Draft Commentary and Analysis

Thought I might throw out some draft commentary and analysis since I haven't had a chance to discuss with anyone outside of the Commissioner.

1st pick: Eskildsen. There are probably a few PCTI participants who think that Esk had a down tournament in IV, but that is only judged against the backdrop of his noteworthy performances from I and III. Player still shot a respectable 37% from the field and could have been much higher had he not uncharacteristically missed some makeable layups in Scottsdale. Also recorded 5.6 RPG, good for second on his team. Led his team in assists and also graded out second in the Productivity metric. Although he is probably not terribly pleased with his 4-17 free throw performance, this player will most likely find his way back to the all-tournament team in short order.

Grade: A-

2nd-3rd picks: Beas and Joe. Abe wisely locked up a scoring, defending backcourt that is sure to cause a significant degree of problems for Ben's team. Although Beas didn't shoot it as well as he wanted to in Arizona, he still averaged 6.4PPG, 5RPG, led his team in steals, and was second in assists. He also made tons of plays during the tournament and especially in Game 7 that helped his team to bring home the title. Joe was also very productive in IV with 7.4PPG and 4.7RPG while placing second on his team in steals. He also shot a respectable 38% from the field and showed great leadership to his team in a losing effort. Always gave a crap. These two give you shooting, creating, defending, and heart.

Grade: A+

4th-5th picks: BC and Pitto. By most accounts, BC was a solid performer on his team with a couple of spectacular moments. Player shot an outstanding 43.5% from the field while leading the tournament with 7.6RPG and 21 offensive rebounds. Player also led his team in blocks with 7 and was second on his team with 14 assists. Also won his team's productivity metric with 63. Pitto seems to be something of an enigma in PCTI. His own team doesn't vote him to the AT team after a performance in which he averaged 12.4PPG on a robust 47.5% from the field. Also led the tournament with 15 three balls on 43%. Second to only Abe on his team's efficiency scale and led the tournament in both true shooting percentage at 60.4% and 1.43 points per shot. Shot an uncharacteristic 56% from the free throw line. Meanwhile, opponents almost unanimously voted him to the AT team including the author. Player seems to earn respect from opponents while frustrating teammates. Player that more than any other on the court must be accounted for by the defense.

Grade: B+

6th-7th picks: Sabin and Donley. Sabin was efficient in IV, but perhaps not as good as his team needed him to be on day 3. Averaged 8.6PPG and 4.4RPG on 45% from the field and 38% from 3. Led team in free throw percentage, steals, assists, and points per shot with 1.18. Player laid an egg in game 7 though as legs quit on him and he couldn't breathe. Donley slapped up a respectable 7.3PPG and 4.3RPG while taking the primary responsibility for guarding PCTI's most versatile offensive player, Abe. Player gave such a great defensive effort (including 7 steals) that it hurt his offensive efficiency to the tune of 32% from the field and 22% from 3. But player never lost confidence in his swashbucklingness and gave a worth performance in Arizona.

Grade: B

8th-9th picks: Krow and Hops. Krow got loose in Scottsdale with 4.4PPG and 3.6RPG. Player looked to be aggressive with his efficient mid-range shooting game and had primary responsibility for guarding PCTI's oldest player. Shot a respectable 37% from the field and even got to the foul line 5 times. Led the tournament in A/T ratio and shot an above-average 33% from deep. Coming off a significant injury, Hops struggled from the field at 19%, but was third on his team in offensive rebounds and shot a respectable 64% from the foul line. Also had a couple of blocks and 3 steals.

Grade: C+

10th-11th picks: Spot and Bruise. By almost all accounts, Spotlight played really well in Scottsdale. Player shot an above-average 37% from the field and 35% from deep. Was also third on the team in offensive rebounds with 9. Spot also did a respectable job defending Pitto, who is one of the toughest covers in PCTI. Bruise was very good as he averaged 6PPG on 39% from the field and 60% from the line. Second in the tournament in total rebounds at 7.3RPG. Third on his team in the productivity metric and scored an above-average 1.02 points per shot.

Grade: B+

12th-13th picks: McKinney and Smo. BMac had perhaps his best showing in his hometown as he produced 7.7PPG and 6 steals on 37% from the field and 10 three balls. Player also had 3 blocks but a strangely absent rebounding game with just 1.3RPG. Smo was highly efficient as he shot 47.6% from the field with 3.6RPG. Player also had 9 assists from the block and an A/T ratio of 3. Threw in a couple of steals but no rim-protecting blocks.

Grade: A-

14th pick: Wes. Player had a difficult time shooting the ball at just 11%, but performed well from the free throw line at 67%. Wes was also very encouraging and positive with his teammates. Led the league in sweating gravy.

Grade: C