2 thoughts on “MML Post-Draft Roster Analysis 2021-22”
2021-2022 MML Big “O” Robertson Conference
Post-Draft Roster Analysis
Well, we are finally about to tip off another season! This is not a review of the draft, although some draft-related comments will be included. This is a pre-season look at the current rosters. I have to say that with so many players being granted an extra year of eligibility, there were more rosters than usual in good shape, pre-draft; and, while you’d have to ask the commish to confirm, I believe that we have never had the quality and depth of quality in any previous free agent pools. So, as a good friend of mine from NY city once said: “What’s it all mean?” Well, I think it means that many teams can position themselves for a shot at the league title, which makes it even more interesting for all of us. There are still a large group of quality FA’s sitting around and in my research I am continuing to discover a few more every couple of days. So, going by conference and division within that conference (teams listed below are listed in the order they are shown in the division), here’s how I currently see it. And, by the way, as I always do, I reserve the right to change my mind during the course of the season. This analysis is always fluid as the game (injuries, transfers, slumps, benchings, promotions, players emerging out of nowhere, etc., etc.) is always fluid. So, this is just the starting point and I also reserve the right to be wrong. Starters are determined (in most but not quite all of the lineups below) by highest fantasy average at a position.
Driesell Division
Virginia Gentlemen
First, a disclaimer…Despite praising him as one of the better GM’s in my draft thread comments, I do not receive a case of primo fresh crab from the Gentlemen. Although, should I be somewhere in his vicinity in the future, a good meal would be nice…uh huh…
G-Roddy
G-Horvath
F-Penn
F-Painter
C-“The Cockburn”
6th-Freemantle
FR-Jabari Smith
Comment: This is a formidable lineup. I am not including the frosh position in that remark-since I just don’t know enough yet-although I lean towards Jabari Smith being able to put up good frosh numbers. Great pair of forwards. Like two P’s in a pod, as both are very consistent and rebound like our economy after a disaster. “The Cockburn,” says it all. So, great frontline. 6th man Freemantle has already proven himself and has not hit his ceiling. The question is in the backcourt. Roddy is a force, and, is also consistent. That leaves Horvath. I like Horvath. I had Horvath myself at one point. I think Horvath will be a good player for Utah State, etc., etc., etc. I am just not sure that he should be a starting guard instead of the first guard off the bench. They have loads of forward depth. Their forward position is deeper than any other team in the league. Guards are lacking. I think they need to get two more with one needing to be a true impact player. Whether it’s through free agency or trading one or two of those 8 players they have who are quality forwards is up to them. If they get two guards, you can mail them the championship.
North Pole Fightin’ Reindeer
G-Green
G-Morales
F-Meeks
F-E. Miller
C-Mitchell/Dickinson
6th-Martinez
FR-Tyrese Hunter
Comment: So, to be clear, I like Meeks, I just didn’t love him as the first guy off the board and his exhibition game boxscore did not change that view as he took the most shots and scored 12 real points, resulting in…7 fantasy points vs. Western Carolina. However, I expect better than that. Miller WAS a proven commodity at Texas A&M but is coming to TCU and an anti-offense coach, along with 7 other transfers. Chemistry is in doubt, he doesn’t shoot treys, etc., etc. I expect him to start and rebound, scoring a question-mark. Like Miller, but, as a reserve, not a starter. Bigger problem for Mitchell who is an okay rebounder, transferring to a Texas team that is also bringing in Marcus “Shoot first and pass later” Carr and other transfers and returns some scorers. I know his numbers are going down…I just don’t know how much. That’s why I have co-listed him with Dickinson, who has not yet reached his ceiling and should wind up being the starting center. Strong guards. Martinez was a great get in the draft and will probably man a starting forward spot as the year goes on, as could Fausett. Brown & Bean are good options as is Atkinson. I listed Hunter over Chandler as a freshman. That could go either way. Chandler should start and will be given the keys to the offense but how much he can do stat-wise compared to Hunter is the question-so, I prefer Hunter for now. I like the direction of this team, but, they may have too many Indians and not enough chiefs, to reverse that old saying. I think they need another good center and a quality forward before I would say they have a shot to win it all. They look good right now, but, not all that and a bag of chips.
Vindaloos
G-Jones
G-Trammell
F-Brown
F-Mosley
C-Cork
6th-Days
FR-Kaluma
Comment: The ‘Vins are always in the thick of things, but, those “things” are looking a little thinner with this group. Thanks to moving to Michigan, Jones’ numbers will be down from 26+. 22, 21? 21 is acceptable, although that is a steep drop. With a weak guard group, his number is going to be crucial. Trammell doesn’t have any upside. Brown is a stud at forward and Mosley is good. Days, who should be the man this year for LSU is a very good 6th man to have. Gates could emerge. So, 4 good forwards. Center is a big problem. Cork, who is not a good rebounding center will now be playing at a much higher level for an anti-offense coach and his numbers will drop. He will not be the starting center for long. Yo! Next man up. That would be Samuel, the guy who can’t shoot free throws, who has moved to Florida run it up and down Gulf Coast. He could pull out the Cork, but, he’s really not a viable choice to be the starter. Next man up? Kentucky brought in Tshibwe from West Virginia. Tshibwe had a promising start at West Virginia and then kind of fizzled out. He will be asked to be a defensive presence/rim runner. His stats figure to stay roughly the same and/or dip a little. Vins need an impact guard and a quality reserve guard and a center…Oh yeah, while Kaluma is talented and all that, he doesn’t figure to do a lot stat-wise, so, they will need an upgrade at the frosh position too. This vintage is not well-aged as of now.
Hoosiers
G-Guerrier
G-Gillespie
F-Jackson-Davis
F-Asadullah
C-Aimaq
6th-Tubelis
FR-McGowens
Comment: Hoosiers need help. A lot of it. However, to my recollection, they don’t usually make a lot of roster moves early and by the time they do the top FA’s are gone and like most teams they do not seek trades. I like Guerrier, but, history tells us that while Oregon as a team does great with transfers, most of their transfers need a year to get numbers. Maybe Guerrier breaks that trend-but, they are betting against the house. Gillespie flat out is not a starting level, or, even reserve level fantasy player. Cut him ASAP. Timberlake may be in the NBA draft next year but he may not even crack the top 3 or 4, in minutes per game for Memphis. This may be the weakest guard room in the league. Jackson-Davis is a stud. That leaves Tubelis for the 6th man spot and means they need to acquire some quality depth at the forward position. They have a stud at center. You can just mail in the fantasy points for Aimaq. Because of the way Nebraska plays, the lack of talent and the fact that his brother is now in the program I prefer McGowens as the best choice among the three frosh, although G-Town will almost certainly have to start Mohammed and as a first year HC Woodson needs to give his top freshman some quality minutes. Instead of drafting three freshmen, Hoosiers needed to get two high impact guards and one high quality forward and wait until results come in to find a quality freshman (there are always 6-10 that emerge). With the strength of the teams this year, I would say that the Hoosiers needs puts them near the bottom of the league right now.
Crum Division
Gator Bait
G-Abmas
G-Wright
F-Prim
F-Liddell
C-Timme
6th-Robinson
FR-DeVries
Comment: GB has talent, but despite having a formidable lineup (save for the frosh spot), they need some upgrades and some quality depth. Abmas and the drafting of Wright give them two strong guards. Prim is a fantasy beast. It’s the forward position that potentially, looks pretty damn good, but, on paper, shaky good. Not shaky bad, mind you, but, still…shaky. Like LSU’s Days, Liddell will be the man this year for the Buckeyes but it’s difficult to see him adding much more than a point, a point plus to his fantasy average. I think that Orlando Robinson has more upside and is the guy who can make a nice jump. Still, that means going in that GB does not have a forward on the roster who has already surpassed 20 fppg in a season-and, forward is the easiest position to find a player of quality. Nobody is stopping Timme from getting his at center. That leaves the freshman position and that will require a huge upgrade. While DeVries will be playing for his father, Drake returns just about everybody and they play a balanced system. I don’t see DeVries being able to do much, fantasy-wise this year unless dad just says: “Screw it, he’s my son, he’s starting, and, he’s getting 12 jacks a game!” I don’t see that happening. Theyh are going to have to get a productive freshman. GB does have a nice “sleeper” on the roster in Dayton soph Amzil, who could easily wind up averaging 20+fppg this coming season. 3 studs, a lot of good players w/potential. Get an impact guard and an impact freshman and they are there.
Psychos
G-Pippen
G-Plowden
F-Williams
F-Kensmil
C-Davis
6th-Wilson
FR-Bates
The Psychos are attempting a kind of fantasy basketball experiment: They are going to trot out a lineup (sans frosh) that will have each player getting around 18+ to 21+ fppg and attempt to win the whole dang shooting match by being more consistent than the other teams. It could work. But, I think they need at least 2 impact guards to win. For one, while I like Pippen, and, he could raise his numbers this year, the way he plays and the loss of Disu means he will have a few more “bagels” this year. He needs a 22, 23+fppg backcourt mate. With 4 forward centers they have no problem at the center position. And, they’re good, not great, but, good at the forward spot-which is why I was so puzzled that they did not take a guard with their first selection in the draft. they did draft Grigsby and Wynter, neither of whom has starting ability if you’re looking to win it all. They need 2 quality guards. Emoni Bates may be the highest rated NBA prospect but I’m not sure of the fantasy impact he can make week in and week out. Conference play will shed some real light on that. Better order up another freshman to support him. Good team. Just doesn’t scare the pants off you. I mean, Gator Bait has 3 killers and a few “good players.” How is this lineup going to compete with GB?
Maize and Blue Bloods
G-Scheieman
G-Murphy
F-Omier
F-Kinsey
C-McKinnis
6th-Davis
FR-Houstan
MBB is more talented than GB! They can trot out 6 players who all averaged 23+fppg! This is the best lineup in the league right now, bar none! Weaknesses? Well, four of those 23+ guys can play guard. Three can play forward and they have a 22.9 & 22.2 lying in wait. I like their freshman. So, no weaknesses-just a question mark that pretty much most teams will have until they throw it up at the frosh position. Everybody’s chasing these guys.
Hillbilly Maulers
G-Jackson
G-Nuga
F-Bramah
F-Disu
C-Bacot
6th-Barcello
FR-Davison
Top to bottom, Hillbilly may be the only team in the league without a weak player! But, do they have enough firepower to compete just in their own division with MBB & GB? First, let me say that I cannot see me taking any player from Arizona State with Bobby Hurley coaching them. They have had chemistry problems, share the ball problems, etc., etc., since year one. Jackson is very aggressive and should still get plenty of shots but he has a lot of competition and no support from his “let ’em play” head coach. So, his numbers will dip. As stated before, the question is how much. He does not figure to be one of Hillbilly’s top two guards by January. I like Nuga. Curious to see how it works out for him at UNLV w/Bryce Hamilton. Ware should be one of the starting guards come the first week of January; as should Castro. I don’t know if Bramah can maintain his numbers-but he should still be productive, and Disu’s numbers are likely going down due to the plethora of scorers at his new digs. At center, Bacot’s could go up. So, live by the transfer/die by the transfer. So, no weak players, but, how many strong players. Of course, some or all of these transfers may be able to maintain their numbers and if that happens the Maulers will be maulers; but, they are betting against the house. The Psychos may actually have a stronger lineup & these two teams will be fighting for 3rd in the division.
McGuire Conference
Post-Draft Roster Analysis
Olson Division
Saluki YRD’s
G-Davis
G-Nowell
F-Aluma
F-Williams
C-Muszynski
6th-Robbins
FR-Christie
Comment: The Saluki’s only had two picks and hurt themselves pre-draft by not dropping a few returnees who had transferred such as Robbins, Nowell, and Fatts Russell. They needed these picks. Instead, with just two picks…they took…two freshmen…natch…Davis gives them a talented guard. Nowell is garbage-as in toss him out. Aluma and Williams are good forwards but not impact guys. Robbins is their 6th highest scorer and fills the 6th man role by default, having averaged a meager 17.9 fppg last year. This team is not talented and needs to be blown up. If it’s done the right way, since there are a ton of good players still in the FA pool, the Saluki’s could get a good start on 2022-2023.
KC Warthogs
G-Holden
G-Moore
F-Obanor
F-Fiedler
C-Diawara
6th-Butler
FR-Ingram
Comment: With rare exception, KC is always a “tough out.” Holden is a good guard and while Parham averaged more than Jalen Moore did last year, Moore will be the starter at the other guard position and give them a nice boost come January. Obanor is the big question mark. Big move up to Texas Tech. 18.7 ppg may be hard to replicate in Lubbock, so, his 25.8 fppg figures to come down. Like Jones up at Michigan, how much will be very important to KC. On the other hand, Fiedler has scoring upside and figures to bump up his fppg. Butler is solid. Big question to me is why didn’t KC get a center? With only a spread of +3.2 I don’t have a lot of faith that Diawara can go from 13.0 fppg up to 20 fppg. They only had 3 picks. They took Moore and they got one of the better freshmen in Ingram. They didn’t need to take a second freshman with their last pick, and, they should have dropped Powell to gain another pick. They could have gotten a quality center. They do have an interesting situation in they have 3 players returning who really underachieved last year and all should do much better this year. Rollins should be much better at Toledo, Eric Williams should be ready to be the leading player at Oregon, and Joey Hauser should be better at Michigan State. Williams, a g/f is the key.
Deep Valley Grouchos
G-Ford
G-Holden
F-Flowers
F-Williams
C-Basile
6th-Taylor
FR-Lewis
Comment: The DVG’s somehow couldn’t manage to put out a decent guard last year, so, they drafted three good ones (they hope) in Ford, who averaged 25 fppg in conference, Holden who averaged 23 fppg in conference, and, Taylor, who averaged 23 fppg in conference. Holden has transferred, but to Towson, which is about the same level he was at and has a good history with transfers coming in to be “the man.” Flowers is on his way to being a 1000+ point career scorer and averaged 24.6 fppg. At 22.3 fppg overall, Williams is the “underachiever” in this group. DVG’s got lucky with Basile. They wanted Ryan Davis with their second pick but he was gone. Just before going in another direction they learned that Basile was re-classified to a f/c and got the player they would have gone for in the first place if they knew he was a center. Hopefully, that solves the starting center position. Broome will likely start over Williams come January when conference play begins. He finished big (see league playoff All-American teams with playoff averages) and will be hard to keep out of the lineup. They have good depth and are hoping that Keegan Murray is the steal they think he is. Frosh Maxwell Lewis was relatively unknown. He passed up his last year of HS eligibility to train for the NBA and then changed his mind. He is likely a bust or a sensation. So, the DVG’s are talented. In serious contention with but still behind the Maize and Blue Bloods.
Hardwood Heroes
G-Flowers
G-Guess
F-Mballa
F-Nsoseme
C-Watson
6th-Nelson
FR-Holmgren
Comment: This is an interesting roster. So many things could or could not happen. I like Flowers. He isn’t shy, he’s scored everywhere and he has playmaking ability. He doesn’t figure to get off quite as many shots, but, if his FG pct., improves, he can put up good numbers for the Palouse. Guess did damage at a higher level school and looks like a strong play at the other guard position. Mballa is a stud, Nsoseme a mini-stud. Both are steady double-double machines and put up over 47 fppg between them. Very good forward tandem. If Watson suddenly decides to rebound the ball he becomes a very good pick. Castleton might turn into a better option at center with his +6.7 spread, and, when Tolu Smith’s foot is fully healed and he’s not on a minute restriction, he could wind up being the center as he has the most upside. The problem spot is 6th man, where Nelson averaged just over 20 fppg but was very erratic. They need better. And, they don’t have good depth. I see by the logo on their website that the GM is a Cal fan, which explains taking a negative spread player like Matt Bradley, who transferred from Cal to San Diego State. I get it, but he ain’t helping. They need one quality forward and two quality guards. The obvious cuts are Bradley, Juzang, and, Alexander and they can use one of their three centers as trade bait. They can get that done and they got a shot.
Tark Division
The Deadwood Gang
G-Scott
G-Sherfield
F-Lindo
F-Freeman
C-Golden
6th-Gregory
FR-Banchero
Comment: Like the Heroes, I find this to be an interesting roster. They helped themselves in the draft although I thought they still could’ve gotten better with what was still on the board and took Curbelo too soon. Scott is good and can also play forward. Sherfield doesn’t figure to have much ceiling but can still score a little more. Lindo is a good forward and if they give Freeman just three more shots a game, he will produce really good numbers. His spread is +11.3. Golden at center? Is he still eligible? Isn’t this like his 7th year or something? Golden is a good reserve. They need a better center. They needed a lot, but, with 8 picks I would’ve thought they’d have addressed that need in the draft. On paper, Banchero might get the best numbers of any frosh. They should be respectable, respectable plus. They need an impact guard, an impact forward and a center if they want to be more than “interesting.”
The Hoop Guru
G-Gilyard
G-Maldonado
F-Feazell
F-Welp
C-Groves
6th-Allen
FR-Kendall Brown
Comment: The HG’s had 7 picks and did not manage to land one quality player that could really help them. They whiffed 7 times. Their top two guards combine for 36.2 fppg. That’s putrid-and, they are the returnees-so, again, they whiffed on all three guards they drafted. Now, if his percentages improve, Remy Martin may be better than one of those starting guards, but, there’s a reason he’s a negative spread fantasy player and he doesn’t figure to take as many shots for Kansas as he did at ASU. Feazell has a chance to do what he does but it will be tougher to do at Creighton. If Welp is in the starting lineup it tells you what the destiny of your team is…and it ain’t good. He’s a decent sub-and that’s it. I’d like to be wrong about Groves, who is a good offensive player, but, not only moving up, but moving up to an anti-offense guy, it will be tough for Groves to approach his Eastern Washington numbers. They probably need to get 4…no, 5…, no, more like 6 starters.
Prozac Pups
G-Miller
G-Carr
F-Champagnie
F-Joseph
C-Stephens
6th-Harper
FR-Holmes
Comment: Pups have another of those “interesting” rosters. G/F Champagnie should probably increase his 23.8 fppg. Stephens is a quality center. After that is where it gets interesting. Carr is a high volume player. He’s going to shoot it a little less at Texas, surrounded by talent. Maybe that will help him tighten up his game and increase his percentages, but he’s really a “loss-leader,” and should be a 3rd guard. Joseph should make a nice bump up. If the Harper of the first 10 games of last season shows up, well, that dude was around 23 fppg. He just has to shoot it better-and, he’s more than capable of doing it. Harper’s development is more important than Carr’s output for the Pups. They need for that to happen and they also need an impact guard and an impact forward.
Sam Jacobson Went To Class
G-Kiss
G-Smith
F-Osunnniyi
F-Haase
C-Mostafa
6th-Grady
FR-Baldwin/Cardet
Comment: The Sammies are moving up to respectable and more this year. They have an excellent guard combo in Kiss and Run, er, Kiss and Smith. Osunniyi had a 22.9 fppg. Mostafa is going to bump his 19.7 fppg up. Haase was inconsistent and still put up 19.6 fppg with a +7.7 spread. That’s a good five. On their current roster they need Davidson’s Lee to bump up and/or hope that both Baldwin and Cardet are impact freshman and move one of them into the 6th man spot. Their first cut should be Courtney Brown, possibly the worst player ever drafted in fantasy basketball. They also have a couple of guys on the roster who could help them if they can return to form from a couple of years ago. In other words, they need depth, qualty depth, badly. But, their starting lineup can hurt you. I am shocked to see it in print, but, I think the Sams are the favorite in this division. The division may be the weakest in the MML this year but that’s not casting shade on anything the Sams can accomplish. This is their moment!
The Pre-Season Favorite To Win It All: Maize and Blue Bloods
The Main Contenders (in order): Virginia Gentlemen, Gator Bait, DVG’s
Got A Good Team, Man: KC Warthogs, Sam Jacobson Went To Class
Interesting (mainly good) Team: North Pole Fightin’ Reindeer
Interesting (with some correctable flaws in no particular order): Psychos, Hillbilly Maulers, Hardwood Heroes, Prozac Pups, Vindaloos, The Deadwood Gang
As always I find great entertainment in the analysis of DVG and thank you for taking the time to put it together. Like I have said prior, I take no offense to good or bad analysis of my picks. I find it fun and actually look forward to how my picks are viewed from someone else’s perspective. As my Fightin’ Reindeer enter their 4th season we have had bad odd years and a good even year (2nd season), so are we due for a good year, right???……as it is the 4th season?? We shall see. But even our rookie season, although bowing out of the MML tourney early we had much more favorable matchups in the Big 64 Tourney and somehow found a way to “survive and advance” and as beginners luck would have it we won the Big 64 Tourney! Now I have to figure out how we did that and hit repeat!! 🙂
I wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to another fun and exciting season and I pray we all stay healthy and enjoy this incredible league that our Commissioner Rick has put together. I am honored and thankful to be a part of the MML and look forward to it getting underway in Ten more days!!
Good Luck to all and to all a good night from the North Pole!
2021-2022 MML Big “O” Robertson Conference
Post-Draft Roster Analysis
Well, we are finally about to tip off another season! This is not a review of the draft, although some draft-related comments will be included. This is a pre-season look at the current rosters. I have to say that with so many players being granted an extra year of eligibility, there were more rosters than usual in good shape, pre-draft; and, while you’d have to ask the commish to confirm, I believe that we have never had the quality and depth of quality in any previous free agent pools. So, as a good friend of mine from NY city once said: “What’s it all mean?” Well, I think it means that many teams can position themselves for a shot at the league title, which makes it even more interesting for all of us. There are still a large group of quality FA’s sitting around and in my research I am continuing to discover a few more every couple of days. So, going by conference and division within that conference (teams listed below are listed in the order they are shown in the division), here’s how I currently see it. And, by the way, as I always do, I reserve the right to change my mind during the course of the season. This analysis is always fluid as the game (injuries, transfers, slumps, benchings, promotions, players emerging out of nowhere, etc., etc.) is always fluid. So, this is just the starting point and I also reserve the right to be wrong. Starters are determined (in most but not quite all of the lineups below) by highest fantasy average at a position.
Driesell Division
Virginia Gentlemen
First, a disclaimer…Despite praising him as one of the better GM’s in my draft thread comments, I do not receive a case of primo fresh crab from the Gentlemen. Although, should I be somewhere in his vicinity in the future, a good meal would be nice…uh huh…
G-Roddy
G-Horvath
F-Penn
F-Painter
C-“The Cockburn”
6th-Freemantle
FR-Jabari Smith
Comment: This is a formidable lineup. I am not including the frosh position in that remark-since I just don’t know enough yet-although I lean towards Jabari Smith being able to put up good frosh numbers. Great pair of forwards. Like two P’s in a pod, as both are very consistent and rebound like our economy after a disaster. “The Cockburn,” says it all. So, great frontline. 6th man Freemantle has already proven himself and has not hit his ceiling. The question is in the backcourt. Roddy is a force, and, is also consistent. That leaves Horvath. I like Horvath. I had Horvath myself at one point. I think Horvath will be a good player for Utah State, etc., etc., etc. I am just not sure that he should be a starting guard instead of the first guard off the bench. They have loads of forward depth. Their forward position is deeper than any other team in the league. Guards are lacking. I think they need to get two more with one needing to be a true impact player. Whether it’s through free agency or trading one or two of those 8 players they have who are quality forwards is up to them. If they get two guards, you can mail them the championship.
North Pole Fightin’ Reindeer
G-Green
G-Morales
F-Meeks
F-E. Miller
C-Mitchell/Dickinson
6th-Martinez
FR-Tyrese Hunter
Comment: So, to be clear, I like Meeks, I just didn’t love him as the first guy off the board and his exhibition game boxscore did not change that view as he took the most shots and scored 12 real points, resulting in…7 fantasy points vs. Western Carolina. However, I expect better than that. Miller WAS a proven commodity at Texas A&M but is coming to TCU and an anti-offense coach, along with 7 other transfers. Chemistry is in doubt, he doesn’t shoot treys, etc., etc. I expect him to start and rebound, scoring a question-mark. Like Miller, but, as a reserve, not a starter. Bigger problem for Mitchell who is an okay rebounder, transferring to a Texas team that is also bringing in Marcus “Shoot first and pass later” Carr and other transfers and returns some scorers. I know his numbers are going down…I just don’t know how much. That’s why I have co-listed him with Dickinson, who has not yet reached his ceiling and should wind up being the starting center. Strong guards. Martinez was a great get in the draft and will probably man a starting forward spot as the year goes on, as could Fausett. Brown & Bean are good options as is Atkinson. I listed Hunter over Chandler as a freshman. That could go either way. Chandler should start and will be given the keys to the offense but how much he can do stat-wise compared to Hunter is the question-so, I prefer Hunter for now. I like the direction of this team, but, they may have too many Indians and not enough chiefs, to reverse that old saying. I think they need another good center and a quality forward before I would say they have a shot to win it all. They look good right now, but, not all that and a bag of chips.
Vindaloos
G-Jones
G-Trammell
F-Brown
F-Mosley
C-Cork
6th-Days
FR-Kaluma
Comment: The ‘Vins are always in the thick of things, but, those “things” are looking a little thinner with this group. Thanks to moving to Michigan, Jones’ numbers will be down from 26+. 22, 21? 21 is acceptable, although that is a steep drop. With a weak guard group, his number is going to be crucial. Trammell doesn’t have any upside. Brown is a stud at forward and Mosley is good. Days, who should be the man this year for LSU is a very good 6th man to have. Gates could emerge. So, 4 good forwards. Center is a big problem. Cork, who is not a good rebounding center will now be playing at a much higher level for an anti-offense coach and his numbers will drop. He will not be the starting center for long. Yo! Next man up. That would be Samuel, the guy who can’t shoot free throws, who has moved to Florida run it up and down Gulf Coast. He could pull out the Cork, but, he’s really not a viable choice to be the starter. Next man up? Kentucky brought in Tshibwe from West Virginia. Tshibwe had a promising start at West Virginia and then kind of fizzled out. He will be asked to be a defensive presence/rim runner. His stats figure to stay roughly the same and/or dip a little. Vins need an impact guard and a quality reserve guard and a center…Oh yeah, while Kaluma is talented and all that, he doesn’t figure to do a lot stat-wise, so, they will need an upgrade at the frosh position too. This vintage is not well-aged as of now.
Hoosiers
G-Guerrier
G-Gillespie
F-Jackson-Davis
F-Asadullah
C-Aimaq
6th-Tubelis
FR-McGowens
Comment: Hoosiers need help. A lot of it. However, to my recollection, they don’t usually make a lot of roster moves early and by the time they do the top FA’s are gone and like most teams they do not seek trades. I like Guerrier, but, history tells us that while Oregon as a team does great with transfers, most of their transfers need a year to get numbers. Maybe Guerrier breaks that trend-but, they are betting against the house. Gillespie flat out is not a starting level, or, even reserve level fantasy player. Cut him ASAP. Timberlake may be in the NBA draft next year but he may not even crack the top 3 or 4, in minutes per game for Memphis. This may be the weakest guard room in the league. Jackson-Davis is a stud. That leaves Tubelis for the 6th man spot and means they need to acquire some quality depth at the forward position. They have a stud at center. You can just mail in the fantasy points for Aimaq. Because of the way Nebraska plays, the lack of talent and the fact that his brother is now in the program I prefer McGowens as the best choice among the three frosh, although G-Town will almost certainly have to start Mohammed and as a first year HC Woodson needs to give his top freshman some quality minutes. Instead of drafting three freshmen, Hoosiers needed to get two high impact guards and one high quality forward and wait until results come in to find a quality freshman (there are always 6-10 that emerge). With the strength of the teams this year, I would say that the Hoosiers needs puts them near the bottom of the league right now.
Crum Division
Gator Bait
G-Abmas
G-Wright
F-Prim
F-Liddell
C-Timme
6th-Robinson
FR-DeVries
Comment: GB has talent, but despite having a formidable lineup (save for the frosh spot), they need some upgrades and some quality depth. Abmas and the drafting of Wright give them two strong guards. Prim is a fantasy beast. It’s the forward position that potentially, looks pretty damn good, but, on paper, shaky good. Not shaky bad, mind you, but, still…shaky. Like LSU’s Days, Liddell will be the man this year for the Buckeyes but it’s difficult to see him adding much more than a point, a point plus to his fantasy average. I think that Orlando Robinson has more upside and is the guy who can make a nice jump. Still, that means going in that GB does not have a forward on the roster who has already surpassed 20 fppg in a season-and, forward is the easiest position to find a player of quality. Nobody is stopping Timme from getting his at center. That leaves the freshman position and that will require a huge upgrade. While DeVries will be playing for his father, Drake returns just about everybody and they play a balanced system. I don’t see DeVries being able to do much, fantasy-wise this year unless dad just says: “Screw it, he’s my son, he’s starting, and, he’s getting 12 jacks a game!” I don’t see that happening. Theyh are going to have to get a productive freshman. GB does have a nice “sleeper” on the roster in Dayton soph Amzil, who could easily wind up averaging 20+fppg this coming season. 3 studs, a lot of good players w/potential. Get an impact guard and an impact freshman and they are there.
Psychos
G-Pippen
G-Plowden
F-Williams
F-Kensmil
C-Davis
6th-Wilson
FR-Bates
The Psychos are attempting a kind of fantasy basketball experiment: They are going to trot out a lineup (sans frosh) that will have each player getting around 18+ to 21+ fppg and attempt to win the whole dang shooting match by being more consistent than the other teams. It could work. But, I think they need at least 2 impact guards to win. For one, while I like Pippen, and, he could raise his numbers this year, the way he plays and the loss of Disu means he will have a few more “bagels” this year. He needs a 22, 23+fppg backcourt mate. With 4 forward centers they have no problem at the center position. And, they’re good, not great, but, good at the forward spot-which is why I was so puzzled that they did not take a guard with their first selection in the draft. they did draft Grigsby and Wynter, neither of whom has starting ability if you’re looking to win it all. They need 2 quality guards. Emoni Bates may be the highest rated NBA prospect but I’m not sure of the fantasy impact he can make week in and week out. Conference play will shed some real light on that. Better order up another freshman to support him. Good team. Just doesn’t scare the pants off you. I mean, Gator Bait has 3 killers and a few “good players.” How is this lineup going to compete with GB?
Maize and Blue Bloods
G-Scheieman
G-Murphy
F-Omier
F-Kinsey
C-McKinnis
6th-Davis
FR-Houstan
MBB is more talented than GB! They can trot out 6 players who all averaged 23+fppg! This is the best lineup in the league right now, bar none! Weaknesses? Well, four of those 23+ guys can play guard. Three can play forward and they have a 22.9 & 22.2 lying in wait. I like their freshman. So, no weaknesses-just a question mark that pretty much most teams will have until they throw it up at the frosh position. Everybody’s chasing these guys.
Hillbilly Maulers
G-Jackson
G-Nuga
F-Bramah
F-Disu
C-Bacot
6th-Barcello
FR-Davison
Top to bottom, Hillbilly may be the only team in the league without a weak player! But, do they have enough firepower to compete just in their own division with MBB & GB? First, let me say that I cannot see me taking any player from Arizona State with Bobby Hurley coaching them. They have had chemistry problems, share the ball problems, etc., etc., since year one. Jackson is very aggressive and should still get plenty of shots but he has a lot of competition and no support from his “let ’em play” head coach. So, his numbers will dip. As stated before, the question is how much. He does not figure to be one of Hillbilly’s top two guards by January. I like Nuga. Curious to see how it works out for him at UNLV w/Bryce Hamilton. Ware should be one of the starting guards come the first week of January; as should Castro. I don’t know if Bramah can maintain his numbers-but he should still be productive, and Disu’s numbers are likely going down due to the plethora of scorers at his new digs. At center, Bacot’s could go up. So, live by the transfer/die by the transfer. So, no weak players, but, how many strong players. Of course, some or all of these transfers may be able to maintain their numbers and if that happens the Maulers will be maulers; but, they are betting against the house. The Psychos may actually have a stronger lineup & these two teams will be fighting for 3rd in the division.
McGuire Conference
Post-Draft Roster Analysis
Olson Division
Saluki YRD’s
G-Davis
G-Nowell
F-Aluma
F-Williams
C-Muszynski
6th-Robbins
FR-Christie
Comment: The Saluki’s only had two picks and hurt themselves pre-draft by not dropping a few returnees who had transferred such as Robbins, Nowell, and Fatts Russell. They needed these picks. Instead, with just two picks…they took…two freshmen…natch…Davis gives them a talented guard. Nowell is garbage-as in toss him out. Aluma and Williams are good forwards but not impact guys. Robbins is their 6th highest scorer and fills the 6th man role by default, having averaged a meager 17.9 fppg last year. This team is not talented and needs to be blown up. If it’s done the right way, since there are a ton of good players still in the FA pool, the Saluki’s could get a good start on 2022-2023.
KC Warthogs
G-Holden
G-Moore
F-Obanor
F-Fiedler
C-Diawara
6th-Butler
FR-Ingram
Comment: With rare exception, KC is always a “tough out.” Holden is a good guard and while Parham averaged more than Jalen Moore did last year, Moore will be the starter at the other guard position and give them a nice boost come January. Obanor is the big question mark. Big move up to Texas Tech. 18.7 ppg may be hard to replicate in Lubbock, so, his 25.8 fppg figures to come down. Like Jones up at Michigan, how much will be very important to KC. On the other hand, Fiedler has scoring upside and figures to bump up his fppg. Butler is solid. Big question to me is why didn’t KC get a center? With only a spread of +3.2 I don’t have a lot of faith that Diawara can go from 13.0 fppg up to 20 fppg. They only had 3 picks. They took Moore and they got one of the better freshmen in Ingram. They didn’t need to take a second freshman with their last pick, and, they should have dropped Powell to gain another pick. They could have gotten a quality center. They do have an interesting situation in they have 3 players returning who really underachieved last year and all should do much better this year. Rollins should be much better at Toledo, Eric Williams should be ready to be the leading player at Oregon, and Joey Hauser should be better at Michigan State. Williams, a g/f is the key.
Deep Valley Grouchos
G-Ford
G-Holden
F-Flowers
F-Williams
C-Basile
6th-Taylor
FR-Lewis
Comment: The DVG’s somehow couldn’t manage to put out a decent guard last year, so, they drafted three good ones (they hope) in Ford, who averaged 25 fppg in conference, Holden who averaged 23 fppg in conference, and, Taylor, who averaged 23 fppg in conference. Holden has transferred, but to Towson, which is about the same level he was at and has a good history with transfers coming in to be “the man.” Flowers is on his way to being a 1000+ point career scorer and averaged 24.6 fppg. At 22.3 fppg overall, Williams is the “underachiever” in this group. DVG’s got lucky with Basile. They wanted Ryan Davis with their second pick but he was gone. Just before going in another direction they learned that Basile was re-classified to a f/c and got the player they would have gone for in the first place if they knew he was a center. Hopefully, that solves the starting center position. Broome will likely start over Williams come January when conference play begins. He finished big (see league playoff All-American teams with playoff averages) and will be hard to keep out of the lineup. They have good depth and are hoping that Keegan Murray is the steal they think he is. Frosh Maxwell Lewis was relatively unknown. He passed up his last year of HS eligibility to train for the NBA and then changed his mind. He is likely a bust or a sensation. So, the DVG’s are talented. In serious contention with but still behind the Maize and Blue Bloods.
Hardwood Heroes
G-Flowers
G-Guess
F-Mballa
F-Nsoseme
C-Watson
6th-Nelson
FR-Holmgren
Comment: This is an interesting roster. So many things could or could not happen. I like Flowers. He isn’t shy, he’s scored everywhere and he has playmaking ability. He doesn’t figure to get off quite as many shots, but, if his FG pct., improves, he can put up good numbers for the Palouse. Guess did damage at a higher level school and looks like a strong play at the other guard position. Mballa is a stud, Nsoseme a mini-stud. Both are steady double-double machines and put up over 47 fppg between them. Very good forward tandem. If Watson suddenly decides to rebound the ball he becomes a very good pick. Castleton might turn into a better option at center with his +6.7 spread, and, when Tolu Smith’s foot is fully healed and he’s not on a minute restriction, he could wind up being the center as he has the most upside. The problem spot is 6th man, where Nelson averaged just over 20 fppg but was very erratic. They need better. And, they don’t have good depth. I see by the logo on their website that the GM is a Cal fan, which explains taking a negative spread player like Matt Bradley, who transferred from Cal to San Diego State. I get it, but he ain’t helping. They need one quality forward and two quality guards. The obvious cuts are Bradley, Juzang, and, Alexander and they can use one of their three centers as trade bait. They can get that done and they got a shot.
Tark Division
The Deadwood Gang
G-Scott
G-Sherfield
F-Lindo
F-Freeman
C-Golden
6th-Gregory
FR-Banchero
Comment: Like the Heroes, I find this to be an interesting roster. They helped themselves in the draft although I thought they still could’ve gotten better with what was still on the board and took Curbelo too soon. Scott is good and can also play forward. Sherfield doesn’t figure to have much ceiling but can still score a little more. Lindo is a good forward and if they give Freeman just three more shots a game, he will produce really good numbers. His spread is +11.3. Golden at center? Is he still eligible? Isn’t this like his 7th year or something? Golden is a good reserve. They need a better center. They needed a lot, but, with 8 picks I would’ve thought they’d have addressed that need in the draft. On paper, Banchero might get the best numbers of any frosh. They should be respectable, respectable plus. They need an impact guard, an impact forward and a center if they want to be more than “interesting.”
The Hoop Guru
G-Gilyard
G-Maldonado
F-Feazell
F-Welp
C-Groves
6th-Allen
FR-Kendall Brown
Comment: The HG’s had 7 picks and did not manage to land one quality player that could really help them. They whiffed 7 times. Their top two guards combine for 36.2 fppg. That’s putrid-and, they are the returnees-so, again, they whiffed on all three guards they drafted. Now, if his percentages improve, Remy Martin may be better than one of those starting guards, but, there’s a reason he’s a negative spread fantasy player and he doesn’t figure to take as many shots for Kansas as he did at ASU. Feazell has a chance to do what he does but it will be tougher to do at Creighton. If Welp is in the starting lineup it tells you what the destiny of your team is…and it ain’t good. He’s a decent sub-and that’s it. I’d like to be wrong about Groves, who is a good offensive player, but, not only moving up, but moving up to an anti-offense guy, it will be tough for Groves to approach his Eastern Washington numbers. They probably need to get 4…no, 5…, no, more like 6 starters.
Prozac Pups
G-Miller
G-Carr
F-Champagnie
F-Joseph
C-Stephens
6th-Harper
FR-Holmes
Comment: Pups have another of those “interesting” rosters. G/F Champagnie should probably increase his 23.8 fppg. Stephens is a quality center. After that is where it gets interesting. Carr is a high volume player. He’s going to shoot it a little less at Texas, surrounded by talent. Maybe that will help him tighten up his game and increase his percentages, but he’s really a “loss-leader,” and should be a 3rd guard. Joseph should make a nice bump up. If the Harper of the first 10 games of last season shows up, well, that dude was around 23 fppg. He just has to shoot it better-and, he’s more than capable of doing it. Harper’s development is more important than Carr’s output for the Pups. They need for that to happen and they also need an impact guard and an impact forward.
Sam Jacobson Went To Class
G-Kiss
G-Smith
F-Osunnniyi
F-Haase
C-Mostafa
6th-Grady
FR-Baldwin/Cardet
Comment: The Sammies are moving up to respectable and more this year. They have an excellent guard combo in Kiss and Run, er, Kiss and Smith. Osunniyi had a 22.9 fppg. Mostafa is going to bump his 19.7 fppg up. Haase was inconsistent and still put up 19.6 fppg with a +7.7 spread. That’s a good five. On their current roster they need Davidson’s Lee to bump up and/or hope that both Baldwin and Cardet are impact freshman and move one of them into the 6th man spot. Their first cut should be Courtney Brown, possibly the worst player ever drafted in fantasy basketball. They also have a couple of guys on the roster who could help them if they can return to form from a couple of years ago. In other words, they need depth, qualty depth, badly. But, their starting lineup can hurt you. I am shocked to see it in print, but, I think the Sams are the favorite in this division. The division may be the weakest in the MML this year but that’s not casting shade on anything the Sams can accomplish. This is their moment!
The Pre-Season Favorite To Win It All: Maize and Blue Bloods
The Main Contenders (in order): Virginia Gentlemen, Gator Bait, DVG’s
Got A Good Team, Man: KC Warthogs, Sam Jacobson Went To Class
Interesting (mainly good) Team: North Pole Fightin’ Reindeer
Interesting (with some correctable flaws in no particular order): Psychos, Hillbilly Maulers, Hardwood Heroes, Prozac Pups, Vindaloos, The Deadwood Gang
A Little Cheezey (as far as flaws): Hoosiers
Abandon Ship: Saluki YRD’s, The Hoop Guru
As always I find great entertainment in the analysis of DVG and thank you for taking the time to put it together. Like I have said prior, I take no offense to good or bad analysis of my picks. I find it fun and actually look forward to how my picks are viewed from someone else’s perspective. As my Fightin’ Reindeer enter their 4th season we have had bad odd years and a good even year (2nd season), so are we due for a good year, right???……as it is the 4th season?? We shall see. But even our rookie season, although bowing out of the MML tourney early we had much more favorable matchups in the Big 64 Tourney and somehow found a way to “survive and advance” and as beginners luck would have it we won the Big 64 Tourney! Now I have to figure out how we did that and hit repeat!! 🙂
I wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to another fun and exciting season and I pray we all stay healthy and enjoy this incredible league that our Commissioner Rick has put together. I am honored and thankful to be a part of the MML and look forward to it getting underway in Ten more days!!
Good Luck to all and to all a good night from the North Pole!