HBD Bruise!

I hope you look like this ALL DAY!

E-Mail Exchange with Sabes

AHOP:

Man oh man are things coming up fast! We are less than 4 months away! I am ready to get after it and compete. I feel like this has become a fringe tradition where you and I exchange emails and then post it on the blog. I doubt anyone even cares unless they see us talking about that particular person. How are you feeling w 4 months to go? Any chatter with your team yet?

Sabin:

I'll try to name-drop in this thread so we can increase readership on the blog. First, I hope you and your family are doing well. Sometimes that gets lost amid our basketball-intense conversations.

I feel much better now than I did heading into Cincinnati. My objective going into VII was to re-integrate into the group and to not embarrass myself on the court. Largely, I think those objectives were accomplished. But this year, I actually want to be a meaningful player for my team, so I have been training and playing significantly more than in years past. Hopefully this will translate into a productive performance in California. 

Also, feeling good about my team. Our roster seems to legitimately enjoy playing together. Hopefully this means we can help each other to play and compete well together. Regardless of outcome, I'm looking forward to another great year of hoops, food, and camaraderie. How you feeling about your squad?

A:

Hope all is well in your personal life as well! I hope it is for everyone. I never really factor in if anyone is going through a tough time at home heading into PCTI and how that can affect their play. Not that in any way is important, but it just made me think about that for a minute. I am way too selfish to think about others like that.

Being on the opposite team (again) it does not make me feel good knowing how you are prepping. Although as a basketball fan and a fan of playing with you, that is good to hear. How often are we talking about? How are the games?

First off, your team will not have to work hard at all to mesh as many of those guys have a rich history of playing together. TP may be the only one that hasn't played big minutes with all those guys. That will definitely help on the court as I think there won't be as much to figure out on offense and everyone knows their role. On D, I think y'all are really tough across the board. I think our team may be able to take advantage of cross matchups IF your team struggles getting back. I feel like our team has the edge, but I feel like this is the closest matchup we have had (I had the same feeling last year).

As for my team, I am super pumped. The QuadPod finally gets to all play together which should be fun. I'll dive into more detail later on but I’m super excited about my team.

On top of your prep, answer a few questions for me. Who are you most excited to play with? Do you think anyone makes a big jump or fall? If you come out and play great, what does that look like in your opinion?

S:

Yeah, we've been on opposing teams quite a bit. That probably explains your superior winning record versus my ongoing winless streak. Thankfully, I'm still bitter about it.

Right now, working out 4 times per week that includes yoga, boot camps, and weightlifting. Also playing twice per week. My pickup games and league games are probably a step down from PCTI competition, but I still enjoy playing with other old farts like myself.

Like you, I like my team quite a bit. Danny and I have enjoyed playing together for a while, mainly due to the fact that we have complimentary games. He always helps me to be a better player, and that's a rare skill to have. I've played with BC several times in PCTI and am still amazed at how little love and appreciation he gets for his game. His production far outweighs his appearances on A/T teams. I think you'll see a motivated and productive BC in VIII. And Joe, he's my guy. He has a unique ability to make the kinds of plays on a basketball floor that few others can. He'll be comfortable playing with his guys, and this should yield some fine performances from him in San Diego.

Although I have never played with TP, I'm on record as saying that he was as important as anybody to your team's victory last year, especially on day 3. Who doesn't like playing with a big who can rebound, finish, and is unselfish? I also think Rainbow will show better in VIII. He's one of PCTI's best conditioned athletes, and we hope to get him more transition opportunities this year to increase his efficacy. And last, Bruise is one of my PCTI faves, always has been. Having the combination of Bruise, TP, and BC to defend and rebound is a serious and significant strength for our team.

If you were to pin me down, I'd say that TP and BC are primed to be top performers for us. TP should be a double-double machine as we move forward, and BC needs to play well and score well for us to have a chance. For me, averages of 12-6-3 with 50% FGs and low turnovers would be an individual success. But truth be told, if I can get off the winless boat, I'd be thrilled even if I play at a sub-optimal level. Tell me where you think your team is strong/weak and where you think my team is strong/weak.

A:

First off, I agree 100% w your evaluation of your team. I think BC is underrated because he is consistent and I think we are like most humans where we would rather vote for someone who showed flashes vs. someone who is consistently putting up really good numbers. I think the overall stats helped put the spotlight back on BC. He could come out of 8 being crowned the best player in PCTI. Also, your workout regime sounds incredible. I wish I could would do that.

As for my team, I think our strengths are liking to play with each other, having creators, and having a high ceiling for scoring. Our weaknesses are high turnover potential, poor shot selection potential, and figuring out our rotation. We all know Ben and Abe are big time scorers, but they also have had a lot of turnovers. In fact, they are 1 and 2 in most turnovers and Beas has had some high turnover games as well. I could make an argument about their teams relying too much on them creating, but all that matters is they take care of the ball at PCTI8. I hope we don’t have too much trouble figuring out the rotation, but you never know. Adding a new guy into PCTI is always interesting, especially one that no one on our team has played with. The poor shot selection is another weakness, but one I’m not as worried about. I have taken some horrible shots throughout PCTI, as most of us have, and I just hope when it happens, we recognize it and move past it. In my post a couple of weeks ago, I said I think our team just needs to let the game come to us. I got fairly criticized for making it seem like we were far superior, when what I was thinking was our team has players that occasionally have turnovers or bad shots because I think they are forcing things, where your team does a good job of being patient. I don’t mind being the bad guy, so we can stick w the other narrative.

This is starting to get lengthy so we will have a couple more to wrap up (if I need to we can split into 2 parts). We have talked a lot about on the court, but tell me some things you are excited about outside of who plays well/poorly? Also, let’s discuss the future for a little bit. Anything about the future of PCTI that you are excited or not excited about?

S:

Outside of the obvious San Diego location, which should have some terrific scenery and activities, one of the things that I look forward to the most is watching the videos of recently played games with the group. There is something about the group dynamic that makes the videos funnier and more interesting than what you can get by watching them on your own. So, I certainly hope we carve out some time for that.

As we move forward in PCTI, I do think that one of the things we need to capitalize on is a group event. For example, the rafting adventure that Donley took us on was terrific and memorable. Future organizers of the PCTI event need to consider making that type of an event a staple in our itinerary for the weekend.

In reality, once your team gets over the shock of Andi's diminutive nature, you'll grow to enjoy playing with him. He can make shots for your team and give you some timely penetration. He's easy to play with and easy to get along with. We recognize that your team presents us a fair amount of challenges with your offensive firepower, but we also feel like we present your team challenges with our size and rebounding ability. In boxing, different styles make the fight. No different with our two teams. Whoever plays their style the best should have the better opportunity for success.

 4 months to go time. I'm gonna keep working out and playing, and hopefully that will mean that I can provide a reasonable performance for my team. What are you looking forward to before we wrap it up?

A:

As much as I’ve shit on Andi C for his miniature size and terrible nickname, I am always excited when we add a new player. I am also looking forward to playing with the QuadPod. I mean, we just truly love each other and it’s great to finally get to compete together. I agree 100% with you on the group viewing and group activity. It always amazes me that we find something to improve or something new to do to make PCTI just a little better.

I am ready to get there and compete. I’m ready to explore SD (never been). I’m ready to hang out with everyone. I’m ready to see Deuce get loose at the bars. I’m ready to get loose on the court. I’m most ready for the first 3 minutes of walking into the house where everyone is giving each other bro hugs and all the love.

Always a pleasure catching up, looking forward to seeing you in 4 months. Give me some wise words to end on

S:

See you soon, brother. I'll leave you with one of my favorite thoughts, a modification of the Irish serenity prayer:

 

How Each Team Can Win 8

I’ve written an argument for how each team could come away from the weekend victorious.

Team doo doo McNuggets

On Offense: DK admitted to drafting this team on upside, and first on that list is the “host”, Doctor Joey Tomson. Joe comes into PCTI8 healthier than he has been in years and comes in with a chip on his shoulder. He wants to prove that Beas is no match for him. His biggest impact is on offense and is knocking down 3s but also attacking when needed. He is getting a lot of help from Big Daddy with some timely (lefty) drives and shedding blockouts to get O boards. TP pulls out another game 5 and controls the paint on both ends and basically single handedly wins a game. Bruiser is patient in the paint but also stepping out to knock down wide open shots. DK is spacing the floor with his threat from deep, he takes care of the ball and returns to form as the lead assist guy. Rainbow and Sabes are the perfect complement to this offense, attacking the rim to create great opportunities for the doo doos. Rainbow in year 2 is more confident and can know down his shot consistently. Sabin shoots well from the field.

On defense: This is where they are going to have to be solid to win. I think they are banking on our team coming and being over confident. DK anchors this defense and shuts down Abe, relying on his teammates to take care of the rest. Dani is a great communicator on D and inspires his team to do the same. Joe and Rainbow are creating havoc on the perimeter. BC, one of the more underrated players on D, uses his quickness and length to put players in bad spots. The muscle behind it all own the paint. TP and Bruiser gobble up every rebound while making it difficult for our team to finish at the rim. Biggest question is will they be able to handle both Ben and Abe?

Team Trash Can:

On offense: We spread the floor and attack. Ben and Abe are patient and let the game come to them and wear down the doo doos. Donley and I don’t force the action or have turnovers, and our whole mission is to get other guys open shots and crush the o-boards. Spot continues to perform and makes Sabin his bitch for the weekend. Andrew C. is ready to contribute by knocking down shots and getting in the lane, draw in the defense, and dish to open guys. Smo does Smo things and converts when his man forgets his in the game. I think the key is going to be Beas. If he is in attack mode and bringing the energy on offense, we are going to be hard to stop. Basically, I think it comes down to if Team Trash Can is patient, we are going to be very difficult to stop.

On defense: We are going to have to have great communication. We have a variety of guys that are able to guard multiple positions and we need to be able to get back and not give up easy baskets. McNugz do a great job getting to the glass and we will need to ready to box out and pursue those rebounds. We must be aware of shooters and not underestimate guys. The Cans have to bring the energy and keep everyone engaged. The Nugz excel at sharing the ball, so we must be ready for guys cutting and screening or we will give up wide open looks. Communication is the key here.

Dear Spotlight

Dear Spotlight,

 

I would’ve addressed you by your formal name, but I’m still not sure what it is. So for now, your PCTI name will have to suffice.

 

You’ve enjoyed an historic and unprecedented wave of popularity this offseason given the past several years of your superlative on-court play and your genuine likeability off the floor. This has made me simultaneously admire you and hate you for different reasons. While I thoroughly enjoyed playing with you in PCTI 7, I also have come to resent the fact that some members of the PCTI family favor your game over my own. Given that, I am writing you for a few different reasons:

 

First, congratulations on an excellent PCTI 7 performance and the justified accolades that came with it, namely some All-Tournament votes and general love amongst the PCTI brethren. Averaging better than 10PPG with 47% FG and 47% from deep puts you in an elite shooting category among PCTI marksmen. Your teammates also universally enjoyed playing with you and sang your praises as a teammate. In reality, there’s not a justifiable reason to be critical of anything you do in PCTI, outside of the obvious style choices that make even the most intrepid among us cringe. So, well done.

 

Second, your PCTI 8 experience is shaping up to be one of your best experiences ever. You’ll be playing with your favorite people, the QuadPod. You’ll be in a world-class city with great weather, terrific scenery, and a target-rich environment. You’re coming off an outstanding PCTI 7 performance last year that garnered your highest-ever draft position and the moniker “PCTI’s best shooter.” And you’ll be invaluable to your team as a necessary piece of the overall puzzle. Things are really looking up for you.

 

Third, and lastly, I am making it my personal mission in life to ruin your PCTI 8 experience. Every time I hear someone say “He is PCTI’s best shooter”, I boil inside, partly due to jealously and partly because I didn’t take care of business last year. As such, I have dedicated myself to training the same way I did heading into PCTI II. Unfortunately, this is bad news for you. I am lifting and working out 4 times per week. When I work out, I think of only you (no homo). You motivate me to get more reps into each set and to get stronger and better every day. So I should thank you for that. But, I won’t. I will only say that, like The Highlander, there can only be one. And I am doing everything I can right now to make sure that, come July, that guy is me, not you. So I’ll sign off by saying I’m looking forward to seeing you in a few months, but you may not feel the same way about me once we lock horns. Until then….

 

Yours in love and hate,

 

Jeff Sabin