Jugglers (24904),
sling
12-1, 1st place (Big 8, II.2, Canada)
(Differential +323, Pythagorean record: 12.1-0.9)
Game strategy (
19 competitive matches):
* Offense: Push the Ball 19
* Defense: 2-3 Zone 10, Man to Man 9
* Enthusiasm: 16 less (2 TIE vs CT), 3 equal, 0 more (0 CT vs TIE)
Overall stats:
*
JUG: 46.9 FG%, 30.8 3P%, 65.8 REB (18.4 O), 22.7 A, 6.3 ST, 8.6 TO, 14.2 PF
*
Opp: 35.9 FG%, 26.1 3P%, 42.5 REB (10.6 O), 18.3 A, 5.9 ST, 9.1 TO, 17.2 PF
Another manager around since Season 2, but this is by far Jugglers' longest Tournament run. No variety in offensive tactics, but all Push all the time isn't the worst idea when dominating the ratings. Defensive ratings consistently outpace offensive ratings by a good margin. No dominant scorer, but Canadian NT big Charles Targeau
(796179) is clearly their best player. Impressive home-grown roster, with the top 4 salaries on the team totalling over $100K and going all to Canadians. Has been managing enthusiasm and player game shape well.
Binopolis Celtics (24841),
gsabino
9-4, 1st place (Great 8, II.2, Canada)
(Differential +158, Pythagorean record: 10.1-2.9)
Game strategy (
19 competitive matches):
* Offense: Look Inside 19
* Defense: 2-3 Zone 19
* Enthusiasm: 0 less (0 TIE vs CT), 15 equal, 4 more (0 CT vs TIE)
Overall stats:
*
BIN: 48.6 FG%, 27.2 3P%, 59.4 REB (16.2 O), 19.4 A, 4.2 ST, 7.4 TO, 15.1 PF
*
Opp: 40.6 FG%, 34.4 3P%, 40.9 REB (9.0 O), 16.4 A, 5.3 ST, 7.3 TO, 19.9 PF
Like Jugglers, started in Season 2 and are making their longest Tournament run. No single dominant player in salary, at least, with the top 5 all between 10-14K. Likely ignoring enthusiasm, and tactics are obviously static and perhaps not optimal. Not surprisingly, most of their scoring occurs on the inside, led by original Celtic Stanislas Fleury
(796044). The 4.2 team steals per game is very low, and consistent with the team's poor perimeter defense ratings.
Prediction: Although these teams are leading the two II.2 divisions, Jugglers are clearly superior in talent and management. The Celtics' home court advantage won't be nearly enough to compensate. Expect a comfortable Jugglers win (and expect to see them make some Naismith noise next season).