Open Division Preview
MASAE Hoops: After their worst showing in the past two years at the FABA Philippines Independence Day Tournament, sans Jamaal Brooks and Kevin Redmond, the mighty MASAE squad will be seeking redemption in their homecourt. With their Mike D’antoni (circa Suns era) style of play a led by the uncanny Jamaal Brooks, MASAE will be looking to gun against teams. The formula is consistent, but the question is whether or not Kevin Redmond will be healthy by tournament time and how well the rest of the team performs under pressure.
Lowell: Ray and Richie Tayag once again represent their rough hometown north of Boston. Notorious for their physical play and bruise ‘em style, Team Lowell will wear your team down over the course of two halves. A defensive team that doesn’t allow easy baskets, they’ve added a high flyer in David who can sprint and leap towards the rim. Add Bun to the picture with his outside shooting, Lowell is trying to continue their legacy of deep runs in tournaments.
Boston Knights: The club with the most history in the entire state when it comes to Asian hoops, the Knights have added pieces to their team over the years to prepare for NACBAIT 2011, which they will be hosting in Boston. Joe Brusch will lead the pack with his slashing while the 6’9 Michael Dong tries to take up as much space as possible under the hoop. Dong returns from some tough injuries over the years and is looking strong again. Sharpshooter Victor Cheung will be doing his best Reggie Miller impression to get the Knights to open up zones.
NY USAB: The former champions of the NACBAIT, NY USAB does not travel without ensuring a competitive team. With the ability to go inside with their big men (Joe Vines and Brandon Chock) and the countless guards lighting it up from outside, USAB Warriors is easily one of the top teams competing in the Purple Summer Showcase.
NY Top Gunz: The NY team will be teaming up with their RI chapter in hopes of capturing another title after winning the Vitosoy Cup back in May. The eccentric coach Augustine will pace the sidelines spewing the usual incoherent commands. Expect big man, Jay Monteiro, to anchor the team as Soap Toan (Cambodian national team) shoots lights out from deep. But without their guard/forward, Pek “Lefty Mismatch” Mith, who will create for the team? Expect the Top Gunz to have one of the most complete and traditional teams.
Mill City: A newly formed team started up by the aforementioned, Pek Mith, Mill City’s roster consists of relatively unknowns besides young Michael Gander. Infamous for his team-hopping, Lefty Mismatch will likely form a team that will cater to his strengths, which is attacking the basket and dishing out after penetrating the defense. In this case, Mill City will have the advantage of the element of surprise.
Toronto 25 For Life: One of the most prolific teams in North America, 25 For Life, will be bringing more hype than a Justin Beiber performance to our tournament. The Asianballers.net top 10 team and team of the year in 2008, 25 For Life is the prototypical Canadian run and gun team that loves to trap and pressure the ball. JP Albano and Mike Semira will bring a team full of speed demons and high flyers. Expect Asian hoops athleticism at it’s finest. But take caution, there is substance beneath their style. Also visit their site www.25forlifebasketball.com to see what this team is about and to read some very insightful blogging by the aforementioned 25 For Lifers.
JSAG: Despite being the team from the city that brought us the “Situation” and Snookie, this team is no joke. Romeo Baptista will take on the scoring responsibilities as Yogi Veranga plays the all purpose guard position. Steadily showing improvement over the past few years, this team has the talent to hang with any team in this tournament. The gradual progression can be attributed to the staff of the program supporting their team and expanding on new ideas and recruits. Veterans of the game, expect a good showing from our Jersey Shore friends.
Juvenile Division Preview
MASAE: The tandem of Bipin Tamang and Cam Gammad lead the pack as the Juvenile veterans for the MASAE club. Their outside shooting and fast pace offense has been the signature for this team. But without their big men, the guards are forced to play out of position to gain rebounds. Can these guys compete without the comfort of a big man? How deep can they go in the tournament without size?
NY USAB Warriors: Another group of former champions of NACBAIT, Joe Chin, the tiny giant will lead his pack of skilled teammates this weekend. Their dominance in the 18U division over the years has been nothing short of impressive. But how will they hold up against some of the toughest competition in their age group?
Chicago Primes: Danny Trinidad puts together a star studded team full of speed and strength that can only equate to excitement. A mix of players from the FBA and NABA labor day tournaments, teams will be burdened with the task of defending some of the best young guards today along with highly efficient scorers. These young men will be traveling from the Windy City to compete. With a drive that long, how can we expect them not to be hungry?
Top Gunz: Regular participants of the labor day tournament ,PIBNA, this team from Queens has players filling in every position with skill and energy. Led by captain, Greg San Jose, these guys are looking for redemption since their last tournament in Virginia. Francis Evangelista will be the all purpose guard to put in work against opposing squads. Expect a team filled with the rage of vengeance as they come down to make a name for themselves. Their inexperience may be their weakness, so their performance may be based on how well they stay composed against the more experienced teams.
North Jersey: This squad has remnants of the championship Juniors team in NABA 2009. Albert Pizon and Julius Rodriguez moves up a division to compete as two rising stars who can make an immediate impact against tougher competition. The Blue Knights are of an elite pedigree when it comes to NABA. Producing some of the most talented guards in the Tri-state area over the past five years and the legacy continues till this day. Their fire-power at times seems limitless, which team will be able to withstand their attack?
-Van