Best Games of S7VEN

I have been itching to get the blog fired back up and finally took the time to make a post. I decided I wanted to go back and look at the stats from last year and determined who had the best game for each of the six games. I think at some point I will go back and see if I can pick the all time best performances from the history. 

Here is a breakdown of each of the games best player and runner up of PCTI7.

Game 1:

Dann

Coming out of the gate hot, this new look Daniel gave the Snipers fits. Going 7-10 from three, led his team with 23 points. He also added 4 boards, 3 of which were offensive, 3 assists, and 3 steals. One of the best games in PCTI history, but as all know this is a team sport and the Brats really let him down and lost a close game by 4. I played horribly so I’ll take the L.

Runner up, Abe

A great game by multiple people on the Snipers. Sabin had 14; JT had 12 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists; but Abe scoring 15 points, 11 boards, while also adding a block and 2 steals helped lead his team to victory.

Game 2:

Dan

DK came out firing again! 18 points with 5 assists, going 4 for 6 from 3 helped his team tie up the series. Everyone was wondering after day 1 if this shooting performance would continue all weekend or if this was some weird anomaly. All of this happened while he also had to chase Abe around on D. This was one of the best back-to-back games anyone has played in PCTI history!

Runner up, Ben

A great game by Ben was completely overshadowed by Fruit Man’s fast start. 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds is a great game, but add in 0 TO’s for Ben and there was no way his team was losing. Brats run away with this one.

Game 3:

Abe

Maybe it was that Dani finally got tire, but Abe had a monster game 3. Any time someone puts up a double double in PCTI it is a great game. 17 points on 12 shots, 3 assists (even though he had 4 TOs), added a steal, but he ripped down 13 boards. 3 rebounds were o-boards. Abe secured his team would not be down going into Saturday with this great performance.

Runner up, Spot

Spot had a good shooting performance in game 3 with 3-5 from 3 and getting 13 points. He also had 4 rebounds and 2 assists. A good team performance defensively as Donley, JT, and Sabin all had 3 steals. Snipers take the lead back.

Game 4:

Ben

Benji runs away with this one scoring 26 of his team’s 58 points. He also helped TP dominate the glass by adding 7 rebounds. This was also the highest SPERM count of the weekend with 45. Also, had a steal and a couple of assists and helped tie up the tournament heading into Saturday.

Runner up, Abe

After losing Wes in Game 3, the Snipers decided they needed to come out and have a balanced attack. JT and Bruise took 7 shots each, Abe, Spot, and Sabin took 8 each, and Donley took 9 shots. Unfortunately, they all were off that game, except Abe. You can look at the box score and tell people were wearing down. Abe ended up with 12 points and 8 rebounds. 8 of his team’s 24 *eye emoji*. Add in 4 assists (5 TO’s whoops) and this could have been a lot uglier without this performance.

Game 5:

TP

I was so pumped after this performance! 13 points, 15 rebounds, 5 of which were offensive, on day 3 is just an incredible performance! He goes 6 for 9 from the field, has 2 assists to 1 TO, goes ahead and throws in 2 blocks and 1 steal for the game. I remember immediately thinking that he was the reason we won and probably saved the tournament for us.

Runner up, Spot

A lot of solid performances this game as Donley had 12 and 7, Bruise 10 and 6, Abe had 9 and 9, BC had 15 points, and Rainbow had 3 points but 5 rebs, 2 assists, and 4 steals. Spotlight had what I considered the 2^nd best game by scoring 14 points (4 of 8 from three) and 8 assists. That is a lot of points contributing on. Of course, most people will remember this as the game Snipers thought they should have won as they feel the refs missed a walk by Osama Bin Wilson and a loose ball foul with 2 seconds to go. Donley did such a good job acting on that foul, JT$ings flew in and had him featured in a video!

Game 6:

Beas

Another classic game as the Brats clinched the PCTI Championship with a 1 point victory. I have watched the ending millions of three times and still have no idea how Ben made that pass and am very impressed with the shot BC across his body floating the wrong way. Instant classic. I crown Beas the best performer of this game because not only did he have good numbers, but he was the energy our team needed. He struggled from the field, but ended up with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 of which were offensive, and six assists. Just an overall solid performance by overall solid guy and one of my best friends.

Runner up, JT$

Another hard choice as many people had solid games. I had 13 and 4, BC had 13 and 5, Abe had 10 and 8, Bruise had 10 and 6, and Sabin led all scorers with 14. $ingz struggled most the weekend, but he showed up for game 6. He scored 11 points, snagged 4 boards, and threw in 5 assists with a block.

I hope this fires back up the blog as we all start slowing down for the holidays. I’m excited to go back and watch the games over the break and hopefully will get to hoop with some of you. 

Hay Dann

Hey everybody, long time no see.  I know we're right in the middle of the calm before next PCTI's storm, but I thought I'd hop on the blog just to see what was poppin'.  After taking the world by storm and deciding (really this time) to give it one more go round as a captain, it's been eerily quiet.  I know it probably wasn't the most exciting development, and that perhaps a more interesting route would have been handing over the Roman Reigns to someone else...but the minute you all voted my archenemy as MVP, you dug your own graves.  I blame you all for my decision, yet I relish the opportunity to shut up the loudest mouth in this thing since Pitto's blowhole got canned.

I was hoping to talk to you guys next on a different medium...Brent and I have been trying for weeks to get Dan to hop on a pod with us to get the juices flowing back in PCTI.  The boy has simply been a ghost and could never find the time in his busy schedule to do it, so here we are.

While rumors continue to swirl about dates, rosters, and things of that nature boy, Dann and I's next order of business is to determine our draft positions.  Seeing as that the format seems to change every year and I have no idea how many people are going to be playing in PCTI8, it's hard to say how the actual top-to-bottom draft order will look.  I suppose I'll sit down with the Bored and hopefully, finally, get some clarification on this.  I've fought through it my last three drafts, and will again...but nailing down the process will help future captains, and everyone knows I'm all about helping my brethren.

Based off what I think the draft format is, it looks like this year I will take the first pick.  After deferring last year because I wanted to try and be nice and ease Sabes back in PCTI after a few years away, I feel no such sympathy towards Dann.  I know Dann thinks he has some team management skills after watching his boy Hinkie do his thing (lol), but he won't be able to trust the process while dealing with the urgency that comes with winning a PCTI series.  I will find pleasure in once again dictating a draft and watching it unfold exactly how I want it to...only making it sweeter is that Dann will be on the other end of it this time.

So there you have it.  Predictable, yes...but nonetheless, NEWS.  Just remember:  As you slide down the bannister of success, watch out for protruding splinters.

HAGS,
BenWilson

Hey Dan

You want it, you got it. Let's roll.

POST

Yo, this guy is ready to take the reigns and be a captain if you fools are still pussy-footing around on making a decision. Looking at you Benny Boy and Dan the (She)Man. Let's get the show on the rolllllll!!!  Happy Friday Fuckers!

Most Intriguing Captain Matchups

This is pretty stupid that we can't get captains. I think it would be great for everyone to have a shot at being a captain, so here is a little history:

• Year 1 - AHOP v. Dan
• Year 2 - BC v. Eskildsen
• Year 3 - Abe v. Sabin
• Year 4 - Eskildsen v. Doctor
• Year 5 - Ben v. Abe
• Year 6 - Ben v. Spotlight
• Year 7 - Ben v. Sabin

So a total of 8 of the 15 players in this thing have been captain. Apparently it's "not cool" to be a captain or some people "want to earn it" or some bullshit like that. Well keeping in mind that I think it would be awesome for everyone to get a crack at it and not have a rotation of Abe, Ben, and whoever plays well for a year, here are my most intriguing captain matchups:

1. Smo v. Bruiser: I love this one for some reason. Pretty evenly matched Bruins that roughly play the same position. Complete opposite in a lot of ways: looks, humor, competing, training, eating, intensity. I feel like Bruise would watch game film and have notes for the draft, while Orr would simply ask for a list of names of people in PCTI on draft day. This would be fun to see how everything shook out, plus 2 new captains. Could Bruise finally shake his losing streak with more control? Would Smo finally get revenge for Bruise planting him in the pads in Denver?

2. TP v. Donley: Just two ugly dudes that are more athletic than most in PCTI (not hard to achieve). TP exploded (no homo) onto the scene last year with a great 2nd half of the tournament. Donley kept his team in it with hustle plays and defense. I think both would be great captains (again 2 new ones) and this would be an even match from the jump. It is going to be interesting to see how TP year 2 and Donley make adjustments to their games.

3. Beas v. Dan: Love this match up. Two of the most competitive guys in PCTI that bring a lot of similar qualities. Both have had tourneys where they are the main scorer and both have had tourneys where they are lock down defenders. They hate each other and we love that. Beas loves to annoy Dan and Dan loves to be annoyed by Beas (last part probably isn't true). Public school Brentwood v. private school Brentwood. Great looking (Beas) v. ugly (Dan). What isn't to like? We would get 1 new captain but this won't happen unfortunately.

4. Doc v. BC: Father Ryan showdown! Big v. small. Lefty v. righty. Hollywood v. Horses. This would be an incredible matchup. I doubt this will happen because we are taught in private school to never oppose your brother in Christ (and how to become super wealthy). Both have been captains before but still a good matchup to think about. 

5. Rainbow v. Wes: LOL. 

OR put together a rematch from a year's past

6. Me v. Dan: Who doesn't want to see these two giants battle it out again? Could DK get his revenge from the inaugural PCTI or would he fail miserably again? On the one hand, my scouting report hasn't changed in 7 years, while Dan's has changed pretty significantly. On paper this isn't as even as other matchups due to me going in the bottom part of most drafts and Dan in the top 3-4, but I'm up for the challenge. Lots of nostalgia if this happens. Might have to add Mike Hite back for shits and giggles.  

7. Abe v. Ben: These are the two most dominant PCTI players. Both bring a lot to the table. One took 7 years to get his undergrad in Dog Walk Engineering while the other took 6 years to get his Master's in Pick Up Basketball Drafting. Both love me and would fight to get me on their team (LOL jk). I think we can all admit that Denver Abe was not his usual self. The again, this match up could easily happen organically in the future with awards. 

So those are the ones I would love to see. None will probably happen and we won't find out until Thanksgiving, but at least you didn't have to do work while you read this!

Calling On Ben

One thing I enjoy about BC's role as Chairman of the Bored is that he has no problem acting like an arbitrator, than quickly flipping into a troublemaker.  That renegade style is what yields results, and this is just another example of it.

The last three years playing for Ben Wilson has yield significant success for both of us.  Going into PCTI5, Ben's series record was 0-4, with 8 wins and 16 losses under his belt.  Outside of Sabin, who's porous, downright pathetic record drove him into an early retirement, there was no one that had as little success in PCTI as Ben.  As a top three pick every year, it was growing increasingly clear he couldn't anchor a winning team.

Then, after being handed the Roman Reigns to a captaincy, he was able to apply his world renowned education and build three consecutive borderline dominant teams, churning out 3-0 series record, with an even more impressive 12-3 w/l total during that time.

If you dig into the situation and wonder how someone who had such little success managed to find such a significant amount, you will find two catalysts: Him being the GM, and me being the anchor. His negative energy, lackluster (and dull) personality is something that can only be offset by the positive energy I bring to all aspects of life.

He can't win without me, and I want the opportunity to prove that in PCTI8... The way he turned his back on PCTI after years of dedicating his career to it is something I did not take lightly.  Sending Ben back down to the doormat (or whatever the right word is) of PCTI is where he belongs, and I, alongside future Sixers Abe and Hops, want to be responsible for sending him there.

Step up to the plate.

Behind the curtain of a PCTI power struggle

What happened to PCTI?

Beside "is JT Singz still a thing?" there hasn't been a more oft uttered question of late.

 Just a month ago we were running full steam ahead towards San Diego. Dan had captured MVP and the stage was set for the best part of the offseason to begin unfolding.

And then, nothing.

There's several factors at play. Some are small and some are big. Some are tangible and easy to identify, while others are deep seeded and below the surface. As a member of the Bored, I'm taking it upon myself to shed a little light on the situation, to tell you what I know and what I suspect and then let you be the judge of who to blame.

First thing I need to bring to light is my situation. Three weeks ago I took a new job. Just as I was about to start my own thing after months of preparing to take the plunge - something I talked to many of you about at VII - a new job materialized nearly overnight and I ditched my plans. (Shoutout to my business advisors Abe and Bruise for the guidance.)

How does this affect PCTI? More than you would think. You see, the issues that have crippled PCTI of late begin and end with a burgeoning rivalry between Dan the Boy and Ben Wilson, the two guys who happen to be opposing captains. With me unusually preoccupied and thusly not around to mediate, Dan is free to despise Ben for his new found commitment to employment (which has been especially busy of late since, you know, he runs a bookstore on a college campus), his love of music and the pleasure he gets from annoying Dan.

Of course, typically two captains at odds with each other should be a perfect set up to a great offseason of PCTI. Problem is, neither Dan nor Ben seems to want to retain his captaincy. For Ben this makes perfect sense, as he was quoted last year multiple times saying he would retire the captaincy upon winning. For Dan, on the other hand, his hesitancy to take the reigns is a head scratcher. While a repeat MVP performance isn't totally inconceivable, it's fairly unlikely. Likewise, there's almost no chance that anyone would ever like Dan enough to pick him as a replacement cap. In all likelihood this will be his only chance at picking a squad for a long, long time. And yet he wants to give it away. To further complicate things, as the myriad complications make both guys hate each other more, each is more tempted by the day to keep the captaincy, so that he can insure a chance to beat the brains in of the other. And around and around it goes...

The cat and mouse game has continued in to choosing possible replacements, the route that still seemed the most likely, even with both guys at odds with the other. Problem with this is that both want to match his replacement with the other's, causing a stalemate.

The final factor is perhaps is the most puzzling. According to multiple league sources, several players have actually DECLINED the captaincy when approached by Dan and/or Ben. To me this is shocking because the captaincy requires no extra work and is a rare privilege for any player to build an ideal team in his own image. Plus, as I outlined with Dan, getting a shot at a captain's place is not easy to do.

So that's where it stands...now you know.

As proof, here was the last communication between Ben, Dan and me. This is the extent of our text from Wednesday morning. No parties knew that I was planning to write something like this or would use this to illustrate the situation...

Late Night Tip - TBT

Gentlemen of PCTI,

Although to some I may seem a little, dare I say... disorganized, there are aspects of my life that I am a little OCD. For instance, I take sips from water fountains in multiples of 3. EVERY TIME. Those 15, 18, and yes 21 sip trips typically result in a heavy breath/cough/throwup afterwards. My gmail inbox is another area that stays meticulously pieced together. Because of this, I have every single PCTI related email, all 335 threads. That's right... threads.

For some random reason I got the urge to look back on number 1 tonight. Just so happens that it's the ever popular Thursday that people have deemed the day to throw back to. After 7 solid years, it's a pretty nostalgic read. For those lifers, it will stir up some damn good memories. For those of you who weren't as fortunate, here is a glimpse into our origin. I give you, the Alpha Document.

Sent March 1, 2010

Fellas,

 

At this point, either myself or someone else has reached out to you guy's about what we are interested in doing.  After 3 year's of torturing me in college with his inability to wake up before noon, show up to a game on time, or simply being the slightest bit reliable, my arch enemy Josh Pitto came to me yesterday with an excellent idea him and Brian Eskgljkhdsfkgjshkfjhdsen thought up. 

 

So most guy's when they start growing into their mature years like to take golf trips with their buddies.  Since golf is an expensive, boring headache I have vowed to never play it again.  Anyway, that has nothing to do with it. 

 

Since we all graduated college I think we can all agree finding a really good game to play in is significantly tougher.  To some, it's non existant.  So here is what we are proposing:

• Basketball trip.  Set in a central location. 
• Everyone arrive Friday night (No work taken off).
• 14 players (All approved by me)
• Draft takes place schoolyard style that Friday night.
• Session Saturday morning, Saturday evening and then final tournament Sunday morning.
• Three games in each session.  2- 15 or 20 minute halves with running clock.
• Referees, scoreboard, stats all will be kept.
• MVP voted on and crowned at the end of the weekend.
• A weekend we can turn into a tradition.

The brightest side to all this is how inexpensive it will be.  Renting a gym, refs and stat keepers will probably cost about $30-40 a person.  With hotel and food we are talking about a $150 weekend to get some great hoops and make us feel like we are high school ballers again.  I know I haven't played in real games with solid players, no arguing, refs, free throws etc. in god knows how long.  I think keeping the stats will be a nice touch.

 

If things go smoothly I think this will be a great tradition.  Maybe put together a website that keeps track of our yearly stats, wins and losses, MVP's, etc.  So far I'm pumped about the feedback I have gotten from everyone.  Sounds like we are all on the same page.

 

Logistically, what do you guy's think about the weekend of June 5th and 6th set in Lexington, KY.  Good basketball city that is centrally located for most everyone I have spoken to, not to mention a good little city that we can have a good time in.  One of the player's included in this has some contacts there that could probably get us in a pretty good gym. 

 

I know Nashville would be the best spot now, but that defeats the purpose of this being a "Hoops trip."  So far, we are looking at a really solid group.

 

Let's use this email chain to discuss specifics including if that weekend works for you guy's (It's plenty of time in advance that it shouldn't be a problem) and what you guy's think. 

 

Quick scouting report on the guy's included on this email chain so that if they send an email you can put a game with the name:

 

• Danny Krow (G/F/C)-Can do it all.  Score from anywhere.  Will rebound and both ends of the floor.  Relentless on D.  Post up game is nearly unstoppable.  Impossible to keep out of the lane.  Sets up teammates nicely and does whatever it takes to win.  Potential number 1 overall pick that will probably bring home the MVP.  Think Eric Snow.
• Brent Carney (F/C)-6'5" and extremely long.  Can step out and shoot mid-long range.  Post up game can only go to the middle.  Defends the block well and times jumps perfectly.  Defensive assasin with his long arms and well timed jumps.  Relentless rebounder on both ends.  Weakness is that he has trouble controlling himself in key situations.  With refs, could definitely hurt his team with technical fouls. 
• Josh Pitto (PG)-Smallish 0 guard that stretches the court and wears out defenses with his range and ability to get into the lane.  Lazy on the ball defender but shoots the gaps well.  Prototypical Golden State Warriors player.  Attitude is a problem.  Can carry his team for a quarter then tear them apart just as quickly.  Whether Pitto has matured over the years remains to be seen, however he can make an impact and can catch fire at any time.
• Brian Eskildsen (PG, F)-Do it all guy.  Great teammate.  Combines excellent vision with a high basketball IQ.  Defends the post well and rebounds with authority.  Good finisher that can handle the ball.  However, a slow release and inability to get a decent rotation on his shot make him a relatively easy cover but you must account for him.  Tough guy to keep off the glass. 
• Bryan McKinney (F)-Ex marksmen who needs this game more then anyone.  A combination of no talent in Denver along with law school makes it tough for this guy to get into the games he once thrived in.  Quick release and mentality makes this guy a threat to catch fire at any time.  Rangy defender and offensive rebounding master that will punish you if you don't box him out.  Wears defenders out by never getting tired, running the floor, and crashing the boards on every play.  The only question is if McKinney still has it after years away from competitive games.
• Joe Thompson (PG)-Oversized PG with fluid hips and good core strength.  One of two ex-college basketball players that will be partaking in this game.  Solid defender that is known for his poke from behind steals.  Will shoot it with range and loves shooting on the run.  Likes to get physical with small PG's.  Hot head that can blow at any time.  How has this ex-Rhodes stars game progressed since graduation?  Will he be a heavy favorite for MVP?
• Josh Stephens (PG)-6'5" that plays like he is 5'5".  Gunslinging mentality.  Good finisher that can step out and knock down from anywhere.  Used to be a liability defensively but his passion on that side is coming along.  Can be a black hole at times but also dominant at times.  One of the few players in this game with actual talent.  The question is can he learn how to play as a team first guy with a few extra years under his belt? Working on his 8th year of college, one wonders whether this guy has matured or if he has just gotten even more immature.  If that's the case, don't expect much of a showing from this guy.  If so, look for a potential MVP candidate.
• Dawson Huff (F)-Ex college swingman that makes a living off a deadly set shot and mid range jumpers.  Can defend any size and has a variety of ways to score in his repatoire.  Rarely misses foul shots but lack of physicality does not put him there much.  Tough to say whether his game and passion have progressed or regressed.  That question will go a long way in finding out what kind of performance we can expect from Huff.
• Ben Wilson (G,F,C)-Extremely oversized and physical point guard with good vision.  Can take you down low and score with either hand.  Streaky shooter that prefers banging rather then playing along the perimeter.  Will work hard defensively and on the glass.  Struggles to handle the ball and can't do anything if Danny Krow is on the court with him. 
• Anthony Hopkins (UTL)-In rythmn shooter that can catch fire at any time.  +/- guy that will never be caught out of position.  Excellent on the ball and help side defender.  Good feel offensively when it comes to cutting or hitting a cutter.  Good teammate.  Loves the game.  Struggles to finish occasionally but overall a good guy to have on your squad.

There it is fellas.  Let's get some dialogue going.  Can we do this???

What had me laughing...
- The godfathers are no longer included. Are we the ultimate basketball mutiny? Yes.
- Dan Dan the Nostradaumus Man predicts his MVP... seven years prior.
- And I quote, "The brightest side is how inexpensive it will be".
- 3 sessions, 3 games per session. 9 total games. IN 2 DAYS! We were so young and naive.
- Poor Nashville, ostracized from the get go.
- BMac's needs have obviously changed
- Ahop "struggles to finish occassionally" only brings back the sight of Danny keeled over with tears of joy after watching what is now the infamous Red Sea Layup.

Miss you guys.

GOLF!!!

In the spirit of ideas, since our Bored crawled under their usual rock during the off season, I would like to propose to the group a round of golf the day before PCTI starts.

I know guys have gotten together in the past and played, but I would like to make it a little more formal this time. We would put some teams together and get a little action going on it. Obviously there are a lot of great courses to choose from.

Since Abe blocked off a quarter of the year, I know we don't have a date yet, but I think it would be fun for those interested to get out a day early and enjoy some good weather. 

Let me know what you all think. 

Smo

Run It Back?!

You all know me: the hilarious, good looking guy that likes to get messed. Just some words that pop in all of your minds when you hear my name: stunning, funny, baller, brill (the cool kids know this one), jokester, comedian, gorgeous, granddad. Those are just some of the more popular ones. Because of this, a lot of people don't know what I'm passionate about being: an ideas guy.

If you know me as long as Abe has, this is no surprise. We were the ones that brought you the New York Times #1 best selling blog: borderlinegeniusideas.com. Of course our ideas were so hard hitting and innovative the government made us take them down #thanksobama. Now that you know that I'm not all looks and laughs, I want you to know that I occasionally get excite about an idea I have. An example was when I thought we should have the National Anthem before game 1 of PCTI this year. That is probably why I played so poorly game 1. Well I recently had a gem of an idea for PCTI8. I presented it to Dan the Dream Killer Man and he immediately did what he does best, shit on it. He does it in such a way that you think, "man, HE really liked that but the others didn't." This is before we talked to anyone else. So I talked to a few more people and have decided to bring it to the blog. My idea for PCTI8 is to run the same teams back! I thought this was genius. I also thought it got better once I told DK that he would retain his deserved captaincy going into PCTININE going up against whoever wins MVP in eight. So let me break down the pros and cons.

Pros

• The games last year were incredibly close all weekend. Including the final two being decided by 1 (one) point!
• Both teams thought they were the better team for the weekend (I'll expand on this in a second).
• We immediately know our teams, chemistry should only get better, and most importantly we can start talking shit to each other now.
• Gives the Snipers a chance at revenge and the Brats can defend their belt.
• We don't have to delete our team group chats.
• There is a high chance that next year will be just as competitive.

Cons

• You are playing with the same guys. That may not get you excited like it does me.
• No draft. The excitement (or shame in my case). The pageantry. The movements up and down of players (besides Wes) to see who has improved or gotten worse in the eyes of the captains.
• Not getting to play with AHop for the Snipers.
• Dan getting his captaincy pushed out a year and Ben not getting to retain or give his to someone else.
• Struggling to find other things?? 

So we would have Team Snipers pick Smo or whoever #16 is. Dan would keep his captaincy until 9 and go up against MVP of 8. But here's the main reason I would love to do it: both teams thought they were the better team. Obviously the Brats thought this because we won a hard fought series in 6 games. The feeling and sometimes confirmation I have gotten from the Snipers is they thought they had the better talent and better team. An injury, a call, or a bounce here or there would have swung it to them winning in 6. To be honest, they have a good argument. So what's stopping this? Is it the Bored flexing their David Stern/Roger Goodell "muscles" or is it other players wouldn't want this? I'm fine if you don't want to do this as it may reduce some of the excitement, but I'd love to hear where people stand on this. I'm just an ideas guy, guys...

P.S. Deuce's Life, Your Entertainment!

PCTI7 AWARDS

What a great way to follow up Sabin’s series of SPERM with announcing the awards for PCTI7! I love how we continue to add layers into this weekend to improve it each year! PCTI gives all of us a nice outlet for our competitive juices and while we all want to win and the way to accomplish this is accomplished by everyone on the team, we all want to compare ourselves to each other. SPERM does a great job of how people play, but it doesn’t tell the whole story usually. This is where the awards come in (at least for the high SPERM count players).

This was the most competitive PCTI in my book so kudos to our captains for their picks. Not really any surprises here, so I decided to give out some other awards to go along with All Tournament and MVP.

Most Encouraging – Wes – I hated to see Wes go down to injury after he had played well up to that point. Kudos to Wes for staying engaged with his team and being a positive re-enforcement.

Best Apology – Bruise – For some reason I found it hysterical that Bruiser apologized on camera for hitting me in the head. It was even funnier because Deuce played the proverbial role of a parent and asked, “is there anything you want to say to Hops?” right after it happened. I definitely wasn’t made at him as I knew they were trying to foul, but I did want to punch that ref.

Most Unique – Rainbow – I just couldn’t get enough of Rainbow. He’s weird but not in a bad way. He fits in well with the group and he’s also fun to be around solo. He bratted out multiple times which I love. He tried to steal BC’s look, which I still laugh about. Finally, his game is different as well. His body twists and turns in peculiar ways. The bounce passes he had to DK really made my day. Being most unique is an honor with this group.

Best Fake Gameshow Host – AHOP – There wasn’t anyone else even close to this award.

Mr. Hustle – Donley – There’s no bigger compliment to a Cincinnati man than comparing him to Charlie Pete Rose. Donley was active all weekend and crashed the boards hard. I loved it. Best chef was his runner up award.

Best Shot of the Weekend – Joe – I may be forgetting another one and I’m not even sure when this happened, but Joe made a layup where he got fouled twisted threw up the ball with some much spin and banked in the shot. I was on the bench at the time and I thought the shot missed by a foot. I’m still trying to figure out how it went in.

Best Catchphrase – Beas – Back to back years Beas has come up with something I (and probably everyone) walk away from saying all the time. Last year it was “OoooOooo” (hard to spell it out). This year it was *hack a loogie noise* “WET!” I still find myself saying it to myself.

Rookie of the Year – TP – Rainbow had a great weekend, but TP edged him out for ROY. Him putting up a 13-15 game was awesome (especially since he told Ben coming in he would definitely have at least one double double). TP was a big time impact player and next year will be interesting to see how he plays with a year under his belt and not having an injury to rehab from.

Comeback Player of the Year – Sabin – Sabin was really good games 1 and 6, but was consistently good throughout. Having one less sub hurt him, but he was still giving 100% the entire time. This was a toss-up between he and Bruise, but his first and last games helped him pull this one out.

Got Votes, but missed the Cut

Spotlight – 3 AT Votes

Just to touch on SPERM quickly, there were 5 guys that got votes in any capacity and they were the top 5 SPERM players. Hard to hate on SPERM with those type of results. Anyways, congrats to MY DUDE Spotlight on getting a few well deserved AT votes. Spot is very consistent on both ends of the floor and shoots the ball as good or better than anyone. Will his team in 8 recognize this and try and get him more shots? Since he didn’t make the AT team, his award is Most Stylish. Been saying this for years and it really showed this year, Spot is a true hipster and most of us just wish we could look as good as Spot.

BC – 4 AT Votes

I loved playing with the Brats this year. We seemed to connect well before PCTI and would send each other vids of us working out or hooping leading up to this. BC was the ring leader of this. I also thought BC and Beas were two guys that were always upbeat and positive for our team. Sure he yelled “I F*CKING BLEEDING!” to the ref after a “missed call” (even though the blood was drawn a few possessions earlier). BC had some incredible moments: carrying our team day 3 and beating his bare chest after each bucket, jumping up in the stands after a near steal, and who can forget the series clinching bucket that was underrated but is now approaching properly rated. Just a great steady performance all weekend from BC. Best Cig Smoker is his award and he stole it from Spot. Wow! What a performance on that square Saturday night!

All Tournament

Abe – 9 AT Votes, 2 MVP Votes

Most decorated player in PCTI history adds (DJ Khaled voice) Another one! What can you say about this guy that hasn’t already been said? He’s just a very skilled player that is bigger than most of us and has a ton of energy. The hardest part about guarding Abe is you can never let up. He had come up a little tender on one possession I was guarding him and looked to be struggling a little on the way down the next play. While I lighten up a little and someone kicks it to him for a 3 he knocks down. The fact that most defenses are focused on him, he has to defend tough opponents on the other end, and is usually one of the top rebounders and still shoots a high percentage is incredible. If his team won (or possibly even went 7) he easily wins MVP. Just as a side note, I thought his shot was in at the end of game 6.

Ben “JD” Wilson – 9 AT Votes, 3 MVP Votes

I have to admit; I was getting frustrated with Bin at PCTI. There were times it just didn’t seem like he was in it. I get to play with him more than anyone else in PCTI and I know how impactful he can be on both ends, but especially offensively when he is doin his thang. Unfortunately, he gets taken out of games at times by refs or occasionally with shitty teammates (this happens in our pickup games). I walked away thinking he had a subpar tournament. Then I went back and watched the videos, and he saved our team. He hit so many big shots and was a huge presence for us. His 26-7 is a game for the ages. He then distracted everyone except BC on the biggest play of the weekend with his duplex on the Oscar the Grouch. He also had the best brat out (my opinion) of the tourney after his blatant charge. In the end, it shows how good of a player he is that I could think he underperformed and he made AT with MVP votes.

MVP

Dan “the MVP man” Krow – 5 AT Votes, 10 MVP Votes

Then there was Dan… Unlike Abe, you could say a lot of things that haven’t been said about him. Things like, “wow what a scorer!”, “yeah he led the tourney with 3s made and 3 point %”, or even “yeah that haircut looked good, I didn’t want to punch him as soon as I saw him.” But those were things that Dan did. Dan has worked hard at getting his game better. He has always been a great defender, distributor, and a pleasure to play with. In order to become a more complete player, he needed to become a good shooter AND actually shoot often enough to be really impactful. Welp, that’s exactly what he did this year. Most of us have thought DK could shoot well in the past but only if he was really open. This year he was a shoot first player and it paid dividends. Shooting a gaudy 68% from 3 the first 3 games, scoring 23, 18, and 10 is one of the greatest 3 game stretches in PCTI history. As he tired and start to lose his shot, he of course picked up in other areas. The last 3 games he had 19 boards and 10 assists. All of this while playing excellent defense on Abe. We joked this was a “Lifetime Achievement” MVP, but I actually didn’t want to vote for you because of you “acheivements”. Honestly this was a well deserved MVP.

Congrats Abe, Bin, and Danny boy!

Sabin Productivity Rankings, Part IV

This is the 4^th and final installment of a series that examines the potential viability of the controversial Sabin Productivity Metric as a guide for determining player value in PCTI. Commentary and analysis by the author. Although it has limitations, the model suggests how much value a player adds to his team over the course of the tournament. Welcome to Group 1 of the SPM, better known as "Next year’s first-round draft picks."

5) Spotlight - 109 points

Spot and I haven't played much together in PCTI, but I walked away from Cincinnati thinking how easy it was to play with him and much I enjoyed playing with him. Although his own criticism of us playing together is that we may not be as compatible as you might think, I am not sure that I share his hypothesis. Very few players in PCTI have a highly-desirable, low dribble-to-shot ratio, but I would guess that Spot is one of the leaders of this category. I like to think of Higdon as a guy who “stays in his lane”, meaning that he routinely takes good shots, doesn’t force action that isn’t there, doesn’t do things that he can’t do, and knows what he does well. Add to that the fact that he is positive and vocal, and he spreads a lot of good energy to his team throughout the weekend. Shot 47% for the tournament and also 47% from deep, the former being an excellent mark and the latter being otherworldly. 20 assists against just 7 turnovers for the weekend for an AT ratio approaching 3. Led the tournament in EFG of 63%. For those who may not understand this number, that is fucking ridiculous. Also led the tournament with 1.32 points per shot, which is hyper-efficient and makes me think we didn’t get him enough shots in the Natti. Scored double figures in 4 of 6 games, with a 5^th game at 9 points. Made at least one 3 ball in EVERY SINGLE Game. Made at least 2 triples in 5 OF THE 6 GAMES. Honestly, this was just an amazing performance by the guy who I believe has claimed the title of PCTI’s Best Shooter. He has certainly given us all a mark to shoot for in PCTI 8. The only critique I have of this guy is his choice of clothing and style. An old fart like me probably just didn’t understand his spacesuit and related garb. Other than that, incredible work by one of PCTI’s most popular players.

4) BC - 111 points

I’m trying to think of the professional athlete equivalent of “an under-appreciated winner who just does what your team needs but doesn’t get much credit or attention for it.” Is it Dirk Nowitzki? A guy who you don’t think is spectacular in many ways, but you look up and see that he is an MVP, a Finals MVP, a world champion, and is 6^th on the all-time NBA scoring list. The reality is that BC may be PCTI’s version of Dirk Nowitzki, not necessarily in terms of style of game but in terms of being under-appreciated. He just produces time and time again, helps his team win, makes winning plays, yet does it with relatively little fanfare or accolades. In the Natti, BC got down with 11PPG, 5RPG, and 47% from the field. Also shot a sparkling 43% from deep, good for 3^rd in the tournament. Co-led the tourney with 12 aggregate steals/blocks along with Donley. Added 31 rebounds to his tally while shooting an EFG of an ungodly 56%. Scored 1.29 PPS to finish second only to Spotlight above. Again, super, super efficient. Did I mention that he made the game-winning, series-clinching, across-his-body floater to send the Snipers packing? And yet the only thing people wanted to talk about afterwards was Ben’s unwarranted molestation of the nearby trash can! Such is the life of BC, an under-appreciated winner and PCTI star that rarely, if ever, gets celebrated the way that he should. Absolutely owned day 3 with 14PPG on 60% from the field. The Brats DO NOT WIN this tournament without him. Maybe one of these days we will open our eyes and understand how much value this guy delivers to his team. Until then, he may operate in relative anonymity until the rest of us start to get it.

T-2) Wilson - 115 points

Wilson and I have developed a relationship in PCTI based on losing and under-performing our expectations. We spent a fair amount of time together in the first several PCTI seasons battling for the title of PCTI’s Worst Loser. With continued losing came animosity, resentment, scorn, and unfulfilled purpose. Ben has since shed himself of the losing label and has converted himself into something of an uber-captain, winning the past several PCTIs and putting together some championship teams. However, he has left me behind and my losing streak remains intact. Given that, my bitterness is only amplified after Cincinnati and is unfairly and misguidedly directed at Wilson. This will be the case until I win a god-damn championship in PCTI so Big Ben will just have to accept it. I’m not sure anyone can deny that he may be PCTI’s easiest and most diverse scorer. He may be without peer when it comes to the multitude of ways he can score the ball, including triples, layups, free throws, et al. He makes scoring 20 points look relatively routine and simple, juxtaposed against the rest of us scoring 20 points looks like we’ve gone on a Carmelo-like hot streak. He also has a penchant for hitting shots at timely moments, including games 2, 4, and 5. Take a look at game 4…dude goes for 26 and 7 on 9-16 from the field with 6 triples. Most of us will go our entire PCTI careers not scoring 26 in a game. Some of us don’t score 26 points in the entire tournament for god’s sake. Yet, he also has moments and stat lines that are somewhat headscratching, given his prodigious offensive talent. As an example, in game 6, Big Ben shot 2-9 from the field and just 1-7 from deep with no assists and 4 turnovers. Seeing stat lines like this next to one another seem perplexing and are hard to square with his ability. Shot 38% for the weekend, but 36% from 3 is certainly above-average. Added 29 boards to his tally for an average approaching 5. Dimed 13 assists against 12 turnovers and shot a respectable 49% EFG for the weekend. Went for double figures in 4 of 6 games, and added a 5^th at 9 points. Had at least 2 triples in 4 of 6 games. Scored a 45 in the SPM in game 4 and a 0 in game 6. Ceiling and floors, man. He may have PCTI’s absolute highest ceiling in any given PCTI game, including Abe. It’s dealing with the floor that is the hard part with Ben. All that said, it’s impossible to think of this guy slipping out of the second round, with a more likely probability that he’ll be scooped in the 1^st round next year. I also don’t think I’ve ever seen somebody who can spin while moving that fast. He may be the Dwight Freeney of PCTI.

T-2) DK – 115 points

I haven’t done much analysis to confirm this, but I would venture to say that this was DK’s best PCTI by a wide margin. Gone are the days when DK would overpass, hoping to please his teammates versus unleashing his relatively unknown but super-effective jumper. I’ve contended for a long time that he has a great offensive game, but it gets lost amid the conversation about his defensive prowess and an unhealthy obsession with winning the A/T ratio. His day 1 splits are the stuff of legend, with 21 PPG, 4 APG, 3 RPG, and 56% from the field with 11 triples. To give you an idea of how good that is, if he had taken the collar in every category from games 3-6, meaning no points, boards, assists, triples, etc…, he still would have averaged 7 PPG and nearly 2 triples a game. That is more than most of did for the entire tournament. Scored double figures in 3 of 6 games and shot a stupid 57% EFG. Led the tournament with 50% from deep. Let me say that one more time. Led the tournament with 50% from 3 for THE WEEKEND. Went over 5 assists twice for the tournament and averaged 6 RPG on day 3. I honestly don’t know if he is going to win MVP or not. All I can really say is that this guy was the heartbeat of his team. It’s impossible to measure things like competitiveness, determination, intensity, leadership, etc…but you know it when you see it. And you see it when DK plays. That’s why my personal opinion is that this MVP race is not nearly as close as what others might think. That’s no disrespect to anyone else’s opinion, but I just don’t see how the MVP conversation doesn’t start and finish with this guy. And I’m glad he got a haircut…that moppy look was wearing me out.

1) Abe – 143 points

It’s difficult to overstate how important this guy was to our team. Take a look at the PCTI 7 resume for his team:

1^st – PPG with 12.5

1^st – RPG with 9.2

1^st – APG with 3.5

1^st – Defensive Rebounds with 49

2^nd – 43% FG

2^nd – 41% from 3 with 12 makes

2^nd – FT makes with 9

2^nd – 52% EFG

2^nd – 54% True Shooting

2^nd – PPS at 1.19

He scored nearly 30 points higher than any Brats player and 34 points higher than Spot, who played some elite basketball over the weekend. His basketball ability is no secret and a lot of us know that he can simply do things over long stretches that others cannot do, but what I did not realize is what a good dude he is to play with. He is positive, plays hard through fatigue, and ALWAYS gives a crap. If anything, you could make the argument that we let him down by not playing better. He gave a championship effort in a losing cause, but this should not in any way undermine his ability to lead teams to titles. This guy earns every bit of praise he receives and both captains next year should do all in their power to claim the first pick in the next year’s draft. Jerry West won the MVP for the Lakers in a losing cause more than 40 years ago, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this happened with Abe. But whether he wins it or not, it’s a rare combination to find a great individual player who is also a great team player who is also a great dude. He checked off all the boxes for me. Not sure what else to say…PCTI GOAT.

 

Sabin

Wait! It can't be! That's the PCTI blog's music!

I told you it was coming back and now it's official.

Just in time for your Friday afternoon when you're counting down the minutes until you can leave work, The Bored chops it up with Sabin for 50+ minutes.

Sabin Productivity Rankings, part III

This is the 3rd installment of a 4 part series that examines the potential validity of the controversial Sabin Productivity Rankings with commentary by the author. Although it has limitations, the model suggests how much value a player adds to his team over the course of the tournament. Welcome to Group 2 of the SPR, better know as "Bs and Cs get degrees."

8) Hops - 81 points

Hops and I haven't played much together in PCTI, but he is always somebody that I enjoy competing against. There's a large contingent of players in PCTI that think Hops is among the smartest players that we have, and I'm a member of that group. I've told DK on a number of occasions that Hops just has this uncanny ability to always be in my way when I am trying to get to certain spots on the floor. But in addition to his normal sticky defending and help side play, he brought his jump shot with him to Cincinnati. Dude stroked 10-26 from deep over the weekend for a warm 39%. He also added an above-average 60% from the charity stripe to go along with a salty 56% EFG for the weekend. Hops also always contributes in other categories and this year was no different, adding 23 boards, 10 assists, and 4 steals to his tally. He also led his team with a low-turnover mark of 5. He slapped up terrific games 2, 3, and 6 with lines of 11-3-2, 12-3-0, and 13-4-1 in the clincher. In those games, he shot 8-14 from 3 and 6-7 from the free throw line. I can't confirm this statement, but this may have been one of Hop's best PCTI performances with timely triples and positive energy. I guess the "Moses parts the Red Sea" layup got a little traction over the weekend, especially with Danny, but this was an otherwise fine performance by one of PCTI's favorite sons.

7) TP - 87 points

Let me state for the record that I am not thrilled with TP's driving ability nor his choice of music, but those are small matters compared to the size of this guy's contribution to his team in Cincinnati. I think it is fair to say that TP started out the tournament a little bit slow given that he was trying to get a feel for his teammates and where he could add value. But the bigger theme is that he just kept getting better and better and better as the weekend continued. As an example, he posted a game 1 line of 3 points and 4 boards on 14% shooting. However, as he got more comfortable with his group, he was able to post a monster 13 and 15 in a crucial game 5 win. Without TP in that game, with a nod to BC, the Brats do not win that game and ultimately may have turned the series to the Snipers. Respect to Abe, BC, Bruise, and Donley, but we may have found PCTI's best rebounder. His numbers don't do justice to his overall impact, so I'm going to leave those to the side for this discussion. But let me just say that I would be shocked if this dude wasn't selected in round 2 of this year's draft. You can always do worse than a guy who puts his hard hat on, rebounds everything in sight, creates extra possessions for his team, and has a relentless motor. Reminds me a lot of a young Joakim Noah, only with a better haircut. I'd play with this dude any PCTI and would count myself lucky to be his teammate...I just don't want him to drive me to the gym.

6) Sabin - 89 points

I admit that I am surprised to find myself in this group. I did not think my impact was the same caliber as some of the players in groups 2 and 3, but the reality is that I typically shoot a decent percentage from the field, make my free throws, and don't turn the ball over. So some guys had better positives than me, but I had significantly fewer negatives than them if that makes sense. Although I only shot 38% for the weekend, I shot it well in game 1 with 14 points on 5-8 from the field and game 6 with 14 points on 5-11. I led the tourney in FT% at 88 and AT ratio at 4.5. Slapped up 18 assists for the weekend and added 8 steals for good measure. My jumper went to sleep in games 2-5, but that has given me all of the motivation that I needed to get back in the gym and get ready for 8. I'm super excited to be back in the PCTI family after a long winter of discontent. Thanks to you guys for having me back and I look forward to all of the offseason events we have coming up.

Sabin

Sabin Productivity Rankings, Part II

In the continuing 4-part series of Sabin Productivity Rankings, here is Group 3, better known as "Just above the Mendoza Line."

11) JT Singz - 69 points

Everybody's favorite PCTI showman went on a roller coaster ride in PCTI 7. He certainly had some moments that make you think he is a top-shelf player in the tournament, but like several participants, had a difficult time stringing shots together. For a large part of the weekend, his 3 ball abandoned him and he ended the tournament at just 4-27 from deep, a cool 15%. However, he did shoot 8-13 from 2 point land, and this raised his overall FG% to 30%. He also attacked the basket well for much of the weekend and led the tournament in FTAs with 20. Yet he only converted there at a 50% clip. Still slapped up 26 boards and 15 assists, and co-led the league in steals with 8. Had very nice games 1 and 6, with a 12-7-5 in the opener and an 11-4-5 in the finale. And nobody is a better one-man wrecking crew in the full court than this guy. Also needs to be given props for playing through Day 3 when he wasn't feeling well physically. And even though his jumper was absent for much of the tourney, this is still a guy that you want to play with.

10) Diesel Donley - 75 points

This may be the most interesting case study in PCTI. By any measure, Donley is a max-effort player on every possession. His teammates love that he crashes the boards on both ends, accepts any challenge or assignment on defense, is always in great physical condition, and ALWAYS gives a crap. By a different measure, you could see from the videos that Cockstrong was taking some very high degree of difficulty shots that would be tough for any player to make. A fair way to analyze his performance is to say that his effort and energy are always sky high, but his efficiency is not quite what he would like to see. As an example, he tied for 3rd overall in rebounding with 32, but also shot 32% for the weekend. He led the league in steals with 8, but also competed with Abe for most shot attempts on the Snipers. He tied BC for the aggregate steals/blocks lead in the tourney with 12, but also shot just 20% from deep at 4-20. If Diesel can get his efficiency in 8 to approach his effort and energy, I don't see how he would ever be anything less than a high draft pick. Also, major props for organizing a great event in 7. In all likelihood, that may have been the best hosting job in the history of the tournament. Respect.

11) Bruiser - 79 points

Everybody's favorite bodyguard who is also a genuinely nice guy. I've always enjoyed this guy's company even though we have done quite a bit of losing together. You can always count on the Bruise for a hard-hat effort and some spectacular/scary moments of elite basketball ability. One of my favorite guys to be around and also one of the guys who is most self-critical in the tournament. He was super solid for much of the weekend, averaging more than 7PPG on 41.3% from the field. Also went 5-8 from the FT line for an above-average 63%. Co-tied Donley for 3rd in rebounds with 32. Had a terrific day 3 with 20 points and 12 boards. Also had 5 steals in the tournament. Given that he had to chase a very active pair of TP and BC for much of the weekend, Bruise put in some really good work for much of the weekend. Hopefully, he will hit the gym this offseason and bring it even better in 8.


Sabin

Sabin Productivity Rankings, Part 1

Sabin Productivity Metric, Part I

This post is a 4-part series to discuss the winners of the infamous and controversial Sabin Productivity Metric. Its origin begins in my middle school basketball coach, James Hall, who very simply awarded one point for every positive thing that you did in a game and subtracted one point for every negative thing that you did. The idea is to score as high a positive number as kpossible to reflect value to the team and to the game. A good way to think about it is that if you shoot 50% from the field and do not turn the ball over, you will always score a positive number, or said a better way, never score a negative number.

Over the years, I have revised his model by incorporating additional scoring for 3-pointers and eliminating fouls as a negative score. My hope is that this newer model reflects authentic value based on today’s way of playing basketball. Here is the formula:

SPM = (FG made + 3 balls made + FT made + rebounds + assists + steals + blocks) – (FG missed + FT missed + turnovers)

As an example, players like Abe and BC usually score out well in the SPM because they shoot a solid percentage, make 3 balls, and contribute in just about every category. On the flip side of that, players who do not score well in the SPM typically have low shooting percentages and/or do not make significant contributions in other categories.

Without further delay, here is Group 4 in the SPM, or as I like to call them…”Guys who think the SPM is stupid.”

14) Wesley Murray: 25 points

It’s unfair to start with Wes given that he was injured in Game 3 and was unable to complete the tournament. By any account, Wes was playing good minutes and was both productive and efficient in his time. For the tournament, he shot 80% from the field and 67% from 3, knocking down his only trip to the free throw line. He also led the tournament in EFG at 100% and an ungodly 2.2 points per shot. Big shout out to Wes for his continued positivity throughout games 4-6 as he encouraged his teammates and was a positive force for us. His stock went way up for me and I know that his SPM would’ve been much higher if his weekend had not been cut short. Great job Wes!

13) Rainbow: 58 points

Newcomer Rainbow had some nice moments in his first PCTI. But like all of us, he experienced some of the low moments as well. Day 3 was particularly difficult on Godon as he shot 20% from the field. This brought his overall shooting percentage for the weekend to 32%. However, he shot the hell out of the 3 ball at 44% on 8-18, and even went a smooth 3-3 from deep in Game 2. He hit the boards on day 3 and snagged 9 boards total in games 5 & 6, and also had a salty A/T ratio at 2.0. Also had a great tournament for steals and was one of PCTI’s leaders with 8. A nice entry to his PCTI career and I am betting that his SPM next year will be significantly higher.

12) Mike Beasley: 61 points

I’m a huge fan of this guy. Along with Donley, this is one of the guys you think about when you talk about making max effort plays. Also one of PCTI’s best athletes. But like many of us have experienced, there are some PCTI’s when your shot doesn’t make the trip with you. Beas had shooting splits of 26% (FG), 26% (3s), and 55% (FT), well below his standards. Yet, he still pumped in 25 boards, 19 assists, and 6 steals, rivaling his teammate DK for best floor game on The Brats. Also led his team in A/T ratio at 2.4. Best games were games 1 and 6, where he went 12-7-5 in game 1 and 11-5-6 in the series clincher. Even though the shot wasn’t there, most of his teammates had positive reviews for Biz for the weekend. It’s amazing to think that his SPM was this high given the shooting numbers. Like Rainbow, I’d be really surprised if this number isn’t higher in 8.

Sabin

PCTI off-season dateless itinstick

What a tumultuous week it was around the virtual office of PCTI.

First Chairman Dan looked ready to push through a spring date for PCTI VIII, only to have Abe snipe his plans at the eleventh hour. Rumor has it that Dan is working the back halls as we speak, trying to forge and agreement.

No matter where you come out on this one, you gotta admit, it's so PCTI to have plans affected by Korean professional volleyball.

Perhaps sensing that the moment of chaos was the perfect time to strike, the PCTI Win King came out of the woodwork to simultaneously announce his reemergence and lead a Turkey-esque political takeover. Smo has a long history of poisoning the water at Dan's expense and right now it remains to be seen how this latest chapter will play out. From my view on the Bored, I'm content to let it all play out and am confident that the stronger leader will emerge and PCTI will be better for it.

In the meantime, I figured it was in the best interest of all to put out a loose schedule for the league's off-season business. This way you have something to look forward to, Or more realistically, you know the correct event to bitch about when it hasn't happened yet. Going off of past years, here's how things should play out on The Road To San Diego.

A final note: I plan to reprise the podcast this year under a slightly different format. The pod will serve as a reaction show for each of these events that I'll do in the days after each of these events goes down. The guests will be the guys who are behind each thing, and we'll work in some random check-ins as well.

OFF-SEASON SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1. COMPLETED: Videos edited and uploaded to YouTube

my note - props to Deuce on his continued good work. I might be alone in this one, but I loved the slightly elevated view he worked in this year from the top of the bleachers.

2. Sabin re-stat including the return of the Sabin Productivity Rating

my note- Rumor out of DFW is that this process is already underway. In terms of the stats, it was a great (re)addition to have the realtime stats available this year and I think it played at least a small role in the competitiveness of the games. However, Sabin's stats will always be the official recognized stats of PCTI (thanks to Ben for standing in during Sabin's hiatus.)

As for the Sabin Productivity Rating (I think that's what it's called), for those of you who are new, this is an algorithm that only Sabin knows that is meant to encapsulate in one metric a player's overall impact. It's perfect for PCTI because if you rank highly you can use it as a way to feel better about yourself and if you rank low, you can disregard it as utter bullshit.

What I'd like to see: Sabin doesn't include the SPR on the initial stat sheet and instead counts down each player from bottom to top with what they scored and a quick take by him on what he thought of each guy's performance. Would make a great string of posts on the blog. I think everyone craves as much Sabin analysis as possible.

3. MVP and All-Tournament voting

my note- This is AHop's territory and I'm assuming that he'll head this up again this year. I never remember how many spots(light) we actually vote on but I'm counting on Hops to sort all this out.

What I'd like to see: This might already be on the blog, but it would be great to total up each guy's A/T and MVP honors through the years and get that in one place where everyone could see it. One fun fact that I think is true, Abe has been MVP in all of the even numbered PCTIs.

4. Captains named

my note - As the winning captain, Ben has the right to either stay a captain or hand off the job to someone of his choosing. The other captain will be the MVP.

What I'd like to see: This is always one of the best parts of the off-season. I pretty much laid out what I'd like to see in the post game six inteviews, go back and check those out if you haven't yet.

5. Captains establish pick order

my note - Draft strategy, draft strategy, draft strategy. I can't remember if the winning captain gets to choose if he wants the first pick or the snake two-three picks. Ben probably knows.

6. PCTI VIII roster is finalized

my note - If we've learned anything, this is a fluid, year-to-year thing. As I expressed to most of you in Cincinnati, I feel like every person this year (and Smo) has earned tenure and should have a spot for as long as they want one. Obviously, I hope everyone can make it next year but in the case that someone can't, this is when we'll make decisions about what to do.

what I'd like to see - Right now, we stand at 15 with Smo back in the fold. I wouldn't be opposed to rolling with an odd number but would be worried if the team with 7 had an injury and it turned in to 6 vs. 8. These are things we'll consider down the line, if need be. For now, it has plenty of time to play itself out.

7. Draft!

my note - Donley said it on the blog and I know I've had similar conversations: this should be the most intriguing draft in history. In year's past, it's been pretty easy to rank everyone and predict the draft order with pretty good accuracy. All you have to do is look at the stats this year to see how even everyone played and that should make this draft very interesting. The Kittens Disaster marked the death of the "draft a team with a profile in mind" approach and since then captains have been free to pick "best available" without any need to explain. My guess is this year captains will be forced once again to pick with an identity in mind.

what I'd like to see - Last year was fun with the Google hangout but I think we can make this even better. Google hangout is unpredictable and hard to keep track of everyone. With that said, I have no idea how we can make it better...it may be necessary to get Deuce linked in to this and think about taking the draft day presentation to the next level...we'll see.


8. Training season

my note - Cincinnati was perhaps the best example yet of how important it is (as we all continue to age) to put the time in to prep for this thing.

what I'd like to see - Videos/stories of the stupid things we do while we're in the gym are usually hilarious and in a weird way motivation to others to get their work in. I hope the trend of sharing this stuff only grows. If you haven't seen Nature's video of him doing defensive slides from last year, you're missing out.

9. Actor takes over and gets us ready for SoCal

my note - If we need a roommate draft, this is when it will go down. I think everyone loved staying under the same roof in Cincinnati and I'm guessing Singz will try to mirror that.

what I'd like to see - Don also raised the bar with the itinstick. I'll expect the same detail at VIII.

PCTI 2016 Chairman of the BORED CANDIDATES US Presidential Comparisons

Another day in PCTI, another attempted coup d'etat. This feels more like the 2016 US presidential election.

Let's review....

(Editor's Note: I'm throwing my hat into the ring).

Denis Crown-TRUMP 

-Both have bad hair which makes you question who gives them a haircut (their dad's perhaps)? 

-Lack of training in the weight room combined with eating 20 twinkies makes both appear physically imposing due to being fat not strong. 

-Both enjoy fake wrestling a little too much which makes you think if they can truly operate in the real world. 

-Both also try to rule with fear which only works on the SHEEPLE in PCTI.

-Who needs facts when whatever daily narrative works for them.

Milo Smor-HILLARY

-Despite the contrary, both are very savvy with their email acumen--always get to its intended recipients.

-Both look exactly like IDENTICAL TWINS. Those body types are scary similar.

-When they talk their voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard.

-Both lack sense of direction despite clean driving records.

-Both are desperate for power despite their spouses still running their households.

JT$ingz-GARY JOHNSON

-Both are lobbying for New Mexico for PCTI9.

-Both have faces you want to punch.

-Nobody understands what they're actually doing.

-Both can't sing.

-Both don't have a chance in this race.

VOTE WITH CONFIDENCE IN PCTI 2016.

W/L Records by Player through PCTI7

TP's Memunits, via Wilson

In typical rook fashion, TP still can't figure out how to blog on here.  Here is the list of memories he emailed to me that I'm posting for him...


1. Abe showing me how to win money in craps... Then showing be how to lose it.. Great time though.

2. Deuce not being at the bar for 6 minutes before being double stacked in the booth with some blondie.

3. Wes struggling to remount on his Kayak while trying to rescue everyone from the river bank.

4. Friday night cookout everyone just hanging on the stoop coming up with different ways to combine chili, dogs, burgers and BBQ onto one bun.

5. BC uncontrollably screaming into the camera after game 6.

6. The finger game on the rooftop @ the brewery.

7. Surviving the car ride to the river & experiencing a near DK meltdown over the lack of planning on how to get there.

8. Ben annihilating spotlight under the basket then proceeding to blame the ref for a poor call.

9. Spotlights pregame outfits. The cat shirt in particular that he continued to Rock throughout the weekend.

10. Coming to PCTI as a rookie into a group of guys with a ton of history together and being made to feel like I had been there since day 1.


Can't wait till San Diego boys. Couldn't think of a better way to experience California for the first time!


Poster's note:  [sic]

Hops Memories of PCTI7

10. The moment the Nashville crew got there and there was a huge love fest for 5 full minutes. So much love

9. Going to 6 games with most of the games being within a few buckets late, including the last 2 by one point. I thought this was the most evenly matched PCTI in history even though Scottsdale went 7 games.  Abe and Dan battling. Joe and Beas battling. Donley crushing people. TP’s guaranteed double double he hit. Bruise taking over. Sabin coming out on fire. There seemed like so many clutch shots. A lot of fight in both teams. Loved the competition.

8. The National Anthem being brought into PCTI (#selfcred) with Ben’s subtle tear wipe away, followed by the Act crushing the fake cry

7. Trivia Night – this is not a pat on my back because it could easily be dismissed but everyone (sans rooks) try to win and it is only fun because of that. It also helped we had just been served up some incredible eatz by Donley. Plus, I think Deuce playing the wrong answer music was the hardest I laughed all weekend.

6. The finger game – this sounds like it could go a few different ways but TP introduced a few of us to the simplest drinking game of all time. Also, Rhinegeist and the Fri/Sat bar were sick.

5. Wes falling out of his kayak… in the only part of the river deeper than 3 feet. Also, Wes dominating craps 2 nights in a row.

4. That house. It served its job and made hanging with each other that much easier, but was not in the best condition. It might have been one of the few places in Cincy that could hold us all so I’m grateful but here are some of the things that stood out: The crane out front the first day, the fridge that wouldn’t shut unless you used all your weight, the stairs with no handles, the ants I found under my air mattress Sunday morning, the dryer connection that blows the hot air out not being connected, and THAT SMELL. Even with the negatives it was great and will obviously be a permanent thing.

3. The rooks – I knew TP and had never met Rainbow, but they both delivered. I especially liked the moment we told them Smo didn’t get either of them in. Well done, you morons.

2. The new looks leading into games. Some highlights: Spotlight’s cat shirt, silver onesie, man bun, 

fanny pack; Rainbow’s Jeff Gordon outfit; patriotic shooting sleeve; Donley’s hoodie; JT$ingz mustache; everyone’s sock game; The Brat’s – Out On Bad Behavior shooting shirts. Let’s not forget the shirts Donley got us that is immediately my favorite shirt in my closet.

1. Saturday Night Dinner – honestly I look forward to this more than the games. The birthday song was epic, the speeches gave me all the feels (almost teared up during Sabin’s), BC (along with everyone since we started pounding beers on the river) being hammered, letting Abe try and count the voting, and just everything else that makes that the best shitshow of the year.

Honestly, I could make a list of 20 more things. The things I remember and cherish most is the individual time I get to spend with everyone at meals, car rides, and over beers. The QP is as strong as ever!  Shout out to Donley for an incredible job hosting. Can’t wait to do it again.

Top 10 from Actor/JT$ingz

Really miss you guys. I've got the worst PCTI Blues of all time.

Shoutout to Scott for putting together an excellent weekend.

10). Mark Davis and his ability to have everyone scream a nice "FUCK YOU" to his face with no Technical fouls issued all weekend.

9). BC kicking the ball (during game 3 I think) and the Bald Ref giving him a "Field Goal is Good" hand gesture.

8). Everyone passing in the backyard to get a grip on their nerves before game 1.

7). Ben's Umpiring.

6).  Wes' left-handed layup that had to be seen to be believed.

5).  Beas' "WET."

4). Donley's apathy after almost causing the biggest wreck in PCTI history.

3). Jeff Sabin returning to PCTI.

2). Bruiser and I (but Bruiser mainly) controlling the flow of the river/The car ride back and belting
out 90s jams with Beas, Bruise, Ben, and Abe.

1). Trivia Night/Hops in his complete element. What a night.

Top 10 Memories from PCTI 7

Gentlemen,


Let me begin by saying I had a helluva good time this past weekend. I'm glad to be back in the club and this was perhaps my favorite PCTI of all-time. Donley did a righteous job hosting the weekend, and a big part of our enjoyment has to be attributed to him. And although the BoD takes a beating from the peanut gallery, Dan and BC do an unbelievable job of providing structure to the club and making it a fun event for everybody. Respect.


Here's a list of 10 things that I will take away from this weekend in no particular order. All of these things were memorable in their own right:


1) Rainbow versus The River: Rainbow showed his smooth hydro-coordination by spilling 14 beer cans into an otherwise pristine and pure river. Hilarity ensued as he then chased down all 14 beer cans in an unorthodox fashion. Of his many signature moments on and off the court this weekend, the Great Beer Chase of 2016 stands supreme. On a related note, the two rooks are quality additions to PCTI and I look forward to their continued involvement in the years to come.

2) Dan's reaction to AHop versus Layups: Given that we all miss our fair share of layups over the course of a weekend, I'm not sure why AHop's layups have taken center-stage. But there is little doubt that DK gets a particular kick out of these. His reaction to Hops coming right down Broadway and missing a layup is something that took him a good 10 minutes from which to recover. It was a main topic of his enjoyment from the weekend. Not to be outdone, Hops may have had his finest and most meaningful shooting performance in his PCTI career. Touche.

3) Donley's Commanding Hosting Ability: Dude laid down a well-organized weekend, replete with group activities and a legitimate itinerary. He made solid recommendations for eating and enjoyment, but also remained flexible if the group wanted to lounge and watch videos. Got to meet Mr. Donley and now I have a firm understanding of why Scott boxes out so consistently and gives max effort on every play. I also know why Donley is so punctual. The only thing he didn't come through on was the dangerous thugs in Cincinnati that we were so frequently and unconditionally promised. But nobody's perfect. BOX!!!

4)   Video Sessions: Although we all love watching the videos and namely ourselves, there is certainly a more exciting dynamic brought to the table when we watch the videos with the whole group. Being able to laugh at one another for blooper moments and to celebrate one another for nice plays adds immediate payoff to our enjoyment. Plus, it gives us an opportunity to recover from hard-fought games. This should be a staple moving forward.

5) JT Singz. This dude has it all...great singing voice, legit hoops game, and a questionable moustache. Who didn't enjoy a nice serenade of 90s pop songs and soft R&B hits of yesteryear? Extra bonus to me for bringing home the happy birthday song in style. THIS IS HOW WE DO IT!

6) Ben versus the Trash Can: I honestly don't know what happened here. I was on the bench and didn't get a great view of it. But there was some human carnage that involved Ben, Bruise, Donley, a trash can, and a wall. While all of that was happening, BC went ahead and made a super-difficult, cross-body floater from 10 feet that turned out to be the championship-winning points. A well-timed diversion? Or just another strange basketball play in an ocean of strange basketball plays in PCTI history?

7) Birthday Cake: Legitimately appreciate Mr. Donley for getting me a birthday cake on my birthday. Also legitimately appreciate you guys singing happy birthday to me on the court. I will never forget it!

8) Near Death Experience: The ride to the river began inauspiciously with an extremely close call on the highway that involved TP's car crew and a young female texting driver. TP, BC, DK, Deuce, and myself nearly met our end while a texting female driver nearly rear-ended us and then came around the front for a second crack at it. While we were lucky to escape that incident with nothing more than momentary terror, she was kind enough to leave a little paint on TP's bumper which I am sure he does not appreciate. Disaster averted.

9) Unforeseen Bonding over Arizona Cardinals Football: Some of us became engrossed in a TV show involving the Arizona Cardinals review of the 2015 football season. Spot and I became annoyed by the generic coach speak, while others like Hops and Godon spoke up to demonstrate their large football brains. The best part was that Bruiser was annoyed by both groups given that he has forgotten more about football than any of us will ever know. THREE TECHNIQUE!

10) Saturday Night Dinner: BC's emotional leadership. Hops hijacking the dinner itinerary. DK re-hijacking the dinner itinerary. Random and heartfelt happy birthday rendition to an unknown 13 year old pre-pubescent dinner neighbor. JT Singz giving his own happy birthday rendition. Bruiser picking up my dinner tab. BC eating everybody's leftover ribs to add weight for next year. Spot, Bruise, and Sabin giving some heartfelt gratitude and toasts. Damn, that dinner had it all.

I loved this weekend. Thank you gentlemen for all that you gave.


Sabin