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Milo synopsis of teams needs for next season
What's up NCBL family the season has come down to one game and the two best teams this year will face off in what should be Armageddon. Since we have two weeks before tipoff I thought it would be fun to look ahead to next season and what teams needs are to get over the hump. I can't predict what tomorrow might bring only God knows but from what I saw this year from teams performances I have a pretty good idea what most teams needs are and how they can improve. Here is a short synopsis of teams needs going into next season. Again this is my opinion and not necessary the fact, so please take a holistic view before commenting because your opinion is as good as mine.
Milo's View of teams needs:
Linden:
* Won their division 3 years in a row.
* Won championship in 2007; Playing in their 2nd championship game in three years.
* Was undefeated during the regular season last year and only lost one game this year.
* Best coaching staff in the last 3 years.
Team Needs: Linden have one of the more complete teams in this league. They have good guards and forwards. The one area I see they could sure up is a grinder type big man who rebounds well and is not afraid to mix it up with other teams interior. Also adding a little more depth to their bench would be a plus. They have a very good team that should provide their fans with lots of wins and if they stay together can win a few more championships. The differences with this team as opposed to others are the commitment from the coaching staff and players to become better each week.
White Plains:
* Won their division this year going 9-1.
* Made it to the championship game in their first year back.
* Was undefeated until the last game of the regular season.
* Very good coaching staff.
Team Needs: White Plains proved this year that commitment to defense and ball pressure wins games. They have great point guard play, good shooting guards, nice forwards, and a dominating big man. They understand the sacrifices it takes to win games and all their players are committed. They have very little weaknesses but they could add some depth to their bench especially when their key players get in foul trouble. This team is built to win and win big as they proved this year with exception to Linden but retribution is a week away so they could silence all critics with a monster performance.
Bronx:
* Won a championship in 2004.
* Second in their division this year going 9-1
* Very good coaching staff
Team Needs: Bronx has a good mixture of youth and veterans; however, they have good guards and a playmaking point; they have good forwards and a nice big man. They like to run and gun and usually get into tuff times when facing teams with good inside play. They need to add a couple more players who can contribute off the bench defensively, and more toughness on the interior. They are also looking at the possibility of a new coach and the transition for the players would be key. I expect to see them in the playoffs next year.
Flatbush:
* Won their division 2 years in a row.
* Good coaching staff
* Good defensive team
Team Needs: Flatbush is a team that plays hard and has some nice pieces. They have good guards and forwards and an underrated big man. They play defense which is why they won their division two years in a row. The areas I feel they would need to improve are: adding some depth to their bench, they played with 9 players and once the starters got into foul trouble they lost a beat.
They need to add a big man to complement their interior, preferably a big that can rebound and cause havoc on the other team interior. They also could use another good shooting guard to complement their fine point guard and forwards. This team will win more than they lose but to get to the championship and win they would have to make some small roster adjustments. A veteran player with experience would be ideal for this team mix.
Hanson Place:
* Won their division this year.
* Made it to the championship game 2 years ago losing to Linden.
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: Hanson Place lost this year in the Elite 8. They have a good team with veterans that understand the game. They play hard when everyone shows up and have in my book one of the more dominating big men in the league. They have a nice developing point guard and nice shooters on the wing. They play defense but need to add more youth and depth to their bench.
They will win games on their teams strength most of the times but without some youth the vets would run out of gas. Look for them to make some noise next year but they would have to stack their bench with players who can contribute.
Coney Island:
* Second in their division this year.
* Won championship in 2006
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: Coney Island lost in the final 4 game this year. They have a good young team with lots of star power. They play hard and have the length and size inside to dominate teams most nights. The areas I feel they can improve are: adding another true point guard either to start or come off the bench. They have a serviceable point but too many times I've seen them out of sync with the over dribbling and fancy passing.
They need someone who can break down presses and have the ability to get the ball to the players comfort zone. They also need to add a veteran or two to a team that looks like the Portland Trailblazers. Stacked with young, big players they sometimes get flustered when facing a team with formidable big men and good guards. We saw what happened to Portland in the playoffs this year so let that be a lesson. This team will win lots of games because they have good players but until they have court leaders who can motivate and elevate each other they would always fall short. Let's hope they return or will Colin migrate them back to Calvary.
Shiloh:
* Made playoffs 1st year in the league.
* Ended the season with a winning record.
* Good coaching staff.
Team Needs: Shiloh made lots of noise this year surprising most teams they faced. They play hard and have a few nice pieces. Usually a team first year is somewhat of an aberration. Opponents are not too familiar with them so they have a chance to steal some games. The difference with this team is they were in most of their games. Next year however, teams should be better prepared to play them so they would need to make some adjustments.
They need to add depth to their bench and have players who contribute on a more consistent basis. They need another ball handler who can expose other teams interior. They need to add a big man and a forward to take some of the pressure off the guards. I expect them to come out strong next year but they will realize that every year the challenges become harder especially when you experienced success early.
Bethel:
* Tied for 2nd in their division
* Lost in the Elite 8 this year.
* Very good coaching staff
Team Needs: Bethel has had a winning record for most of John's coaching tenure. They play good team ball and have players who can make plays. The areas I see they could improve are: size in the front court, a deeper bench, and a big man to bang and rebound. Bethel in the past was a team of youth. They have a dominating big man in Don but he can't carry the load of rebounding, stopping other teams’ big men, and scoring inside. Their guards and forwards rebound also but their size becomes an issue when facing teams with legit big men or forwards that like to post. They might need to add a good backup point guard to compliment their starters and take some pressure off their forwards. They have a good system and with a few additions could be back in the mix as far as championships.
Ebenezer:
* Tied for 2nd in their division
* Lost in the Sweet 16 game.
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: Ebenezer played subpar ball all year going 500. They have some nice pieces but would need to add players if they hope to stay with the elite teams in the league. They have a very good point guard and shooting guard. They lack size in the middle and usually play forwards at those positions. Their bench needs players with size who knows their roles. Because of their good shooters they become one dimensional and teams with good interior presence have their way with them. Their main need would be to add a good rebounder and size in the middle to complement their streaky shooters.
GNYC Ebenezer:
* Tied for 3rd in their division.
* Lost in the Sweet 16 game.
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: GNYC had one of their worst years since joining the league. They finished at 500 and lost in the playoffs to a first year team. They have some good pieces and would need very little to get over the hump. They have exciting guards who can dribble and shoot. Their forwards are serviceable and play hard. They lack size and by adding some depth to their bench would be a plus. They need another good rebounder and scoring forward to take some pressure off the guards. They must decide whether they want to run or play a half court game. I like their makeup and with a few upgrades they could be back in the lime light.
New Dimension:
* Tied for 3rd in their division
* Last year's champs
* Lost in the Sweet 16 game.
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: New Dime coming off a great run last year by taking the crown took a step backwards this year. They have talent and players who can compete but distractions got the better of them this year. They were last year's silent killers who did their talking on the court with their play and hard effort. This year they seem to be arguing more with officials and other teams and as a result they lost their edge. They have players at every position that can contribute on a nightly basis, but would need to rededicate their games to rise to the level of last year. They need to add some youth to their bench who can contribute and give the starters a breather without panicking. They have good forwards who can shoot and drive; a good point guard in Chad, and dominating big men who understand the game. They can win with the way their team is constructed currently but will need to rededicate themselves and stay focused on their goal. They could have built a dynasty with the players they have but sometimes early success can breed complacency especially when it comes easy.
Mt. Sinai:
* Tied for 2nd in their division
* Lost in the Sweet 16 game
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: Mt. Sinai had a subpar year going 500. They have a few pieces and would need to add some muscle to their front line in order to win. They have a good point guard and shooting guard but would need to add some size to their front court. They also need to add some depth to their bench in order to keep their starters fresh. They lack a dominating big man who can rebound and supply consistent defense on other teams’ bigs. They have to add some veteran presence to assist with keeping the players focused and not panic. They play well against teams in the east but when facing west teams they get exposed because they don't have the grinders to battle consistently.
South Brooklyn:
* 4th in their division this year.
* Lost in the Sweet 16 game
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: South Brooklyn had a better year than their record indicated. They played hard every game and lost a couple of games in the final minutes. They have guards that play big and forwards who understand their roles. They however lack size in the front court and as a result players are playing out of position. They need to add some depth to their bench and have players who can contribute. They play with heart and intensity but that could only carry them as far as their talent. Without a big man or forward who can provide consistent rebounding they would continue to lose close games.
City Tabernacle:
* Tied for 3rd in their division
* Lost in the Sweet 16 game
* Good coaching staff
Team Needs: City Tab has a good team but was unable to get everyone on the same page as far as performance. They have good players with youth and skills but lack the leadership and consistency to be a power house. They play hard and have size but most of their losses were due to lapses in their game plan. They have good forwards and big men but need to add some depth to their guards. They need to have consistent play from their point and that was an issue when teams applied pressure. They need to add a couple veterans to balance their youths. They have a deep bench but need to tighten up their rotation so that players get familiar with each other. This team is close but would need to sure up in the above areas if they are to be taken seriously.
Ephesus:
* Tied for 3rd in their division
* Lost in the Sweet 16 game
* Very good coaching staff
Team Needs: Ephesus although they had a disappointing year by their standards showed me a lot this year. They might have been over matched in some of their games but came to play and put some fear in their opponents. They have one of the best point guards in the league and some nice forwards. They lack an aggressive big man who can help ease the strain on the guards by forcing teams to check in the paint. They need more consistent play from their bench and need to have another shooter coming off the bench. They have been one of the league's best in the past and I know they would work on doing it in the future.
Mt. Vernon:
* Gone fishing for the year.
Rogers Ave:
* Worst season in a while
* Did make the playoffs
* Ok coaching staff
Team Needs: I don't like to criticize coaching staff too much because they can only coach so much. It's the players who have to execute and this year the players didn't. They have a few pieces but lack the consistency night in and night out. They need to add some depth to their bench with size and skill.
They have to address their guard and center situation because they play big but can't sustain it against teams with big front lines. They have good forwards but not enough rebounding affects their other positions. They would have to practice over the summer and not make costly mistakes in close games. They need to add a veteran to compliment their young forwards and guards. Their record should have been better but unlike other years parity in the league has caught up to some teams.
Christian Fellowship:
* Last in their division
* Didn't make the playoffs for the 2nd time in 8 years
* Coaching staff ok.
Team Needs: Fellowship had its worst season in a while and didn't appear to be motivated night in and night out. They dismantled their team from last year and brought in youth, however, it didn't translate into victories. They have a good shooting guard but lack consistent play, their point guard play was poor all year and their forwards need to understand their roles better. They have Mr. Clutch in the middle but he can't do it all. They would need to add depth to the bench with players who can contribute a true point guard to take pressure off the forwards and big man, and a better system to get it done. This is the rebuilding era for Fellowship.
Kingsboro:
* Last in their division
* Didn't make the playoffs
* Coaching staff questionable
Teams Needs: Kingsboro has fallen from the grace, they were once a power house. They lost almost every game this year and should have showed up better. They have some young players but need to add some veteran leadership and skilled players if they are to return to glory. They need to find a point guard who can make them better as well as some big men who can rebound and score inside. They need depth on the bench and practice over the summer.
Advent Hope:
* First year in the league
* Won 1 game this year
* Coaching staff gets a bye because it's the first year.
Team Needs: They play hard but need to add some more pieces to compete at a higher level. They lack size in the front court and depth in the bench. They need guards that can penetrate and create off the dribble. They have to learn how to play in close games in order to excel next year. I won't pass judgment on this team because I like the little I saw of them this year. Their talent level isn't up there yet with the rest of the elite teams. Keep practicing.
Corona:
* Winnless during the regular season.
* Didn't make the playoffs
* Coaching staff questionable.
Team Needs: Corona should have won a couple of games this year. They practice with each other and have some players who understand the game. They lack speed at the guard position and a dominating center. They have size but the size is in the wrong positions. They play small and don't have the point guard to make them better. They have to add some veteran help to the bench and improve the defensive schemes. They need to figure out what style of play they have and follow through with it. I expect they would be better next year.
Well that's Milo clip on teams needs for next season. Of course it's my opinion and not law. I do know one thing the elite teams weren't always elite and that should give all the bubble teams hope for next season. Practice hard over the summer, dedicate your game to elevate your team, and summon the inner confidence because if you don't believe in yourself and your game who will. God Bless and stay tuned for my championship prediction for next week. Also any free agents who might be leaving their current team to join another team let me know so I could post the list and make the off season interesting. It definitely would spice up the league for next season. You can forward the names to the webmaster and he would get it to me. Thanks again and enjoy the memorial weekend.
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