Mike Mic’d back at it!!! Mr. Hiatus, Mr. Hi Haters, y’all can keep waiting!!! You can’t stop me now so be patient, The IBL are my patients and I’m dissecting the game as often as possible. If you are a LAME stop reading here because I am about to go nuts, crazy, insane!!! I love controversy; but more so I love telling the truth. My full and honest opinions to you minions. I’m like Mega-mind on crack, after drinking a rock star, and poppin’ a pill with opinions; so OOOOLLLLOOOO. I dedicate this to everything you would love to say but are too kitten to do so. HERE first; stay tuned to IBL’s finest, I take this serious, so should you. I have a three-part dedication in this week’s installment. Best players, my sleepers, and a conclusion.
Ben Roethlisberger of the IBL aka “the JUGG” David Aguilera (like Christina) said it best. ”The best team in the IBL’s Division 1 is Washed Up, Washed Up doesn’t get beat but sometimes they lose”. I kind of quoted him how I wanted it to sound but who cares, it’s true. My point to that wasn’t boasting my bias; it was to point out my sleeper, Knicee. I have to shout out to them. They have been shorthanded, player jumbling, Ubom disrespecting, for the past three seasons. But my latest opportunities to watch them, their three-headed monster is starting to come together. Reggie Smith aka the Rip Hamilton look-alike of the IBL teamed up with Mr. Kenneth Ubom, and Dewayne “my spin move is better than yours” O’Neal, and are starting to look like a genuine force. Combine that with the Big Baby of the IBL Odell Howard and the real Jeremy Lin; Ray Hong, this isn’t even including some of the savvy vets they bring off the bench or their big body. My prediction is that they will do damage come playoff time and they are definitely my sleeper pick to make a deep run in the playoffs. The team that is just asleep in Division 1 is Mile High, boy how this team has falling from tree of championship hopefuls to literally the ground and going after the proverbial “first pick in the draft”. I don’t know if sucking for Luck will work in the IBL though.
My top 5 players in D1 go as follows: (not picking multiple players from any team, excluding players who have no played in enough games)
1. Jordan Ramos- Best game manager in the IBL. His team without him would have 1 win. He is a Hispanic CP3 and one of my favorite players to watch. I hate playing against him because he is a dirty little bastard who knows all the veteran tricks. But I give respect where it is due.
2. Larry Dew– Dew is probably the most athletic guard in the league, definitely the anchor of his team. I even get excited to see his lobs when it’s my man throwing them.
3. Stephan Gilling– he can salsa with his defender, put the pebble in the ocean, back you down, or blow by you. There is no more gifted offensive player in the IBL. When he gets that predator look in his eye watch out.
4. Kenneth Ubom– he might not play the four but you have to put him on any team. Can score with the best of them. Not the most gifted but can get it done. I don’t know how he does what he does but he does it.
5. Matt Matt– I had to shout out at least one big man for this season. Plus the fact that he is Whiteman gives me even more of a reason, since there isn’t too many of us representing in this league. This guy is big, like Nebraska big, he can move too. Rebounds with the best of him and with him as an addition gives Dynasty a chance to actually start one.
Division Two
I hate giving P. Diddy credit, but Nate Apolonio’s team UNDFTD is the best team in this division. They have played a cupcake schedule and have even lost a game; but outside of giving them a candle for the cupcake I will give them the division. But my sleeper is Quicksilver. I know I am on the team but I don’t matter, it is not me that puts us over the top. I am just confident that the combination of players including Johnny Earl, Julius Clark and Jaime Villalobos aka the Mexican Nowitzki that if any team has a chance to win the ship it is them. I also will give an honorable mention to Wonton Soup. Now that they have worked out some of their height issues I am interested to see what they can do against the division’s elite. There are no teams asleep in the division because there is no parity only disparity. Top teams, Bottom teams, and bottom teams that got to play other bottom teams to get a decent record.
My top 5 players in D2 go as follows: (not picking multiple players from any team, excluding players who have no played in enough games, or have made the list in upper divisions)
1. Hakeem Nance– Aaron Sanchez (Wonton’s GM) said this guy is “The Truth”. With a 51 point performance this season who can argue.
2. Derrick Pickett– Few can argue the talent on UNDFTD. However Derrick Pickett is another category, he is the team’s center piece; their unquestioned leader. The big plays late in games go through him and usually delivers. Division 2 has become his stomping ground after dominating in Division 1 in the earlier seasons.
3. Johnny Earl– The division has not seen his best this season. A tall PG who rebounds and scores at will. When the playoffs come let’s see what he really wants. In my opinion the divisions best player.
4. Mark Davidson– One of the best “big men” in the division. Definitely one of the most well-rounded players. Can score, rebound, and block shots. When he is on the court he gives his team a chance to win.
5. Sammeon Waller– statistically one of the best in the division. Granted he did most of his work against bad teams. 26 points and 6 rebound is never easy. Plus he is on one of the division’s best teams
Division 3
The most competitive division in the IBL; there are 12 teams above .500, no undefeated teams, everybody has played virtually equal schedules, and there is no sure shot champion. The playoffs will be very interesting in this division. I will give P. Diddys team the edge at this point. Their only loss came at the expense of a top team with out there leading scorer Charles Grays. There are just a few make up games to be set but the playoff picture is already set. Undrafted looks like they will maintain the number one seed going into the playoffs but are no shoe in to take the golden ball. There are dark horse teams all over this division. Hiipower, last season’s champs won’t even make the playoffs (in part because of the loss of their top player). It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
My top 5 players in Division 3 goes as follows: (not picking multiple players from any team, excluding players who have no played in enough games, or have made the list in upper divisions)
1. Josh Johnson– He is on the line (as far as playing enough games) but I had to give him a slot on this list. Consistently getting 20+ and giving his team a chance to win more games than they lose.
2. Robel Kevorkian– First of all; is that really his name? Any way you can’t deny a 20 and 10 guy from this list. D3 is where his talents suit the best and he has upgraded ASAP’s roster immensely.
3. Chris Fowler– He does it all for his team. Nearly is getting a triple double every game, scores and plays good defense. He is the teams anchor, more or less their heart and soul. He’s one of those players that’s not good/ great in one facet of the game, he’s a well-rounded player who just knows how to play the game of basketball.
4. Charles Grays– leading the league in scoring and second in personality. Mr. Omega Step Alpha Step has stepped his performance up this season has his team sitting in the driver’s seat.
5. Terrance Clark– Clark is the motor behind the Jedi Knight’s offense; the team boast 6-1 record and will go as far as he takes them. With Clark fully engaged he is a 30 point outburst waiting to happen.
In conclusion, I hope you value my opinion. It is one from an expert, a genius, and a scholar. I have taken input and added depth, perspective, and attitude. But for you the reader I hope you enjoyed, more to come soon.
-Mike
Senior Editor of “Pimpin aint easy, but I’m good at it” online magazine
Staff writer for IBL Full Court Press
IBL Full Court Press 