Game Thoughts: Allan Cunanan, GM of West Coast Ronin, guest contributor.
Florida TNT vs Kimchi Express
This is a perfect example of what looks great on paper sometimes just doesn’t translate on the court. The Kimchi Express put up their best roster to date. Yet when they finally went on the court against Florida TNT their lack of court time together showed. Not every team can follow the same script as Overseas Elite and put together a talented group of players that meet for the first time and run the table. Overseas Elite is the exception. Once they got on the court they were just overmatched from the get go. Thad McFadden the Overseas superstar did all he could leading the team with 20 points.
Florida TNT is a team on a Mission. They were focused and most explosive team in the Wichita region. No way should they have just been a 5th seed. With 4 players in double digits and Dominique Jones leading the charge, they showed why they could have easily been a 1 seed in any of the regions. They are arguably the hottest team in the tourney right now.
LA Cheaters vs Mental Toughness
Once again the ELAM ending is proving why it’s the best thing since sliced bread. You just cant come up with any argument why basketball games should not end using the ELAM. The drama, the excitement, the heartbreak. Garbage time no more. The ELAM ending needs to be in the NBA. Like yesterday. Mental Toughness did all they could to “Beat LA!” . Out rebounding the Cheaters and matching them in almost every other category. But when you only shoot 37 percent to LA’s 50 percent from the field, it’s hard to come out on top in the end. Brandon Randolph’s all star performance was waisted without much support from others.
The LA Cheaters proved why they are one of the best at team chemistry. Evident with 17 assists and 4 players in double figures scoring. What’s scary is that Casper Ware hasn’t gone off yet. He struggled a bit with his shot. But he knew he didn’t really need to score for his team to seal the deal assisting in a handful of exciting teammate buckets. Mychel Thompson looked like his brother Klay, hitting 4 of 9 key three pointers. I can’t wait for their matchup between TNT.
Eberlein Drive vs NG Saints
NG Saints were making a push for the upset racing side by side with Eberlein for 3 quarters. But then the experience of the Drive showed down the stretch as they put it in cruise control for the win. The Saints defense is what kept them in the game forcing 17 turnovers with double digit steals. But anytime you chuck up 22 threes and only make 3 of them, it usually means doom. There wasn’t any real standout player from NG but Scoop Jardine still showed that he could play with the best of them.
The Drive showed why the are deserving of the number 1 seed with outstanding overall team play and top notch shooting at a 50 percent clip from the field and 44 percent from threes. Slaughter and Teague lead the scoring with 16 and 18 respectively while a total of 5 players scored in double digits. They are arguably the most proficient shooting team in Wichita.
The Enchantment vs Stillwater Stars
Wow, I still don’t know what happened. Or how the Enchantment just fell apart here. Such an exciting but yet heartbreaking finish. Those that picked the Enchantment in their bracket was looking like geniuses until….Stunned, shocked, in a blink of an eye. Just goes to show you that you can’t take anything for granted. Commenting on this game just cant do it any justice. You must watch it on ESPN replay if you really want to know what went down. Gotta give Stillwater credit though for not phoning it in.
Best game of the day?
Duh, The Enchantment vs Stillwater
Biggest surprise of the day?
Gotta be Kimchi just not living up to the hype. Really thought they could have made a run.
Moment worth remembering?
Just watch the ending of the Stillwater game
What player earned his trip the the E&J Brandy lounge?
The Stillwater Stars
One big thing looking ahead?
Florida TNT vs the LA Cheaters. Get the popcorn ready.
>>>>
Allan Cunanan is the GM of West Coast Ronin, a veteran team in The Basketball Tournament. While we look forward to the Ronin playing in TBT 2022, we at thematchupzone.com are pleased to have him on board for TBT 2021 as a guest analyst.