PCTI XII Game 4 - Sabin's Analysis

 Recap Game 4

Game 4 is in the books.

Wow. My how the turntables have turned. The Bullies live up to their pedigree and blow out the Boxes 65-47 to even the series at 2-2. The Bullies start the game with one of the greatest runs in PCTI history, a 30-8 sprint in just 8 minutes of game action. Hops leads the charge with shotmaking, defensive tenacity, and furious energy. He willed his team to match his relentless spirit. The Bullies once again dominate the glass, especially the offensive side with 12 rebounds, leading to 17 more shot attempts than the Boxes. But this time, the Bullies shoot it well, draining 27-61 from the field for 44%, including 6-19 from deep. TP joins the action with a huge stat line of 14 points, 9 boards, and 5 steals. The Bullies also start talking shit to Juice with mixed results. He has a career-high 10 boards but also 6 turnovers. It becomes their new favorite thing to do.

Analysis:

1) Bullies shoot 27-61 FGAs for 44.3%, including 6-19 from deep. Meanwhile, the Boxes go cold, shooting 16-44 from the field, just 36.4%. It sounds like very simple analysis, but the Bullies took more shots and made more shots.

2) Hops’ leadership was tangible. He scores 18 points on 7-11 FGAs with 3 triples. He also drops 4 dimes and snags 4 steals. A few teammates join the party, including TP with 14 and 9 on 6-12 FGAs. He adds 5 steals, many of which turn into points on the other end. And BC announces his presence with 9-6-6 on 4-8 FGAs. He got a lot of PG minutes with this squad and has 17 assists through 4 games as his team turns to him for playmaking.

3) Boxes set a tournament high with 17 turnovers. We literally threw the ball all over the gym, and many of these live ball turnovers turned into points for the Bullies. With 9 fewer turnovers and 5 more offensive boards, you can understand how the Bullies continue to get more shot attempts each game.

4) For all PCTIers who hate the Sabin Productivity Metric, it continues to fire on all cylinders, and more importantly, tell the truth. Hops records an enormous 37, while TP scores a 32. Kyle records a 27, which is becoming commonplace for him. For reference, a SPERM score of 15+ is productive, while 20+ is amazing. 25+ is silly good.

3 Stars of the Game:

1) Hops - Dude does his best work when his team’s back is against the wall. This performance reminds me of PCTI 2, game 4, when we needed to win after Eskildsen got injured. Goes for 18 points on 7-11 FGAs and 3 triples. Adds 4 boards, 4 assists, and 4 steals. More importantly, led his team with fire-breathing energy and timely plays. Juice is kicking himself right now for not taking the trade.

2) TP - Dude’s energy continues to be relentless. Really staking a claim for top pick next season. 14 points and 9 boards with 6-12 FGAs. Adds 3 assists, 5 steals, and PCTI’s first dunk. While he is shooting 2-15 from deep, EVERY OTHER PART OF HIS GAME IS ELITE.

3) Sabin - Helped rally his team to claw back from a deficit of 22 to lose by just 18. Scores 21 points on 7-10 FGAs and 3-4 from deep. Adds 4-4 from the free throw line. Throws in 6 boards. Prompts Biz to menacingly threaten him after the game by saying “You’ll see a lot of me tomorrow.”

PCTI XII Game 3 - Sabin's Analysis

 Recap Game 3

Game 3 in the books.

Boxes win 61-43 and take a 2-1 series lead. Both teams really struggled to score the ball in the first 5 minutes of the game, but the Boxes began to get some traction when Dawson and Danny made a few shots. From there, the Boxes proceed to shoot a blistering 54% from the field while the Bullies shoot a paltry 28%. The Bullies flex their muscle on the offensive boards with 13 and it translates to 12 more shots than the Boxes. But the lid never came off the hoop for them. They score just 17 points in the second half. Meanwhile, the Boxes have 5 players score between 9 and 15 points. Dan and Juice hand out 7 assists each while Kyle and Spot finish at the rim. This must be what Juice had in mind when he drafted this team. Analysis incoming.

Analysis:

1) Simply put, this game came down to shooting. Boxes shoot 26-48 from the field for 54.2%, adding 6-18 from deep and 3-7 from the line. Bullies shoot 17-60 from the field for 28.3%, adding 5-19 from deep and 4-11 from the line. While it’s important to make 3s in this tournament, it’s more important to make layups. Boxes did while Bullies did not.

2) Bullies smash the Boxes on the offensive boards 13-3. This translated to 60 FGAs while the Boxes get just 48 attempts. They simply could not convert the extra chances. Abe flashed with 12 points and Biz added 11, but they could not sustain a rally.

3) Total team effort for the Boxes. Kyle scores 15 on 6-9 FGAs, while Dawson and Sabin combine for 23 points on 10-15 FGAs. Dan and Spot each contribute 9 points. For good measure, Dan grabs 10 boards and dishes 7 dimes. Juice adds 5 boards, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. This is what Juice thought his team could and would be.

4) it should be noted that through 3 games, Kyle has not scored less than 15 points in any game, while TP has not recorded less than 9 boards in any game. Since we all know how hard it is to do this ONCE, these two heavyweights really stand out.

3 Stars of the Game:

1) Dan - This was the guy that was making plays when we got separation from the Bullies. 9 points on 4-6 FGAs and a triple. Adds 10 boards and 7 assists with 1 steal. Records huge Productivity score with 29. Led with energy and playmaking.

2) Kyle - 15 points and 9 boards, 3 offensive. 6-9 FGAs and 3-5 from the line. Adds 4 blocks. Huge Productivity score with 32. Continues to be the most productive and consistent player in PCTI history.

3) Dawson - 12 points on 5-6 FGAs with 2 triples. Continues to flex muscle as an elite shot maker. This was the game he got injured, but still made a few buckets after the injury.

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