Opening Night Triple Header

The 2009-2010 FBA season kicked off with three exciting games in a new venue and featured a laundry list of fresh talent. The Lincoln St. Center features similar length and width dimensions as the previously used Ailee Arena, but players may have to adjust to the lower ceilings. The Lincoln St. Center is the first official FBA court with hardwood floors, an element league executives hope will aid in ball control and cut down on turnovers.

Game one featured two of the youngest teams in the league. Drew Division team The Original Peaches played host to the Alex Division Trademark team. Trademark outlasted The Original Peaches to win 101-94.

Fans in Rockford Illinois were excited to see the Peaches' young new center, 2nd overall pick King K. Rool. He finished his first FBA game with 15 points, but only shot 6-16 from the field.

The night fared better for Trademark's new rookie forward, Petey Piranha. Petey played with confidence and scored a team high 34 points in leading his team to victory.

The score went back and forth for most of the first half, but Trademark managed to pull away in the third quarter. The Peaches made a strong comeback, behind an incredible shooting night by backup guard Bomber, but fell just short. Bomber made 9 three pointers and scored 37 points, a game high.

The night's second game was played at the North Pole. Drew Division cellar-dweller Stalking Stuffers hosted The MTPs from the Alex Division. The Stalking Stuffers posted the worst record in the FBA last season, but managed a victory at home 100 to 97. Stalking Stuffers star forward Santa Claus secured his 7th career triple double in the victory, notching 44 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Newly acquired center Diablo scored 13 points for the Stuffers in his FBA debut.

Barbie led the MTPs in scoring with 30 points. King Hippo scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds off the bench, but couldn't slow Santa enough to secure a win.

The final game of the night featured Drew Division powerhouse Gimli's Beard visiting Sesame Street to take on The Street.

Reigning Rookie of the Year Big Bird scored 26 points for The Street, leading his team to a 101-97 victory. Rookie forward Tank scored 11 in his first game playing alongside Big Bird.

Gimli's Beard had a chance to win late, but a three pointer by guard Legolas bounced out. Legolas led all scorers with 29. The miss led to a game winning jumper by Kermit the Frog, who scored 22.

Notes: Onaga, the new rookie center for the MTP's, struggled in his first game. He scored 7 points and only made 2 of his 9 shot attempts. Talon, lauded for his talent but criticized for behavioral issues, scored 11 points off the bench for Gimli's Beard.

Teams Look to Add Depth and Talent Through the Draft

Every draft brings new faces and fresh talent to the league. The 2009-2010 FBA Draft was the deepest in league history, with nearly every team filling holes and upgrading rosters. The following is a recap of the draft selections.

1. Toasties (to Graboids)

C - Lekgolo

2. Original Peaches

C - King K. Rool

3. Graboids (to Toasties)

SF - Skunk Ape

4. Stalking Stuffers

C - Diablo

5. Mega Men

SG - Wiggler

6. Municipality

PG - Boo

7. X-Men

C - Kintaro

8. Trademark

PF - Petey Piranha

9. Hoops

SG - Birdo

10. The Street

C - Tank

11.Villinz

PG - Vertigo

12. Shredded and Splintered

PF- Lou

13. MTP’s

C - Onaga

14. Gimli’s Beard

SG - Talon

15. Capcoms

SG - Grim Ripper

16. Legbreakers

PF - King Boo

17. 1-ups

PG - Scott Howard

18. Dizneez

SG - Hunter

Memorable Playoffs End With Familiar Champs

An FBA playoffs with surprise teams and seedings ended with the Dizneez squad hoisting the Charming Cup for the fourth consecutive year.

The Dizneez knocked off the Mario-powered 1-ups team 100-98 to secure another banner for the Magic Kingdom.

Two-time league MVP Beast is now a four-time Finals MVP after his 42 point, 19 rebound, five block effort led the Dizneez to the win.

"I feel so honored to have been blessed with such a great group of guys and gals to play with for so long. This has always been and always will be a team effort," Beast said to Commissioner Marsh after receiving his fourth consecutive finals MVP award.

This year's league MVP, Mario, led the 1-ups with 48 points. The 1-ups trailed for the majority of the game, but always kept it close. They trailed 92-82 until Mario hit three straight baskets including back-to-back 3's but were never able to get over the hump.

"It's disappointing to get this far and not win," Mario said, "But Mama Mia, I am so proud of the improvement our team made this year. I'm already a-looking forward to next season."

A late foul in the post and Beast finished the game off from the line.

Robin Hood took a lot of pressure off Beast for the Dizneez. During the third quarter, he carried the load scoring 16 of their 25 points while the Beast sat most of the quarter to rest for the finish.

Game notes: Mario hit a post-Charming record eight 3-pointers. The two rookie starters, Incredible Hulk (1-ups), Darth Vader (Dizneez) combined for only 15 points. Barely half their regular season totals. The Dizneez finished with 25 assists compared to only 13 from the 1-ups.

Regular Season Awards Announced

With the regular season wrapped up, league officials have announced the final season awards for the 2008-2009 season.

Coach of the Year went to Legbreakers' coach Mickey Goldmill for leading his surprising team to the best record in the FBA.

1-Ups center Bowser received the award for Most Improved Player. Bowser's numbers saw a strong increase from last year; his points went from 7.4 to 14.4, and rebounding from 6.2 to 11.2.

Defensive Play of the Year was given to 1-Ups' shut down forward Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong held players he was guarding to an average of 10.8 pts fewer than their season averages.

6th man of the year was awarded to long-time MTPs' fan-favorite center King Hippo. He received every first place vote, winning the award unanimously.

Rookie of the year went to dominating The Street center Big Bird. Big Bird was perhaps the best player in the FBA for most of the season, averaging 34 points and 14 rebounds a game, including an amazing 71 point, 22 rebound, 7 assist, and 7 block performance against the Capcoms.

And the 2008-2009 FBA Most Valuable Player award was given to 1-Ups stand out Mario. Mario had received the second amount of votes for the award for the last 3 years, but edged out rookie stand out Big Bird this year. Mario averaged a league best 38.6 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, and led his team to the second best record in the Drew Division.

The awards were split 3-3 between both divisions. The 1-Ups received all 3 for the Drew Division.

Eventful Evening in FBA

Several important events for the FBA include adding a 5th team to each division's playoffs. With the playoffs now set, the draft lottery also took place. For the second straight year, a team with one of the lowest chances won the lottery, receiving the number one pick in the upcoming draft. The top 8 picks are now set, with the remaining picks to be decided after the playoffs. The order is as follows:

1. Toasties
2. Original Peaches
3. Graboids
4. Stalking Stuffers
5. Megamen
6. Municipality
7. X-Men
8. Trademark

Great Tiger's Miracle Shot Sends MTPs to Playoffs

The MTPs needed a win over Drew Division best Gimli's Beard in order to secure a spot in the post-season. The issue was in doubt late in the game until Great Tiger heaved a desperation shot from well behind the three point line. The shot not only won the game and sent the MTPs to the playoffs, but also eliminated the Toasties from post-season contention. Gimli's Beard had a chance at the number one over all seed, but also saw that disappear when Tiger's shot went through.

Although already securing the number one seed in the Drew Division, a win would have ensured Gimli's Beard home court advantage if they made it to the FBA Finals.

Gimli's Beard had trouble keeping MTPs guard Barbie from getting easy shots. She scored a game high 32 points, and set the stage for Great Tiger's late game heroics. Great Tiger added 26, including the aforementioned game winner.

Legolas scored a team high 22 for Gimli's Beard, who lost their first intra-conference game of the season. He had a chance to win the game with a mid range jumper, but the shot rimmed out.

Game Notes: Gimli's Beard center earned his 16th double-double of the season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds; this marked the 9th time in his career he had at least a double-double in every game of the season.

Shredded & Splintered wins; Drew Division Playoffs set

Shredded & Splintered needed one win to clinch a spot in the FBA playoffs. A game against the struggling Graboids might have seemed like a gimme, until recently.

"We watched the defending champs fall to an expansion team, and we knew that could have been us. The Graboids have some talented players and an excellent coach, so we knew we had to play our best," S & S coach Splinter told reporters. Earlier in the week, the Original Peaches, another espansion team, beat the Diznees 100-97.

In a back and forth game, S & S pulled out a victory 100-97. With the game knotted at 97, S & S guard Donatello scored a layup and was fouled by Graboids guard Captain America. The ensuing free throw secured the win. Donatello led all S & S scorers with 19.

"We are so excited right now," Donatello said after the game. "Its great knowing our season isn't over and we have a chance to play some more. Hopefully things come together for us."

Shredded & Splintered had struggled in inter-conference play. The preseason excitement stemming from the addition of guard Carl Carlson had fallen short of expectations, and the team had lost its first two games against the Alex Division.

With the win, S & S secured the 3 seed in the Drew Division playoffs. This is their third year in a row in the postseason. The other 3 playoff spots were decided as well. Gimli's Beard, with the top intra-conference record, has locked up the 1 seed, and will play the 4th seeded Villinz. 1-ups will meet the Shredded and Splintered as the two seed. With a win in their final inter-conference game, Gimli's Beard will tie Alex division team Legbreakers for the best regular season record in the FBA.

Game Notes: Shredded and Splintered reserve guard Sasquatch scored 17 and grabbed 11 rebounds, both career highs. Graboids guard Raphael played against his former team for the first time since leaving after the expansion draft; he scored 24. The loss, while putting them in last place in the FBA, gives the Graboids the best chance at landing the number one pick in the upcoming FBA draft.