Robert Young

3/27/24

With the SBL season officially beginning on April 2nd, six teams and twenty-four players will al be competing for one goal; to win the championship. In this article, we break down all six teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and key players to look out for.

TRASH PANDAS: The Trash Pandas have emerged as one of the favorites to win the title. The team is led by captain and MVP contender Trace Williams, a do-it all forward with nice bounce and a solid build. Helping Trace are forwards Brady Smith and Reid Muscat, two very strong players who are sure to rack up rebounds. The Panda’s sleeper player is guard Cash McConnell. Despite being a notoriously bad shooter, he possesses good defense, and could bring a new dimension to an already solid Pandas team.

MILF HUNTERS: The Hunters are consensus favorites to win the title, and it’s not difficult to see why. With an average height of around 6’2, the Hunters have unlimited potential. The team is led by captain Bobby Young, a guard who isn’t the greatest shooter, but makes up for it with a solid layup package and leadership skills. Surrounded by Alex Gaona and David Jetter, two of the strongest bigs in the league, who are sure to take opposing defenses to the pound. With all this talent, the Hunters appear all set for a championship run. The Hunters best kept secret is center Landon Martin. Standing at 6’5 and being compared to basketball greats such as Victor Wembenyama, Manute Bol, and Slenderman, Landon is sure to be a reliable rebounder and powerful post scorer.

POCKET ROCKETS: The Pocket Rockets don’t immediately appear like a championship contender, but a deep dive into their roster will show otherwise. Led by captain Dennis Fultz, a Gowolo award favorite and excellent three-point shooter similar to Jack Gohlke, in the way that they can make any shot, contested or not. Dennis is accompanied by guard Dom Dominguez, a good dribbler who can get around any wall. What Dennis and Dom lack in height is made up for with center Esai Bergmann, a 6’5 stickbug who can grab any rebound. The Rockets secret weapon is forward Joaquin Lopez, a big man who is aggressive on defense and solid in the paint.

SIGMALICIOUS BALLERS: The Ballers may be one of the most slept on teams is the league. Led by their muscular, 6’2, roof-building center Josue Peralta, the Ballers have the capability to compete with any team. With guard Miguel Espiritu and forward Mason Phan, Josue gets a solid supporting cast that has the height, strength, and speed to compete. Their X-factor is guard Damien Collins, a shifty white boy, with a nice jumper and dribble package. The combination of Damien and Josue may just be enough to get the Ballers to the championship.

OVERTHINKING HOOPERS: The Hoopers are one of the leagues most well rounded teams, with solid height and players that can match any other team. Captain Gaizka Aldana may very well be the leagues most athletic player, and although he stands at 6’1 and has a (rumored) 7 inch johnson, he won’t have to take on big man responsibilities due to center Jayden Krebbs, a behemoth pf a player who can box out anyone is his path. Also supporting Gaizka is Hudson Land, a solid guard.

The Hoopers hidden gem is guard Riel Johnson.

Despite only being 5’8, Riel has tons of potential as a shooter to elevate the Hoopers offense.

ELITE BOMBERS: The Bombers are one of the most interesting teams in the league, as their average height stands around 5’8. Led by superstar captain and MVP frontrunner Sami Lynch, the Bombers possess someone who is widely considered the league’s top talent. Surrounding Sami are guards Riley Mandap and Aendary Elia. Riley brings explosiveness to the Bombers offense, as he is a solid shooter that Sami can rely on. Although Aendary doesn’t bring much offensively, he shows flashes on defense with an ability to steal. The player who can elevate the Bombers to the top is guard Jake Yancey. Although not particularly tall, he possesses solid qualities across the board, especially in defense and dribbling.