National 35+ Tournament Preview
The last and final Ultimate Hoops National Tournament of 2022 is here. We will be kicking off our first ever National 35+ Tournament this weekend in Las Vegas.
16 teams. 100+ future Ultimate Hoops Hall of Famers all in one gym. Let’s go.
Here are my projections for the tournament.
1. Ball So Hard (AZ): I have never seen a BSH team come to a National Tournament with less than 10 players on the roster. They feature arguably the best starting 5 in the tournament but I think the key for them will be the bench play from Adam Bickerstaff, Rico Suggs and Terrell Suggs. This tournament may be the toughest test they’ve faced yet but winning this one would give them the first ever triple crown after winning in Vegas and New York already this year.
Vegas Odds: +500
2. Never Off Work (AZ): I might be biased since I’m an Arizona guy, but love the addition of dynamic scorer Juice Hedrick who almost single handily carried Private Lessons to a National Title few years ago. Some may even argue this team is better than the team May. They also have a hungry Fred Dudley coming to add to his hall of fame resume.
Vegas Odds: +600
3. Desert Reign (NV): This may be Vegas’ best shot to bring home a National Title. The team is loaded with former pros CJ Watson, Larry Gordon and David Bell. Rumor has it former Gonzaga star Jeremy Pargo will be suiting up this week in Green Valley to complete his eligibility for the tournament.
Vegas Odds: +650
4. ATL Elite (GA): I don’t remember the last time an Atlanta team did not make the Final 4. ATL teams always come strong, and I don’t see anything different this time. Derrick Allen is one of the best big men in the country and one of my favorites to win tournament MVP. I love seeing my man Kenny Zeigler teaming back up with his former band. What can I say, I’m a sucker for family reunions.
Vegas Odds: +700
5. Slap (CO): Most of these guys were on the team in May that advanced to Sunday as a 5th seed. So why would this team not make it to Sunday this time around, playing against teams their age? Colorado UH Legend Beau Barney dropped his entire other team to join forces with this team so going to trust he knows what he’s doing.
Vegas Odds: +800
6. Last Chance (CO): I haven’t seen some of these guys play since my first National Tournament in 2014 in which they won. The Decision would have won 2 National Titles if not for the famous block or charge debate. And if you don’t remember block or charge, then you are not about this UH Life. It does make me nervous to put them this high with only 6 players on the roster but I don’t like betting against history.
Vegas Odds: +1000
7. Glue Guys (CA): I am a little disappointed Darren Collison and Josh Childress were not able to make the trip. But last I checked Sean Marshall and David Bagga can still go and fill it up with the best of them. This team was put in the hardest pool ever in the May tournament so I know they will be fired up to make it to Sunday this time around.
Vegas Odds: +1200
8. Baseline (TX): I’m going to put Baseline here at #8 out of respect since I just saw them make it all the way to the finals in NY with just 6 players. I know it’s not the same players but I’m going to trust Bobby Rouse GM skills here since every team he’s brought to Vegas has made it to Sunday.
Vegas Odds: +1500
9. SA Nation (TX): I will probably eat my words for not putting San Antonio in my top 8 for Sunday. I know 6-11 center Chris Daniels is going to be a problem inside and overseas journeyman Ira Clark will be tough. I would not be surprised if they advance to Sunday and if anyone deserves a National Title its probably Dan Gilbert. But which team do we kick out if San Antonio gets in?
Vegas Odds: +1600
10. Living the Dream (NV): Does anyone know how much GM Chris Mitchell paid Zach Andrews to leave Ball So Hard? The fact they have Zach on the roster puts them in my top 10 for me. He’s Lebron James’ body double in Space Jam for god sakes. I expect Hall of Fame nominee Charlie Farber to have a great showing to make his case for the Hall of Fame class in 2022.
Vegas Odds: +2500
11. Rudedogs (NV): If I had to pick a sleeper team to make it to Sunday this would probably be it. Why you ask? GM Dan Orozco is the Vet league coordinator in Vegas for the past 56 years and we are playing on his homecourt. He probably knows something we don’t with this current team.
Vegas Odds: +2700
12. Playhouse (AZ): Some of my best memories from playing in Gilbert are with some of these guys on this team. If my man Brandon Walker does not make the Hall of Fame in 2022, I’m going to just cancel it. I can’t wait to hear GM Travis Woodard yell out BBQ Chicken one last time for the boys.
Vegas Odds: +3000
13. Heartbreakers (AZ): The Partee brothers brought the entire Gilbert VET League All Star team to Vegas. Hope you guys break some hearts this weekend. It’s a shame we only have 2/3 of the Partee clan for this one. Glad to see you guys back in the tournament.
Vegas Odds: +4000
14. NorCal Buckets (CA): As of yesterday, this team barely had enough players to play 5s. It will probably take a miracle to make it to Sunday for this team. Jose it’s probably best to just start making your table reservations now for the after party at Jewel on Saturday.
Vegas Odds: +5000
15. Bulls (MN): We need a 30 for 30 documentary on ESPN about the Bulls team from Minnesota. I thought for sure GM Geno Phelps would be bringing back the legendary teams we saw back in the early 2010s. As of today, the Bulls are struggling to put a team together. New Jersey stars Chris Ramsay and Haron Hargrove are rumored to be making the trip down to suit up for the Bulls. You know the saying “it’s good for the NBA when the Knicks and Lakers are relevant”? Well, its good for Ultimate Hoops when the Bull are relevant.
Vegas Odds: +10,000
16. Wheel Chair Mafia: Let’s just say I may have to suit up for this team this weekend. That’s all you have to know.
Vegas Odds: +50,000
Good luck to all the teams competing this week! See you guys soon.