MANSFIELD, TX: Change Keeps It Interesting
Just when you thought that you've seen all that there was to see in this league, something unexpected and surprising happens. From old faces to new, to players splitting off and creating new squads with former opponents, to teams that no longer go by their last season names--Mansfield has found a way to keep it interesting and live every season, and we've just begun. This is the world of Ultimate Hoops, and the competition just gets better and better! Let's take a look at some of the changes.
4 Brothers
Mansfield's Summer 2014 champions 4 Brothers seem to strike oil when it comes to picking up new players. Former Veterans' star Shawn Thomas has joined the arsenal, and with his ability to coach and motivate, as well as score, it's apparent that it has enhanced their overall play as a team, and they're off to a 2-0 start so that tells you a lot right there.
Smash Bros.
UHoopaz created a dynasty when they won 3 straight titles, and kept their name a presence when they changed it to Hoop Squad. The reason for the name change? Because the team itself had undergone changes, and with yet more changes, they have changed their name again. Say hello to Smash Bros., and with the new addition of DonPaul Mitchell they have a strong PF/C presence to complete their lineup, giving the team a boost of confidence to smash any opponent that they face. Could this mean vengeance for them this season?
Pippen Ain't Easy
This team gets 2 thumbs up for witty wordplay. Pippen Ain't Easy is a new squad formed by former UHoopaz/Hoop Squad player Marcus Jones in what I like to call the "Hybrid Team" because their roster consists of players that were all on different teams last year. They're off to a shaky start, but the team looks to be solid.
Below The Rim
Sam Bailey is back with pretty much his original Texas Heat team, but this time they are to be recognized as Below The Rim (love the name!), but don't let the name fool you. They have size and sense, and firepower. Once the rust is shaken off, it's going to be interesting to see where this season will take this team.
The Agents
At first I wasn't sure if we were going to have The Agents back again, with all of the changes and player "trades", but I was surprised once again to see a group of players eager to compete form a team, and it looks like it's working in their favor. Newcomer Vernon Mathis showed impressive skills in scoring and communication with his team in his debut, and this may be exactly what they need. They are already one win away from matching their win total last season. They had a bye the first week and played this week, so that gives you a glimpse into the struggles this team has had, but that could possibly change.
UPDATE!!:
There's talks of a possible 6th team joining us next week, not sure on the validity of this, but if so, who are they, and how would this impact the league going into Week 3?
Leonard Frank
Ultimate Hoops Coordinator - Mansfield
lfrank@lifetimefitness.com
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