Dream One-on-One Match Ups

O.K. So I've been thinking about the one-on-one match ups I would like to see the most (No Huyen, we are not choosing out of the Victoria Secret Catalog). I've selected these match-ups based more on unresolved conflict issues rather than true talent match-ups. This has nothing to do with who is a better individual or team player, so dont get your panties all bunched up! Here goes:

1. Roger vs. Kevin: This was unavoidable. After all the fireworks on the chat boards, emails, video smack talk, I want to see this go down on the court. I have to think that if Rog gets into his streaky "on" phase, this game could be "done in 30 secs" (much like Huyen's sex life). But Kevin's consistent all around game definitely has the edge if this game drags out beyond that. Kevin will be using the bank much like NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer before a night out with an "escort". I thought about putting Alec against Rog, but I wanted to actually see B-ball being played rather than a UFC match (that's next week's blog).

My prediction: 12-10 Kevin

2. Matt vs. Ma: O.K. This is the only true big man match up we have and I think it would be fairly even unless Matt is canning the shots from the elbow and free throw line. In a head to head rebounding scenario, Ma easily gets the best of it. Unfortunately Ma then has to dribble it out to clear the ball and then reposition back into the post-up position. As we have seen thus far, Ma can catch, rebound, and shoot over anyone in the BBA - but he cant dribble and cant hit the three.

My predition: 12-6 Matt

3. Ray vs. Huyen: Combined playing age of these two? 95. Ray is older than original sin and Huyen's broken down body plays like its older than Ray's grandmother (who is actually balling in the Elder's league in Mumbai as we speak). With all the back and forth between these two over two seasons, this match should finally settle a lot of issues. Its a tough one to figure out though. On paper it looks like the younger, more hair challenged, Huyen should run away with the game. But recently in the the head-to-head match-ups its been Ray that walked off the court with both the victories and more points scored. It seems that after all the trash talk, Huyen brings out the best games in Ray. Whose shoulder will pop out first? Whose ankle will be bandaged first? Will they be able to even finish the game?

My prediction: 12-9 Huyen

4. Herb vs. Alec: Either one of these guys would have been challenges defensesively for any of the guys above and that is why they are paired with each other - no one else is dumb enough to challenge them. This is true drag-em out dish-em out type of game. Alec has the scoring edge with his twisty turvy around the basket moves and the killer three shot, but Herb is in my mind the best defensive player in the league, and Alec will get no free shots. Herb's challenge though will be to score inside against the deceptively wiry strength of the prototypical skinny asian kid.

My prediction: 12-11 Alec

5. Dan vs. Russ: I did not match these guys up based on size, but it just worked out that way. What a match up! Russ's speed and recently found high arcing jumper against the post-up driven game of Dan the Man. Any time Russ misses, it surely is a one and done (insert Huyen continuation joke here). But can Dan step out to cover Russ's quick release (more Huyen humor). Can Russ possibly stop Dan's moves around the basket? I have to think that if Dan plays smart, he wins this close game - will he have the dedication and determination to play smart though?

My prediction: 12-8 Russ!

6. Davis vs. Rob: This was not a match up of exclusion but rather one of necessity. After all, Rob carries the best overall W-L record into the 5th week of BBA5 and has had a historic turnaround in his shooting, rebounding, and is the player everyone wants on their team. That being said, Davis's shot and all around selfless play has also been improving and everyone knows he will give his best effort for the team. If Davis' shot is on, this game could be close. But given Rob's aggressive defensive all-over-your-body stance, I think Davis will have trouble finding an open jumper all day without getting a laser pass from Roger.

My prediction: 12-6 Rob

That it!! Post your predictions for each game below.