Better, Faster, Stronger
GILBERT VET: Fall Season Preview
By Chris Walker | Arizona Regional Coordinator
It’s time for Fall Season in the Vet League, and with Donald Dangmuk and Brian Smith’s stranglehold on the Vet crown finally broken, it’s legitimately anyone’s championship to win. Let’s take a look at a few of the contenders and some of the big things in store:
Big Storylines
Ball So Hard, Vet Edition - Not only did Adam Bickerstaff return to the Vet this season & snag a captain spot, but he was able to scoop up 9-time championship running mates Gabe Sandoval and Rico Suggs, cooking up what’s essentially a BSH-lite. As a player not to be named said seconds after seeing the draft board: “They’re going to be a problem for everybody”.
Philip Johnson Vet Debut - After a busy 9 months where Phil not only won his first MVP award but made 2 separate big National Tournament splashes, Phil brings his talents to the Vet League, in search of his first banner. With heavyweights like Gerald, Lionel, Gabe, Adam, and Hall of Famer in waiting Brandon Walker to battle weekly, he’ll get some legit tests along the way.
Players to Watch
Jaydee Van Ahn - A sneaky-good injury replacement last season, Jaydee started his UH career last season with a roughly 20 PPG average, with a sneaky good jumper and an eye for a slick transition bucket. Joining a tough Big 3 of Gerald, Blue Stephens, and Mike Williams, he may be just the weapon needed to take Shake ’N Bake to the top.
Tim Tracey - Slept-on after an up & down season for his Life Alert, Tim is another deadly shooter, possibly the deadliest returning to the league this season outside of legend Gerald (Tim finished last season 3rd in 3PM and 4th in 3P%). Especially on a team without a clear primary option, this writer sees things taken up a notch this Fall.
Key Questions
Can Mike Harrison & Andrew Lebowitz finally claim their first banner after 3 consecutive close finishes?
Can Robert Upchurch find inner-peace after a stressful Summer season?
Brandon Walker, sleeper MVP?
Who you got for MVP, Defensive POTY, etc?
Comments welcome, and we’ll see you all tonight in Gilbert!