As I continue to shake off the posting rust I accumulated being out of the game for a week, I wanted to write up one that should be more important to each of you than anything else that has been discussed the last 364 days.
Below are the rankings for who I'm most looking forward to seeing/hanging with next week. 15 being the least excited, 1 being the most.
15. Brent Carney
Rumor has it the dude's body is melting away from skipping meals, playing too much ball, and being naturally skinny. If I'm able to even see what's left of him (Skin, bones and one arm), I'm not overly excited about what he's bringing to the table. He hasn't drank in over six months, and all that tells me is that when it comes time to drink, he is going to be your typical out of control, drinking lightweight that embarasses the rest of the group.
14. Brian Eskildsen
This has nothing to do with the fact that I've probably seen him more in the last year than I have anyone else in the group, but Skilly's offseason has me boiling due to the lack of truth and credibility that has surrounded his reputation. He has been very high maintenance the last two PCTI's with his injury prone style, so there is nothing about him that gets me excited.
13. Spotlight
As if I thought Skilly's reputation was overrated, enter Spotlight. Dude comes into PCTI trying to flex his muscles quick, gaining the nickname and quickly promoting his renegade style on the podcast, immediately going after Jeff Sabin, and promoting a "Breaking Bad vs. the World Approach." The only time I'm looking forward to hanging with Spot is Friday night during dinner/film session, when I get to watch him watch video's of games he didn't play in. Unfortunately, he will be chowing on chicken fingers so maybe it won't be as painful for him as I thought. Damn.
12. Scott Donley
The good news for Scott is that he is my least hated of the 4 Horsewoman (The group of four that I've attacked the last few months, all of which I just named). I know Scott well enough to know that everything positive that has been said about him the last six months has gone straight to his head, at lightning quick speed. I'm tired of hearing about him and am not looking forward to seeing him.
11. Joe Thompson
Dude loves crowds, and this plays right into that. He will be putting his improv on display all weekend, and since I don't understand stand up comedy at all, I will be annoyed sitting there on the sidelines watching people laugh at him. What I am looking forward to is whatever prop/accessory he brings to play in that will end up off his body within five minutes of game 1.
10. Josh Pitto
There is just no way humanly possible to put him any higher. What Pitto excels in are first impressions, something he gets to re-do each year since we all only see him 4 out of every 365 days. I factored in how I will feel about him by the end of the weekend, otherwise he possibly could have been three or four slots higher. Pitto and I typically have very volatile offseasons, but this one has been relatively quiet, therefore I'm expecting a blow up at some point in the near future.
9. Josh Stephens
I like to consider myself one of about two Josh Stephens fans in this world (Bambi being the other one). His aloof approach to everything entertains me at times, however his booking of flight last minute and somehow not being able to time his arrival up with any of the 13 other guy's showing up that day, has diminished my enjoyment of his style. I have no interest in his cougar accomplishments, because I've never once in my life found hollering at ugly women entertaining. However, Sambuca in Plano is hands down the greatest cougar spot (Also the most expensive) bar in the country, so best of luck if he goes that route again.
8. Ben Wilson
Could be much higher if he wasn't so beloved by all other PCTI bretheren. If there is one thing that turns me completely off about anything, it's excessive hype, something that is constantly surrounding Wilson. I like his approach of answering the question "What do you want to do with your Sports Management Masters Degree" with "Be a GM of a team. Doesn't matter what sport." You really have to have swag to think you could are capable of being responsible for personnel moves for just about any sport, so I give him props for that. I will struggle with the music passion seeing as how we will be roommates, but I know the guy loves to eat, and I expect him to be my running mate everytime I feel like grubbing.
7. Anthony Hopkins
Hops is difficult for a few reasons. 1-I talk to him just about every day on Gchat, so I'm not sure at what point we run out of things to talk about. 2-Most people in PCTI either have an obvious rivalry, or a random affinity for. Hops falls right in the middle of that, so it makes it tough to rank him any higher or lower. All that being said, one of the most exciting parts of PCTI for me is coming back after each session, making fun of each other for who played worse, and enjoying a glass of red while doing so.
6. Jeff Sabin
I'm not sure if it's more excitement to see the swag he showcases as host, or excitement to watch his approach on interracting with everyone. I've watch him in positions of power before (Organizing his own pick up game) and I've never seen anyone exude a more cocky demeanor in less necessary situations than Sabin. What Sabin doesn't know is that I called BC about two months into living in Dallas (Sabin and I weren't close at the time) and told him he had to meet this Jeff Sabin guy because he was the most outrageous, entertaining basketball character of all time. I would forward BC emails of Sabin letting the group have it for inviting friends, and would call him and tell him everytime I saw him throw a guy out of the gym. He was a regular topic of conversation six months before Jeff and I became friends, so what he has done this offseason is of no surprise to me whatsoever. I always love watching him walk into his Wednesday night pickup game like he built the church and gym with his bare hands, and can't wait to see it on display all weekend.
5. Michael Beasley
Could be much higher if it wasn't for seeing him randomly every few months. Beas' ability to make a character out of almost anyone and any situation is something I love, but also feel a little threatened by, because that something I always thought I was the best in the world at. Listening to him interact with Bruise and BC is always entertaining, so once I get my camera set up in each room, I plan on monitoring their's the most.
4. Bryan McKinney
I absolutely have loved the heat McKinney has taken all offseason. The dude has somehow escaped every situation since I've known him of ever getting talked trash to, so this has been a breath of fresh air. What I'm looking forward to most is two things when it comes to McKinney: 1-His freakishly small carry on bag that he manages to pack a week's worth of stuff in (Only something his loser, outdoorsy ass would have) and his new found funny boy persona that he randomly picked up six months ago. Oh yeah, and he is one of my 24/7 eating brothers, a great way to get in really tight with me.
3. Ian Van Gay
There is just no one in this world more fun to watch people talk trash to then the Bruise. Now that everyone feels comfortable going at him (It takes a lot to push him far enough to hand out bruisings), I can't wait to see the interraction between Bruiser and all of the haters. From a non-trash talk perspective, Bruise is a guy that's always down for eating, drinking, talking old school wrestling, and trashing Nashville, which are the four most important things in my life.
2. Michael Orr
One of my few friends in this world that I don't trash 24/7, it's always a pleasure being around Smo because he is the only guy that has been around long enough to be able to be able to trash all the ridiculousness that has been the life Big Brent Carney. He is an absolute master of his craft of being funny (What makes him great is his ability to turn it on and off at the right times) and stirs up trouble so smoothly that he deserves a medal. He is a polarizing figure in big groups and look forward to watching him rip Bambi a new one all weekend.
1. Wes Murray
I've been steadfast on this guy since after PCTI2 in the sense that I just can't get enough. I've compared him to the girl that plays hard to get, and despite him going more vocal, he still knows how to play it to where I'm always wanting more from him. I referenced showmanship on the last podcast, and Murray is the world's master of it. His ability to filter through the layers of trash talk he has received and focus on one or two really deserving guys is one of my favorite storylines. He will be attacked by 75% of the group this coming week, and I look forward to him sending it back in Thompson and my face.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
PCTI-III Checklist
Let me begin this post by saying I fully expect no one to utilize any of what I'm about to type. Frankly, I don't know that I will listen to my own advice. Regardless, there are very few opportunities in my life to be able to say "I told you so," so I look at this as a potential forum where I can accomplish that. This is a combination post of what you have to bring, along with a checklist of things that people could possibly want to enhance their weekend from a hoops perspective.
Must Have's:
1. Basketball Shoes (TLFK might forget these in favor of their hand wraps for deadlifts).
2. THREE pairs of basketball shorts.
3. FOUR undershirts/wifebeaters/etc.
4. FOUR pairs of socks.
5. FOUR pairs of boxer briefs, boxers, etc.
6. If hell has frozen over and you can't Pay Pal, bring two checks and a damn good excuse.
7. Jeans, collered shirts and a decent pair of shoes.
8. Jersey (This wouldn't be a legit checklist if I didn't state the obvious).
We will be doing laundry for shorts and jerseys after Sessions 1, 2 and 3. We are not doing the rest to avoid mixups and overloads of laundry. The Dallas area is very into dress code (Annoying I know), so although you don't have to look metro, avoid wearing tennis shoes, sandals, etc. out to the bars. Dress Code from Lexington is something I will miss big time.
Optional Stuff That Could Be Useful:
1. Extra set of laces. Don't discount the importance of this.
2. iPod Station.
3. Muscle recovery stuff.
4. Powder or THE GLIDE (Look it up).
5. Laundry Bag.
I've gone on record promoting the extra set of laces, and anticipate this to be a problem at some point in PCTI. When it is, expect me to go into self promotion, I-told-you-so mode like you've never seen before. This is something that our PCTI trainer will be in charge of 15 years from now, but for now it's our responsiblity. The rooms I'm sure have docking stations, but just in case, it's always nice to have. They tell me that iPhone's have decent speakers, but I wouldn't know anything about that. I'm not sure if muscle recovery stuff actually works, but if any of you think they do, this is the time and place to utilize it. I can't help but to wonder where I would be without the help of powder through all my days of hoops. The Glide is something new that you rub between your legs and prevents any jock itch/burn from happening. If that's too graphic I'm sorry, but if it helps save this from happening to one person, I'm all for it.
Now, time for the PCTI registered nutritionist to offer some opinions on how to avoid cramps, tightness, etc:
1. Drink coconut water.
I'm a notorious cramper due to lack of potassium (Chemical Element K for McKinney and all the other PCTI Chemists), and this has helped me avoid that. Drinking one has more K than eating two banana's, and is currently known as the best natural hydrator on the market. I should be paid for the way I promote this product. If you don't coconut, enjoy your Gatorade.
2. Drink aloe juice.
Drink two to eight ounces/day. Supports the immune system (Something that gets run down all weekend) and muscle, tissue and joint function (Kind of important given our circumstances). You might not know much about this yet, but you will.
3. Protein Bar (Cliff or Lara Bar's Suggested).
Cliff is the most well known, and for good reason. They are extremely high in carbs and protein, something that is desperately needed over the course of this weekend. It also is high in vitamins, something that most protein bars can't say. I'm sorry, but you can't convince me a protein bar is "Healthy" simply because it has peanut butter in it. Don't confuse a protein bar for a glorified chocolate bar.
4. Jerky.
Good news! Slim Jim is officially the sponsor for PCTI-III. The brand will be promoting it's new item, Slim Jim Steakhouse all weekend and will have samples on hand! YAY!!!!!
5. Foam Roller.
A lot has been made of what I would do without Hite's roller this year. The good news is that I bought one, a piece of rock hard foam about a foot long, and plan on bringing it with. This thing is fantastic if you do a few minutes before and after each game, rolling out the tightness and soreness, all the while loosening up your muscles.
As I said already, I expect no one to listen to me. The good news is that I don't care, because I'm just looking for some weekend HIIIIIIIIIIIIIITS.
Must Have's:
1. Basketball Shoes (TLFK might forget these in favor of their hand wraps for deadlifts).
2. THREE pairs of basketball shorts.
3. FOUR undershirts/wifebeaters/etc.
4. FOUR pairs of socks.
5. FOUR pairs of boxer briefs, boxers, etc.
6. If hell has frozen over and you can't Pay Pal, bring two checks and a damn good excuse.
7. Jeans, collered shirts and a decent pair of shoes.
8. Jersey (This wouldn't be a legit checklist if I didn't state the obvious).
We will be doing laundry for shorts and jerseys after Sessions 1, 2 and 3. We are not doing the rest to avoid mixups and overloads of laundry. The Dallas area is very into dress code (Annoying I know), so although you don't have to look metro, avoid wearing tennis shoes, sandals, etc. out to the bars. Dress Code from Lexington is something I will miss big time.
Optional Stuff That Could Be Useful:
1. Extra set of laces. Don't discount the importance of this.
2. iPod Station.
3. Muscle recovery stuff.
4. Powder or THE GLIDE (Look it up).
5. Laundry Bag.
I've gone on record promoting the extra set of laces, and anticipate this to be a problem at some point in PCTI. When it is, expect me to go into self promotion, I-told-you-so mode like you've never seen before. This is something that our PCTI trainer will be in charge of 15 years from now, but for now it's our responsiblity. The rooms I'm sure have docking stations, but just in case, it's always nice to have. They tell me that iPhone's have decent speakers, but I wouldn't know anything about that. I'm not sure if muscle recovery stuff actually works, but if any of you think they do, this is the time and place to utilize it. I can't help but to wonder where I would be without the help of powder through all my days of hoops. The Glide is something new that you rub between your legs and prevents any jock itch/burn from happening. If that's too graphic I'm sorry, but if it helps save this from happening to one person, I'm all for it.
Now, time for the PCTI registered nutritionist to offer some opinions on how to avoid cramps, tightness, etc:
1. Drink coconut water.
I'm a notorious cramper due to lack of potassium (Chemical Element K for McKinney and all the other PCTI Chemists), and this has helped me avoid that. Drinking one has more K than eating two banana's, and is currently known as the best natural hydrator on the market. I should be paid for the way I promote this product. If you don't coconut, enjoy your Gatorade.
2. Drink aloe juice.
Drink two to eight ounces/day. Supports the immune system (Something that gets run down all weekend) and muscle, tissue and joint function (Kind of important given our circumstances). You might not know much about this yet, but you will.
3. Protein Bar (Cliff or Lara Bar's Suggested).
Cliff is the most well known, and for good reason. They are extremely high in carbs and protein, something that is desperately needed over the course of this weekend. It also is high in vitamins, something that most protein bars can't say. I'm sorry, but you can't convince me a protein bar is "Healthy" simply because it has peanut butter in it. Don't confuse a protein bar for a glorified chocolate bar.
4. Jerky.
Good news! Slim Jim is officially the sponsor for PCTI-III. The brand will be promoting it's new item, Slim Jim Steakhouse all weekend and will have samples on hand! YAY!!!!!
5. Foam Roller.
A lot has been made of what I would do without Hite's roller this year. The good news is that I bought one, a piece of rock hard foam about a foot long, and plan on bringing it with. This thing is fantastic if you do a few minutes before and after each game, rolling out the tightness and soreness, all the while loosening up your muscles.
As I said already, I expect no one to listen to me. The good news is that I don't care, because I'm just looking for some weekend HIIIIIIIIIIIIIITS.
5 Day Weather Forecast Stick
Wednesday, April 4:
Party Cloudy
High-76
Low-53
What this means-A post hoop soak could be in the works.
Thursday, April 5:
Mostly Sunny
High-81
Low-57
What this means-Flying should be smooth, roads should be clear, hype should be prevelant. Bring jeans and possibly long sleeves since we walk everywhere for dinner/out.
Friday, April 6:
Sunny
High-83
Low-62
What this means-I'm going to pop out of bed and annoy everyone until they wake up. For those of you that care, I'm thinking about getting an 8-10 am lay out in the sun session to get some color for the head shots.
Saturday, April 7:
Party Cloudy
High-80
Low-58
What this means-See Friday hold the waking everyone up part (I'll only wake up my room this time).
Sunday, April 8:
Showers
High-77
Low-60
What this means-Perfect Sunday weather hold the fact that some flights could potentially be delayed.
Overall:
The weather is outstanding and couldn't be better. Although I hate talking weather, few people care more about it than me so I'm ecstatic about the hand we appear to be dealt. Texas is extremely humid and sticky, so the days will be warm. The good news is that we are in athletic clothes all day long, so that really has no effect on us whatsoever. It's looking like it will be slightly chilly at night, but since it's so dry in that city, I wouldn't expect jackets to be necessary.
Party Cloudy
High-76
Low-53
What this means-A post hoop soak could be in the works.
Thursday, April 5:
Mostly Sunny
High-81
Low-57
What this means-Flying should be smooth, roads should be clear, hype should be prevelant. Bring jeans and possibly long sleeves since we walk everywhere for dinner/out.
Friday, April 6:
Sunny
High-83
Low-62
What this means-I'm going to pop out of bed and annoy everyone until they wake up. For those of you that care, I'm thinking about getting an 8-10 am lay out in the sun session to get some color for the head shots.
Saturday, April 7:
Party Cloudy
High-80
Low-58
What this means-See Friday hold the waking everyone up part (I'll only wake up my room this time).
Sunday, April 8:
Showers
High-77
Low-60
What this means-Perfect Sunday weather hold the fact that some flights could potentially be delayed.
Overall:
The weather is outstanding and couldn't be better. Although I hate talking weather, few people care more about it than me so I'm ecstatic about the hand we appear to be dealt. Texas is extremely humid and sticky, so the days will be warm. The good news is that we are in athletic clothes all day long, so that really has no effect on us whatsoever. It's looking like it will be slightly chilly at night, but since it's so dry in that city, I wouldn't expect jackets to be necessary.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Leaked EMAIL!
Here is an apparent motivational email that Josh Stephen sent to his team a few hours ago, leaked to TMZ.com:
"Friday, March 30, 2012. 11:57 pm EST
Bad Boys,
One week to go time. I wanted to take a second to run some things by ya. First thanks for being skilled in the game of basketball and continuing to practice those skills and not getting too wrapped up in any extreme workouts. I honestly think skills will trump a bunch of meatheads running around. Even though their conditioning may be better, if we defend, rebound, and pass up to our skillset, while also taking the necessary breaks, we should take care of business in Dallas.
Also, each of you was the best basketball player available when I drafted you. I hope that since everyone involved in this has a fairly high basketball IQ, and no one really dislikes anyone in PCTI (except Sabin and Pitto), we should be able to play well together. I hope everyone gets to display their excellent array of basketball abilities and are not limited in minutes or feeling like you can only do one or two things well. You are all well rounded players with strengths and weaknesses. Just go out play hard and have fun and let the rest take care of itself.
Another thing, don’t get too wrapped up in being the favorite. While we are very confident in our skills, we just saw two number 2 seeds in the NCAA tournament get upset on the same day. Let’s not let this happen to us. Make sure we play as a team. Hit the boards hard. Get back in transition and for them into bad shots (or as I like to say, force them into Sabins).
I know this is the best motivational email ever, but let me say one last thing. As Frank the Tank said in Old School after getting blasted in the neck with a tranquilizer gun “I like you man, but you’re crazy.”
Abe
P.S. And you’re damn right I was alive when that movie came out!"
Twins
With the new budding rivalry between BC and Wes, I couldn't get this image out of my brain.
Sabin
Offseason Workout Grades
Quite a bit has been made of what each PCTI Aflete has been doing in the offseason as far as training is concerned. Some sit around, some focus on actually playing hoops, while others choose to go with sexy workout outlets like Cross Fit, P90X, etc. As we all know, everything that happens in PCTI will be blogged about in some fashion. That being said, it's time we grade each program and see if there truly is a direct correlation between conditioning and on court production.
Michael Beasley: Natural, Body Weight, Outdoor Workouts in High Altitude Environments.
Grade-C+
Beasley has never been known for slamming weights around and imposing his physicality on the court. What makes him an effective basketball player is loose, quick hips accompanied by a high octane motor. Give Beas credit for knowing his strengths, and basing his workouts around them. Yoga, hiking and pull ups were the center of his regimen, something not many can say. As far as basketball goes, Beasley has been working with renouned basketball trainer Will Horton, playing repeated one on one games in high altitude's against the world's highest motor. Interested to see if his training is enough to handle the wear and tear of 7 games.
Scott Donley: Leg Focused with Jump Training Circuit
Grade-B
Donley has received great notoriety from PCTI2 all the way through last week for his physical stature. Clearly, his routine has worked from a basketball perspective, of which he has been praised for blossoming on the court at age 27. He added an intense jump training circuit to his already difficult workout plan, one of which calls for steady growth of repetition over a 5 week period. The program should not only add spring, but strength and cardio to the legs and body. He has also been promoting his ability to guard the post, referencing the fact that he defends 6'10" Wisconsin mountain men on the reg.
Joe Thompson: Claim Chronic Fatigue/Injury While Secretly Training Hard
Grade-F
Let me begin by saying Thompson's regimen is not receiving the "F" because no one knows exactly what it is. What he is failing on is his idea behind it. No one, I mean NO ONE enjoys fooling people more than Joe Thompson. His strategy of promoting bad knees, check in's on 4-Square at Dr.'s appts, and excessive weight gain is all an act that is no longer fooling people. We all know he loves the camera, and there is no way with 300 pictures and 7 games worth of video shots that Thompson isn't at least wearing his biceps and chest out. I would say he is playing a few times a week, taking some sort of LA supplement that enhances the muscles, and whitening his teeth. I doubt his workouts were tailored around basketball, but don't expect a fat, sluggish Joe Thompson.
Jeff Sabin: Cross Fit Dedicated Workouts
Grade-B+
There is no question that Cross Fit brings a superior amount of stamina, strength and explosion to anyone. Sabin is going on year 2 of power cleans, box jumps, dead lifts, pull ups, etc and expect that to continue and help him on the defensive end, rebounding and finishing. Additionally, he plays three times a week so his feel for the game should be as good, if not better than everyone else. The one thing he is missing from X-Fit is that he does not belong to a true Cross Fit gym, thus only competing against him self each day. I expect a similar Jeff Sabin as last year from a conditioning standpoint, something that any team desperately needs as the series gets deeper and deeper.
Bryan McKinney: Cross Fit Tempest
Grade-A
This can be debated all you want, but when pictures pop up of McKinney doing overhead squats, throwing tires, and doing hand stand pushups, you can't help but to recognize and be impressed with what he is doing. A guy that notoriously utilized his high motor as a strength has now added the world's most tireless workout program to his repertoire, something that no one in their right mind can look at as a negative. In addition to the workouts, he is competing for time against not only himself, but every other fellow Crossfitter that shows up that day, showing that he is pushing himself harder than any of us are. Having done this for a short time myself, I can guarantee no one will be better prepared for PCTI's wear and tear than McKinney. McKinney also has never had trash talk come his way, so he has added incentive to go off in PCTI3.
Ian Van Horne: D1 Sports Training
Grade-C+
The workouts are not the reason Van Horne is receiving a C+, rather the lack of basketball playing the last few months. As far as workouts are concerned, The Bruise has done a great job of identifying his biggest weakness (Cardio) and joined up with D1 to focus on improving that. Sprints, high rep body weight squats, burpees, and core-focused workouts are the basis of what he has been doing, and I expect it to really benefit his ability to stay on the court, focus, defend and board for longer periods of time. Although, he has not been playing religiously, if there was anyone's game that could get away with it, it's his.
Michael Orr: Hoops, Weights, Bike Rides, Healthy Eating
Grade-B+
Smo has never had a problem with his cardio, so that has nothing to do with it. However, in recent years Smo has picked up healthy eating to his already hectic routine of hoops, lifting, running... Anything active. What healthy eating does is give your body nutrients to be able to do all those things longer, harder and better than you were. With a game tailored around balls to the wall defense, expect the year of experience and conditioning, along with his recently appointed defensive captain role to be extra motivation to keep the opposition out of the paint.
Michael Beasley: Natural, Body Weight, Outdoor Workouts in High Altitude Environments.
Grade-C+
Beasley has never been known for slamming weights around and imposing his physicality on the court. What makes him an effective basketball player is loose, quick hips accompanied by a high octane motor. Give Beas credit for knowing his strengths, and basing his workouts around them. Yoga, hiking and pull ups were the center of his regimen, something not many can say. As far as basketball goes, Beasley has been working with renouned basketball trainer Will Horton, playing repeated one on one games in high altitude's against the world's highest motor. Interested to see if his training is enough to handle the wear and tear of 7 games.
Scott Donley: Leg Focused with Jump Training Circuit
Grade-B
Donley has received great notoriety from PCTI2 all the way through last week for his physical stature. Clearly, his routine has worked from a basketball perspective, of which he has been praised for blossoming on the court at age 27. He added an intense jump training circuit to his already difficult workout plan, one of which calls for steady growth of repetition over a 5 week period. The program should not only add spring, but strength and cardio to the legs and body. He has also been promoting his ability to guard the post, referencing the fact that he defends 6'10" Wisconsin mountain men on the reg.
Joe Thompson: Claim Chronic Fatigue/Injury While Secretly Training Hard
Grade-F
Let me begin by saying Thompson's regimen is not receiving the "F" because no one knows exactly what it is. What he is failing on is his idea behind it. No one, I mean NO ONE enjoys fooling people more than Joe Thompson. His strategy of promoting bad knees, check in's on 4-Square at Dr.'s appts, and excessive weight gain is all an act that is no longer fooling people. We all know he loves the camera, and there is no way with 300 pictures and 7 games worth of video shots that Thompson isn't at least wearing his biceps and chest out. I would say he is playing a few times a week, taking some sort of LA supplement that enhances the muscles, and whitening his teeth. I doubt his workouts were tailored around basketball, but don't expect a fat, sluggish Joe Thompson.
Jeff Sabin: Cross Fit Dedicated Workouts
Grade-B+
There is no question that Cross Fit brings a superior amount of stamina, strength and explosion to anyone. Sabin is going on year 2 of power cleans, box jumps, dead lifts, pull ups, etc and expect that to continue and help him on the defensive end, rebounding and finishing. Additionally, he plays three times a week so his feel for the game should be as good, if not better than everyone else. The one thing he is missing from X-Fit is that he does not belong to a true Cross Fit gym, thus only competing against him self each day. I expect a similar Jeff Sabin as last year from a conditioning standpoint, something that any team desperately needs as the series gets deeper and deeper.
Bryan McKinney: Cross Fit Tempest
Grade-A
This can be debated all you want, but when pictures pop up of McKinney doing overhead squats, throwing tires, and doing hand stand pushups, you can't help but to recognize and be impressed with what he is doing. A guy that notoriously utilized his high motor as a strength has now added the world's most tireless workout program to his repertoire, something that no one in their right mind can look at as a negative. In addition to the workouts, he is competing for time against not only himself, but every other fellow Crossfitter that shows up that day, showing that he is pushing himself harder than any of us are. Having done this for a short time myself, I can guarantee no one will be better prepared for PCTI's wear and tear than McKinney. McKinney also has never had trash talk come his way, so he has added incentive to go off in PCTI3.
Ian Van Horne: D1 Sports Training
Grade-C+
The workouts are not the reason Van Horne is receiving a C+, rather the lack of basketball playing the last few months. As far as workouts are concerned, The Bruise has done a great job of identifying his biggest weakness (Cardio) and joined up with D1 to focus on improving that. Sprints, high rep body weight squats, burpees, and core-focused workouts are the basis of what he has been doing, and I expect it to really benefit his ability to stay on the court, focus, defend and board for longer periods of time. Although, he has not been playing religiously, if there was anyone's game that could get away with it, it's his.
Michael Orr: Hoops, Weights, Bike Rides, Healthy Eating
Grade-B+
Smo has never had a problem with his cardio, so that has nothing to do with it. However, in recent years Smo has picked up healthy eating to his already hectic routine of hoops, lifting, running... Anything active. What healthy eating does is give your body nutrients to be able to do all those things longer, harder and better than you were. With a game tailored around balls to the wall defense, expect the year of experience and conditioning, along with his recently appointed defensive captain role to be extra motivation to keep the opposition out of the paint.
Reminder...Writing Awards 2012
Reminder,
Voting for the Ernie Pyle PCTI Journalism awards is on Monday morning at 9am PST-12pm PST.
Mark Twain Prose Award-Best Original Post
Rob Delaney Humor Award-Funniest Post
You CANNOT vote for yourself.
Both awards are getting 3 free beers each on Thursday Night courtesy of the Company Card.
Winner(s) will be announced on the blog on Tuesday Morning.
Frank Stallone
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