Saturday, December 3, 2011

Scouting Report: Jeff Sabin

PCTI2 Totals:
PPG-10.3
RPG-7.7
APG-1.7

Pro's:

High percentage shooter with a solid perimeter and mid range game. Quality finisher when going right. Addition of bulk and physicality have been incremental to his game. Can shoot it accurately off the dribble. Uses the glass effectively in mid-range game. Improved rebounder that smacks the air out of the ball when cleaning glass. Elite conditioning helps him run the floor and wear down the D. Good handle and passer. Enjoys mixing it up down low. Quickness and physicality compliment his love for defense nicely. Coach on the court. Effective in the post against weaker defensive players. Rarely misses a free throw. Offseason regiman is the best in the business.

Con's:

Still finding his PCTI niche. Despite a solid PCTI2 performance, constantly battled with teammates and did not play to his strengths. Character issues. Post game is strictly based on physicality and a fade away. Obsession with being physical detracts from his biggest strength-Shooting. Angers teammates and the opposition with cries when attacking the basket. Villain ways make the PCTI faithful wonder if he can get along with anyone on the court. Not quite as strong as he thinks just yet.

Overall:

0-2. Underwhelming PCTI1 performance. Controversial PCTI2 performance. Clashes with teammates. Yells at refs. Swung at by Joe Thompson. Despite all the negatives, Sabin earned himself a leadership role moving into PCTI3, and was extremely scrutinized for drafting his guys-A bunch of tough, hard nosed, mean, well conditioned athletes that enjoy hurting people almost as much as they do winning basketball games. Within minutes of the draft, Coach Sabin laid out a clearly defined offseason plan, combined with each players role on the team. Is this type of structure and comraderie what his teams have lacked the last two PCTI's? Sabin has not played anywhere close to his potential, and the first tournament in his hometown should be just what the Dr. ordered. That being said, Sabin has given Breaking Bad more than enough bulletin board material in one offseason. Expect them to come out gunning for him in PCTI3.

Scouting Report: Ben Wilson

PCTI2 Totals:
PPG-12.7
RPG-8.3
APG-2.6

Pro's:

Dynamic offensive player. Explosive scorer that can hurt the defense from anywhere on the court. Sneaky quickness complimented with a strong spin move make it tough to stop him from getting to the hoop. Good touch around the basket and can finish with either hand. Great handle and vision. Size, guard skills and rarely used post up game make him a matchup nightmare. Positive energy guy. Plus rebounder despite not putting a premium on it.

Con's:

Defensive stance and effort are laughable. Gives too much space one on one and tends to zone out. Big time streak shooter that has put up some of the best and worst games in PCTI history. Has the tendency to try and take over despite being on a cold streak. Conditioning comes into question and has proven he wants to get by off skill and talent, rather than dedicating himself to a rigorous offseason regiman. Lack of access to quality hoops game will work against him. Despite ability to hit from anywhere on the court, percentages show the 40ft. jumpers need to go.

Overall:

A two-time All PCTI winner, Wilson has cemented himself as an elite scorer, rebouner, and overall performer despite his career record of 0-2. Fresh off a performance that landed him the #1 pick slot, questions will linger if the Wilson/Sabin combination is ready for a breakthrough, or if it's just not meant to be. Will he dedicate himself to a lighter version of Sabin's offseason workout plan? Most will guess no. If no is accurate, will we see any improvements in Wilson? If so, expect Wilson to lose the "Defeated" label and compete with Sabin in the MVP race. If not, expect a few great games, a few bad games, and a few games he is too tired to care.

Scouting Report: Dawson Huff

PCTI1 Totals:
PPG-12.3
RPG-2.8
APG-.8

Pro's:

Posseses a rare set shot that he can hit from all platforms. Shoots a high percentage and rarely takes bad shots. Try hard guy that is more vocal on the court than he is off it. Plays with heart and loves the game. Strong post up game with an arsenal of moves almost as excessive as his arsenal of jokes. Borderline unblockable shot that is released at it's highest point. Career 90% FG shooter. Not dynamic but solid defender that slides his feet and is very disciplined. Good teammate and good measurables for a guard. Never gets tired and leaves it all out on the floor. Decorated career at McMinville Community College shows he can compete at an extremely high level.

Con's:

Destructive leg injury is still being rehabilitated. Strong box out guy but does not compliment that skill with rebounding production. A very willing passer but not known as a guy that's going to hurt you with his vision. Not explosive in any sense of the word. Character questions off the court.

Overall:

Huff came out of the gates in PCTI1 and had one of the best tournaments to date from an efficiency perspective, shooting a high %, playing strong defense and making few poor decisions. His passionate play and love for the game will be on display more than ever after missing PCTI2. How he responds to his leg injury will be key, but don't expect anything less than 50% shooting, 10 ppg, and a lot of Jim Carrey jokes from 1990 whenever it is that Huff is able to set foot on the PCTI hardwood next.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Scouting Report: Michael Beasley

PCTI2 Projected Stats:
PPG-9.6
RPG-5.2
APG-1.4

Pro's:

Skilled, relentless, physical defender that enjoys being disruptive. Discipline and quickness make him very difficult to score on. Long and athletic. Plays full throttle at all times. Attacks the basket offensively and can finish. Accurate shooter that can hit from anywhere. Good rebounder despite not being overly physically imposing. Strong base on defense. Good teammate that comes from a winning program. Training regimen at high altitudes should be a positive. Super competitive.

Con's:

Despite looking good recently, still rehabbing his body into basketball shape after a two year hiatus from a torn pectoral muscle. Has been known to try and take over occasionally. Does not prefer defending the post and has no game with his back to the basket. Shot can be inconsistent. Lack of PCTI experience could be a weakness. Passion for the game came into question in college but appears re-dedicated. Not known as a top notched passer despite being very willing.

Overall:

A relatively complete player on paper, Beasley will be the only rookie entering the PCTI ranks. Seems to be a good fit in Team Legs Feed the Kitten system as a defensive stopper, energy guy, and scorer. Will need the leadership of Jeff Sabin to make sure he is ready for the marathon that is PCTI. Has been well received for his engagement in emails early on. Currently training in Lake Tahoe can be a positive and negative, as his lack of competition should be a significant draw back. Will he be ready for top competition? If Sabin's tuteledge can keep him focused, expect to hear Beasley talked about in the All-Tournament ranks for years to come.

Scouting Report: Wes Murray

PCTI2 Totals:
PPG-3.3
RPG-1.4
APG-1.4

Pro's:

Relentless, stout defender that gives the offense no space to operate. Completely erases his assignment from the offensive glass through superior box out technique and effort. A+ teammate that seems to find hole's in the defense. Shows flashes as a knock down shooter with range. Deceptive quick first step. Utilizes shot fakes to keep defenses off balance. Looks great in black.

Con's:

Conditioning/passion concerns will continue to linger throughout the entire offseason. Mystery man that thrives on no one knowing his whereabouts. Documented his love for Chick Fil-A as one of his biggest detractors from his PCTI performance. Not quite known as a superior athlete. Lack of playing in the offseason played a part in him losing some of his offensive PCTI1 aggressiveness. We will not be calling him the next Steve Jobs anytime soon.

Overall:

Murray came into PCTI as a huge question mark, as he was only known by a few and was coming in with a significant ankle injury. He displayed excellent toughness fighting through the pain and putting together a very solid performance, playing a big role in some key victories for Team A Hop. The move from college to professional life took it's toll on him, as his offseason training regimen became non-existant. Question marks will continue to surround this mystery man as to what Wes Murray we will be seeing. Additionally, who is the true Wes Murray? Despite a strong performance, playing on a bum ankle for 6 games takes it's toll, so one can't help but to wonder truly what the man is capable of.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Scouting Report: Dan "The Man" Krow

PCTI2 Totals:
PPG-3.7
RPG-3.3
APG-2.7

Pro's:

Throws a great overhead pass. Making a name for himself as a master of the hit ahead pass, which has resulted in 2 assists combined in PCTI1 and 2. Excellent post feeder. Good verbals. Great passer from the post. Wide array of post moves. Willing screen setter.

Con's:

Known as a high motor guy that actually has a very inconsistent motor. Gets discouraged if not heavily involved in the game, despite showing no aggressiveness when incorporated. Known as a knock down mid range jump shooter that actually shoots a very low percentage from 15ft. Terrible touch around the basket and even worse from three-point range. Lacks quickness and has extremely slow feet. Does not attack the basket as a PG. Talks the proper game but does not actually go through with the words that come out of his mouth. Tends to talk guys into shooting wide open shots, which typically results in baskets for the opposition. Although appears to set a lot of screens, Krow usually just runs to a general area and tries to get in the way of a defender without making actual contact.

Overall:

Big mouth that has cemented himself in the upper echelon of PCTI talent through savvy moves of organization, excessive email and blog posts, and overall engagement. Krow has consistently been picked at the top of each draft despite consistently low shooting percentages, along with point and rebounding totals. Tries to play up his assists, A/TO ratio and steals but each stat is so minimal you can't help but to question how much those stats are actually impacting the game. After two years of giving every excuse in the book, Krow is in a good place with access to everything he claims he has needed, so look at PCTI3 as put up or shut up time for the man they call "The Commish."

Scouting Report: Bryan McKinney

PCTI2 Totals:
PPG-6.3
RPG-4.7
APG-1.0

Pro's:

Rifleman with a lightning quick release. Relentless when crashing the offensive glass. Motor never stops running. When hot, can do serious damage to the opposition. Ultra-confident offensively. Best in the business when it comes to hedging screens. Forces turnover's by excessively jumping passing lanes. Will not shy away from a charge under any circumstances. Typically in superior condition and never gets tired. Runs the floor for hit aheads with the best of them and wears down the defense. Cross Fit.

Con's:

Has not been in typical Bryan McKinney shape the last two PCTI's. Some would question whether his head was in it or if he was more focused on the bar exam. Has been less aggressive offensively, taking a more passive role and deferring to lesser shooters. Typically known as a low IQ basketball player. Willing post feeder but otherwise leads something to be desired when it comes to passing. Has not been as effective crashing the offensive glass due to letting himself go in PCTI2.

Overall:

Despite his best efforts to stay quiet and keep a low profile in PCTI, McKinney's decision to join the Cross Fit ranks has made him the most scrutinized, talked about player in the PCTI3 offseason. When motivated and in shape, the sky is the limit as to what he can do. Will he come out firing, crashing the glass relentlessly, and wearing out whoever is guarding him, or will he come out just trying to fit in the flow of the game? When you have the natural tools McKinney posseses, fitting in does not do him justice. Time will tell, but expect to hear the name Bryan McKinney, Cross Fit, and question marks a lot the next four months leading up to the big weekend.