S11E04 Personal Pod - JUICE!

S11E04 - Personal Pod - Juice

Top Five Decisions That Shaped PCTI

I'm on one today.... As things grow and evolve, it's always important to take a step back and reflect on what decisions were made along the way that made things what they are today.  Without collaboration or diving too deep, below are the top five (in order) decisions that most positively impacted PCTI.

1. Hiring Deuce (via Brent): We talk about it a lot, but my goodness... It just doesn't get any better.  Brent, who wasn't even fully committed to PCTI at this point, floated Mike Hite's brother as someone who could shoot a video.  Beloved by all, he's the ultimate PCTI glue guy.  To think that on top of it, he's done slave labor for ten years, and delivers quality work... When PCTI goes public, Deuce will reap the benefits, as I'm confident every player would sell their shares of the business for him.  The guy has Presidential appeal.
2. Roster Cohesion: It can't be stated enough... Like any company, group, etc... The results are only as good as what the people that are a part of it put in.  To have 17 guys who's commitment levels to the success of PCTI are all aligned is nothing short of remarkable.  A closet aspect of this: The way the original guys have welcomed the newcomers with open arms also plays a significant role.  To see people gel and friendships developed over the course of one weekend a year is something top be proud of.
3. The Blog (via Joe): An outlet to consolidate everything we do and a fun forum to communicate, the blog is the gift that keeps on giving.
4. PCTI Cincy - New Blood + Airbnb Introduction + Bad Weather + Prodigal Son Returns: Wow, what a year... After two straight dark years of only have 12 players, PCTI got an injection of fresh energy adding Jeff G. and Tyler, the introduction of the Airbnb which added an element of camaraderie thanks to everyone being in the same place... The terrible Cincy weather made it especially appealing, leaving all of us to have nothing better to do but sit around, spend time with each other, watch the videos, and do some PCTI trivia.  To think all those things happened, AND PCTI brought back PCTI's Great Conversationalist.  What a turning point.
5. Original Branding Decision (Joe): Not sure many people know this, but there was some debate about what the name of this event should be.  It was originally decided this would be named "Pickup Convention."  The only issue with that is the other guy involved in the discussion was Joe (who was in charge of the jersey's), and he did not support the name.  His preference was "The Invitational."  Well, in typical Joe fashion, he "Acted" like was supporting Pickup Convention until it came time to hand out jersey's, where the letters read "PCTI."  I for one vocally stated "Pickup Convention The Invitational" is the dumbest name I've ever heard, but it's hard to debate just how perfect the letters roll off the tongue.  Although it doesn't sound important, those four letters have become synonymous with so many of our every day lives, and it's hard to imagine it being any other way.  

Re-Branding Opportunities by Playa

As we wrap up our first decade of PCTI followed by our ten year reunion, it's time to put that in the past, and look towards the future... As we evolve as players (and men) it's important to put "the way we have always done it" where it should be, and focus on how we can continue to RE-BRAND in an effort to be the best version of ourselves.

As a self proclaimed RE-BRANDING guru (not because of quality re-brand's, just quantity), I'm going to offer some FEEDBACK on how each player can reign in the new decade with a fresh look.

Anthony:

• Current Rep: Defensive Stopper.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Layup converter/double digit scorer.
• Commentary: Simply put, with his ability to find holes in the D and timing on offensive boards, if Hops can convert layups at 50% a clip, he will become a top five scorer.

Jeff G:

• Current Rep: Hustle/Trash Man.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Go-To Guy.
• Commentary: Juice's unorthodox approach can distract people from the fact that his numbers have been consistently moving up across the board... As guys get more used to playing with him, you could see a perennial MVP candidate.  

Ian:

• Current Rep: Bruising Big Man.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Defensive stopper.
• Commentary: Quick feet, active hands and strong as an ox, Ian will be the top defensive player in PCTI for the next decade... He's been given the "Big Man" role who guards other bigs, but the guy can shut down anyone on the court, any time he wants.

Brent:

• Current Rep: Low Risk, High Quality Utility Brat.
• Rebranding Opportunity: MVP.
• Commentary: Arguably no one has had a more successful first decade than Brent, and he not only has no MVP awards to show for it, but he hasn't even come close (outside of the gimmick defensive MVP in year one).

Kyle:

• Current Rep: Mild Mannered On Court Stalwart.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Leader.
• Commentary: Kyle has masterfully ingratiated himself with the group as a reserved personality who lets his play do the talking.  His leadership qualities will continue to show themselves, and he will be one of the guys people look to not only to inspire them with his play, but with his words.

Tyler:

• Current Rep: Freak Athlete/Rebounder/Energy Guy.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Back To The Basket Scorer.
• Commentary: As we get older, freakish athletes have to find a new way of doing things.  If Tyler can add a baby hook and a drop step to his arsenal that already contains offensive rebounding mastery and a unique ability to dive to the basket from the three point line, he will be borderline impossible to stop.

Andy:

• Current Rep: Low Minutes Energy Guy Who Will Make a Three and Run His Mouth.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Executing on his Current Rep.
• Commentary: The best thing Andy can to do is be what his rep is... There's always a significant place for that role, and when he does it to the best of his ability, he will be a significant asset to his team.

Joe:

• Current Rep: High Performer Driven by the Haters.
• Rebranding Opportunity: High Performer Driven by the Lovers.
• Commentary: This speaks for itself... If you remove the bad people from your life, and desire to reward your support system, it will make success that much sweeter... When this happens, you will remove the "volatility" from Joe's persona, and he will just be a top player who everyone wants to go to battle with.

Scott:

• Current Rep: Do It All Guy Who Hasn't Reached His Potential.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Low Post Scorer.
• Commentary: I've never in my life seen a guy that can find soft spots in a defense the way Scotty can.  The guy has a sixth sense for it, and if/when he is converting, he's going to be tough to stop.  The current system is asking for him to guard every type player on the court, convert layups, score with his back to the basket, his 3's, rebound like a big, pass like a PG, and handle the ball.  Scott is a top three posts player with his back to the basket.  

Jeff S:

• Current Rep: Up and Down Player Who Always Does the Same Thing on the Court.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Offseason Consistency.
• Commentary: For a guy who prides himself on on-court efficiency, he refuses to take the same approach in the offseason.  The guy shoots the same shots in the same motion, and stays in his comfort zone on the court... Already paying at an age differential, add in that he plays the least and never exercises... It's truly amazing how well he's played in spite of himself.

Michael B:

• Current Rep: Glue and Effort Guy.
• Rebranding Opportunity: On Court Leader.
• Commentary: Michael has been pigeon holed into a rep that couldn't be further from the truth.  Michael has all sorts of reputations that have been given based on his look rather than substance... Mike has natural leadership qualities, and should step into spotlight as his squad's leader in the next ten years.

Patrick:

• Current Rep: Three Point Gunner and Movement Savant.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Defensive Stopper.
• Commentary: In Minneapolis, Patrick showed the realities of defense... Defense is mostly a commitment more than it is a skill... His shot was off, so he chose to step into a defensive role, becoming a maniac on the court.  His quick feet, anticipation, and surprising strength make him a really tough guy to score on when committed.  When he does this, he will round himself out as one of the most complete players in PCTI.

Ben:

• Current Rep: High's and Low's Guy.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Consistency.
• Commentary: My goodness this guy drives me crazy.  Whether it be on or off the court, the guy is either all in, or all out.  Ben is someone who's energy can make or break a situation whether he's aware of it or not.  The guy single handedly kept PCTI going during the dark days with his dedication and wit, all the while having some of the most dominant performances on the court during that time.

Josh:

• Current Rep: Top Player.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Vocal Leader.
• Commentary: Josh's performances have always spoken louder than his words... After ten years of that, it's time he steps into the realities - People listen to him.  They gravitate to his effort and desire his insight.  

Michael Orr:

• Current Rep: Guy That Doesn't Care But Still Contributes.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Dedicated Player.
• Commentary: One of the top teammates you will ever play with, Orr lead the rebranding charge years ago as a basketball hater that refused to quit PCTI... Well, he's still here, and is slowly re-emerging as a guy who (in spite of himself) still manages to contribute quality performances with his incredibly passing ability, great touch, help side defense, on-court communication and freakish instincts.  There's going to be a year where Orr emerges out of nowhere with a vintage performance, and whenever it is, that squad is getting a steal.

Deuce:

• Current Rep: Perfect Guy.
• Rebranding Opportunity: None.
• Commentary: How can you rebrand when you're already perfect.  Please don't change, ever.

Danny:

• Current Rep: Do It All Guy Who Does Nothing Well.
• Rebranding Opportunity: Good Basketball Player.
• Commentary: No one has managed to keep themselves more relevant by having a big mouth than Danny.  On-Court visionary who recently became a turnover master.  Shooter that shoots a low percentage.  Defensive stopper who constantly gets scored on.  Point guard who can't dribble.  High effort guy that constantly take plays off.  For the love of the stars, figure it out.

PCTI 11 SQUADS