Javion's Draft Grades

Welcome back BBAL fans! It is your weekly blogger, Javion Rodriguez coming at you with a report on how this year's draft panned out and how I believe teams will manage with a good amount of new faces joining us this year. Some of my take’s may be controversial but feel free to give me your argument if mine ruffles some feathers. All that said, despite this being a sign that we are one step closer to our infamous ‘Sport Court ', let’s get into this review!

Gremlins, Tony Cruz, Grade: C- Tony and this Gremlins team, especially from a front office standpoint, bring me a lot of questions. Undeniably being the worst team in the league last year, Tony, on top of trading the majority of his talent away last year, certainly didn’t achieve the most talented draft this year in my eyes. At first glance of this team's 2025 draft class, I just didn’t get the sense that a competitive nature is in this team's future and quite frankly, I still don’t.

• Round 1, Pick 1: Casey Corvino. I feel this speaks for itself. This could be justifiable if you're building a team based on chemistry, but the team has had that and in recent years, hasn’t been able to compete for a title. When you have the entire draft class open to your disposal with guys like Devonne Pinkard coming out of retirement, Jordan Tyson, and many more, this is just not the pick for me. Hopefully, Tony can prove me wrong and maybe Casey has a breakout year with him not being a bad player by any means but, time will tell. Tony also drafted Jackson Kurando in the keepers draft but, I may be sleeping because the names never rang a bell.

• Later rounds: Guys that are hard not to mention are Ryan Saers, Nevin Roman, Andrew Williams, Skehan Brothers, and Jhaire Felton(MJM Bills). I know what you’re thinking…”You listed the whole team!” Don’t worry, I just wanted to emphasize that the Gremlins did bring back some familiar faces and have given the BBAL more family ties with the Skehans! Pretty insane if you ask me. The value of Bills in the 3rd round is a snipe forsure, and while it saved this draft grade from being much lower, I can’t manage to justify the rest of this draft.  

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Aleer Gonzalez, Nevin Roman, Ryan Krawczeniuk, considering some of these, I’m personally unfamiliar with their game.

• Key Losses: Don’t feel anyone significant besides traded away last year

• Grade explanation: Just not enough talent and with the talent on the board, sub-par management. Love the Leer and Jhaire picks though.

Tropics, Brad Atkinson, Grade:C Ol’ Reliable Brad Atkinson and gritty leader of this wavy Tropics team over the years. This team despite maybe not being as successful has always found a way to keep fans excited. I think of Luka Dončić on the Mavs. Always fun to watch but never able to get over the hump(so far). I said it last year that this team was in a rebuild and honestly, with me not knowing much about Brad’s draft class, I’d have to see them on the court together to give a fair evaluation and prediction of the plot of their season. After digging up some research on these guys, here’s what you can expect this season from the Tropics.

• Round 1, Pick 2: Ethan Benne. I’ll be real, I don’t know this guy's game, but after a bit of research, this Millerville Freshman has size, character in the locker room, and the eagerness to win. All based on his Millerville biography, but Brad just might have a stud…

• Later rounds: You got guys like Trevor St. Clair, an absolute menace on the glass in years past. Elie Basenga, previously on multiple teams in this league. Noah Thomas returning in the 3rd round is great value for his size and way of clogging the interior. And as previously mentioned, more family ties with Dylan Atkinson and Brad being on the same team along with another Skehan. Something with bottom of the barrel teams believing chemistry.

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Adam Stolzfus, John John Gillespie

• Key losses: No-one significant

• Grade explanation: I'll keep it simple; I can’t give a fair evaluation no matter how much research I do, gotta see these boys play

CherryPickers, K.J Myers, Grade: B 

This team is awesome. Super fun to watch, especially this past year but their championship team was special. Similar to other teams that previously have had post season and struggle now, they need another star to get them over the hump. If my research proves accurate this season, we could see this team as a sneaky, deep-run caliber play-off team. Here’s a bit of my gatherings while becoming a common theme, I’m not familiar with these guys' games.

• Round 1, Pick 3 and Pick 5: K.J selected Marquise McClean with pick 3 and brought back Jaxon Weyforth just two picks later. McClean, who played at Penn State York, averaging 10+ ppg. This pick already gets me hype because a guard like Marquise or K.J’s second round pick could become Tyler Crespo’s Robin or even overthrow him as Batman of this team. I may be getting a little ahead of myself with a proven like Jaxon returning however.

• Later Picks: Cole Fisher as their second round pick with more collegiate experience and scoring ability. Justin Baker(not to be confused with Huskies captain) and Jebbie being solid role guys but, if Tyler, Cole, and Marquise pan out, we could be looking at the ‘Pickers building a dynasty.

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Aaron Constein, Jaxon, Marquise

• Key Losses: K.J Brownlee

• Grade explanation: Same difference with Tropics, only I see more potential with these guys and a deeper run since they were able to keep a good core. 

WoodPeckers: Devin Atkinson, Grade: B : There are so many teams in this league I love, but this team's passion, to me, tops the league. Devin Atkinson is the epitome of a leader and what you look for in a winner. He just makes everyone want to play for him. I see him as the Dan Campbell of this league, where his guys want to play for him more than themselves. This team, regardless of how their draft class pans out, I know what to expect and the grit this team delivers.

• Round 1, Pick 4: Tyler Hilton. This kid, even off just his intangibles, can make a difference. This team is built to win, just haven’t been the most fortunate. Tyler can score consistently, rip pockets, facilitate well, and my favorite characteristic; a fellow Brother in Christ! Maybe, just maybe, he can spark some “Facing the Giants” vibes into this locker room.(ifykyk)

• Later rounds: Amos Kollie is an undersized guard, but we’ll see where he fits in this lineup, John To returning as well(steal in the 5th).

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Elijah Eberly, Aiden Sands

• Key Losses: Aleer Gonzalez despite targeting his replacement in their draft

• Grade Explanation: Like this draft a lot, I don't know the majority of the guys drafted but, not only do I see potential, they replaced their losses.

Bullies, Liam Besecker, Grade: B- : Who doesn’t love this team man? (Besides opposing teams of course lol.) Led by Liam Besecker, and highlighted by MJM co-founder and “The Next Chapter” phenomenon, Marquel Wansley. This team has gone through the ringer the past few years man. This team has always had the talent but, I’m afraid this level of talent being elevated by this draft class could keep their championship expectations still alive.

• Round 1, Pick 5: Traded away to the CherryPickers. Trading all their picks last year to go all in really backfired. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket… The CherryPickers, once again, used this pick to bring back Jaxon Weyforth.

• Later rounds: Matt Mccleary and Daeshaun McFadden. The Pickers had their second and fifth, allowing Aaron Constein and Ryan Koltonovitch to return in the red and green. The Tropics owned their third as well, bringing back Noah Thomas.

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Marqel, Kobe Gantz, Erik Goldbach, Top Floor, Matt and plenty more to get excited for this year. Their entire keepers draft is key to this team.

• Key losses: Javon Mitchell, David Morton,  Jhaire Felton, BUBBA!!!

• Grade explanation: Not too eye-opening. Liam all or nothing plan last season was cut short, but unless his later picks turn into gems, I can’t knock him for trusting the returning healthy core he’s put together. Great pick by Liam snagging back Daeshaun in the 6th.

8 Balls, Ross Conway, Grade: A : They just keep on rolling, don’t they? For as much love and hype, I showed the Bullies, Ross Conway’s 8 balls and this draft is definitely my favorite. This team had by far the best duo in the league last year with MJM Jason Kuntzelman and Julian Collazo. Straight bucket-getters. This draft makes them immediately my championship favorites but, it’s basketball. You never really know which way the ball’s gonna roll.

• Round 1, Pick 6: Devonne Pinkard. I mean come on dude. You get a championship caliber coach/leader on top of a former BBAL champion, who with his past resume, already returns with a top 5 player in the league capability in my eyes. Devonne, Jase, and Julian are scary hours, man.

• Later rounds: Joe Chupick, Tyrell Mendez, and bringing back Danny Bomberger, who hopefully we’ll see more of this year. However, these three later rounds of this draft are absolute steals. Starting caliber hoopers on your bench and potential starters is excellent general management by Ross. Oh…! How could I forget Ross drafted his brother Grant, who brings yet another threat offensively, per usual.

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Cole Portz, Devonne, Rell, “Chupy”

• Key Losses: N/A

• Grade explanation: Awesome draft. My second favorite. Not favorite because of value purposes(where players were drafted for how good they can be or already are.) Danny was taken in the second round with the Lanc Show’s second round pick via trade. I’m so close to giving this team an A, man. I just feel we can count on the Dragons' availability more. Talent and value wise, both drafts are A+. I’ll let y’all be the judge.

Lanc Show, Engle Brothers, Grade: B-: I call these boys the ‘Hip-Hop Squad. They put on a show nearly every week and never fail to make fans get a little jiggy! Jack Engle’s choreography is a ton of fun to watch but, this draft class of Jack’s could make this season even more electric than seasons past!

• Round 1, Pick 7: Kade Anzulavich. I’ve never seen this guy hoop, but his stats at the collegiate with a 6 '6 listed frame fit the persona of this team. Around guys like Ajani and Nas, you just have well-above average height, players that can snipe and/or create their own shots, truly a beauty of basketball to watch when they're locked in.

• Later rounds: Based on the success of this team, I trust the Engle’s and I’m sure will make a name for themselves but, how about the Jah Greaves round 10 snipe!

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Obviously Nas and Ajani. Luke, of course being a DPOY candidate and interior menace. Once again, Connor Engle and Jack Engle stand together.

• Key Losses: N/A

• Grade explanation: Similar to previous teams, I don’t know what we’re getting from a guy like Kade, he’s got talent but, can he keep up with the rest of the league? Danny and Jah helped with this grade, would’ve been a C+ or B-

Huskies, Justin Baker, Grade: B : The Wolf-Pack themselves. Always cinema, but like most, they've struggled to get over the hump. They aren’t the highest on my radar but they've always been a sneaky playoff team in this league since expansion. 

• Round 1, Pick 8: Jordan Tyson. This was quite expected at this spot, considering his chemistry with the wolf-pack and a former DPOY still on the board. He’s been a big piece to this team on both sides of the ball and in my opinion, without him they wouldn’t compete.

• Late rounds: Crew Wells, more collegiate experience and can score from all levels. Parker Wolfe, a solid option if others are cold and of course the hype man, KURTTTTT Goldbach!

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Eli, Jordan Crew, Kurt, Isaiah

• Key Losses: N/A to me

• Grade Explanation: Kept their core, drafted potential studs, lost no-one jaw-dropping.

Dragons, Alex Cruz, Grade: A+: The underdogs. They ain’t believe in em. They were called frauds. They ain’t believe! This team is real, ladies and gentlemen. I don’t see a reason why they can’t get back to the championship game. The talent is there and though it may not match others, remember, the underdogs. Alex’s way of turning this team from a deep, dark future to now as bright as it can be is truly remarkable. I pride myself on believing in this team since before last season started but, man, this team has put themselves on the map!

• Round 1, Pick 9: Dre Davis. Who better than arguably the best 6th man of the BBAL? I truly believe a healthy Dre Davis and fully fledged Dragons team would’ve won it all last year but, in this league, there is no room for excuses.

• Later rounds: I mean what a draft by ‘The Sheriff. Bringing back McCracken, and Ricky Cruz super late, and my guy, Anthony Henson, who I’ve recruited since last season. I’ve never seen him play personally, but after watching him on Instagram shake up “The Next Chapter” featured “JLew”, I knew this kid had skills for this league. (Shoutout JLew and TNC!) Lastly, holy heavens… What a steal to bring back Alex Makrides in round 10!

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Dre Davis(not shying away just because of his injury), Joey McCracken, and Ant Henson.

• Key Losses: Jay Gonzalez 

• Grade explanation: This draft is top tier fellas. I mean cmon. Dre at pick 9, bringing back McCracken, Ricky in the 5th, Ant Henson in the 7th, and bringing back Alex Makrides in the 10th. The mixture of talent and value in these late rounds and the ability to keep your team together is LEGEND stuff, Sheriff. Let Him Cook!

Titans, Johnny Besecker, Grade: B: The Champs. The mountaintop. Man, Commissioner Johnny has exceeded his dream to win a ring and more. Rumors of him winning and retiring for better sake of the BBAL’s brand really faded away to me. Even if he walks away from the game, he’s put together a great core to at the minimum, compete for years.

• Round 1, Pick 10: Chris Richards. Great pick and value. Not super familiar with his game or the impact he brings but, curious to see how he impacts the game with Ant Pinkard not returning. I know he’s played in this league but hasn't really made the loudest noise.

• Later Picks: Samir Gordon(tribute at the end of this post) would've been a driving force especially mentally for this team. K.J Brownlee, absolute steal and a great addition with a lot to replace with no Ant Pinkard. Elijah, solid scorer and Jay Gonzalez, the Dragons hype man has officially acted on the quote “Can’t beat em, join em!”

• Key Keepers/Draftees: Brownlee, Makai, Rob, Chase

• Key Losses: Ant Pinkard

• Grade explanation: By far, my toughest grade. Great draft with the selections Johnny had to work with. Losing Ant Pinkard stung my grade, but, managing to still find a scorer like K.J that can get hot is clutch management on our commissioner’s part.

BBAL fans… I want to thank you for motivating me and believing in my craft. All the work I put in is for yall, never for myself. It’s for yall, the brand of BBAL and everything we’re building! Week 1 predictions coming soon once schedules are released!

As promised… I may not have known Samir on a personal level but I've always respected his love for the game and the handshakes we’ve exchanged. He is missed by so many of us within this league, Pennsylvania and beyond. I salute Johnny for drafting him and believing in his abilities even if he’s not here physically to show them. In his honor, let’s make this a year to remember! Fly High Mir.

IG: J_Silky09