PCTI's Most Potent Moves

Kobe has his step back J.  LeBron has his power dribble drive.  Nash has his runner.  In order to be successful in basketball, you typically have to have a go to move offensively that generates points for a player and his team. 

Let me begin by breaking down the top five "Go-To" moves in PCTI:

5.  Ben Wilson Right-Hand Reverse-Despite being crucified this offseason from the PCTI media, the big bodied guard still has not lost his ability to shield the defense and finish with great touch with his right.  What's most impressive is that he always lines up on the left side of the court, and although having a great left, never seems to finish with it when driving from the left side of the court, meaning everytime he takes it to the hoop, he is looking for his reverse, and somehow still gets it off.

4. Josh Stephen Post Up Fake Spin Left Fade Right-One of the taller and better shooters in PCTI, Abe has combined height, quickness, and good touch all in one to formulate a very effective go-to move.  Combine those attributes with 200 of his 235 lbs. all in his lower body, helping him to get very good position almost at will.

3. Joe Thompson Off The Left Handed Dribble Body Shake 3-Leveraging quickness, handle, and ability to shoot it from deep, combined with the fact that no one defends the perimeter effectively, the nurse has a go-to shot that he can get off at will.  When he is on, this play is one of the tougher moves to stop. 

2. Skillz Spin/Double Spin Move-Making up for lack of a quick first step, Skillz has mastered the art of dribble drive and spin as many times as needed to get the defense on his butt by reading his defender perfectly.  He combines this combo move with an ability to finish at a high percentage and/or create open shots for teammates, helping his team consistently find open shots. 

1. Spotlight BACK CUT-No one in the history of PCTI has gained more notoriety by scoring a total of 8 points over four games from one move.  Frankly, this move probably shouldn't be in the top 10, but it's becoming such a character and storyline in itself that it might be replacing Spotlight's identity altogether, making one wonder if he has anything left to offer as a person outside of his world renowned backcut.

Notes and Rumors

Player	Notes	RUMOR MILL
Abe NEUTRAL	Sure he is at the number one spot, but a rumor of an ugly knee injury and no one living within 300 miles of the kid has the captains worried. Could this injury make his stock fall or will he prove why he is in a different class than the rest of the players?	Hosting a bachelor party in Denver this offseason, rumors swirled that Josh did not get laid. This comes as concern to multiple people in PCTI. Brian said, "Josh separates himself by being able to party, fuck, and come out and go for 22 and 11. If this is an indication that his partying has fallen off, look for his draft status to take a hit."
Donley UP	Coming off a good performance in PCTI 3 was not enough for this guy. He continues to post on social media sites about his workouts and pictures of him hooping. Donley is probably locked in at the second spot, but watch for him to continue to post things in hopes that the captains might consider him over Josh.	GM's around the PCTI circle are worried that Donley might be hitting the weight room for looks rather than preparation for PCTI. Some are also worried about the competition he plays with in pick up games. Daniel Krow said, "We all know PCTI is one of the most elite pick up games in the country and the athleticism is the thing that sets it apart. How is Donley going to adjust from his all white, slow big men pick up games that he is used to?"
Beasley UP	Beasley came into PCTI and proved he could be one of the better players in this event. Being comfortable handling the ball helps his stock rise. His popularity off the court helps as he quickly helped form the most elite social group in PCTI history in the QuadPod.	Sources are not confirming that Beasley has failed 2 drug tests issued by PCTI and a 3rd would result in a suspension in PCTI IV. When we tried to reach the office of Brent Carney there was no answer. There was the voicemail greeting done by George Costanza on Seinfeld, which brought some laughs.
BC DOWN	BC is a big man that can rebound and defend, but also can bring some offense to the table. Watch out for his flying elbows. Be aware if his team is getting crushed, he will get his. Stock is down after showing the ability to check out mentally and having to adjust to moving to a new city w a new job.	Danny Krow, long time friend of Carney's, has brainwashed him and convinced him he eats too unhealthy. That, coupled with moving to a large "weird" city, has rumors swirling that BC has turned into a veagan. Captains are obviously shaken by the news. Joe Thompson had this to say, "I've put up w BC for years because of his humor and his ability to eat. With the reports coming out of Austin, and myself surpassing him in the comedic field (thanks Tetherball Diaries), I see no need for him at all. ESPECIALLY in PCTI."
Pitto UP	Josh Pitto is a pure shooter. He upped his defense last year, and though he was as annoying as hell, the effort boosted his draft stock from the bottom of the barrel. Hard to go down from the bottom 2.	Since moving out to Cali, this guy has posted all types of statusi about his new affinity with wine. Even though moving in with his father (Esk), he seems to have new best friends of Mr. Merlot and Ms. Noir. Instead of PCTI game film, he seems to be obsessed with the Bachelor empire as well. Ian Van Horne has this to say about Pitto's new "problem", "I hope Pitto is not on my team. I've seen some frat guys that butt chugged an entire bottle of wine hold themselves together better than Pitto after 2 Margaritas. Plus I want to punch him in the face."
Spotlight UP	Spotlight came in with a BANG to PCTI. Then he stepped on the court. He obviously went to the school of Princeton basketball as he had deadly back door cuts. Being popular and a guy who makes few mistakes, watch for the Spotlight to go up in the draft.	The Spot is one of the smartest guys in PCTI. He also is deep into the problems of the world. Best friend of Spotlight, Michael Beasley said he is concerned of how the Spot might come in mentally and physically to PCTI since we are having an election year. "Spotlight is so investeded in the future of our world, that I hope he can put aside any negative outcomes from the upcoming election. I just hope when he reunites with me and the rest of the QuadPod, he will put all worries aside."
Ben DOWN	BW had one of the worst shooting performances of all time with PCTI. The fact he does not play defense at all is just another thing that affects his draft status. Some people think he should be lower than he is projected. The upside is still something that helps him keep a high draft projection.	I have talked to 3 different individual in PCTI and asked them what their biggest concern was with B-Dub. All three had the same answer: chance of him becoming PCTI's Raymond Felton
Bruise DOWN	IVH is one of the most physically dominating players in PCTI. Last year's sub par performance has dropped Bruisers stock status to a new low. Many people are on record saying this type of slap in the face is the one thing that can spark Bruise to old domintating form.	There have been a few people that have taken the plunge into marriage while also training for PCTI. AHOP and DK were useless, but that is standard. Dawson shortly after went on the IR. Sources have said that the captains are very worried the mental strain that Ian will have knowing he is now the property of someone else.
AHOP UP	AHOP played limited minutes and did even less on the floor. Somehow considered a "glue guy" has his projections higher than should be. The stink bomb laid by the kittens and the fall of their players help him move up.	After showing of some of the best hair in PCTI, rumors are going around that AHOP has cleaned his look up. Will this help or hurt his draft position? McKinney is on record saying he thinks it will definitely help to know he is taking PCTI "more seriously."
Smo DOWN	Smo got himself into foul trouble every single game. He struggled with a coupld of the guys that were a little quicker. Can he return to his PCTI II form and affect shots, or will he keep racking up fouls.	Orr has confirmed that former PCTI player Dawson Huff has moved in with him in Chattanooga. Smo would not speak to Huff thriving in his new work place. How will living with Huff affect Orr? Ben Wilson was asked that question and he replied with, "WOOF!"
DK DOWN	After playing a career best in the Wednesday night pick up game, DK followed that up with a poor performance in PCTI. I have a feeling DK will slide quite a bit from last year's high draft position.	This has already been reported by the Lake Tahoe Times reporter, Michael Beasley, but reports are coming out of San Francisco that Danny's new job is taking a toll on him and affecting his mind set to PCTI. Wes Murray is on record agreeing with these reports. "I live nearly 3,000 miles away from DK and I can see the affects of his new job. I went through the same thing in PCTI II and III (new job and new city). Being a world traveler, I have seen it all and if history repeats itself, you can expect DK to have his worst PCTI performance in AZ."
Run BMC UP	The 3rd year in a row McKinney is deemed ready to "Breakout". Look for this guy to get some serious "buzz" early for a high draft pick as both captains like what he brings to the table. Will someone try and get him for his potential or his past PCTI performances.	The pressures of hosting PCTI are a huge concern for some members of PCTI. Scott Donley says, "BC needed an entourage and close friends to help him through the two weekends he hosted. Sabin had a mental break down when drafting for the year he hosted. Can McKinney break the mold? I am also a little worried this breakdown might be the worst of them all considering I still haven't heard B-Mac say more than 2 words. It's the quiet ones that are the most dangerous."
Sabin DOWN	An incredible shooting display was put on by Jeff Sabin last year. He is a good defender. Butting heads with a few people over the past couple years is the only reason Sabin is this low.	Other than his off the court "rivalries" with some other PCTI participants, some people are concerned Jeff got comfortable with being at home during the last PCTI and are worried he might have some issues with being away from his family. "I am freaked out when I have to be away from Brian for a couple nights. I can only imagine how it feels for Jeff to be away from his family," said Josh Pitto. Was the comfort of his home what inspired such successful shooting percentages? Or will Jeff be able to come out a produce again this year?
Wes Castle NEUTRAL	Wes has been last pick 2 years in a row. After losing 20 lbs before last years PCTI, people wonder how many he found before that. Will being Mr. Irrelevant motivate him to come in ready to go this year?	Smo said he and Wes went to the Braves Wild Card playoff game. Other than Wes weeping during Chippers first at bat, Smo voiced concern that Wes' competitive fire is nearly non existent. "When the umps made that terrific call that lifted my Cards into the real playoffs, the fans started throwing shit on the field. Wes seemed upset, but when I looked at him and saw he had his 4th hot dog in his hand, I thought that thing was joining the foam tomahawks on the field. He just shrugged and got mustard all over his face while eating that dog."

Smart guy has things to say...

These are my thoughts on the eve of what will ultimately shape the discussion for the next 6 months. And because smart people don't like readin' dem dare wurds, I intend to also add pictures.

Gentlemen... there has been much ado about the upcoming draft. Many questions remain uncertain. Who will pick first? How will the selections play out? How heavy will Dunkin' Wesnuts be at the weigh in? These questions will be answered in time but until then it is all up for debate.

To add some fuel to an ever-growing fire, I wanted to throw out some scenarios that... fingers crossed... will play out in my favor and shake up some competitive and engaging dialogue.

1. I do NOT want to play for Joe. I'm sick of him stealing my Patrick Higdon. Also, I refuse to let him retire with an undefeated record and I desperately need another MVP for my fireplace mantel. Most people think of me as some altruistic happy-go-lucky fella, but deep down I am a selfish little bitch.

2. If I go first, I will theoretically and most likely be playing with Sabin. It has never happened in our entire lifetime and I'm not sure how I feel about this yet. Arch enemy turned ally? What does this spell for my MVP chances? My fireplace needs MOAR hardware and can Sabes help facilitate my goal or will he be the wrench in my spokes? Jeff, use this off season not to get in shape, but to perfect your passing and setting screen ability.

3. Enhancing my stock in the Roommate Draft... As someone that does not rely on a hotel room for these trips and occasionally wanders the night streets of a city with no purpose other than the sweet sweet squishy of a developed woman, I seemingly don't bring much value to this draft. However, those lucky enough to embrace my company can only expect playful tickling, warm and soft conversation, and gentle laughter. Not to mention, my back rub and spooning skills are second to none. I expect to leave Scottsdale with a collection of stories to add to my expanding life portfolio and would love to make new BFF's along the way.

In Summary:

Best Coasts PCTI4 Episode 8 Pod Stick

Listen to internet radio with BestCoasts on Blog Talk Radio

Ranking the Nicknames of PCTI

Ranking the Nicknames of PCTI

The past 3 years have generated some dubious and indicting nicknames that deserve to be stack ranked in order of explosive impact. There are most likely some nicknames that did not occur to me and others of which I am simply unaware. But these are my top 8 PCTI nicknames with affiliated comments and musings.

8) Quad Pod – I’m not sure anybody really knows how this group even came into existence or the origin of its moniker, yet each member of this group claims that the bond between it is “solid as oak.” But like most good stories, it started with alcohol and then morphed into the pursuit of an unreachable female. The endeavor ends in failure more from lack of ability than lack of effort. Perhaps “Four Horsemen” was already taken or they believed it to be overused. Whatever the case, Quad Pod makes a strong showing on the nickname list in its initial foray through PCTI chronology.

 

7) Bruiser – Never before has a nickname so aptly described one of PCTI’s participants. Part brawn, part chemical imbalance, part Terminator, but all heart. I have seen the Bruise almost murder DK in PCTI II for a perceived foul and also show great restraint when he thought about murdering PCTI’s impetuous child. I can’t figure out if this guy is tough on the outside and soft underneath like a Teddy Bear, or tough on the outside and tough on the inside like a Leavenworth convict. All I know is that the Bruise has a great nickname and everybody would rather be his friend than enemy. #realtuffjuice

 

6) Hops – Never before has a nickname so inadequately described one of PCTI’s participants. Sure, some of this nickname stuck because of his last name, but the moniker itself suggests that the player brings a certain level of bounce and explosion to the court. Not sure if Hops is playing possum and waiting to showcase his elite athleticism in IV, but insiders postulate that he may not have the same level of explosion that his name suggests. Whatever the case, all admit that this is a great nickname for a ballplayer.

 

5) Cockstrong – This nickname was borne in PCTI II when Donley and I had the chance to lock horns for 4+ games. As I attempted to take him to the basket, I was unpleasantly surprised that he was stronger than me and just as quick. After taking him to the hole a few times and having him knock me out of bounds or to the floor, I soon realized that tangling with this cockstrong Wisconsin native might not be the most efficient way for me to succeed. When Donley went to the bench, it unlocked my game and I began to play well. Coincidence? Probably not. Although he has earned every bit of this nickname, my only regret is that its inaugural appearance on this list is only at number 5. Regardless of the ranking, respect to my man.

 

 

4) Wes*Fil*A – This nickname sunk in like buried treasure. As soon as this moniker was uttered, most in PCTI agreed that it was a keeper. The nickname originated with the intent of shaming Wes into better performance on the court and to visit the weightroom occasionally. Ironically, all it did was increase the number of his visits to Chik-Fil-A in a misguided attempt to live up to his poor dietary standards. Some PCTI analysts were appalled at his PCTI II physical condition, and several others didn’t recognize him at all upon first sight. It will be interesting to see if Wes-Fil-A can own the nickname and make a return to basketball efficiency, or if he will continue to let the nickname own him all the way to 280 pounds.

 

 

3) Fruit, The Fruit Man, Dan the One-Man Fruit Stand – I’m not even sure what to say about this nickname. Beas bestowed this tag on the Godfather and I’m not even sure that he knows where it came from. Yet, there is a certain level of genius to it since nobody expected this moniker for the Organizer. It might be his affinity for Coconut juice or perhaps his trendy preference for today’s fad food item, but the “Fruit” name is here to stay and could climb the charts in the coming months.

 

 

2) Bambi – This nickname was borne in PCTI II when the awkward lefty made several heroic attempts to save an errant pass and ended up crashing into the Blue, reminding many of us of Bambi’s first foray onto the ice….all knees and elbows. Although Bambi has since tried to send pictures of a majestic, adult-male stag in an effort to convince PCTI participants of his regal bloodline, most think of a wobbly young deer that needs his Mommy to stay upright. Bambi has had a great run and will perhaps challenge for the top position very soon, but I would formally like to introduce a new nickname for this Burgundyesque player for next year’s performance….I will call him “11 and 6” from this point forward.

 

 

1) Spotlight – Nobody knows who Pat Higdon is. This unassuming, well-travelled man of the world acquired this nickname simply as part of an email title affiliation. But because that particular email strand went into the hundreds, the names “Pat Higdon” and “Spotlight” linked in a way that nobody could have predicted. Like Dexter’s Dark Passenger, it got in deep and will stick for all time and eternity. Player even started introducing himself as “Spotlight” before anybody fully realized what had happened. Can anybody knock him out of the top spot? Time will tell, but the smart money says no.

 

 

Sabin

PCTI 3 Highlight Vid Stick

Highlight produced by Duece

BestCoasts PCTI4 Pod Stick Episode 7

Listen to internet radio with BestCoasts on Blog Talk Radio