Last weeks results:
Freedom defeat Dead Strokes 5-4 - A lot closer then it should've been, but any team with Ashton is a real threat, who is easily one of the most underrated players in the game. It's clear Freedom didn't go full throttle for the match and it almost hurt them, luckily for them Travis was able to continue his hot streak from last season.
Break and Run defeat Straight Shots 5-3 - Break and Run came out firing with Mike, Jordy and Croz, a trio tough to beat for any team. As for Straight Shots, maybe they hyped themselves too much, it's hard to see only Ben winning every week so SS will need to over come their over confidence and hop to it.
Sexy Poolerz defeat Pool Dragonz 5-2 - Another one I predicted wrong, but I'm used to it by now. Pool Dragonz definitely came out flat footed and couldn't muster anything together. Sexy Poolerz on the other hand showcased a vast variety of players who clicked and if Bev can keep them going week after week, SP may be able to stir up the pre-season predictions quite a bit.
Miscues defeat Pool Fiction 5-3 - Got this one right on the nose, pretty lucky huh? Seeing both Conor and Stephen is great a MC have depth now, but seeing Trey switch to PFN leads me to think that playing all-star calibre players week in and week out will give the other players no reason to stick around as Ant knows he only needs to call himself to win it all.
MVP Standings?
fr_Travis - 3-0
ds_sin-e - 3-1
ss_fhm_champion - 3-1
bnr_xlx_skill_xlx - 2-0
mc_ant8br - 2-0
mc_lxl_nerd.herd_lxl - 2-0
sp_killah_jason - 2-0
sp_Troy_Badman - 2-0
pfn_sykology - 2-1
I'm pretty good at providing useless information, am I not? Here's some more, by the looks of it the front page organizing matches based on the home team, since the Atlantic Conference is the home team in all four matches, thus throwing them all under the one title. Interesting? Not at all.
What's also not very interesting, is how in the pre-season predictions I posted how I thought the Atlantic Conference is the better conference, but after week 1 both conferences are even on wins, will be interesting to see how it pans out when both title picks in SS and PFN try to rebound from their early losses.
Monday @ 6pm - Sexy Poolerz [1-0] @ Miscues [1-0]
Coming off a big win, Sexy Poolerz get to see where they really stand in PRO when they face off against one of the top picks to win it all. Sexy Poolerz came out in week one with a line-up that can actually challenge both Pool Fiction and Break and Run for the top spot, and can certainly give MC a run for their money if they play as well as they should. MC on the other hand came out firing but only managed one win from 3 players not named Ant or Zach, while it's surprising the likes of Ben, Conor and Stephen all did just about nothing in the match, MC are a fearsome squad, but we'll see how many players they can end the season with.
Prediction - 5-2 Miscues
Monday @ 7pm - Deadstrokes [0-1] @ Straight Shots [0-1]
In the second Monday match we see a squad who would've been lost and destroyed without the return of Ashton, against a squad that would've been lost and destroyed without their captain. Both Dead Strokes and Straight Shots come into this match off a tough loss, but luckily one will be able to bounce back. Like Miscues, it'll be hard to imagine the majority of the Straight Shots roster losing week after week. The likes of Nhan, Craig and Mike are easily capable of MVP-esque seasons so Ben may be relieved he wont be relied upon week after week. For Deadstrokes it's clear what they need to do in this match to have a shot at winning, they need Ashton. Hopefully for them the trio of James, Chuck and Roy can accompany that poolplayerxyz guy who's pretty good and if they can, DS should give SS a run for their money.
Prediction - 5-3 Straight Shots
Wednesday @ 7pm - Pool Fiction [0-1] @ Freedom [1-0]
Oh Pool Fiction vs Freedom, a rivalry that once used to be as heated as Cubbys palms when he took his first shot in interleague pool, but has since somewhat cooled off. Don't get me wrong, this is still a rivalry, but it has matured. Both sides have been able to control themselves with only average amount of jokes and pokes passed back and forth, which is great as the focus shifts from the talking, to the walking, and boy oh boy do we have lot's of possible walking here. Kerry had the luxury of playing Brian, Jamie, Brent, Mina and Kalpz week one, now I know I did say PFN aren't as scary as they once were but hot damn Kerry. As for her opponents, hot damn they were close to losing last week but thankfully for them, the once pfn_Travis made ds
Prediction - 5-4 Freedom, with Travis winning another game 9.
Thursday @ 7pm - Break and Run [1-0] @ Pool Dragonz [0-1]
Break and Run come into this match coming off a flurry of big matches against great teams, while their opponents haven't been doing too well against well, anyone. Break and Run showcased a very talented roster last week which makes me feel better about picking them to win the conference, with Jordy looking to continue his PRO tear. Pool Dragonz showcased their obvious members with no new surprises which makes you wonder if they'll have anyone new to try and break into new ground this season or if they'll continue to float near the bottom. They have the talent to upset Break and Run if they play as well as they can, but Pool Dragonz is just an unlucky bunch and I don't see that stopping here tonight.
Prediction - 5-3 Break and Run
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Week One
Monday @ 6pm - Dead Strokes @ Freedom
Not a bad way to open a long anticipated season. On one side there is a Dead Strokes side that has been predicted to do worse then last season across the board, and on the flip side a Freedom squad that has been predicted to do a lot better then last season. While everyone may think these two leagues are heading in opposite directions, I really don't think they'll care. These two leagues are part of what you may call a friendly rivalry, certainly no heat between the two but they love beating each other any chance they get. The last time DS played a PRO match, it was a loss to Freedom almost 6 months ago. Much has changed since then, hell, much has changed since my last post from Saturday. Cam, who helped DS last season, shifted to Freedom, but has now quit, whether its quit again or quit for good, it's just another reason as to why this game should have its TV show. As shown in the weekly tournament, Freedom had 2 players reach the quarter finals, one making it to the finals. As for DS? No one even joined. Dead Strokes is a league that definitely has ups and downs in not only league activity, but their interleague consistency. James better hope that his boys are ready to play as getting into another hole at the start of an interleague season should be something he's pushing hard not to do. The likes of himself, Chuck, Roy and Corey will need to be there, and on great form if they look to compete against the likes of Travis, Matt and Sid among many options for Petey.
Prediction - 5-2 Freedom
Tuesday @ 7pm - Straight Shots @ Break and Run
On the second match of the season, we see two heavy hitters go at it, which should be the theme for the majority of the matches this season. These two squads battled it out until the final match last season, with Straight Shots being able to get the better of Break and Run and edge them out for the conference title. This season we see them in different conferences but no better way to start their seasons then against each other. Straight Shots enters this season with question marks surrounding who their main core of players will be. Last season Ben had the help of Kazi and Pita whom are both enjoying real lives, far far away from Y!Pool. They say they'll have Mike, Craig and a few others but I also say I'll stop predicting one day, and look where I am right now. As for Break and Run, last season was a dip from their Season 9 success, so bring on the reinforcements. Players in Joe and Mike will help form a solid core around Jordy that will make them a force in their conference. We know those 3 will show for Ross, so this match really hinges on who Ben can scrap up for their first meeting. I do have a feeling SS will get off to another slow start before they kick it into high gear..
Prediction - 5-3 Break and Run
Wednesday @ 6pm - Pool Dragonz @ Sexy Poolerz
Two teams predicted to finish at the bottom, but one will be able to start better then expected. While this match may not have the most fire power or outsider interest, this match will gauge whether either side has a shot at staying out of the cellar. DJ comes into this more then likely with the usuals in Drew, Charles, and Hani, which is certainly a solid group of 4. On the flip side we see the Sexy Poolerz squad led by Bev with quite a few unknowns. Jack has been added to the roster, along with Jason, but SP will need a few more to give them a legit chance week after week. Looking at their league standings, there are certainly a few players who can give SP quite a boost if they choose to play PRO. A midweek match here will give both sides a few extra days of prep. which should lead to an entertaining match. There isn't much here to push one side over the other, but the fact PDZ *should* have a better starting 5 is good enough for me.
Prediction - 5-3 Pool Dragonz
Thursday @ 6pm - Miscues @ Pool Fiction
Not a bad way to end the first week at all. Both of these heavy hitters boast a talented squad, and for MC, this is by far their best suited interleague. A shortage of players puts one hell of an emphasis on the dependability of the few they have, and when those few are the likes of Ant, Ben, and Saf, you can put you're money on the fact you'll be seeing them week after week.With players like Stephen, James and Nerd eligible as well, MC will never be short talent at the table, maybe just players. Relating them to the RM of last season should be thrown out the window, these players have proven their credible and dependable in running a team, so that's why MC is a force to be reckoned with and will give PFN a run for their money on the get go. There is no argument that PFN isn't what it used to be, with many players either retiring or only being available for the big boy matches, but even when just a few of them are able to show for a match, it gives PFN a push most teams can't get. Scott and Brian seem to be the two most dependable of the old school bunch, so look for Kerry to get those two for this massive season-opening match. Remember last season when it was the same Brian that was on pace for that crazy 20-6 season? He'll need to be in that same form on this night if Kerry wants to open this season with a bang.
Prediction - 5-3 MC
Not a bad way to open a long anticipated season. On one side there is a Dead Strokes side that has been predicted to do worse then last season across the board, and on the flip side a Freedom squad that has been predicted to do a lot better then last season. While everyone may think these two leagues are heading in opposite directions, I really don't think they'll care. These two leagues are part of what you may call a friendly rivalry, certainly no heat between the two but they love beating each other any chance they get. The last time DS played a PRO match, it was a loss to Freedom almost 6 months ago. Much has changed since then, hell, much has changed since my last post from Saturday. Cam, who helped DS last season, shifted to Freedom, but has now quit, whether its quit again or quit for good, it's just another reason as to why this game should have its TV show. As shown in the weekly tournament, Freedom had 2 players reach the quarter finals, one making it to the finals. As for DS? No one even joined. Dead Strokes is a league that definitely has ups and downs in not only league activity, but their interleague consistency. James better hope that his boys are ready to play as getting into another hole at the start of an interleague season should be something he's pushing hard not to do. The likes of himself, Chuck, Roy and Corey will need to be there, and on great form if they look to compete against the likes of Travis, Matt and Sid among many options for Petey.
Prediction - 5-2 Freedom
Tuesday @ 7pm - Straight Shots @ Break and Run
On the second match of the season, we see two heavy hitters go at it, which should be the theme for the majority of the matches this season. These two squads battled it out until the final match last season, with Straight Shots being able to get the better of Break and Run and edge them out for the conference title. This season we see them in different conferences but no better way to start their seasons then against each other. Straight Shots enters this season with question marks surrounding who their main core of players will be. Last season Ben had the help of Kazi and Pita whom are both enjoying real lives, far far away from Y!Pool. They say they'll have Mike, Craig and a few others but I also say I'll stop predicting one day, and look where I am right now. As for Break and Run, last season was a dip from their Season 9 success, so bring on the reinforcements. Players in Joe and Mike will help form a solid core around Jordy that will make them a force in their conference. We know those 3 will show for Ross, so this match really hinges on who Ben can scrap up for their first meeting. I do have a feeling SS will get off to another slow start before they kick it into high gear..
Prediction - 5-3 Break and Run
Wednesday @ 6pm - Pool Dragonz @ Sexy Poolerz
Two teams predicted to finish at the bottom, but one will be able to start better then expected. While this match may not have the most fire power or outsider interest, this match will gauge whether either side has a shot at staying out of the cellar. DJ comes into this more then likely with the usuals in Drew, Charles, and Hani, which is certainly a solid group of 4. On the flip side we see the Sexy Poolerz squad led by Bev with quite a few unknowns. Jack has been added to the roster, along with Jason, but SP will need a few more to give them a legit chance week after week. Looking at their league standings, there are certainly a few players who can give SP quite a boost if they choose to play PRO. A midweek match here will give both sides a few extra days of prep. which should lead to an entertaining match. There isn't much here to push one side over the other, but the fact PDZ *should* have a better starting 5 is good enough for me.
Prediction - 5-3 Pool Dragonz
Thursday @ 6pm - Miscues @ Pool Fiction
Not a bad way to end the first week at all. Both of these heavy hitters boast a talented squad, and for MC, this is by far their best suited interleague. A shortage of players puts one hell of an emphasis on the dependability of the few they have, and when those few are the likes of Ant, Ben, and Saf, you can put you're money on the fact you'll be seeing them week after week.With players like Stephen, James and Nerd eligible as well, MC will never be short talent at the table, maybe just players. Relating them to the RM of last season should be thrown out the window, these players have proven their credible and dependable in running a team, so that's why MC is a force to be reckoned with and will give PFN a run for their money on the get go. There is no argument that PFN isn't what it used to be, with many players either retiring or only being available for the big boy matches, but even when just a few of them are able to show for a match, it gives PFN a push most teams can't get. Scott and Brian seem to be the two most dependable of the old school bunch, so look for Kerry to get those two for this massive season-opening match. Remember last season when it was the same Brian that was on pace for that crazy 20-6 season? He'll need to be in that same form on this night if Kerry wants to open this season with a bang.
Prediction - 5-3 MC
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Welcome to Season 11
Here we are again, 5 months later and PRO looks as promising as ever. Craig continues to provide a great site for PRO with a few added features with the help of Kalpz and Ben. Speaking of Ben, we welcome him to the admin team along with a PRO veteran in Simon Kitto, best season yet? Should be with the teams we see in.
PRO has trimmed its roster down to 8 leagues, show casing 4 in each conference making for a more intense season. The schedule looks hairy, but it seems that the admins has gone for a schedule similar to WSOP's. With 4 cross conference games for each team off the start, which could really create a gap in between teams right off the bat, but the gap could still be made up with 6 consecutive in-conference matches.
I should spend this time to again apologize for not predicting the playoffs for Season 10 but will extend congratulatory remarks towards Latino Pool Legends for avenging their Season 9 Finals loss and winning their first PRO title. (Trophies are shown here).
On to this season shall we?
And for the sake of these predictions, I'm going with the assumption the top 3 will continue to make the playoffs, though I have no clue how many actually make it.
Atlantic Conference
Freedom - For the second straight season, this side was thumped out of the playoffs by Pool Fiction, so throwing them into a different division may shine light for this side into moving past the first round for the first time ever. With players like Cam, Trav, Matt and Dan among others, Petey will have the talent to make the playoffs for the third straight season, and will be able to keep up with the likes of MC and SS. Mid-season form will be key for Freedom as in both of the past two seasons, they have long losing streaks that have kept them out of the top 2, that should change this season.
Prediction - Second
Miscues - While Jack predicted MC to finish first, and Peter predicted them to finish last, the two highlighted the positives, and negatives to this team respectively. With players in Ant, Ben, Saf and Trey, MC certainly has the talent to win it all. On the flip side, beyond those 4 they have, nerd.herd, James, Stephen and possibly Craig to back them up. Six with a possible 7th isn't very deep, especially in a mid-week interleague with 3 other interleagues (assuming WPC is still alive) going on at the same time. Depth will certainly cause them to lose games, but they have the talent to win enough to carry them to first.
Prediction - First
Pool Dragonz - Certainly a very similar side to the Brit Pool team we saw last season, so hopefully they wont need to depend on Pommy and his 1-9 record this time around. Players in Brice, Hani, DJ and Charles will be key to show every week for Drew if he looks to make any noise. This group has the talent to beat SS and Freedom, and even MC if they play up to their best, but consistency is key here and Pool Dragonz are short of it more often then not. Getting off to a good start will provide them with a great shot to crack the top 3 here, if they are able to start 3-1, they should be able to pick up enough in conference wins to stay in the top 3, but this conference may be too competitive for these guys.
Prediction - Fourth
Straight Shots - Two seasons removed from winning it all, they fell short last season and this season may show another slight drop in Straight Shots PRO history. While players like Pita, and Kazi seem to be non-existent, the return of Nigel to SS will give SS consistency and organization in their interleagues, but it may not matter with Ben as captain. Ben's a consistent force in himself who helped push SS over the top last season when Pita decided to gain a life. While the top 5 of SS is fairly unknown to me, especially with Craig switching teams every other day, Ben will definitely benefit the massive pool of players SS boasts as even if his all-star players are unable to make it. But with so much uncertainty in my head regarding this side, I do believe their minuscule fall will continue.
Prediction - Third
Pacific Conference
Break and Run - A season after winning it all, Break and Run had a let down last season, failing to win their conference both in the season and in the playoffs, but that's the past, and this is this season. With Jordy around for the entirety of the season, Ross will enjoy his help beside their newest PRO recruit in Mike (vain). Along with Joe (mvp_adept) playing his first PRO season with BNR, Ross has the talent to do quite a bit of damage this season. Players in Jim, Mike, and even Ross himself gives BNR enough fire power to win this conference. If they are able to sway Croz into playing PRO for them then it may well be a lock.
Prediction - First
Dead Strokes - The team DS should field this season differs a lot from the team they did last season. With many players gone from their lineup, James and Chele will have a more difficult time this season but may benefit with their conference being the weaker of the two. WSOP hasn't shown this squad a good showing this far, but if Corey has returned for good, him along side a strong Chuck and Roy gives DS an opportunity to challenge the best, and like PDZ
Prediction - Third
Pool Fiction - After yet another test run with Nick as HA, this crew go back home to the league that carries so much history, and rightfully so. Led by Kerry, this team certainly doesn't have the fire power it once used too, but still boasts a fearsome roster. New comers to PFN in Stevie, Kalpz, Jan & Jay (thanks WSOP roster page) will help fill the void that players like Scotty, Jamie, Jeremy and Andy once filled. While the old timers in PFN still come around once and a while, consistency is key in a short interleague and having the new comers fire on a consistent basis will be good. If Kerry & co. look to stay pace with a rejuvenated BNR squad, they'll need to start the cross conference portion strong.
Prediction - Second
Sexy Poolerz - This side used to be a feared squad in interleagues but lately not so much. It's no ones fault, players that once kept SP at the top have more or less moved on. Riding a 14 game losing streak in WSOP is nothing to be proud of certainly, but PRO is something else, something special. One player can really do it all (such as Brian & RM). But do SP have anyone quite like that? They lost Mike (Vain) to BNR which is a blow, and their golden boys in Pete and Ketan are more or less done. They'll need players like Shaggy, Jack (a great pickup), Kate and Pete to show consistently, as going by their other rosters there sure does seem to be a lot of turnover in their weekly rosters. SP have the potential to do really well, but potential is something for the future, PRO starts pretty soon. Bev is experienced, leading leagues like Lucky Shots to great heights, but she may have her work cut out for her here.
Prediction - Fourth
Recap:
Atlantic Conference
1st - Miscues
2nd - Freedom
3rd - Straight Shots
4th - Pool Dragonz
Pacific Conference
1st - Break and Run
2nd - Pool Fiction
3rd - Dead Strokes
4th - Sexy Poolerz
Want play-off predictions?
Wait 10 weeks.
PRO has trimmed its roster down to 8 leagues, show casing 4 in each conference making for a more intense season. The schedule looks hairy, but it seems that the admins has gone for a schedule similar to WSOP's. With 4 cross conference games for each team off the start, which could really create a gap in between teams right off the bat, but the gap could still be made up with 6 consecutive in-conference matches.
I should spend this time to again apologize for not predicting the playoffs for Season 10 but will extend congratulatory remarks towards Latino Pool Legends for avenging their Season 9 Finals loss and winning their first PRO title. (Trophies are shown here).
On to this season shall we?
And for the sake of these predictions, I'm going with the assumption the top 3 will continue to make the playoffs, though I have no clue how many actually make it.
Atlantic Conference
Freedom - For the second straight season, this side was thumped out of the playoffs by Pool Fiction, so throwing them into a different division may shine light for this side into moving past the first round for the first time ever. With players like Cam, Trav, Matt and Dan among others, Petey will have the talent to make the playoffs for the third straight season, and will be able to keep up with the likes of MC and SS. Mid-season form will be key for Freedom as in both of the past two seasons, they have long losing streaks that have kept them out of the top 2, that should change this season.
Prediction - Second
Miscues - While Jack predicted MC to finish first, and Peter predicted them to finish last, the two highlighted the positives, and negatives to this team respectively. With players in Ant, Ben, Saf and Trey, MC certainly has the talent to win it all. On the flip side, beyond those 4 they have, nerd.herd, James, Stephen and possibly Craig to back them up. Six with a possible 7th isn't very deep, especially in a mid-week interleague with 3 other interleagues (assuming WPC is still alive) going on at the same time. Depth will certainly cause them to lose games, but they have the talent to win enough to carry them to first.
Prediction - First
Pool Dragonz - Certainly a very similar side to the Brit Pool team we saw last season, so hopefully they wont need to depend on Pommy and his 1-9 record this time around. Players in Brice, Hani, DJ and Charles will be key to show every week for Drew if he looks to make any noise. This group has the talent to beat SS and Freedom, and even MC if they play up to their best, but consistency is key here and Pool Dragonz are short of it more often then not. Getting off to a good start will provide them with a great shot to crack the top 3 here, if they are able to start 3-1, they should be able to pick up enough in conference wins to stay in the top 3, but this conference may be too competitive for these guys.
Prediction - Fourth
Straight Shots - Two seasons removed from winning it all, they fell short last season and this season may show another slight drop in Straight Shots PRO history. While players like Pita, and Kazi seem to be non-existent, the return of Nigel to SS will give SS consistency and organization in their interleagues, but it may not matter with Ben as captain. Ben's a consistent force in himself who helped push SS over the top last season when Pita decided to gain a life. While the top 5 of SS is fairly unknown to me, especially with Craig switching teams every other day, Ben will definitely benefit the massive pool of players SS boasts as even if his all-star players are unable to make it. But with so much uncertainty in my head regarding this side, I do believe their minuscule fall will continue.
Prediction - Third
Pacific Conference
Break and Run - A season after winning it all, Break and Run had a let down last season, failing to win their conference both in the season and in the playoffs, but that's the past, and this is this season. With Jordy around for the entirety of the season, Ross will enjoy his help beside their newest PRO recruit in Mike (vain). Along with Joe (mvp_adept) playing his first PRO season with BNR, Ross has the talent to do quite a bit of damage this season. Players in Jim, Mike, and even Ross himself gives BNR enough fire power to win this conference. If they are able to sway Croz into playing PRO for them then it may well be a lock.
Prediction - First
Dead Strokes - The team DS should field this season differs a lot from the team they did last season. With many players gone from their lineup, James and Chele will have a more difficult time this season but may benefit with their conference being the weaker of the two. WSOP hasn't shown this squad a good showing this far, but if Corey has returned for good, him along side a strong Chuck and Roy gives DS an opportunity to challenge the best, and like PDZ
Prediction - Third
Pool Fiction - After yet another test run with Nick as HA, this crew go back home to the league that carries so much history, and rightfully so. Led by Kerry, this team certainly doesn't have the fire power it once used too, but still boasts a fearsome roster. New comers to PFN in Stevie, Kalpz, Jan & Jay (thanks WSOP roster page) will help fill the void that players like Scotty, Jamie, Jeremy and Andy once filled. While the old timers in PFN still come around once and a while, consistency is key in a short interleague and having the new comers fire on a consistent basis will be good. If Kerry & co. look to stay pace with a rejuvenated BNR squad, they'll need to start the cross conference portion strong.
Prediction - Second
Sexy Poolerz - This side used to be a feared squad in interleagues but lately not so much. It's no ones fault, players that once kept SP at the top have more or less moved on. Riding a 14 game losing streak in WSOP is nothing to be proud of certainly, but PRO is something else, something special. One player can really do it all (such as Brian & RM). But do SP have anyone quite like that? They lost Mike (Vain) to BNR which is a blow, and their golden boys in Pete and Ketan are more or less done. They'll need players like Shaggy, Jack (a great pickup), Kate and Pete to show consistently, as going by their other rosters there sure does seem to be a lot of turnover in their weekly rosters. SP have the potential to do really well, but potential is something for the future, PRO starts pretty soon. Bev is experienced, leading leagues like Lucky Shots to great heights, but she may have her work cut out for her here.
Prediction - Fourth
Recap:
Atlantic Conference
1st - Miscues
2nd - Freedom
3rd - Straight Shots
4th - Pool Dragonz
Pacific Conference
1st - Break and Run
2nd - Pool Fiction
3rd - Dead Strokes
4th - Sexy Poolerz
Want play-off predictions?
Wait 10 weeks.
Please enjoy them, I don't mean to hurt anyones feelings.
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