PCTI Questionnaire 2019 (Part II)

Here is part 2!

Deuce

When did you join PCTI? Been there since the beginning, a Real OG

What has been your favorite PCTI? Tough one….Scottsdale, AZ

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Waking up to some freshly squeezed juice….Thanks Juice Mon

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI?

For me, it’s the overall experience that PCTI provides….Friendship/Brotherhood.  I believe that we all pick up where we all left off last, even if we haven’t been in touch.  We build upon the memories we’ve formed over the years, even if we don’t talk often.  I hope that we all understand that, no matter what the situation may present, that one could reach out to any one in this group and they’d step up…..Deep thoughts……

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? San Diego with the bottle service

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? Insuring that this annual event continues for a lifetime.

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Providenciales – Turks & Caicos

Bruiser

When did you join PCTI? Numero Uno

What has been your favorite PCTI? Tough. Lexington (1), San Diego and Cincy are close for me. Would probably go with SD. 

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Being able to watch the games the night after we play and make fun of ourselves. 

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? When Abe, BC and I bonded over space/sci fi stuff and watched Event Horizon. The River Float. The Squeeze. 

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? Scottsdale 

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? Nothing comes to mind at the moment. 

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Tampa. Go hit up Bush Gardens.

Joe

When did you join PCTI? 2009

What has been your favorite PCTI? San Diego

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Deuce

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? Surprisingly no one really farts around each other. Very classy assholes here.

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? San Diego overall. My Mexican dinner in Portland with a crew of 6 was pretty amazing. 

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? Best of 5.

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Seattle, NY, Chicago, Miami, Nola, MEMPHIS

Ben

When did you join PCTI? OG BRAH

What has been your favorite PCTI? Cincy bc of the competitiveness of the series and the best gym we’ve played in IMO. 

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Being able to play back the days previous games instantly to always have on in the background of hangs

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? the Kittens fiasco, the stats team from Lexington, Minny lake day, the tribute video in Portland, the morning squeeze were five that just came to me

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? Portland

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? Hard to improve perfection, but I wish more attention was paid to the gyms we play in. Feel like we could be consistently better. 

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? I always liked the Charleston idea. Or Toronto. 

BC

When did you join PCTI? PCTI I #OGStatus

What has been your favorite PCTI? Cincinnati - the basketball was super competitive for the first time in a few years. Getting everyone under one roof was great and we took a big step towards getting our "final roster" by adding a few new guys. The off court activity was solid with the float on the river being one of our better outings. Plus, a near death experience on the highway makes for a good story.

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Assuming you don't mean Deuce...Do the extra days count? More time together, more time for the body to recover. It's the only way this thing could have survived as we all get older. 

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? The friendships are great but for me the first thought of PCTI is still the hoops. It's so nice to compete for a few days each year. 

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? I need to do a better job seeing the cities, I'm always so tired. I thought Dallas/Plano was my favorite - I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything being too tired to think or function and just wanting to eat or drink at the first nearest spot. Suburbia is built for that and Plano is a solid suburb. 

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? I wish there was a way to consistently have in-game stats. The few times we've had those they've been very useful and make for good convo. 

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? To me the city is secondary to the housing...I think we should look for the best rental we can find amenity wise and then plan PCTI around that, no matter where it is. A true mansion with a pool would be awesome. 

Sabin

When did you join PCTI? I’m a day 1 PCTI member. First PCTI was 1 in Lexington. I think at the time I only knew Dan, Hops, and JT.

What has been your favorite PCTI? Favorite PCTI was a tie between II and VII. II because it was the beginning of my heel turn villainy, plus it was an underrated, super-competitive series. VII because it was the redemption of my PCTI career after having been lost in the Huff wilderness for 2 years. Plus, super competitive series as well.

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Best addition to PCTI has been the ability to have videos on demand at YouTube. Allows for easy viewing and reference to previous events. Keeps it fresh and alive.

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? For me, one of the more memorable personal moments was receiving a birthday cake from the group in Cincinnati on my 40th birthday. I felt like I had been re-integrated into the brotherhood and my character arc had come full circle. It was also very gratifying to win my first PCTI in San Diego. Sounds silly that it took 8 years, but it was like a deep inhale after being under water for so long

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? Favorite city was San Diego. What’s not to like? Weather, hot chicks, best team I played for...

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? PCTI would be improved by allowing some guys to be captain that haven’t had a chance yet. Would be cool to see Biz, Spot, Don, Bruise, etc... get their chance to build a team and have fun with it

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? A cool city would be Austin, TX. Food, facilities, fun.

AHOP

When did you join PCTI? One of the OG7

What has been your favorite PCTI? Cincy… the games were intense and close, added some new key guys, cool city, the float… but having everyone stay in a house for the first time really took it to another level.

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Even though it was from the beginning, getting these on video is my favorite. Not only can we look back and relive some of these great moments, we also get Deuce at every PCTI.

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? Too many to count but Sabin’s speech in Cincy was incredible. The OG vid watch sesh before PCTI II getting drunk off wine and chasing Reuben (RIP). Spotlight falling in love his first PCTI with Angaleeee. DK’s video he showed in Portland. Cramp game.

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? Portland – incredible city, great food, plus all that #nature!

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? 2 things… 1) pay for the stat keepers from Lexington to join us every year. (I know it’s not realistic, but I can dream!) 2) Improve referees – one idea I’ve had is to reach out to the state’s high school association and see if there’s anything we could do together for a win win situation. This is a half-baked idea.

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Dickson, TN…. HAHA Still got it! For real, Vancouver or Toronto

DK

When did you join PCTI?  OG.... Til death do us part.  

What has been your favorite PCTI? Hoops: Cincy - Fun: SD.

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI?  Having everyone in the same house.

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? Abe (PCTI1) saying "I can't believe we are really doing this" will be a tough act to follow... The other most memorable for me was PCTI surviving Denver due to the circumstances (Sabin and Donley getting injured a month before, Skillz taking a new job and bailing, Pitto just bailing, me going through a miserable time and Abe's work on ).  That was PCTI's transition year.  I still credit Ben for keeping the group together during this time, which is why his lack of engagement these days destroys me daily.  

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city?  Scottsdale.  

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI?  The answer is yes, I just don't know what it is at the moment... Once I do, I'll make sure it gets done.  All that said, a few roster tweaks would hit the spot, but that's out of my control.  

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI?  Des Moines, Iowa.

Abe

When did you join PCTI? PCTIOG

What has been your favorite PCTI? Plano - That was the year I could see the staying power. The lead up was probably the best of any year with the introduction of the blog and podcast (RIP) and the engagement was at it's peak. I was the captain of the team that swept so afterward I was riding high from that. Joe got a handy. Plano was a nice surprise and it was the first "out of town" experience for us. Beas and Spot came on board. So many good things about that year...

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Hands down the bottle service night in SD. A night I will never forget although a lot of it is pretty fuzzy. Seeing Sabin let loose and show his "wild" side was worth every penny of the 2 bottles we ordered at 3am and left for the Help

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI?

Lex 1 - One of the most epicly fun nights I've ever had with Ahop, a solid 15 minutes of sleep before day 2 after 4 games the day prior (oh to be young again), the BLUE, the stat keepers being super cool, and of course the infamous cramp game

Lex 2 - Beerman's gf not looking up from her phone a single time over the course of 3 days

Plano - Smoking American Spirits with Spot on a balcony, Angeleeeeeee, sweeping

Scottsdale - The most beautiful people I've ever seen in one place, the golf carts, Dan on the links, hot tubbing with the bros, was this the first year of the Smo van? If so, that 

Denver - n/a

Portland - Nature hike, the foreshadowing of Wes standing alone in that group pic, my introduction into the wonderful world of food truck villages

Cincy - The myriad of vacant/abandoned buildings around town, bonding with the Stickman over weed, nature, and his love of outer space

San Diego - Zoo day was splendid, the house was dope af, Deuce grilling up meat and Juice juicing, the second floor Slay Bungalow, waking up 40 minutes before departure and somehow miraculously making my flight

Minny - Bottle service amongst an entire club of rolling 18 year olds, Act working his Hollywood magic to get a large number of dudes in da club the previous night, watching two fat black chicks grind on him and then one pulling out her massive titties (probably my second favorite PCTI memory)

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? San Diego

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? Add an extra day

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Miami for a Christmas PCTI

PCTI Questionnaire 2019 (Part I)

Thanks to everyone for your response. I really enjoyed these. Also, I'm definitely not posting the response to saying something nice about Dan because he is the WORST... Here is part 1 which includes everyone that joined PCTI after year 1:

Kyle

When did you join PCTI? 2018

What has been your favorite PCTI? Minny duh

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? N/A

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? Not speaking to Dan the entire lake trip in Minny

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? Minny duh

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? could have added me sooner

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Vegas

Andy

When did you join PCTI? Joined in 2017

What has been your favorite PCTI? San Diego

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Bottle Service

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? BC getting drugged, Dan getting a random morning blow job

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city?  San Diego

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI?  Make sure the gyms is legit. We fly all the way out there and have a great time but the hoops is still the focus. So the facility I would like to have a great place to play and the rest we can figure out from there.

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI?  Orlando!!

Juice

When did you join PCTI? My first year of PCTI was VII in Cincinnati.

What has been your favorite PCTI? So far PCTI VIII in SD has been my favorite.  

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? I could be wrong about this, but I think before VII not everyone got into the city on Wed.  I enjoy the Wed evening gatherings and think that it is a good addition.

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? Everytime I’m on the airplane is very memorable and enjoyable for me.  I like the calmness of flying and being able to think about the upcoming hoops.  A single event would be the float trip in Cincinnati.    

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? Favorite city would be Minneapolis.  I’ve never been there and thought it was a well rounded city and the night life scene was different and fun.  Also my future wife lives there.  

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? It would be a tall order for Deuce, but I would think camera time off the court at the AirBnB before and after games would provide some hilarious and interesting memories.  

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Miami (never been to a Florida beach).

TP

When did you join PCTI? 7 

What has been your favorite PCTI? 8 

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Have there been any sense I’ve joined? I love the one big activity - zoo - river float - boats. 

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? Ben - double calf cramp - might as well of drowned  his dog. The most defeated look I’ve maybe ever seen. 

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? SD! Granted my other two choices are cincy and minni lol 

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? As swanky as the radisson red is...would be dope to have enough room for everyone. Would def prefer to shell out a little more money and all be able to be in the same room without knowing who brushed their teeth and who didn’t.. 

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Austin 

Beas

When did you join PCTI? Plano

What has been your favorite PCTI? SD

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? SPLITTY

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? FINAL NIGHT PCTI SD

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? SD

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? YES

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? SEATTLE

Spotlight

When did you join PCTI? For III, whatever year that was. I'm never forgetting the slight that I wasn't invited from the beginning.

What has been your favorite PCTI? Super tough Q, I think Scottsdale had the most all-around awesomeness to it, from food to nightlife to basketball. 

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? This is a tie between nature excursions (waterfalls, floats, boats, beaches, etc.) #tyBeas and the increasing pageantry of the Saturday night dinner. Even the non-cool guys get rowdy on Sat night now. All the #DICKS need to stop booking flights before 7 AM on Sunday tho...

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? This isn't really the intent of the question but weirdly I think about the gyms a lot, first impressions, what I liked and hated about each one, how they impacted me as a player, etc. Probably because all the gyms I've been playing at in the UK are such shit.

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? I'm just going to list my fav thing about each city so as to not offend any host sensibilities. Plano: Angelie. Scottsdale: golf carts. Denver: the original hotel and Joe dancing at the bar. Cincy: the house and that Donley chili. Portland: the ref who wanted to be us and Beas. San Diego: the beach and beach bars obvs also getting hurt. Minny: trashy lake people, ping pong, and looking for CVS. 

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI? I miss the blog and podcast. We were so ahead of the podcast game. We should get an intern who can content manage us so that we keep the chatter going all year round. 

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Miami, never been, need an excuse.

Donley

When did you join PCTI? Year 2 in Lexington

What has been your favorite PCTI? Cincy - best host

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI? Saturday event, which forces everyone to be together instead of splitting off. Great way to close out the trip.

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI? Random one on one chats that get real, and not meaning deep - - but just real, when people put the shenanigan part of their personality down 

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city? Scottsdale - golf cart game was clutch

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI?  shot clock?

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI? Seattle, easy

Smo

When did you join PCTI? Year 2 aka the year PCTI became cool 

What has been your favorite PCTI? San Diego - not even close 

What has been your favorite addition (non player) to PCTI?  Pun's weed habit

Is there one (or more) very memorable thing that you think about from a PCTI?  Abe's punishment...and Pun's drug problem 

Outside of hoops, what has been your favorite city?  Denver - close second was Portland but too dirty 

Is there anything you think could be done to improve PCTI?  Get rid of Dan 

Maybe not next, but what city would you like to go for a future PCTI?  Miami, Vegas and somewhere overseas 

An Open Letter to PCTI

As you heard, me and Abe sat up late drinking some wine spritzers, gabbing about PCTI. Most of you know that Abe and I have known each other since we were 5, have played all types of sports together, lived together, and are basically brothers. We talked about other things, but PCTI dominated the conversation. The thing that we kept talking about is how special PCTI is. So I wanted to share some things with everyone that we talked about.

The first few years, I had a "power struggle" with Dan on who to add. This is probably one sided and DK didn't notice. It took me a while, but I finally realized that DK has always been open to things that I have brought up and it is way more efficient to let him, BC, and most anyone else know that I'm there to help but stay out of the way. I had to admit that I was on the wrong side of the fence a couple times. The first was when DK wanted to add Beas. I was against it and voiced my concern. I could sit here and give you all the excuses, but there's no point. Same thing happened a few years later with TP. I again was against it. I couldn't have been more wrong being opposed to them joining. After year 2, there have only been great additions. MY BAD FELLAS!

PCTI keeps us wanting to improve ourselves and basketball players and stay in shape. Abe actually said he would have retired from basketball by now if it was not for PCTI (dramatic much?). I would still play but probably play way more golf. The fact Sabin is old af and still performs at an incredible level drives me to be better. Seeing Beas shirtless makes me want to hit the gym more. Seeing Spotlights legs in his short shorts makes me want to shave my legs better. Seeing Smooth get fired up on defense and talk shit makes me want to do defensive drills. Watching Smo handout waters makes me want to hydrate better. Having something that pushes us, not wanting to let our teammates down when we show up is a great attribute of PCTI.

We talked about every single guy throughout the night. We didn't have a list we went down but at some point during the conversation all 17 guys were discussed. It has been cool to get to know these guys on a personal level. The posts, emails, and texts are all things that help keep us connected better than people we live in the same city with.

I told Abe this is a fraternity. You might not see someone for a year, but as soon as we get to our next city, a beat has not been missed. The intensity of the games is so great but the time we spend with each other off the court makes this trip what it is. This brotherhood is special thing and this year I'm expecting to be the best yet!

The 10th PCTI is less than 8 weeks away.... Let the anticipation build!!

Wrestling Comparisons - Current WWE

To force change from my previous wrestling comparisons, I'm going to use the current WWE crop.  I'll finish the rest at a later date.

Beas: Velveteen Dream
Zodiac Comparison: Taurus/Leo
Commentary: Eccentric, attractive, athletic with a knack for teasing people this combo couldn't be easier.

Psycho Carney: Drew McIntyre (The Scottish Psychopath)
Zodiac Comparison: Gemini/Gemini
Commentary: Previously rail thin converted physically imposing, these two Gemini's share good good mic skills and both have nothing short of 100 screws loose.

Actor: The Miz (The A-Lister)
Zodiac Comparison: Libra/Libra
Commentary: Hollywood wanna-be's that consistently deliver the highest level work but are chronically under appreciated due to sub-par physical make up and flair for the dramatic.

Donley: Roman Reigns
Zodiac Comparison: Gemini/Gemini
Commentary: Superior physical makeup, both men carry their company's banner, work hard, loves what they do, and brings it everytime they play... Most fittingly, both arouse passion for better or worse....

Huck: Brock Lesnar (The Beast Incarnate)
Zodiac Comparison: Capricorn/Cancer
Commentary: Both showed up to something new and used their superior skill set to dominate right out of the gates.  Combining size, strength and skill, both Lesnar and Huck have earned the right to be called "The Beast."  They both also prefer mouthpieces rather than put a lot of time in on the mic.  Huck's hook and Brock's suplexes are two of the most used, and successful moves I've ever seen.

Hops: Triple H (The Game)
Zodiac Comparison: Leo/Leo
Commentary: Both Hops and Triple H have grown in their respected fields through their love for the game.  They both somehow end up in the middle of everything, wear many hats, have a history of leading factions, speak slowly, and bounce from super serious to comedic relief non-stop.  Take away Triple H's bodybuilder look, and these two are the same person. 

PCTI - Longest Yard Comparison

Taking some motivation out of the Beast's posts, and acknowledging that I did not watch a second of the Super Bowl, I figured I would throw together a post about two football teams I legitimately enjoy.

The Beast: Guard Englehart

Key Similarities: Personality swings/anger issues/emotional moments.  Couldn't you see the Beast tossing the water cooler upside down, than crying at dinner after one of his speeches?

Smooth: Brucie

Key Similarities: Overconfidence, disinterest in women when crowds are around, heavy interest in women behind the scenes, gets hyped when it's his turn to shine with no regard for his teammates state of mind.  Poise.

Smooth when his team is down 50 and he hits a three...

Smooth poised under pressure.

Smooth at the 53 mark.

Hops: Warden Hazen

Key Similarities: Competitive spirit, leader, no frills, speechmaster.  Couldn't you see Hops giving one of yearly in huddle ass chewings?  It's only a matter of time before he stops giving it to his team, and starts threatening the opposition.

Donley: Cheeseburger Eddie

Key Similarities: Business acumen, great body, athleticism, center of attention, creativity, good rhythm.

Smo: Caretaker

Key Similarities: Humor, desire to be involved in everything but the game, trouble starter.  Pretty sure Smo has started, and not engaged in fights very similar to the below.

Sticky: Switowski

Key Similarities: Freak of nature strength, sensitivity, soft on the inside, protective nature.  Would guess 90% of Sticky's ass kickings he's delivered is because of defending smaller motormouths, similar to the below.  Side note: If you watch this, please acknowledge the amazing delivery of the word "Bitch" by Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Huck: Deacon Jones

Key Similarities: In game dominance, physical presence, quiet demeanor, elite talent.  Similar response from The Beastie Boys when he walked in and took over PCTI9.

Juice: Meggett

Key Similarities: Nice guy that's not nice, compliant guy that's not compliant, unassuming, speed and stamina, unafraid to do what needs to be done if rubbed the wrong way.  The below video covers Juice in a nutshell.

Sabin: Coach Nate Scarborough

Key Similarities: In game strategist, longevity, crunch time scoring, heart.  Rest assure Sabin's PCTI career will end in one of two ways: Death, or a similar situation like the below.

Abe: Captain Knauer

Key Similarities: Elite talent, quiet before the storm demeanor, prone to flipping out on teammates.  Around the two minute mark is Abe, at least once a year.

The Boy: Turley

Key Similarities: Dumb, rivalry with authority, loose screws, stiff.

Spotlight: Torres

Key Similarities: Resistance to authority, Hispanic, well cultured, political views, exotic.  Spot as Torres around 3:45 mark.

Beas: Papajohn

Key Similarities: Looks, jaw structure, athleticism, rivalry with Turley/The Boy, world class tantalizer.

Ben: Fat Tony

Key Similarities: Lack of commitment, funny guy, lazy demeanor.  The 1:00 mark reminds me a lot of Ben's current passion in his PCTI bretheren.

Actor: Paul Crewe:

Key Similarities: Hollywood showman, uber talented, shady business dealings, in game volatility, big plays, public displays of affection, love for the camera.

My Top 5 Memories from Minny (Off Court)

I enjoy off the court stuff during PCTI almost as much as the battle on the court. I try and engage with everyone at least for a little bit, whether that’s catching up on personal stuff, talking hoops, or just enjoying the moment. One of my favorite parts of PCTI is getting to explore a new city and some of the things it has to offer (especially the local watering holes). I also like to reflect on highlights off the court, because while our play is well documented (thanks Deuce), the off the court activities sometimes get hazy due to excess booze, promiscuous women, late hours and few only a few pics/vids (thank God). When looking back at last year, PCTI9 was so great off the court, I didn’t even dive into Abe sending a nude pic he received from a girl to everyone at 5 am or Juice showing out every night, including a Sunday date and wallet mishap. Here are the top 5 memories for me from PCTIIX:

1.       TP Shotgunning in DK’s face

Dan organized an incredible day on the lake with 2 boats for the crew and in typical Dan fashion immediately made it a competition by having a draft to see who is on which boat. IMO there were 3 potential #1 picks, TP (power gap), Beas and Deuce. Deuce went first, Beas went 3^rd, and TP went…. 14^th? Dafuq? In real life, TP is on the lake in East TN constantly and loves the water. What a slap in the face from Dan (and BC) to be drafted so low. TP decided to symbolically dunk on Dan and hang his nuts in his face by climbing on top of one of the boats, yelled at Dan, and shotgunned a beer while looking like a Greek god. From that moment on, TP was in charge of the lake. This moment kicked off an afternoon on the lake that I will never forget.

2.       The QP growing into the “Cool Guys”

Cincy really changed the landscape of PCTI because we consolidated to one house to all stay in. I think the group dynamic really changed because of the addition of some new people and everyone hanging together at the house. Unfortunately, we got duped in Minny and was physically impossible for all of us to stay at that 2BR apartment. This created an unintentional divide in the group by separating us. The group that ended up in the hotel were QP and the BeardenBoyz, all of which are eager to tie one on at the local pubs. Since PCTI7, the QP had been in serious talks about expanding but nothing had ever fully presented itself to do so. NOW WAS THE TIME. The hotel made it easy to expand, but we needed the Bored (and others) to disapprove. We got that confirmation from DK when he labeled us as “The Cool Guys” and others decided to pile on. The above mentioned and Juice, were labeled going forward. Luckily, we lived up to the hype. So, thanks DAN!

3.       Joe’s Grind Sesh

Another unique thing happened this year: Friday night was THE night and Joe owned the night. Joe is usually in the mix to own a night when he goes out, but he took this night to a level that I’m not sure he knew he had. After dinner, people had spread out at different bars. A group of us wound up at some wanna be night club and tried to get everyone to come meet us there. After a small group got rejected for dress code, Joe transformed into JT$ingz and somehow got the group into the bar. A hype man with a microphone appeared and loved Act and kept referencing the “guys from LA!” Joe hits the dance floor, showing off the best moves in Minny since Prince (RIP). The next thing I know, the dance floor is packed of people watching multiple black girls, all weighing over 230 lbs, grind all over Joe. It kept escalating until one went face to face with Joe, leaned back as far as she could, pulled her titties out and bounced them up and down. At that point, we all knew we were shutting the bar down that night.

4.       Beas Starting the Question

Before Joe’s big night dancing, we started the night with a nice family dinner. Good food, great conversations, and just a very chill environment. Then things escalated. I believe Beas initially asked Spot the question, but soon each person was being pulled aside asked. There were a few people who did not want to answer (I guess for fear of being viewed as an actual homosexual). The reason I thought it was hysterical was every time Beas asked someone, they actually thought through the answer. The explanations were hysterical because of the explanations for who they chose someone or not choose someone. I don’t remember all the details, but I do know Smo was a fan favorite.

5.       The vids

I did not get to chill and watch a lot of the games at PCTI9 due to taping the video with everyone. I honestly thought it would take about an hour and a half to get through all the interviews and be able to have a laugh or two. It turned into something much better though. It took a long time, but I laughed in every interview and everyone took time to seriously answer the questions. The most lasting impression I had was how great of an event this is and how much this group of guys means to us all. I honestly got chills many times during this. Hopefully this video turns out half as good for the audience as it was for me.

PCTI9 will be hard to top but I think PCTIX is going to do that!

PCTI Super Bowl LIII comps

Time for a Super Bowl themed PCTI comps post, courtesy of Beast. Nobody gets Brady, sorry. 

The Rams: 

DAN - Jared Goff: The QB is always the leader of the team and Dan is the unquestioned (actually, always questioned) leader of PCTI. But this comparison is more about their shared career arc. Goff went from possibly being a bust to possibly being elite almost overnight. Dan had a similar trajectory, going from arguably a bottom-five player, to arguably a top-five player. Also, Goff famously admitted on Hard Knocks that he didn’t know if the sun set in the east or the west…Would it shock you if Dan didn’t know this either? 

HUCK - Aaron Donald: Both are immune to double teams, though coach Sabin chose to single up Kyle for much of last year, resulting in one of the most prolific stat lines in PCTI history. Don’t look for Bill Belichick to be as thick-headed when dealing with Donald. Physical specimens who have lived up to the hype, like Donald, not a lot is known about Kyle, other than he’s really, really good. 

SABIN - Andrew Whitworth: The easiest comp on the list. Whitworth is among the oldest players in the NFL and is considered the current player most likely to become a head coach upon retirement. How is Whitworth still around? Like Sabin, despite his age, he’s remained one of the best at his craft. Both are consummate family men and devoted fathers, as well as beloved teammates. Both also had their primes wasted by playing on trash teams. Whitworth with the Bengals (apologies to Donley) and Sabin to the Kittens and others. 

SMOOTH - CJ Anderson: Just like Smooth, Anderson was a late addition, joining the Rams in the last month of the season. Just like Smooth, Anderson appears to have done nothing in the way of training, despite knowing full well he was joining a group that would be in tip-top shape. Yet neither seems to care that they’re out of shape. They know they can play, they know they’re only needed in limited roles and they’re completely comfortable taking opportunities as they come with the utmost confidence. Do they care that they look like bums or that they’ll only play half the game tops? Not even a little. Probably wouldn’t want it any other way. Are they strangely effective? Yep. 

BRUISER - Nndamoken Suh: How much could I destroy Bruiser by comparing him to some soft offensive player? I’ll pass on the chance. Suh and Stick Man both are big, strong and crave physicality. Both also take special treatment and a team that is willing to cater to their idiosyncrasies. Suh washed out of Detroit and Miami. Bruiser does best surrounded by ‘his guys.’ Despite that neither are plug-and-play from a culture fit perspective, both are considered immensely talented and both are noted for being good teammates. 

BEAS - Sean McVay: McVay may be the only figure in sports who has built a more bullet-proof reputation than Biz. Simply breathing the same air as the Rams’ boy-genius coach has advanced the careers of countless other coaches. Short of having a desk in the Oval Office, there may not be a more scrutinized or criticized career than NFL head coach and yet McVay can seemingly do no wrong. Likewise, Beas - himself singularly immune to comparative statistical analysis - could take a dump on the center circle and still get at least a handful of A/T votes. How do they do it? Certainly a proven track record of success is a big part of it. But soo to is looking damn good in the moment. Sex sells. 

TP - Todd Gurley: From a fringe MVP candidate in consecutive seasons to, “wait, is Todd Gurley active? Did I miss something?!” The recent career arcs of both TP and Gurley are strangely similar. Both have to be injured, right? To each’s credit, they never blame the injuries and are quick to take blame and praise teammates. When  either is healthy they can swing games in a moment. 

The Patriots: 

BEAST - Julian Edelman: Both are ruggedly handsome and annoyingly above average in terms of consistent. Edelman has made a career out of five straight weeks of six catches for 65 yards followed up by 11 catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Both guys walk around mouthing off and generally carrying themselves like that 11/140/2 guy when the rest of the world rightfully sees them more so as 6/65/0. 

JUICE/PISS ANT - Chris Hogan: Both guys are known for being relatively new to the sport. Hogan famously played lacrosse in college before trying football his senior year. Juice allegedly was sub-five feet for much of high school and thusly didn’t find his way on to a basketball court until sometime in college. (Good thing he had that best friend in HS to kick it with instead of hooping…you know, that guy who allegedly exists and is making us plan PCTI around his wedding). The Juice Man and Hogan capitalize on long, wirery frames and plus athleticism. With a little refinement, watch out. 

ACTOR - Rob Gronkowski: Both are goofy showmen who’s antics are accepted as, “that’s just Act/Gronk being Act/Gronk.” Teammates and outsiders are ok with the obnoxious behavior because both guys are experts at knowing exactly when to turn it off and go in to competition mode. It’s never a distraction and the competitive fire possessed by each guy is as evident as their love for dancing. Also, both guys have never played at 100 percent and are always nursing a random injury to a seemingly different body part every year. Both guys are among the best at their position and have been for a long time. Both guys also publicly flirt with retirement each off season. 

ABE - Josh Gordon: While with the Browns Gordon had among the best seasons ever for a wide receiver despite later admitting that he routinely played games while high. Need I say more? Both are absolute size/speed freaks. Thankfully, Abe seems to have an exceedingly better mental chemistry than Gordon and unlike Gordon has been able to keep his life on the rails (thus far).

SPOTLIGHT - Drew Bledsoe: Both are tremendously popular ex-pats. Bledsoe’s career was cut short by injury and younger players stealing his shine. Spot is in the midst of a similar arc as he deals with a two year journey of injury, fatherhood and MAGA. Here’s hoping (and guessing) that unlike Bledsoe, Spot has plenty left in the tank and more good days ahead. Working in his favor, a Tom Brady doesn’t seem to be lurking in the log jam of PCTI’s younger wings.  

HOPS - Devin McCourty: McCourty is among the least appreciated Pats, despite being a core piece of several championship teams. He shows up, does his job on defense at a high level, quietly leads and stays out of the limelight. Hops uses a very similar recipe. McCourty has transitioned between outside corner, nickel corner and safety in his career. Similarly, Hops has helped balance big teams with wing play or smaller lineups by shifting to the front court.

DONLEY - Cordarelle Patterson: These two VFLs look like create-a-players and always ace the eyeball test. The challenge is finding the way to best tap in to the wide skill set. Belicheck has lined up Patterson all over the field on offense and special teams for the Pats. Versatility is never a negative but it can pose usage challenges. We’ve seen the same with Don, who needs the right pieces around him to be at his best. 

SMO - Brian Hoyer: By most accounts, Brian Hoyer should be out of the NFL. Twice failed as a starting QB, that would spell the end for most players. But Hoyer was smart, rather than waiting for the league to realize his short comings, he saw it first in himself and retreated back to New England to be Tom Brady’s backup, a job he had served for years prior. Recognize your inefficiencies, position yourself as a last resort, be a great teammate to your friends and have no mental reservations with possible upward mobility, despite that you are likely a more than capable reserve who (if mental approach was shifted to believing in one’s self) could probably still perform at a higher level than some starters.  But why risk it? The bench is a safe place. And in Smo’s place, it’s also a good spot to take and make phone calls for Kool Logistics LLC.  

Bonus: 

DEUCE - Tony Romo: Very rarely does a member of the broadcast overshadow the game. Romo’s soothsayer tendancies have fans as excited for him as any of the Rams and Patriots. Those of us in PCTI can relate as Deuce, operating as the league videographer, has bent the main attraction for years.