And now, without further ado, it' time to announce the 2011/12 off season rankings heading into the 21st JBL season. Yes, it's still 6 months away but there's no time like the present to get a pecking order going. So, I'm basing these rankings on a few things (as I mentioned in my previous posts). It's about a team's JBL history; the last 5 years record; the last 3 years trend; last season's performance; who the team could protect; and of course a team's willingness and ability to sign quality FA's and make good trades.
So...with that in mind...here we go...
#13 - Belgrade Zombies
Firstly, let me say it again, this team needs a name change. Secondly, this is about the only real spot I can rank them right now. Marko's coming off a last place finish in his 2nd JBL season. His rookie campaign wasn't much better as he finished 11th. Belgrade has no keepers and no history to convince me to rank him higher. So, he'll have to earn his way out of the basement position. My biggest hope for 11/12 for Marko is a return to his trash-talking, article-writing, FA signing, and trade making ways that he showed us in his rookie season.
#12 - Manhattan Beach Ballers
Bobby Hucul is coming off an 11th place finish after a VERY long hiatus away from the JBL. To say he came back 'guns-a-blazin' wouldn't exactly be an accurate description. The Ballers finished 11th and really didn't do much about it. He didn't spend his FA dollars. He didn't make many trades. He only has 1 keeper for next season - although it could be a stud like Amare - but the MBB hasn't shown me enough willingness or 'activity' to be considered a JBL contender yet. I think it's safe to say that you can't draft a team in October and 'let it ride' to victory 7 months later. You have to make moves and upgrade along the way. Until the MBB shows me he can do that...the #12 hole is where he'll start the year ranked.
#11 - Maui Ribs
Trev will be back for his 21st JBL season. He's coming off a bit of a high since he finally beat the Golden squad. However, I think we all know the Golden squad of 10/11 was not a typical year for them. Over the last 5 years the Maui squad has finished 9-9-12-2-12. Take out that 2nd place finish and things aren't all that peachy in Trev-town. Trev was better this past season at picking up some FA's and making a couple of trades but the real key to a good season in Maui will be the JBL Auction. If Trev can avoid the 'night before' draft strategy talk at 2am in Las Vegas (like last season) then he could set himself up for a better season. However, until I see that pre-season prep being done - the Maui Ribs slot in at #11.
#10 - Juan de Fuca Yo Mamas
Hard to believe but it's been 10 years since Juan won the JBL title. This once always contending franchise has faltered over the last 3 seasons (10-7-9) but was better in 2007 (4th) and 2006 (2nd). So, what's happened? Could it be the 3-headed monster syndrome of having too many cooks in the kitchen? Is it poor trades? Is it poor drafting? What is it that has made the Yo Mamas an afterthought in the world of JBL contenders to start a season? The past couple of years I have always maintained that Juan would be there but they just haven't lived up to the hype. So, I'm not buying into this season (yet). I'm not a fan of their keeper options despite them having 2 slots. So, for now, I'm going on the most recent 3 year trend of this team (10th, 7th, 9th) and slotting them in the #10 hole for now. Maybe this low ranking will encourage them to have a great draft and get back into JBL contention.
#9 - Yuma Thurmans
Year 2 of Pat's return to the JBL look eerily similar to his first year back. Back to back 8th place finishes earn Pat the #9 hole to start the 2011 off season. I love what Pat brings to the Auction room but after that he kind of fades of into the background. Yuma was very quiet during the 2010/11 season as he was away adventuring all over the world apparently and didn't have internet access. Where did he go? Siberia? Anyways, not much to speak of in terms of FA signings or trades from Yuma this past year. Yuma has 3 keeper spots for next season and I think those will help him build his team for next season. However, until Chubby shows me more than back to back 8th place finishes - I'm slotting him in at #9 on the power rankings.
#8 - Brussels Muscles
This time last year Brussels came in as the 3rd ranked off season team. This year, after a 7th place finish he comes in at #8. The Muscles last 3 years are OK (7-10-6) so it appears like he's a middling team. Going back another couple of seasons we find a 3rd and a 4th. So what will we see in 2011? Brussels has 3 keeper spots available and some good talent coming back so the potential is there. But last season, with Tyreke and Durant on board, we saw Brussels struggle on draft night and early in the season and he made some major changes. He actually finished the 2nd half of the JBL season strong to move up to 7th. So, as with most JBL teams, the draft will be key for Brussels success in 2011. For now, based on the history, the Muscles come in at #8.
#7 - Idaho Udapimps
But Johnny, how can the 3rd place team from last season come in at #7? Well, I'll tell you. Because the year before last, Idaho finished 12th. If there is anything consistent about Idaho - it's his inconsistency. The last 5 years look like this - 3-12-4-6-10. He can be really good. And he can be really bad. So, what will we see in 2011? He has 4 keeper spots available but doesn't have much cheap talent. He could spend big bucks and keep Lebron and Howard, but for those prices you may as well just draft those guys at Auction. So, we'll have to see how Idaho does this season. For now, I'm willing to put him smack dab in the middle of the pack because I'm not sure how he's going to far this season. But to be fair, I'm not sure he knows yet either.
#6 - Golden Showers
The 7 time JBL champ comes in at #6 to start the 2011 off season. We all know about the worst season in franchise history this past year but based on Golden's overall track record I think we all expect a bounce back season. Do I really have to remind everyone? Prior to last seasons debacle Golden had back-to-back 2nd place finishes. Golden will likely be starting the year with Kevin Love in the fold and plans to have a much better draft night this October. So for now, the Golden squad will have to climb his way to the top.
#5 - French Lick Celtics
The French squad comes in at #5 in the power rankings. This is based strongly on his 5 year history (4-5-8-5-5). See all those 5th place finishes? French is loaded with strong keepers for next season and could finally break through to the top 3 in 2011. With a good draft in October French could get out of the gate a lot better and maybe lead the pack for a change. It always seems he's coming from the rear. Which, in some sports and activities, is the best thing to do. But I digress. French is a dangerous fantasy team because he cares. He puts the time in and makes moves in attempt to improve his team. Gotta love the big man Hildy.
#4 - Bangkok Fighters
The greatest 2nd place team of all time is back yet again to try and knock off his arch-rival Seoul Brothers. But Johnny, a #4 ranking? What gives? Well, despite a wicked 2010/11 season, let's not forget our overall Bangkok history. Yes, the past 2 years have gone well (2nd and 3rd) but prior to that we're looking at 7th, 8th, and a 7th. Has Rick figured out how to be successful in the JBL (notice I didn't say 'win')?? Maybe he has but I still think there are 3 JBL teams better positioned so far to claim the JBL crown. Rick will bring back 4 players and should be ready to compete, again, for a chance to claim his 1st JBL title.
#3 - Arctic Circle Jerks
The Jerks are primed for a big year in 2011. He will have 3 very undervalued keepers and has a 5 year track record of 5-6-5-11-3. I think the Jerks, going into the Auction, will have the best starting group of players of any JBL team and will have to build on them during the draft. If he performs well at Auction and loosens up on his willingness to make trades he could be poised to win it all in 2011. I'm looking for a big season in Arctic this year.
#2 - Chilliwack Offs
The Offs are another ready to pounce in 2011. Benny has this team positioned very well for next season. He will have 3 wicked keepers and has the pedigree with 3 JBL titles to his name. His last 5 years are probably a bit disappointing (6-4-3-9-8) but I think with his new found Excel spreadsheet and the kid Blake Griffin leading the way that this team could be a real threat to win it all. Benny is always willing to make the trades and sign FA's so he always give himself a chance to be competitive and win it all. Look out for the mighty Offs in 2011.
#1 - Seoul Brothers
Hey, JBL owners, come on guys, let's make it tough for Philly Woo in 2011. Did you really expect anyone else to be #1 going into next season? The guy has won 3 straight titles! He's won 5 overall (in 16 years). I wouldn't care if Phil didn't have any keepers for next season - he would have the #1 spot. His last 5 years look like this - 1-1-1-10-6 - so there is a chance he could falter but I'm not counting on it. Besides, Woo has 3 potential keepers (Hayes, Allen, KG) who all do good things. Woo is always prepared on draft day and always finds good bargains. He watches the waiver wire closely and is willing to make trades. Let's face it, he puts a LOT of time into the JBL every year (every day) so of course his teams' are going to be competitive but that should be a motivator for the rest of us to work harder.
So, there you have it fellas...the 1st edition of the 2011 off season power rankings. How will they change once the NBA draft occurs? And what about Free Agency? Will we see some changes in the Rankings? Is Idaho ranked too low? Is Bangkok ranked too low? Can Seoul become the 1st team ever to win 4 straight titles? Can Belgrade prove he's not as bad as the stats show? Can Yuma or MBB come out of nowhere to shock the JBL standings? We'll have to see how the JBL teams' build their squads in October. For now, enjoy the NHL playoffs...
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