In the first of what will now be a monthly column I am going to be writing for the Perth Wildcats, I thought I would take a look at something that has sparked some passion among some of our players here at the club.
Inspired by one of the most underrated TV series out there, suitably named 'The League' I embarked on a challenge to get the rest of the lads playing in a NBA Fantasy Basketball League. I wasn't too sure of the logistics but I figured I would learn on the go.
I waited and waited for resolution of the pay disputes. My wishes were met on a sunny afternoon in December. I instantly set about constructing the world's most cool and wicked fantasy league out there.
The league name will remain anonymous but I can assure you it sets the tone for fierce and enthralling encounters. There have been some teething issues thus far and I will confess we have actually had both redrafts and owner resignations. The league is now stronger than ever, and the 10 active owners are all wheeling and dealing in search of the inaugural league trophy, yet to be decided upon and open to all suggestions.
After six eventful weeks, it will be no surprise that Shawn Redhage is in fact leading the charge. His team, Team Floater, led by the likes of Kobe Bryant, Monta Ellis and LaMarcus Aldridge, has an all-round strength that bothers me immensely. I sit in fourth place currently, with one loss, that loss being to the "doods" from Team Floater. Nevertheless, our dear friend and co-captain got a taste of defeat this past week. He has superstar development player Michael Vigor to thank for that.
Vigs, as we intelligently call him, has the most adorable line-up. There are no genuine superstars, unless you call Blake Griffin, Chris Bosh and Russell Westbrook superstars, but he does have every area covered. Plus he has the Spanish dream, Ricky Rubio. I'm playing Vigs this week and I will have to get big things from Kevin Love to make sure I stand a chance (oh wait, Kevin got suspended two games for kicking Luis Scola in the face, thanks Kevin!).
Fellow ex Augusta State Jaguar Ben Purser (sorry Greg Hire) rounds out the top four. Led by Derrick Rose and Dwayne Wade, poor Benny has had to deal with injury after injury. Benny also has the Jeff Teague on his roster, a player that I confess I have signed and released five times so far. Thanks for finding him a home brother!
Other owners include Kevin Lisch, Greg Hire, Damien Scott, Matty Knight and Damian Martin. There is also a dummy team fashioning the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming and Chukwudiebere Maduabum. We use this team to gain some fantasy confidence and escape the stresses of setting line-ups, manipulating the waiver wire and managing player transactions.
I will leave it there until next time, but I hope the next update has me sitting pretty on top place and with Kevin Love spreading the love (and not kicking people in the face). I will also finish up with a riddle. Here goes - Kevin Lisch's 'Thug Militant III' squad is sitting fifth with a 4-2 record, yet he has won every week thus far!!!
Be good,
Cam Tovey
