not returned to college form yet (Which was not that good) and continues to make excuses everytime he moves that that is the reason for his lackluster performance. With his biggest fan of Sabin, will it be forced on him to run the show for this "Racehorse Basketball" team? If so, how will he respond?
#5 Overall-Bruiser Van Horne-B
The new look Van Horne burst onto the scene of PCTI2 and immediately got down to business. After physically dominating the first two minutes of Game 1, teammates were in awe of his aggressiveness and confidence on the court. The Bruiser has the most upside in PCTI-The only guy that can physically dominate a game when motivated/conditioned. After showing up in what appeared to be top physical conditioning last year, the lack of hoops he played over the course of the year caught up in certain moments. He has re-dedicated himself the Sabin mantra, so the question becomes this-If he finds a way to play more basketball over the next year, is there a possible chance we are calling him captain this time next year? Time will tell but on court confidence will be key.
#8 Overall-Michael Orr-B
Smo's first PCTI was very well received by the rest of the league, as it is anyone that plays with him. What's not to love about a guy that takes personal pride in protecting the rim and not allowing an easy shot to go up? Smo made a living in PCTI2 as a trash man, help side defender, and shot blocker. This year, he will be asked to shoulder more of a scoring load, something that will probably keep the guy up at night. Despite shooting a career 75% with his quick hook, his unselfish ways make it impossible to get him to shoot more than 5 shots a game. Look for Wilson and Sabin's scoring totals to improve significantly thanks to Orr's ability to find open shooters along the perimeter. Look for his scoring totals to improve slightly only because when Sabin demands something from a player, the player responds.
#9 Overall-Michael Beasley-Unrated
After giving Brian Eskildsen an A for his drafting of Chase Hardin last year, I don't think it's fitting to give a PCTI rookie a grade based off his previous performances. Here is what we know about Beasley circa college-He plays tough, physical defense, he gets better as the competition gets better, he is a rare athlete (In PCTI terms), and likes to attack on offense. He also has a great headband look, giving Ben Wilson a serious run for his money. Although the relationship appears to be a match made in heaven, the storyline over the next six months will be how seriously he will take Sabin's coaching, and if he will truly understand what it takes to get through seven games of high octane (Ha) basketball. The good thing is that with the successful sending of two emails, he has already surpassed Chase Hardin's output. Don't expect Beasley to show up in Dallas with a girlfriend/fiance/etc. However, expect him to have one following him around by the end of the weekend.
#12 Overall-Bryan McKinney-A
I'm going to continue to pump this guy up because no one in PCTI knows what he is capable of. B. Mac used to torture me (I refused to play with him) for years with his octane, board crashing, three point drilling, aggressive style basketball. After three grueling years of law school, no hoops, and bad weather, McKinney is finally back in Scottsdale and has since re-dedicated himself to PCTI. Recently signing up for Cross Fit was a nice way to get in Coach Sabin's good graces, so with a year of extreme training along with frequest basketball playing, will B. Mac return to college form and become the 15 ppg guy he is capable of being? I'm calling yes. If nothing else, he can continue his newfound role as enforcer, taking out whoever the top offensive player from the opposing team by any means necessary.
#13 Overall-Wes Murray-Unrated
There is no one in PCTI with more question marks by his name than my man Wes Murray. After bursting onto the PCTI scene with about five back breaking three's in what might have been the biggest offensive explosion by a guy that does not shoot (8 for 15 for 19 points), Wes showed up to PCTI2 boasting about the fact that he had not touched a ball in about five months. Although coming out of the gates immediately tossing Thompsons lazy runner, Wes took the first few games to get re-acclimated to the game of basketball. As one of the most popular players/guys in PCTI, it's expected around league circles that Murray has re-dedicated himself to his craft, and will be looked upon to knock down countless 3's, all the while shutting down Josh Pitto with ease. After a big offseason of showing that he knows how to email, the sky is the limit for this guy in this system.
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