Tuesday, October 30, 2007

NBA Western Conference Preview

Okay, so I said I wanted to white about basketball at the beginning of this whole blog ordeal, and with the season starting tonight, I figured it's about time. Since I've always lived out west, and I've always intended on doing so (I only applied to schools in Washington, Oregon, and California), I figured writing about the western conference would be appropriate. (Last year I could have made some jokes about the JV-ness of the eastern conference, but they're starting to be legit, even if the 3 or 4 best teams are in the west, which will be true this year)

Anyway, on to the preview.

This year there are five clear tears of teams in the west. Now, I'm not as clever as The Sports Guy, so I won't have really clever names for the devisions, but I still think tears is the best way to think of the west.

The Favorites:
1. Phoenix
2. San Antonio

San Antonio and Phoenix are more consistent, playoff tested, and confident than all the other teams in the NBA. Now, I think Phoenix would have won it all last year if not for the suspensions, and Tim Donaghy (the NBA has done well to keep that he reffed game three quiet). With all that said, the Spurs are the defending chaps, and have won 4 of 9. For all intents and purposes, who wins in a series of these two teams is a coin flip, so, because the Spurs never win back to back titles, I'm going with the Suns. Also, I love the addition of Grant Hill in Phoenix. He'll take some ball handling pressure off of Nash (something that hasn't been done since Joe Johnson left), and fill the role that the Suns were hoping Penny would a few years back. This will lead to a more rested Nash for the playoffs, and a title for the Suns.

The Playoff Shoo-ins
3. Houston

Houston may never win a playoff series, but I think as long as Yao and Tmac are healthy the Rockets are the third best team in the NBA. By switching coaches from Jeff Van Gundy to Rick Adelman the Rockets will get a lot better offensivly, and it's not like they're going to forget how to play D (defense is an easier thing to have players motivate than offense).

4. Dallas

Last year's regular season champs haven't changed much, I just think they're not that great through a series. I think they're nice, I just don't see them making the conference finals (unless they get the one seed, then they have a chance, but I still think they'd loose to the 4 seed).

5. Utah

I don't think Jerry Sloan will let these guys get too hyped about last years success. In fact, I'll be surprised if the Jazz don't work even harder this year. As much of a distraction as AK47 might prove to be (the only way he'll be less of one if his wife ups the per year allowance to like 20), Deron williams will make up for it with an all star season. Also, Calos Boozer is a monster, and will average 25 and 11.

6. Denver

Where's the D? Sure AI and Mellow are nice, but neither can play real D (AI plays fantasy basketball D getting you steals even though he can't stop anyone). They'll score a lot, but they can't beat anyone in the playoffs.

The Race for 8th (well, 7th also)
7. Golden State

I'm a homer, but I also think the Wariors are improved over last year's addition. Loosing J-Rich will hurt, but having the Indiana guys all season will help more. Also, I like the additions from the draft, and I think the young guys improved well. Basically, I don't think there's any way that Baron will let these guys miss the playoffs. Last note, the Pistons have officially handed over the title of hardest team in the NBA to Golden State.

8. New Orleans

Chris Paul is a baller. Now, if these guys stay healthy they should make a real strong push for the playoffs. Also, look for Peja to step up.

9. LA Lakers

There out. Out of the playoffs, and out of sorts. Kobe will get you to #9 alone, but not much further. Kobe has no help, and there's to much disfunction in Laker land. I think this is the last year the Lakers will be in the playoff hunt, and that they'll go into rebuilding mode after this year.

Now, being a long standing Warriors fan, I have developed the ability to easily talk myself into a team's prospects. So, I might have an overly optimistic about cellar dwellers. Still, I think the NBA is in a good place talent wise and that makes a lot of teams dangerous to break through.

One piece away:
10. Memphis
11. LA Clippers

Both of these teams were recently in the playoffs, and have great big men. The Clippers are out for this year because of injury, but they'll be back in a big way if they get a high draft pick. I think Memphis will be alright this year, but any team counting on Mike Miller can't be that great. I think the Grizz are one good perimeter player away from being in the playoff hunt. Also, Pau is real underrated.

Headed in the Right Direction
12. Portland
13. Seattle

Both of these franchises are headed in the right direction personnel wise, unfortunately the Sonics are also headed to the Mid West. Still, getting a nice draft pick this year, along with being well under the cap makes both of these franchises futures bright. Still, I worry about the durability of the Blazers players.

No end in sight:
14. Minnesota
15. Sacramento

Minnesota is counting on the worst GM in the league to rebuild, and the Kings are right where the Warriors were seven years ago (honestly, it looks really similar). I feel sorry for the fans of both of these teams.


Okay, that was my first attempt at writing about basketball, it was fun, expect some more. Also, coming soon, Road Trip Recap.

Peace.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Open Nationals Preview

So, I'm going to go ahead and give away my Claremont Club Nationals Office Pool (CCNOP) picks, but I don't think that'll hurt my chances as I've never won the thing (Prude, do I still have to email you these picks? If I do, I might just email you this post). Anyway, on to a pool by pool breakdown (kind of like what was done on other blogs).

Pool A:
Jam: You all know what I think of this team by now. Anyway, they should win this pool handily. The other teams here like to huck, and that plays into Jam's strengths on D seeing as their shortest player is 5'10''. Also, I don't see this veteran team faltering early. Watch out for a lot of D's from Bogle and a lot of hucks from a loose team on Thursday.

GOAT: The big question here is will they be able to peek twice in one season. So far the evidence suggests yes. I don't know too much about these guys, but it seems like they play hard D and huck a lot. Well, that's a fine game plan for getting to the show, but without discipline you won't make it far in such a deep nationals. Whether or not they make the power pools, I see this team loosing in pre-quarters. If the wind is calm in Sarasota their game against ring on Thursday should be immensely entertaining.

Ring: They've had some strong results this year, and are always a threat to get hot and go as far as semis. Personally, I don't see that for them this year, but I do think their nationals experience will serve them well. This team seems similar to GOAT, just with more history and slightly crazier D. More hucks will be thrown in pool A than in any other pool.

The Van Buren Boys: Great name. Well, the first time since '04 a non SoCal team will be last at nationals, there's a 50% chance it'll be these guys

Thursday records: Jam 3-0, GOAT 1-2, Ring 2-1, VBB 0-3

Pool B:
Sockeye: I can't really see these guys slipping early, and I don't think they're ripe for an upset either of the first two days. Already having a loss to Boston this season should motivate them enough to really get up for the last game of the day, and I think it's apparent that Rhino doesn't match up well with the Fish. After an ugly semi with Furious and NW regionals expect the offense to be polished and less urgent. As far as their starts go, I think the secret is out about how good C-K is, but I think people are still over looking MC, the dude is uncoverable and has great puts, he's also deceptively 6'2'' with ups, no wonder he's always open under. Last bit, Nord and Chase haven't been spectacular thus far this year, but I think they'll bring it for the nationals highlight real.

Boston Ultimate: They got a lot younger, meaning they're more athletic, but slightly less disciplined. Interestingly, I think that taking more risks will help these guys. Still, what will hurt them is looking a little past Rhino and gunning for another upset of Sockeye. I think Boston has more depth than Rhino, but the portland guys are real good at the top, and they can get off to great starts. In the end, Boston vs. Rhino should be a great game to watch. When playing against Boston, watch out for Steve putting huge lefty flicks to Gibson (hopefully), and in reality, watch for lots of Ds from Seigs.

Rhino: Lots of confidence and skill, not much discipline, lots of crazy. I think all that adds up to Rhino taking teams by surprise early, along with the ability to implode. Personally, I don't see them imploding on Thursday. In fact, I think they'll go big early against Boston, then the east coasters will get back in it late, but it won't be enough. The biggest thing when playing Rhino is that they always want to move the disc, so you can never let up. Also a big help, they're captained by a man with two last names, just check #44 on the score reporter.

Pike: Lots of good nationals experience, but not that much experience being to go to guy at nationals. It'll be a tough first two days for Pike. Chance of being last at nationals, 40%.

Thursday records: Sockeye 3-0, Boston 1-2, Rhino 2-1, Pike 0-3

Pool C:
Johnny Bravo: Sure there are some injuries, but there is still some Parker, Richter, and Beau. Also, they won't be happy with how they played at regionals, and this will lead to them crushing early at nationals. Remember when UCSB beet Mamabird at regionals? Yeah, the guys from Boulder went on to win it all that year. Look for more of that crushing sort of play this year. Also, they were in the finals of Labor Day without Richter, who will be in full effect this year, kind of like in last years semis.

Condors: Lots of talent and desire in these guys, but there is also the potential for an emotional let down leading up to and after a big game. They have some great wins this year, but not too many great tournament finishes. Look for them to get up for the JBVO game, but also look too much past the boys form Texas. The youth movement in SB is a good thing for the program, but I think it's fruits won't show up for another couple of years. Look for them to build on this year in years to come, and also look out for them stealing college players from LA, not just club guys.

Doublewide: Tuff++. Lots os speed and discipline. Also, they do a good job throwing away passes instead of bombs. I don't know too much else about these guys except that they're great off the field, and two current Claremont guys would love to play with this team some day. Still, making Semis at labor day and beating a staked Chain team at regionals shows there not to be looked past.

Machine: They've always had the team speed, and gaining Cash from Revolver will help with the experience. Still, putting taller guys on their short handlers hurts them. Still, they did make last year's pre-q's, and they don't give up the disc easy. In the wind, these guys are real ruff (funny they're from the windy city, ehh?).

Thursday records: Bravo 3-0, Condors 1-2, Double Wide 1-2, Machine 1-2. Bravo and Condors move up, Machine and Doublewide move down.

Pool D:
Furious: They bring it in the fall every year. Last year they were able to take the NW region without Shank and regionals, but they had more star power then. Still, this year they made the finals of NW regionals without Mike Grant, even though they don't have Al Bob andymore. Look for Oscar to step up big time this year and expect a typical thursday performance from FG.

Sub Zero: They're tall, young and fast. They'll play harder D than any other team, and they'll take their shots on the D line. The big problem is the O. If their O can get off the field quickly Sub Zero has a great chance (I almost wrote "If they can keep the D on the field" but that's the most obvious shit ever). Anyway, the D will do well, but the O is the question mark.

Truck Stop: It's sweet they managed to get a three seed in a pool. It sucks balls that Chain is the 4 seed in their pool. They're young and a sweet group of dudes. Still, I don't think they have great chances in this pool. Unfortunately, it'll be bottom brackets again for TSGH.

Chain: They're loaded with talent, and they play great D, the problem is the HnH. It went well last year, but they loosed to a more disciplined team at regionals. Maybe adding Zip will help, but I think adding Asa next year will help more. Like SZ, if their O can get off the field quickly, they're in good shape. Wind will help them because it will cause them to have more patience.

Thursday records: Furious 3-0, SZ 1-2, Truck Stop 0-3, Chain 2-1

Now for the power pools, this is where I differentiate myself from those other slacker blog. I promise, this will be shorter.

Land of awesome pools:
Pool E: Jam 3-0, Bravo 2-1, Condors 1-2, Ring 0-3

Pool F: Sockeye 3-0, Furious 2-1, Chain 1-2, Rhino 0-3
The only note here, this is really hard to pick.

Douche-land pools:
Pool G: GOAT 2-1, Doublewide 3-0, Machine 1-2, The VBB 0-3

Pool H: Boston 2-1, SZ 3-0, Truck Stop 1-2, Pike 0-3
Note: Pool H is stronger than pool G, even if you switch Boston for Rhino, or SZ for Chain.

Pre Quarters: Rhino over Doublewide and SZ over Ring

Which gives us Jam vs Rhino, Furious vs Condors, Sockeye vs SZ, and Bravo vs. Chain in the quarters.

Okay, Semis: Jam vs Furious, Sockeye vs Bravo (Note, I think Chain is the other top 5 team)

Finals: Jam vs. Sockeye

Winner, and you all saw this coming, Jam.

Still, here's the most important part: Condors beat Rhino for the strength bid, fuck.

Notes on my picks: I'm a homer, I like the NW teams most of the time and I think Rhino is better than GOAT and Ring. Having three of the top 8 teams in pool D makes the power pools kind of wacky. Also, I really wanted to not have Furious in the Semis, but their road seems perfect.

That's all I got for now. Peace.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Corporate Sponsorship

Lately I've found myself really interested in the business side of disc, like how companies like 5ultaimte are run, or what Skip is doing with cultimate, or what the budget for Potlatch looks like. Well, what's interested me the most has been team sponsorships. On some team websites you can find their sponsors, but I've always wondered why you can't find these sponsors on the team jerseys (like in Soccer). Interestingly, teams started having non-apparel company sponsorships more this year.

For years Furious has been sponsored by Gaia, while Sockeye and The Condors have been sponsored by Patagonia. Well, this year Sockeye also picked up a sponsorship (and logo) from Cliff Bar, while Riot has some local Seattle businesses (I think they might have for a few years now though). Anyway, other lesser known teams are also getting sponsorships. Shadrach, the second Seattle mixed team, has a Crocks sponsorship with the logo on the sleeve of their jersey, and Contra, a bay area open team, has a sponsorship from greenoptions.com with adds on both their shorts and their jerseys (in these last two cases, a company employee was a member of the team).

There is also a trend of getting tournaments sponsored by companies. Sandblast and Lei-out come to mind first. I think this can easily evolve into having banners around the showcase field, much like there are banners around soccer fields. I think this is more effective than advertising on jerseys, and that the larger "fun" tournaments will all be doing this within three years (I hear plans are being made to test the exposure companies would gain from these sorts of banners through tournament dvds and such).

Does this all add up to ultimate now being considered a legit sport? No. Does it help? Yes. But what it really means is that ultimate is big enough to have its players be a legitimate marketing target. These jersey adds won't be seen by most of the general public, and they aren't reaching out to spectators, instead their main target is the opposing teams' players. Because other ultimate players are the only possible targets (at this point), I think it'll be a while before you see a Pirelli add across the front of a Chain jersey. Instead, we'll probably see more teams with adds from companies that think ultimate players would be interested in their products. If I were leading a team, I'd look into getting sponsorships from camping/backpacking companies (cross over market?), energy bar companies, and sports drinks.

I guess the final question this raises is, is advertising and sponsorship good for the sport? I think the answer is yes. First, and financial burden that can be taken off of the players is a plus. And second, having corporate sponsors for the larger established teams and tournaments could lead to the UPA being able to spend less of its own money on naties, and more on events attended by your average player (sectionals, league). Anyway, I think sponsorship is a good thing, but I don't think it will cause ultimate to become any less of a niche (it'll just be a growing niche with some corporate sponsors).

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Regionals Recap

Regionals Recap

So, we didn't make nationals. I really thought we had a chance, and when we took half on the Flycoons 8-7 in incredibly windy conditions, I really thought we were going to make it. All the way through 10-10 I thought we were going to be in the game-to-go, but when they took that up winder to make it 11-10 the wind came out of our sails. Anyway, the end of our season (in terms of contention) was loosing to the Flycoons, who I think will make at least the pre-quarters, not that bad.

Now, game by game recap:


Game 1: Dr. Si (Chico guys, UO girls)

Well, this team was the 16 seed, and their best guy was drinking a beer by the second half What i remember: they had only 2 girls to start the game so they had to play one down, Maggie benched herself because she didn't see the point in taking up playing time, we won 15-4.


Game 2: The Horde

We finished our game early and had a lot of rest time, but we also didn't really play our top game against Dr. Si. The Horde on the other hand, had just played their hardest against Shazam and were warmed up and ready to go. First point we started on D going up wind. Their O was moving it pretty well until Courtny tried to throw a break side goal to my man off a dish. I got a big layout D and things looked good that we'd get the early break. Things looked good until I threw my first of 3 turns (two throwing, one catching) this game. On their next possession, Scotty got a sick layout block on a dump cut, bet again we weren't able to convert and they eventually scored. I don't remember the exact sequence of scores for the rest of the first half, I just remember going in on and O point, and having the iso get called for me. So, I'm out in the lane and my guy is backing me by about 5 yards. I shoulder fake deep, then start under, go back deep for about two steps, than under again for three, at this point he finally thinks he's forced me underneath and he bites. I then go deep and he falls over trying to keep up. Anyway, the huck goes up and I catch it about three yards short of the end zone and call a time out. After the TO, the iso doesn't get open because she slips in the rain, so I turn to the dump who is being face guarded really well, At about stall 9.5 I finally throw something and the guy gets a blind block (turn #2). Well shit. They convert, and wind up taking half like 8-6. We managed to battle back in the second half (no thanks to me, I dropped a potential up wind goal (turn #3), we wound up getting the disc back, and I caught the next one) and wind up taking the game and securing second in the pool.

My favorite part of this game was hanging out with Venus. I remember standing next to her at the end of the game watching, it was like standing with a teammate, whether or not we were rooting for the same outcome. That was cool.


Game 3: Shazam Returns

Going in to this one I think we all knew they were going to win. Anyway, I got to bate a fun layout D where a cut off a away pass, but it wasn't game changing and it was on an O point. They had a tough 4 person cup zone with a big man marking and three women as a wall. We tried the same, just with me marking instead of a big guy, not as effective, but really fun.

Highlights: Cassidy had a huge layout grab on a huck, he layed out around a guy and when he landed it looked like he had his arm bent the wrong way. Also in this game, Ayron had a 4 foot hi layout catch D (to show me up?), then, on the ensuing possession, he was behind Cassidy and reached around him (not in the air, just real quick) to snag a huck (to show up Cassidy?) then threw the goal.


Game 4: CTR

We came out slow, again, and they killed us with the long game. This team is one that doesn't give away the disc. The three players that hurt us most were Rob, Shasta, and Alan (Brains alum, who knew (Drew knew)). Well, they took half 8-4, then we brought the intensity with the zone and battled back to lead 11-10. Still, our O just wasn't clicking, and we game some points away. They wound up wining 15-13.

That was the end of day one. Loosing CTR put is in the 4th place bracket, meaning we'd have to win 4 strait on Sunday to make it to Florida. After loosing, I went to find Drew and plan our trip back to Seattle. Well, I found Drew playing against Nigh Train for the right to play us in the morning. To my pleasant surprise, Drew and Shadrach (sick team name btw) were wining, and I'd probably get to play against my old college captain the next morning. Well, it all worked out and Shadrach won. On the way back to Seattle, I went to dinner with Drew and his team to a brewery for some good eats, beer, and scouting.

Day 2 (Wind ball, not ultimate, basically, keep scores in terms if up-winders)
Game 1: Shadrach

in this one, we got the first up-winder, then came out with zone, and we just didn't have it, so they got it back. The most fun part here was guarding Drew any time he was on an up wind point, because I played almost all the down winders. Anyway, we score another up-wind point and wind 2-1.

Game 2: Flycoons

This game was the big test. The Flycoons were heavily favored to take the 4th spot from the NW, so if we won this one, the road was only going to get easier. Anyway, they came out strong and got the first up wind point (it was actually the first point, and they had no turns). From here, we trade down wind the rest of the first half, until we score up wind to take half 8-7. At this point, if we trade out, we win. Well, somehow, we got away from hard flick D and out marks became flatter when they were going up wind. Well, they manage to run an effective dominator against out flat marks, and score two more up-winders in the second half. Flycoons win 3-1 and end out season. I was pretty happy with the play of the team over all, and I think we gave the Flycoons a real tough game. They're a strong team, and i hope they do well at nationals.

After this one, we decide to play a consolation game against CTR so all the people who didn't get the play time they wanted could get out there and crush.

Game 3: CTR

Crush crush crush. We won 15-7, and all the people who hadn't been playing showed that they should have been. I sat this one out, preferring to reflect on the season then play consolation. Somehow, I don't have as much fun just playing when I don't think there's something on the line.

So, in the end we tied with The Horde for 6th, and I think that's about appropriate for our place in the region. Sure I would have loved to take that 4th spot, but in the end, I think our team played as well as could be expected giving or pension for not practicing.

There you have it, a 4-3 regionals, and two games short of nationals. Over all, a fun season, but I'm still looking forward to playing open.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Observer Thoughts and Regionals Preview

Being an observer is hard work. First, it's hard to just watch the cutters when the action is coming your way, it's just against your instincts of watching Ultiamte. Still, watching the cutters means you do get to learn some things about cutting (I got to spend a whole game watching Aaron Richards cut, that was educational). Second, when watching the thrower marker interactions, it's hard to watch for both fouls and travels, but it is doable as long as you maintain your concentration (remember, whenever you start to lose concentration is when they'll need you). Still, observing is worth it, and it's kind of fun. The last hard part is keeping your focus through observing four strait games on a hot and dry day.

After getting some experience, I think that only 'elite' level players should observe 'elite' level games. In my mind (and in the UPA observer manual), the real purpose of the observer is to keep the game moving while keeping it in the players hands. Basically, the observer should never be the focus of the game. Because of this, it is important that the observer is there for the benefit of the players, and not for themselves. It is my contention that non 'elite' level players are more likely to be at the games for their own exposure than 'elite' level players. Also, they are more likely to make it all about them by interjecting themselves into discussions when they're not needed or by wanting to give their ruling to soon. These desires come from a want to be seen as equal to the players on the field. This is just my theory, and I've seen it happen a few times. Still, when I saw things not being played out by the rules I did want to step in, but I think I did a good job of laying off. The biggest thing I learned is to go to the rule book quickly if you need to ( for those interested, the continuation rule is on page 28).

Okay, enough of that, it's Regionals time.

Going into regionals I feel better than I have all season. Honestly, I feel real fast. I've done three of the four sprint workouts I've ever done in the last two weeks, and it's made me feel fast (I don't care if it's a placebo effect or not, feeling fast will make me dig harder). I also think the team we have at regionals we be better than the team we had at sectionals. Having Daryl and Lean will be huge for us, not just on the field, but also in calling lines and making sure the team stays focused. Lastly, I'm excited to apply what I learned by watching top cutters at Open regionals.

As far as the bracketology goes, we have the hardest pool I could imagine. Sure, every pool has a team that qualified for nationals last year, but not every pool has that team as the three seed. Also, not every pool has the best (and most athletic) team in the country in their pool. Despite all this, no matter what seed we take in our pool, we have a good shot of making at least one game-to-go. I've thought we have a shot at making nationals for a while now, but now I'm starting to think we're going. I'm not buying plane tickets yet, but I am setting myself up to be devastated if we don't make it (luckily for me I'm staying in Seattle an extra day for recovery). I don't know the last time an 8 seed made nationals, but lets hope this is the next time. Also, I'm stoked that my friends will be out there heckling because I think I play better when people are watching.

That's all I got for tonight, but I'll write more Thursday after the first UCSC practice.

Peace.