Javion's Season 5 Predictions

We are less than 2 weeks away from our first official jump-ball of the 2025 season of the Besecker Basketball American League. A time of friendly competition and hunger for the privilege to call yourself a BBAL champion. Many awards, including the beloved ring, are sought after throughout the season. Let’s get into my projections of who will win these awards!

Greenhorn Gladiator(Never played HS Basketball): Liam Besecker; This award has the least amount of competitiveness by far in our league. I mean, Liam Besecker has 3-peated this award within the past three seasons. Be prepared for runner-ups but the only player that can keep up with Liam’s linsanity run is Eli Washington; Huskies guard. However, I don’t see Liam’s run stopping but, we’ll see if Eli and other candidates can shock us!

Rookie of the Year(ROTY): Ethan Benne; Some may disagree, but I believe this is the most unpredictable award in all of sports, especially this league. This award will likely create controversy with fans as well but, seeing only a few of these guys ball personally, this is tough. Ethan has all the physical traits being 6’6, a scorer at all levels and the length of a big man. With that being said, I think he takes this award with an uphill mountain to climb with other candidates stalking.

Runner-ups

• Anthony Henson; Dynamic guard who plays fast due to his lack of size; given respects from Bullies star, Marqel Wansley.

• Ryan Krawczeniuk; On a less talented team on paper, but from what I’ve dug up, this guy has skills, can’t wait to see what he’s got in two weeks.

Most Improved Player(MIP): Kevin Roldan; I’ve always been a fan of Kev man, especially the heart he plays with. He will always be the type of guy you want as a key piece and a guy that plays loose 24/7. Over the course of last year, he was inconsistent at times, especially beyond the arc. Now that is not to say he flat-out sucked because I believe without him, the Dragons do not make it on the run they did, but just imagine how dangerous a consistent Kevin jumper on this already talented roster would look like.

Runner-ups

• Dre Davis; Injuries do suck man, but what a story if he comes back and wins MIP this year

• Casey Corvino; I know he can hoop, but win this and you earned my acknowledgement as a valid first overall pick

• Marqel Wansley; His season was cut short to an ankle injury so you be the judge if injured players should count, but I could not leave out the TNC star and former 23’ BBAL MVP.

Captain or Coach of the Year(COY): Ross Conway; By far, Ross has put together his most stacked team since being captain. I could honestly see this team going undefeated. Granted, any given Sunday will always come into play but, this team could be mistaken for an All-Star team. Not only is Ross a bucket but, this award will be to showcase him as THE Captain of this franchise.

Runner-ups

• Alex Cruz; The Sheriff could definitely have a top-dawg type season, but can the underdog story prove no fluke?

• Devin Atkinson; This squad is fun and also plays with heart and just like every year, Devin always finds a way for fans to bring up his name in this discussion.

Defensive Player of the Year(DPOY): Devonne Pinkkard; He is BACK! Devonne’s size advantage could likely help him win DPOY every year if he doesn’t retire once more. He’s guaranteed to stuff the stat sheet. It'll likely be a battle between him and the reigning DPOY, Elijah Eberly but, nonetheless, this should be an award to look forward to.

Runner-ups

• Elijah Eberly; reigning DPOY but with all do respect and while he is an absolute dawg in the interior, Devonne’s versatility and ability to stick with all 5 positions might give him the edge.

• Luke Pierson; I won’t lie, if Devonne was still in retirement, I’m giving this award to Luke, but… go climb that ladder Luke!

• Adam Stolzfus; Certified rim-protector and it’s time we put some respect on his name

Most Valuable Player(MVP): Marqel Wansley; This one hurt to decide because I have so many guys on my radar that I believe will have breakout seasons, but since returning from injury this guy has been on a tear. He is undefeated thus far on TNC(The Next Chapter) and looks as hungry as I’ve seen a hooper. Nothing would feel sweeter on his end then to earn two BBAL MVPs while continuing his impressive run outside of the ‘Sport Court. 

Runner-ups

• Devonne Pinkkard; Most versatile player in our league and has the potential to lead in almost every statistic, I see him winning it over his teammate and reigning MVP, Jason Kuntzelman.

• Ajani Simmons; When he gets hot, the energy bunny’s battery NEVER dies, watch out for this guy in this category

• Timmy Edwards; Entering this year, likely considered a dark-horse but this guy can hoop! A physical dawg at the helm of a wolf-pack.

Besecker Basketball American League(BBAL) Champion: 8 Balls;  Roll through the league and are your 2025 BBAL Champions! This team has 3 guys potentially 4 that could creep themselves into the MVP ranks. That is RIDICULOUS! 8 Balls… If this isn’t your year, when is it? The size of the team, the shooting, all on paper is miles ahead of others, but don’t be surprised when others with chips on their shoulders are just as zealous.

Runner-ups

• Dragons; Without a doubt, the team with the biggest chip on their shoulder and the hungriest for vengeance this year.

• Lanc Show; This team has the talent; but can they keep up with surrounding teams who have clearly gotten better as well.

• Bullies; For me, It’s as simple as will this team be enough even if Marqel and Kobe play exceptional

Why I excluded the Titans(2024 Champions): Losing Ant Pinkkard topped it off for me, he was such a key piece and such a centerpiece and I just don’t see a replacement with his value on their roster.

I will see you guys soon and I cannot wait to get this season started! This leaves me even more anxious for the year to start and lets make this a year in the history book! Be at the ‘Sport Court, May 11th for our Mother’s Day Kickoff! It’ll most certainly be a movie…