Donley Email Exchange

On Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 11:35 AM, Anthony Hopkins wrote:

Yo Donley. I wanted to hit you up because I got no feedback at all for last week's blog with Sabin, so I decided to do it again. If you want to do that no one notices, then engage with me on some back and forth emails about PCTI. I had fun with it so screw everyone else.

Who are you most excited to play with? What does Team Vision Board have to do to win?

Will Courtney eventually give you the option of continuing to play in PCTI and get a divorce or stop playing?

On Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 3:27 PM, Scott A Donley wrote:

Before we begin here, I want to make it known how much I look forward to people dismissing everything that we say with absolutely zero feedback.  So, let's begin...shall we?

First off, how are you getting ready for PCTI? You getting to hoop a lot?

I haven't deviated much from my normal workout schedule where I try to get some lifting and cardio in each week with the number of days per week varying, all depending on how much I can get myself to hate Eskildsen in my head which is the kick in the pants I need sometimes to get motivated.  I am playing in two leagues currently, both on the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of talent.  In one league, I can tell you that A&Wes Root Beer would be a top 5 player.  So, it's a good league for me to get 30 shots per game and build some semblence of self confidence.  The other league is about as competitive as I have played in and I'm the 3rd smallest guy on the team.  So its great from a competition standpoint and getting up and down the floor, but I normally am playing a SG/SF spot which isn't exactly where I find myself in PCTI.  I think living so far away from everyone does two things (1) no one has any idea if I just lied and how much I am playing because I never see anyone (2) by not being able to play with anyone I feel behind in the chemistry aspect of things.

And do you think either of those really matter?  Because now that I think about it, they probably don't change one fuckin thing about how I will play or be perceived.

This one is easy for me and it's Bruiser.  I can't remember ever playing on his team in my life and I plan to create a D2 mighty ducks bash brother type relationship with Bruise.  Me being Portman obviously, because lets be honest here...Fulton was a little douchey after a while...and Portman got to rip his shirt off in the penalty box (which, like me, drives the ladies wild).  The purpose of this development is to basically make everyone on your team feel some type of physical punishment when they come down our lane.  But if I'm being completely honest here, it really means that I don't have to push and shove with him the whole weekend which can really wear you down.

I think for our team to win we need to do four things really well, BULLET POINTS COMIN!!

·         Keep pressure on Josh by throwing multiple defenders, being physical, and making him work on defense (basically, try and see if we can get that fuckstick tired)

·         Know where Eskildsen is when he doesn't have the ball.  People wonder how he can put up such gaudy numbers and its because he works so hard to be in good position on O (and D) to get boards and put backs.

·         Keep Beas and Pitto from constantly getting in the lane (see Bash Brothers)

·         Not be stagnant on offense and keep our spacing.  I feel like we should have mismatches inside that we can exploit if Brat boy, Bruise, and myself are in the game.  But can we capitalize on them?

I think that once we start popping out baby Donley's there will be a discussion.  I've already started to develop a response to that question in the event I slip one past the goalie.

Putting you on the spot in some of these, so just answer what you want.

Where do you think your team has its biggest advantage and where do you think our team has the biggest advantage?  With that, who is more equipped to mitigate the advantage of the other team?

With the QP being as exclusive as it is, do you feel that it does just that to some extent and excludes/distances you clown shows from the group?

Who on your team are you looking forward to playing with the least?  And if you could swap two players with similar 'value' between the two teams who would it be?

Lastly - I hate the team names or lack of that we have this year and need you to come up with something for each team before you respond.  And do you think Danny Krow could beat up Jeff Sabin?

On Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 5:13 PM, Anthony Hopkins wrote:

I love the strategy in those leagues. I also try and get in some pick up games with similar differences. It's good for me cause I get out there and try and play a similar game, just try and recognize when and where I need to be aggressive.

I also love the idea of you (or someone) completely making up what "workouts" and how much you play in the offseason. Wouldn't it be great if Wes just came out and said he's been doing crossfit 6 days a week + in a league + playing pick up once a week. Do you think Sabin jizzes in his pants if Wes had done this before we discussed it? (I say no because he would not have believed him)

The bullet points were very professional, and I like the fact that you want to bring out the Bash Brothers mentality. I don't think it will work in any type of intimidation, but would be fun to see this thing get chippy. (You know besides when Joe and Jeff slapped at each other in PCTI II). I do like how you broke down how you think you will win, but to me those are A) quite a few things B) things that people have tried and failed time and time again at in PCTI. Then again, at least you (and maybe your team) have put thought into it and come up with things you need to do well. I noticed I was not in that scouting report, and don't think I am not taking notes on these slights.

As far as a mini Donley goes, is this something that might happen soon? It is going to be very interesting to see how new babies affect the future on PCTI (see: Krow, Cash). I also wish we could record all the comments and fights between people and their significant other about PCTI.

Now let me blow through these questions. I will also be asking questions while answering.

I think our team will have good chemistry and ball movement. We have some guys who are good creating, some good at knocking down open shots, and some that are good at moving the ball and moving without the ball. The way we are going to beat you team since yall are bigger than us is to make you try and make you move. Do you agree? Also having a natural born leader as myself out there really gives us an edge.

Honestly the QP was just a fun thing we tried out so we weren't rolling with 12-14 dudes at every bar. It just so happened that we all clicked and have been in constant contact throughout the year. We don't mean to be exclusive (that's a lie) and I think we will have some more people go out every night since we spread games out a little more. Just know we are likely to dip at any moment.

I do not look forward to playing with Pitto this year. Mainly because he whines and complains and cant hold his liquor. That is a given.

As for a trade, it would be Spotlight for Run BMC. I am really looking forward to playing with BMac and I feel like that dude is going to be a huge contributor, but because of the QP ties and the chemistry we showed last year, I would say those 2. How about on your team?

Team Vision Board is good to go for your team name. I've been thinking about ours and it appears #lambogrind is not something my team wants. Zero Ball Thirty, the Monstars, the Little Giants, or Team Stanford.

The fight would be interesting and would depend on the type. Is this a street brawl or a boxing type fight. I feel like DK would win because his core is so strong and Sabin would care more about their friendship. Plus the pic of Danny w that chain around his neck after he got swoll would have to intimidate Jeff. What would be the best matchup for a fight in PCTI? Who would matchup best with you?

On Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 7:27 PM, Scott A Donley wrote:

I think the optimal workout liar would be Ben Wilson, just because of his ability to blow up in any game for 20 and 10.  Let's say he said he was workin on a littlecardio, but playing in 3 leagues and pickup every other week.  I think that would at least make your squad think, oh yeah, Ben is on their team....fuck.  I mean, a lineup of Joe, Ben, Me, BC, and Bruiser could be pretty bruising if Ben is filling it up.  Also, I am thinking nothing about how we could guard your team with that lineup because defense is boring to talk about.  And, of course Ben would be Goldberg, circa D3 Eden Hall Ducks, rounding out the 3rd bash brother...can't believe how well that fits together.  Consider the Bash Brothers the anti-QP, and yes Bruiser and I will be up all night standing on our beds fake drumming rock songs on empty cases of natural light.

Of course my bullet points were numerous.  If I would have said "we just need to score more than you", that would be accurate but a little less compelling.  As far as leaving you out of the scouting report, it's because there is no way to stop someone from being clutch (see Horry, Roberto).  I also think Krow will be a much better asset playing off the ball, but will he shoot enough/demand the ball enough to matter?  And I didn't mention Smo either because he'll have 4 fouls before he gets off the plane (shots fired!).

As far as munchkins go, we have plans in place.  But of course that is all pending on our fertility, which I only mention in an effort to not jinx myself.  I think this will have a major impact on people going forward.  It's a hard argument to have when the wife throws a guilty child care type argument at you, but again, that is why I am preparing now.

I think that the spacing you guys can create if played correctly can work to your advantage, but we have enough guys that can defend multiple positions (assuming Ben doesn't stand still the whole weekend) that if we keep rotations in mind we should be ok.  With Sabin and Joe being two of the best perimeter defenders in PCTI and Wes being the immovable object, I like our chances.  Not to mention Spot is never out of position and constantly talks on D, and his rebounding, my god his rebounding.  To that point, I think Spot blows up this year and avgs 9-10pts/gm.  Who do you see that could come out of nowhere and potentially throw up an all-tourney type series?

I guess that question about not wanting to play with someone was sort of a lay-up.  And I should have figured about the QP cop-out.  Honestly, the easy answer is Wes because the contributions just aren't there.  And I'd swap him for you (not a backhand, but just going off draft position) because that would make our team bigger and add the man that always carries the dagger.  Please come up with a camera friendly dagger move btw.  And to everyone's enjoyment, I have retired the zorro.  Do you think more people should play to the camera?  I absolutely love it and just laugh at myself for being a loser the whole time, but I'm just watching to see myself anyway so why not, right?

Can we at least change it to team Vision Bored?  And Monstars is my favorite, and fitting for MJ turning 50 this year as a tribute.  Can we get a list and have voting setup on the blog?

I was thinking boxing match, and although I think if Krow gets inside it's over, Sabin has that grinder quality that you just can't count him out...plus he has the reach advantage.  Krows arms are so heavy from all that body building that those hands would drop fast and ole ridiculously in shape Sabin would just pound that jab and win on points.  I guess size/weight wise I would match up best with Eskildsen, but once I saw those calves creep out of those wrestling shoes I might shit my pants. But its hard to sit here and say you would beat someones ass in a boxing match, but I would beat his ass in a boxing match.  Except if he hits me in the face, then I'll quit.  I like a matchup with you and BMac.  Who you got in that one?  And who would be the best matchup in PCTI.

On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 8:58 AM, Anthony Hopkins wrote:

I completely agree that Ben would get the most people fired up if he said he was working out non stop. The thought of the anti-QP (especially Bruise rockin out crushing Natty's) had me rolling.

We might need to start organizing a monthly google hangout to discuss possible scenarios our wives come up with us missing PCTI, almost like the teams that put together plans for when a disaster strikes. Once we come up with a plan and dialogue, everyone then has a gameplan to successful talk themselves into going. I would rank it as A) Kids B) Weddings (other people's because no one is dumb enough to plan a wedding without taking PCTI into account) C) Work. What are some other things I'm missing?

Again, as far as the game planning goes, the winner of the weekend will be the team that can stick with the plan and execute it the best. Still waiting on our detailed game plan from coach God Helmet. A breakout performer on our team could very easily be Run BMC. I think the way our team is set up, he will get to guard someone where he can make a visible impact and if he can get loose for some open 3's in the game, that could really boost him to that area.

I like the camera thing and encourage anyone and everyone to play to it. I'll try and think of a dagger move. As far as the zorro move goes, I think retiring it is the right move. It has been done before and you don't want to bring an old thing back year after year. I am excited to see the new move you are working on. Let's just steer clear of the championship belt/ discount double check move.

No one really cares to hear us talk about PCTI game plans, so lets get completely off topic. I would say BMac would work me and lay me down early round 2. But I would throw one haymaker and if it connected he would go night night. The best match up would be Joe and Sabin. The hatred in the ring would be overspilling. Do you agree?

Rapid fire questions

What is your favorite song (or top 3) to warm up to in basketball? Who are you most excited to go out w? Have you ever been to Scottsdale (if so what can we expect)? What book will you be bringing to PCTI this year? What can we expect from you this year in the social arena?

On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 2:10 PM, Scott A Donley wrote:

I do like the google hangout idea happening maybe every other week for the last two months leading up to PCTI in the future to allow people to do three things 1. Give people a rundown of what they are doing leading up to PCTI  2. Give a couple insights on how each individual feels on their team and how they fit in 3. Call someone out each hangout to create more rivalries.  As you can see, in fear of it coming true, I am avoiding any more discussion about wives and how they want PCTI to go the way of the Spectacled Cormorant...and for those that don't get that reference, which I assume is everyone, its an extinct bird.  Anyways -- talking, seeing, hearing more and more about PCTI as we get closer just gets me amped for the weekend and anything we can do to increase that is a plus for me.

If Run MBC is not a breakout performer this year can we establish a rule that no matter how well he does down the road he can't win any breakout performance award?  What is this, the 10th year in a row he's been labeled as a breakout candidate?  In my opinion, Bmac does exactly what he should do.  Shoot when he's open, defend, and run the floor.  He could be more aggressive at times with the ball, but that is true with 80% of the league.  If a few more shots go in for him this year he will be a top tier guy, but does that equate to breaking out?

Good god if there is one guy that is more sick than me of the Aaron Rodgers championship belt, show him to me.  People do it after taking a dump around here, it's fucking ridiculous.  As for myself, I am trying to stay away from anything contrived for the camera because it will come off more lame than Zorro.  Which for those who don't remember was piggy backed off someone's food retrieval card at that burger joint the night before games 1 & 2.

Your boxing style is no surprise to me and I wouldn't want it any other way than you trying to land a big shot on people, it's what you do.  And as far as Sabin and Joe go, I say we make them halftime entertainment during game 1 and have them do two 1-minute rounds of slap fighting.  Is it just me, or do you also think that BC and Smo could be a phenomenal undercard match?  And what do we have to do to get some halftime or between game entertainment in the mix?

Music for the most part doesn't get me too jacked up unless I'm in a certain state of mind and overall I'm not the music man that some of my PCTI brethren claim to be (even though I haven't heard one pre-game song since I started in this thing). But I could get down to some of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLXb9bYagIk - I f'n love Bron by the way.

As far as the social aspect goes, I'm hoping first off, that I am not sick again.  I don't know if people know this, but I woke up at about 4:00am on Friday with the whole bed drenched in sweat.  One of the worst feelings ever, and I actually had to grab my junk to make sure I didn't some how get hammered and piss myself.  And I wouldn't wish the ear popping thing on anyone.  That being said (really don't want to admit this), but I want to get out with Spot and Abe one night just because it was so miserable being in the room with those two feeling like shit all weekend while they were trying have sex with the greater Plano area and stumbling in waking my ass up each night.  But I doubt the QP would allow that.  Other than that, I want to log a lot of Bruiser time to really make this Bash Brothers schtick stick, stick.  (see what i did there)

This response is getting long winded as hell, edit how you wish.  I have been to Scottsdale-ish once for a week, when I spent my spring break at ASU my junior year in college.  Great area, and it will be about 4 seconds before Spot forgets about Angelie.  Overall I plan to avenge my social performance from last year.  What that means, i don't know.

I plan to spend a lot of time by a pool reading one of two things Gone Girl, which I have on the Nook but haven't started reading or one of my Dave Ramsey books.  Do you plan to join in the Library club this year?  It kind of goes against my Bash Brother persona that I am trying to create with the Bruise, so If I fully commite who knows what I will be doing by the pool.  Maybe 10 burpees, 10 kips, 2 beer shotguns for all I know.

Who non-QP member are you looking forward to hanging out with this year?  Do you think it would be interesting to add a few more competitive wrinkles to the weekend (thinking flip cup at the pool with teams as is, losers buy lunch one day - within reason, etc)?  Any ideas?

On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 3:48 PM, Anthony Hopkins wrote:

Does Courtney read the blog ever? If so a big shout out to her and we promise not to compromise Mr Scott in any way. If not stop avoiding the questions.

You bring up a good point about being a "breakout" player. Since nobody is going to really change the way they play at this point, I guess being a "breakout" guy would mean just having a few more shots fall. I guess someone could shoot more to try and achieve this, but it is doubtful anyone will change that up too much. As far as Run BMC goes, I will nominate him as breakout star until I die.

The championship belt is so overplayed that even Joe won't use it.

I was really hoping for some hardcore rap on your music list, but I guess I underestimated you. I also forgot you were sick which might be the most underrated thing of last year. I would love to see you come out and have some G&T's w the QP. I would be pissed too if you didn't get a chance to have a blast and had it shoved in your face by Abe and Spot. Also, Angelee is old news, as will whatever girl Spot decides to get after in Scottsdale.

I like to read and am currently reading Legacy of Ashes: A History of the CIA. I however will not be reading much on the trip to PCTI. I would much rather be doing something with people I don't ever get to see. I read a lot of the time to wind down for bed, but since I am usually heavily intoxicated, there is no need for reading.

I had no idea you were a cash in the envelop type of dude, aka gay.

I love the idea of other competitions, but it is difficult for a couple reasons. One if it includes drinking, we have to be able to be calm enough in a hotel not to piss people off. If it is physical, some of us might die. That being said, I would love to see a list of things we can compete in. (FYI I have been looking into something that might help Wed night fly by) So more suggestions.

The person I am looking forward to hanging out with the most is hard. I truly enjoy trying to get to know everyone. For me I take out the people I see outside of PCTI, which leaves about 4 people. I would say Deuce, but that is a cop out and everyone loves that guy. So I guess it would be you . I am eager to see you at 100% this year.

Let me get one more response from you so wrap things up on your end:

Do you think we spend too much, not enough, or just enough on the entire PCTI?

If you could do one activity while we are down there as an entire group, what would it be?

Give me one on court and one off court prediction for IV.

Who wins?

What do you think we can do to improve the entire experience?

On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 8:27 PM, Scott A Donley wrote:

No she does not read the blog and I'm too lazy to scroll down and ready why I avoided a question in the first place.

The funny thing about the library group is that between the three of us, we read approximately 30 pages total...with 20 of them being re-reads because someone got distracted by Eskillatron's chest hair.

And no, we are not a cash envelope family.  I just like to make sure I'm being judicious in the financial part of my life.  Respect.

I won't pry on exactly what you're planning for Wednesday night, but it better be awesome or keeping it a secret is just going to add to the ridicule.  To be honest, I have no idea about specific things we could do at this point because the though just came to my head today.  But I'd love to hear what the general group of PCTI-ers can come up with on the topic.  Pick the top ones, use voting buttons on the blog, etc.

I had to do my best to contain my bendable chubby when I read that I was the one chosen out of all four possible people that you are looking forward to hanging out with.  You never too old for the Alaskan Tuck, you feel me?

I don't think we spend too much time on PCTI.  The only people that may think so are wives or GFs that deep down are probably just jelous that we have something that we call our own and are so excited about each year.  As far as something to do while we are down there that I think would be awesome is something I brought up to Krow and maybe a few other guys last year, which is renting out a movie theatre and re-watching the prior year's games on an Ultra-Screen.  I would only want that to happen if we could bring our be served alchohol.  I know the kitties from last year may not appreciate it too much this year, but could be something we potentially do down the line.  I can't think of something that would bring a bigger smile to my face than a 30ft zorro in everyone's face.

On court prediction - BC has a massive weekend playing with two other 'bigs' and (reach alert) Pitto leads ur team in scoring and plays D.

Off court prediction - inner turmoil in the QP when all the chicks Abe and Spot are hollerin at just want to give Beas a blowy and go on a hike with him the next morning.

We win in 7 with Wes dropping 15 in the final game (no lie, I think this will happen).

To improve the experience we just have to continue to keep it fresh with new things and new ideas each year to add to the anticipation and excitement.  Things are starting to get revved up again because people are finding things to talk about.  The newer the ideas, the more folks will have to discuss and will keep this and everyone relevant.

Enjoyed this.  See you in Scottsdale.

On Tue, Feb 20, 2013 at 11:20 AM, Anthony Hopkins wrote:

I love that about the Library. In that case I will bring my book! (It is on my kindle on my iPhone anyways).

I don't plan financial at all. I live in the moment. I figure I'll win the lottery or invent something that makes me millions eventually so I need not worry about the future. That's why I pop bottles and smoke the finest kush BOI!

You are all about people voting on the blog. You must love the democratic process. We always seem to find a way to keep ourselves entertained, so I would love to hear ideas, but am not worried. And I only wish I could feel you.

The Zorro in game 4 on a 40 ft screen might cause Sabin to start choking you out on the spot. Would someone stop him? Probably, but no reason to risk it this year.

Good predictions, other than the QP having turmoil. They are aware that most girls would rather gargle Beasley's balls, but they also know he only has two balls (don't ask how they know, it was a weird initiation).

I am getting the sense that you have either talked to Wes and know something we don't or you still believe in the Easter bunny. I am not underestimating that little shit for a second.

I agree with keeping things fresh and people participating in the offseason. With that said, anyone take this simple format and do it with another member of PCTI.

A fresh prediction: I spend a lot of time with you this weekend, mostly talking about alcohol and sex.

Thanks bud and talk to you soon.