It's been a while since we have done a strengths/weaknesses by player... PCTI12 brought out depths we have never seen, and because of it, it's important we debunk the seemingly ageless narratives that have plagued so many of us.
See below for underrated and overrated narratives by player relating to their on court contributions. This post is not edited, not that if I re-read it it would fix much of anything.
Sabin
- Underrated: Rebounding/Interior Contributions
- Overrated: Basketball IQ
- Commentary: At 7.1 rpg, Sabin ranked fourth in PCTI12, despite being on his personal minutes restriction... A stat even more impressive when you recognize many of his minutes were spent guarding players on the perimeter. On the opposite end of the spectrum one has to ask at what point we stop slapping the "C" on Sabin's chest immediately upon being drafted, given his 1-9 career record. To answer my own question, I say never... He will always be my captain.
Smooth:
- Underrated: Finishing
- Overrated: Basketball IQ
- Commentary: Sans a wide open right handed layup on the right side of the court (which he never actually shoots), the guy has some of the best touch around the basket you will ever see, as shown from his 46% from the field... Good for second overall in PCTI. Regarding his basketball IQ, it's not that he's not a smart player, he just suffers from a serious psychological defect that makes it hard for him to stay engaged in the game. The amount of time he spends running around trying to get someone to upset him to "get him going" almost took down the Boxes.
TP:
- Underrated: Back to the Basket Game
- Overrated: Ability to Control Kyle
- Commentary: TP is stud, there's no other way to spin it... He's consistently gotten better over the years, and puts PCTI in an interesting situation given that he's not only the biggest physical freak in this, but also a top three hard worker... TP's post game was on display in 12, converting many sky hooks, showcasing a soft touch and that he's not just a put back guy. I hate to say anything negative about him given just how much of a stud he was, but my goodness look at Kyle's numbers.
Kyle:
- Underrated: Dribble Creation
- Overrated: Rebounding
- Commentary: When Sabin makes comments wondering how PCTI continues to get better, a big piece of it is what Kyle has brought as not only PCTI's best player, but hardest worker. When the standard is set here, there are two options - The rest of us get better, or we retire... The latter of which is not an option. This year Kyle showcased his ability to run the offense through dribble creation, and it was a huge reason for the Boxes success.. On the contrary, I guess I'll site his rebounding being overrated just to say something... And rather then just take it for what it is, he will probably get pissed at me and bring it up three years later, after three consecutive rebounding titles.
Juice:
- Underrated: Passing
- Overrated: Work Ethic
- Commentary: Juice finally will get the credit he deserves for his unbelievable ability to facilitate offense and see the floor, as shown by leading PCTI12 with 4.7 apg. This isn't anything new as much as it is people are finally understanding that when he jumps up with his back turned, to just stay in position knowing he will somehow find the open man. When work ethic is sighted as overrated, it's hard to believe given how tireless his effort is... However, his refusal to play basketball heading into PCTI12 probably cost him some points, which ultimately probably cost him an ATT selection because he fills up the other stat categories.
Cum:
- Underrated: Guard Play
- Overrated: Post Play
- Commentary: Cum is a top shooter in PCTI, a guy who is fluid from everywhere outside of the lane. He hits the open man, plays within himself, and doesn't pound the ball. On the contrary, he was dead last in rebounds, and I'm still mad at him... Going on 20+ years.
Hops:
- Underrated: Post Offense
- Overrated: Nice Guy Reputation
- Commentary: There's no better storyline then Hops's rebrand from Mr. Nice Guy to top PCTI bully. The guy pushed around anyone in his path with his brute physical and mental strength... Hops has continued to show significant development with his back to the basket game, converting his post up lean in turnaround to either an easy basket, or a trip to the foul line.
The Boy:
- Underrated: Brat Outs
- Overrated: Effort
- Commentary: At some point it has to be said - The Boy does not play hard. A master of creating marketing narratives for his own reputation, the days of standing behind "limiting unnecessary movements" needs to be replaced with the fact that he's a lazy bum who when he decides to turn it up, moves from beached whale to sloth status. It's also time to recognize although seemingly quiet on the court, he's good for one brief lash out on whichever player on the opposite team is complaining the most, and usually happens after he misses his 10th straight shot.
The Beast:
- Underrated: Shot Creation
- Overrated: Size
- Commentary: The Beast does not get enough credit for how difficult he can be to guard in one on one situations... Although impossible to site what physical trait helps him most in the situation, the guy is constantly getting himself open and in scoring positions. I would put him in the top 2 (maybe the best) at ways he's able to score. On the down side, his size is a complete joke and he's cut his RPG's almost in half since rebranding as the Beast.
Part 2 coming whenever I can get the energy to re-launch.
