PCTI XII Game 2 - Sabin's Analysis

Recap Game 2 

Game 2 is in the books. Juice Boxes win 57-48. Bullies have to be kicking themselves. After winning game 1, Bullies start game 2 up 10-0 and 14-2. After that, Bullies go cold and allow the Boxes a chance to recover and get back into it. The Boxes make 9 triples for the game and are led by Kyle’s 16 and a combined 28 from Dawson and Sabin. Dawson had 13 points in the first half for the Boxes and Spotlight was the free throw cooler in the last minute of the game, going for 4-4. This was an opportunity missed for the Bullies while the Boxes now have new life. Series tied 1-1.

Analysis:

1) Bullies are up 10-0, 14-2, and 18-5. But they only finish the game with 48 points. Bullies finish the game shooting 34% from the field and 14% from 3. To make matters worse, they shoot 33% from the free throw line. They simply could not buy a basket in the last 30 minutes of the game.

2) Each team makes 21 FGs, but the Boxes make 9 triples to the Bullies’ 4. The Boxes also make 8-13 FTAs, including 6-6 in the last minute of the game when the Bullies had to foul. BC and Hops state in the post-game interview: “Sometimes this thing just comes down to who makes a shot.”

3) True to their name, the Bullies are the best rebounding team. But the Boxes narrow the rebounding margin in this game to -2. The Boxes get great effort from Juice with 8, Dan with 7, and a surprising 9 from Sabin. TP finishes with another 10, Beas goes for 7, and Abe, Don, and Hops all finish with 5. These dudes are just animals on the glass.

4) This was a one possession game with about 60 seconds to go. Having a guy like Spot be a free throw cooler is invaluable. He steps up to the line and goes 4-4 in the last minute. Super clutch and this is something that probably doesn’t get as much conversation as it deserves.

3 Stars:

1) Dawson - Really gave us a boost in the first half when we were in a bad rhythm. Goes 5-11 from the field with 3 triples, including an amazing step-back and another one just before the half. After being down 14-2 at the start of the game, we couldn’t believe we were up at halftime and started to believe we could win. That’s due to D-Huff.

2) Kyle and Sabin - Huck throws in 16 and 5 on 7-13 FGAs while Sabin puts up 15 and 9 on 5-10 FGAs and 3 triples. If Dawson was the gas in the first half, these two brought the Boxes home.

3) Biz - He caps a strong first session with 10 points and 7 boards while shooting 5-8 from the field. He looks to be the Bullies’ best shooter and leads his team with 19 in the Productivity metric.

PCTI XII Game 1 - Sabin's Analysis

 Recap Game 1

Game 1 is in the books. Bullies win 56-46 before the Juice Boxes retire with 44 seconds remaining. Donley drains 3 triples and finishes with a strong 13 and 7 effort, supported by TP 14 and 11. Beas and Abe give great energy and produce in all categories. For the Boxes, Kyle goes for 15 and 10 while Sabin goes for 13 and 4. Dan adds in a career-high 12 boards.

Analysis:

1) Both teams struggle shooting the ball. Bullies at 31.9% and Boxes at 26.7%. But Bullies win offensive boards 13-7 and get more shot attempts.

2) The 3-ball abandons both teams. Donley goes 3-7 from deep, but the rest of his team goes 2-18. For the Boxes, Dan and Juice go 4-6 combined, while the rest of the team goes 4-24.

3) TP and Kyle are clashing like Titans. TP leads his team in Productivity with 29, while Kyle goes for 24. Both huge numbers in an individual game. Both are staking their claim to the top draft pick next season.

4) Abe, BC, Juice, and Biz are the elite playmakers of game 1. Juice goes for 6 assists, while Abe and BC go for 5 and 4 respectively.

I’m also initiating my 3 stars of the game:

1) Donley - 13 points on 4-9 FGAs and 3-7 from deep. 2-2 from FTs. 7 boards, 2 steals, and 1 block. Came out like a house afire and closed the game with 2 clutch free throws.

2) TP - 14 and 11 on 5-14 FGAs and 4-5 FTAs. 5 offensive boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks. Dude is just absolutely relentless.

3) Kyle - 15 and 10 on 6-15 FGAs and 3-7 FTAs. Huge SPERM count of 24. Good things happen when he touches the ball. His team forgot about him too much in game 1.

PCTI12 - Observations from the Truth Commission Part 1

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.

PCTI12 Official Statement

Fellas: There's usually one day every year that I spend the majority of the day thinking about all things PCTI, and today was it.

It typically starts with a casual watch of Project X as some background noise, followed by thinking about every individual guy still standing, then into an emotional spiral about how important it is to me.

Last year came with all sorts of uncertainty, and we can all agree that we were unsure of the future... Like we always do, we rallied around each other, supported each other, and had a PCTI for the ages.... During a time where things like this were crumbling, we came out of it stronger than ever... I can promise that wasn't a coincidence.

Every year we get older, our kids get older, and our responsibilities get more exhausting... The idea of taking five days away and getting into great shape turns into a chore because everyone is sooooo busy and there's no time for anything!  It happens to all of us and none are immune to it... 

I say all that to reinforce the importance of the groundwork we laid in the past, enjoying what we have now, and what we have in the future to look forward to.  Anyone can say they have friends, but very few men have the ability to say they belong to a tribe... And we are very lucky to be able to say that.  It takes effort, initiative and commitment, but it's ALWAYS delivered for us... It's good for a man's soul.  It filters into all aspects of our lives and brings out the best in us.  Let's make sure we never lose sight of that.

Why?

• Need to Belong: Belonging to a group helps shape a man's identity.
• Purpose: Having a shared passion centered around friendship, competition, an activity we have given countless hours to since we were children, fun, and fitness connects so many important aspects of life.  
• Support: When shit hits the fan, we have each others backs in ways that far exceed normal friendships.

We are officially about 45 days out (RIP countdown calculator)... If you haven't started training, the time to start is NOW.  If you're not feeling it, just remember the thought that every one of us inevitably have at the end of every year - "I wish I was more prepared."  Don't do it to yourself again.  Get a workout in... Go for a run... Dribble a ball... Do some pushups... Whatever it is, bring your best self that you can bring.  You have time but don't keep putting it off - You will regret it.

Can't wait for another round of going to war with you guys, loving you guys, and showcasing my appreciation for PCTI by pouring disgusting poison down my throat and making myself miserable because of it.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

It's been Real. It's been Fun. And it's been REAL FUN...

Hey Bros,

After a lengthy deliberation, I am officially retiring. Few reasons: My body refuses to heal properly from the weekend and I’ve certainly lost a step in my game. Additionally, my desire to play began to wane recently. And after several attempts to restart the fire, it’s sad to say the flame burned out. 

I know the consequences of this move. No more seeing Beas 💦 texts in the thread, no more reading heartfelt Abe emails, no more watching Donley fix global supply chain issues…the list goes on. And sadly, no more competing and revelry. 

Y’all are in a much better spot with Dawson back in the fold. I’m excited for him to be back in this thing full-time. 

There is no sadness, regret, or ill-will on my end. I carry with me countless memories over 10 years with y’all. Tons of laughs, love, fun, and hoops—what a beautiful thing.

I wish everyone health, happiness, and fist pumps.

Love,

Joe

AWARDS!! PCTI XI - Dallas, the Rebrand

 Here we are again... the lull of PCTI offseason. I hope this is a shot in the arm, provides some ammo for shit talking, and boosts the excitement for XII. This year seems like we had more people get a least 1 vote than year's past. It was also very balanced for how many players from each team got a vote, which shows how even the match up was. I'll start with those that didn't make the cut.

Missed The Cut

Sabin - 1 vote (1 AT) 

I thought Sabin played great, but didn't think it was better than the people who made all tournament. The masses tend to agree.

Joe - 1 vote (1 AT)

Not enough love for the Doc? Guess we should open the voting up to TikTok!

AHOP - 2 votes (1 D-MVP, 1 AT)

The most deserving person on the list that didn't make it. They got it wrong this year, plain and simple.

DK - 3 votes (3 D-MVP)

Dan deserves a lot of respect for his defensive efforts. Other parts of his game probably suffer due to the fact he puts so much energy on D. Didn't get him an award this year but will most likely always be in the conversation.

Juice - 9 votes (3 D-MVP, 6 AT)

Godon has had some solid performances in the past but this may have been his best year. Juice's stats weren't jumping off the page but his energy did. In a weekend that requires high energy players for success, he was constantly running, chasing loose balls, and giving everything he had on the defensive end. Barely missed an All-Tourney selection. Maybe next year...

Now for the actual awards! Starting with MVP, then Defensive MVP, and finish with the 3 All Tournament players. All played great this weekend and well deserved!

MVP

Kyle - 16 votes (15 MVP, 1 AT)

One of the hesitations to add Kyle to PCTI was that he is too good. Clearly he has proven why. Just some fun facts on Kyle in his first 3 years: 

• Averaging 17.9 PPG (3.5 more than 2nd place), 7 RPG (3rd highest among active)
• 2 MVPs (other than Abe, no one else has more than 1), 1 All Tournament 
• 12 wins, 8 losses (60% win pct is highest out of all active players) 
• 2 consecutive tournament wins as a captain
• Most importantly 3 and 0 in tournaments. 3 wins in a row is hard for anyone, much less the key player for the team. Congrats on another MVP! 

Defensive MVP 

TP - 11 votes (8 D-MVP, 3 AT)

It is wild to think that the primary guy the D-MVP was guarding just won MVP but TP deserved it. He had 23 STOCKS (16! steals + 7 blocks) and led the tournament in rebounds. He goes out harder than anyone and still has as much energy as my kid when I tell him we can watch Paw Patrol. He had the best highlight of the weekend with his absolute beating of Kyle's fast break layup. This award probably pales in comparison to being officially added to the QuadPod. What a weekend for TP!

All Tournament

Spot -11 votes (11 AT)

Anyone that saw the competition in England Spot was playing knew that the prep was there. He struggled day 1 (assuming due to jet lag) but then he took off! The last 5 games he average 11 PPG on 47% shooting (52% from 3!!). Spotlight adds to his trophy case as he was All-Tournament back in PCTIV. Is he going to be a constant in PCTI Award SZN or will it be one every 5 years? Next year could be the biggest indicator.

BC - 12 votes (12 AT)

Day 1 he was quiet but then was solid the rest of the tournament. Game 4 he put his team on his back and had 21 of Switchbladez 52 points. BC does a little bit of everything and this is his 4th straight year winning a PCTI Award. Can he carry that momentum to being MVP in PCTIXII, which would be his first since PCTI I?!

Abe - 14 votes (1 MVP, 1 D-MVP, 12 AT)

The most decorated player in PCTI history gains another award! Abe has been MVP or AT 9 out of 11 years (4 MVPs, 5 AT) which is just phenomenal. This guy is a workhorse and someone the other team has to game plan for. With Kyle coming in and establishing himself as the best player in PCTI, Abe is now 0-2 when he and Kyle are on separate teams. How will that narrative play out of the next few years? 

Congrats to all those who won an award! Hopefully everyone enjoys the holidays and then turns their attention to what's most important... PCTITWELVE!!

PCTI OFFSZN HAPPENINGS

 Here is the link if you missed Part I – recapping XI

PART II – LOOKING TO THE OFFSEASON

This offseason has more hype and momentum than most PCTI’s with some questions that will hopefully keep us going until next year. Usually there are a couple things that trickle in that may give a quick shot of life into PCTI but quickly fades away. This year I am hoping that we can keep the chatter up throughout most of the offseason. To help this I wanted to dive into the things that will be happening the offseason!

• Videos (Oct 21, 2021) – Deuce was on it this year! Usually it is a pretty quick turnaround but this year seemed to be quicker than years past so thanks to Deuce for that! Now the question is how do we help this connect us this offseason? Maybe @foodtraveltoilets has a twitch we could tune in to and watch collectively (not sure if that is how twitch works)? Maybe like a book club and we assign a game to watch certain week or days and can create some chatter in the chat. Either way I always enjoy watching the vids randomly throughout the year. 
• Stats (Oct 22, 2021) – Sabin joined Deuce and gave us stats at warp speed! Sabin has sent me an advance copy and let me tell you something, we are all great defenders because shooting percentages continue to be sub 40% (Kyle doesn’t count). I will let Sabin send out the final copy when it is ready BUT I have started updating and all time spreadsheet that I hope everyone will enjoy. TBD on the release date of all time stats. 
• All Tourney Awards (Nov 17, 2021) – Usually we do this pretty quickly after the stats and videos come out. I’m going to give it a few weeks and let everyone soak in the vids and stats before I compile the votes. We are going to stick with the same as last year with MVP, DPOY, and 3 AT. More on awards later in the post… 
• Rosters (TBD) – With Ben bowing out this year (thanks for the whole 10 days heads up!), he cracked the door for CUM to rejoin PCTI and he kicked the door in! Assuming BTW wants to come back, now we are in a weird spot that we aren’t going to kick someone out but have an odd number of people (thank god Smooth only turned his ankle and didn’t actually break it because we know how DK handles people with broken legs). So unless someone retires, we have 2 suggestions: one suggestion that I personally do not like is to have one team with 9 and the other with 8 but if someone gets hurt, one player goes to that team. Another was to add another person and get to 18. This makes the most sense to keep the balance correct but also because 7 games is tough and this could help prevent some injuries. The downside is playing time for some might be limited. Also, we already struggle to find enough sleeping spots for everyone and will make it that much more difficult. 
• Adding another player (TBD 2022) – IF we decide to move to 18 players, adding another player always energized the offseason chatter. Also, who is a good fit for this? The additions in the past have been great so far that I don’t doubt the next one would be awesome! 
• Draft (LIVE?!? – Feb 19, 2022) – Drafts have come in various forms over the years. I think we have had one via email, the blog, google hangouts, podcast/calls, and also LIVE IN PERSON! This has only happened twice before: Palo Alto, CA on October 27, 2012 and Franklin, TN on October 27, 2018. The first came on Stanford’s campus (clips 1 & clips 2) and the second one at the Beasley Campus. Both were a blast and included some good hoops in the morning. This year it seems that we are going to be trying to get some 3 on 3 runs going and I think I may announce awards that weekend (TBD). Either way a live draft always seems to end in a drunken mess. I cannot wait! 
• Location and Dates for XII (TBD) – Before COVID, we were locked in for Seattle. With uncertainty still hanging over us as we tried to plan how to get back, Dan said just get to Dallas and he would hook it up. Of course Dan did absolutely nothing while Sabin and Juice did all of the planning. At least he delivered on his promise of SatNite meet up with a cool group of gals! Anyways, I thought that Seattle was locked in to be the host of the 12^th running of PCTI but in a shocking twist, Donley will be moving away from Seattle. He says this will not affect his planning and I tend to agree and think Seattle would be great but it seems like this is not set in stone. Will we have an official pitch of another site?

I’m pumped for all of these things to take place but one thing I am always pumped for is the random hangouts from people within PCTI throughout the year. Whether it’s lifelong friends getting together or friendships created in PCTI, there are always trips, hangs, and nights out random places throughout the year. Hope to see you all at some point this off season. PCTI seems to be in a great spot and this offseason will continue to shape the future of PCTI!!