The draft is over and the season is right around the corner. Three new GM's have entered upper management - Alex Davis (Kings), Vincent Monaco (Wolves), and Michael Querrieo (Spurs). Along with three new GMs, the AllPlay Summer League will also feature 40 summer league rookies. To top if off, former JDL greats Joey Ingrando III and Kyle Ebert are both back in the mix after a 2-year hiatus from the both of them following their 2023 Championship game matchup. 

 

In order to have a successful league you must have good teams and bad teams. 

Bottom 4: Bulls, Nets, Clippers, Bobcats

Bulls 2025 Record (4-7); Play-In loss to Rockets

The Bulls and GM Kevin McDermott started their season off with the 23rd pick in the draft to build their roster with alongside keeper pick Daryl Haynes. Daryl averaged 16.8 ppg and 6.2 ppg last summer. The Bulls went with rookie Forward Jovohon Owens and veteran Guard Jaylin Rose on their swing. Owens brings size and a nice inside game to the Bulls frontcourt while Rose looks to be the facilitator for the squad. Back-to-Back size picks with 6’7’’ Rookie Center Mike Pasquarella and Forward Mally Garner on KMD’s next swing and he finished his draft bringing in 3-year vet, Darius Embry and rounded out his draft with Rookie Antonio "Meech" King. The Bulls will need to find an identity early if they plan on finding success and getting out of the bottom. I expect a lot of bruises resulting from Bulls games as they’ll look to be one of the more physical teams this summer.

 

Nets 2025 Record (2-8); No Playoffs

GM Brian Gonser started this offseason by unloading star Guard, Noah Grabar, to the Knicks for the #10 pick in this year’s draft. With pick 10 and pick 20, BG drafted Winter Rookie, Xzavion “Smoot” Nix and Forward Andy “Handy Man” Strug. Smoot went for 19.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 2.6 apg this past winter while Strug averaged a double-double last season with the Mavs (11.8 ppg, 10rpg). The Nets decided to give Forward and Co-Commissioner, Jemery Clark, a second chance on the Nets while also bringing in The Vet, Danny Carrig, CJ Moore, Ethan “Bioweapon” Dinse, and Bill McKeever. This Nets team lacks size. Miles and miles of heart, but at an average height of maybe 6 feet. The Nets will have to team rebound and eliminate second chance opportunities if they plan on winning games with this current roster.

 

Clippers 2025 Record (6-6); Lost Conference Semi Finals

AllPlay President and Clipper GM, Gabe McGovern, made an obvious choice in keeping Yacht Club legend and AllPlay Future HOF, Nate Hoellig. Nate has been one of the leagues premier scoring forwards in his tremendous 6-year career. As a 2-time MVP and former Champion, Nate scored 14.5 ppg and averaged 9.5 rpg last summer. He increased his scoring to 19.5 ppg this past winter season and sits around 20 ppg on his career. The Clippers used the 15th pick on Forward, Nate Nuedeck, who joined halfway through the season last summer due to injuries. In 6 games, Nuedeck averaged 15.2 ppg while securing 8.3 rpg for the Grizz. Mario Quattrucci makes his Clipper return for the first time in 4 seasons and will look to take some of the scoring burden off Hoellig. Joining the Clippers will also be AJ Turner, Matteo Duennebacke, Von Ridgeway, and Chrishon Cook. Another team that isn’t the largest by any means. If this was a relay race, and Mario didn’t have to participate, I’d like the Clippers odds. Expect a league leading team effort in 3PA from this team.

 

Bobcats 2025 Record (10-4); lost APA Championship

Now I know what you’re thinking. How does a team that finished 2nd out of 24 teams, fall into the bottom of the barrel? Friendship. The Bobcats will lead the league in smiles and high fives this season. GM Jake Nye rumors retirement alongside former MVP and longtime keeper, Eric Geisler. It wouldn’t be a Carroll party without other former MVP, Jack Bickerstaff. Jack was brought in for his second season on the Bobcats with the 9th pick in the draft. Joining them is also great guy and better person, Conor Foley. Conor Is one of the leagues best shooters from 3 and will look to help Ice Geis and Bickerstaff get the Bobcats offense going. Little bit of size joining the Bobcats with the additions of Agent Chris Bourne and Mr. Beast, Trevor Willard. Mikey Brown returns for another summer as one of the leagues great rotation bench players and it wouldn’t be a Carroll party without rookie Guard, David Barbara. Hopefully these guys being dudes can smile their way to the glass where I see them battling all season for extra possessions.

 

Play-In Teams. Teams 7-10 in their conference.

Sixers, Magic, Heat, Pistons, Sonics, Kings, Wolves, Bucks

Sixers 2025 Record (2-8); No Playoffs

GM Gavin Mages is hoping is hoping that this is finally the year that the Sixers are back in the post season. He started his season by keeping Winter Forward and longtime friend, Chris Balon, and elected to use his player representative option on veteran Guard, Zach Garland. The 76ers selected 24th in this years player draft. Those picks went to summer newcomers C Ryan “RoboCop” Dougherty and Guard Hakeem Dobbins. Both RoboCop and Dobbins have winter league experience. On the next swing, Mages brought in Veteran Forward Antonio Luba and Mike Davis, who is a regular in the yearly steals category. Rick Young returns to AllPlay as a member of the team alongside rookie Forward Jon Castle. This Sixers team in my opinion is one of Mages’ best teams. The issue I see here is Guard depth. If the Sixers want to play in August, they will have to run the floor and beat teams in space.

 

Magic 2025 Record (6-5); Lost Conference Quarter Finals

The Magic and GM Pat Hart were awarded with the first pick in the summer draft lottery and they also won the first pick in the keeper draft. Star Center, Derek Dorr, will begin this season as a member of the Magic. Dorr is coming off a summer where he averaged 15 ppg and 11rpg. He is one of the most versatile big men the league has ever had. At the draft, Hart made a move back, giving up the number 1 pick to the Mavs in exchange for the 4th overall pick as well as a couple draft pick swaps. The Magic selected Rookie Guard, Nate Severson, at 4th overall. Severson comes into the league with some college experience and the Magic are hoping that it translates into team wins. The Magic also brought in Rookie Forward, Daciaire Riley, Cullen Colpoys, and returning players Matt Geary and Carson Dayka. Post-draft, Hart sought out a trade to bring fan favorite, Danny Emma, back to the team while saying goodbye to Kaleb O’Hara in the process. This Magic team lacks pizzaz. If this team wins, the other team likely has 50 or fewer points. I can’t picture this team blowing out many opponents.

 

Heat 2025 Record (9-4); Lost Conference Finals

GM Trevor Govenettio is running this summer back with Guard Joe Ciocca. The Heat made a tremendous run last season until and saw the season end short 1 game away from the finals. Gov made a first round trade to move up in this year’s draft and brought in former Finals MVP, Joey Ingrando III. An all CHS backcourt for the Heat. In the second round, the Heat selected Center, Tyree Coble. One of the strongest players in the draft, Coble makes any teams interior one not to play games with. A formidable center that has some handle puts defenses on their heels when defending him. A few returners in Henry Bickerstaff, Leyton Roberts, and Donte Ridgeway to go with newcomer Andrew Genzel to finish up this roster. Will the Heat prove they belong along the leagues best or will the long absence of Ingrando stunt the teams season early on? Only time will tell.

 

Pistons 2025 Record (7-5), Lost Conference Quarter Finals

The Bad Boy Pistons are back! Well maybe not that version of the team, but almost everyone from last season is. GM Shawn Fischer kept All Defensive Team Guard. Kevin Marcinkowski, and drafted Center, Matt Sadowy, and Forward, Alex Warren. Four returning players is the most for any team this season. Newcomers to this team include Forward, Chris Griner, Brett Borowski, Ben Osborne, and rookie Joel Roberts. The reason I have the Pistons here is that the league overall got better and the core-4 for the team are all returning players. I expect boring basketball games, low scoring games when the Pistons play. They don’t give up a lot of points, they also don’t score a lot either.

 

Sonics 2025 Record (5-6); Lost Conference Quarter Finals

GM Liam Speyer returns for his 3rd season in upper management. A slow start to last season turned around once he acquired Forward, Jarmani Cooper, midway through the season. This year, Spip will run it back with G/F Keelo Bradberry. In his rookie season, Keelo 15.5 ppg along with 4 rpg while also scoring a career high 33 points in a win against the Bobcats. Spip selected Rookie Guard, Justin Blue, with the 21st pick in the first round. Some draft boards had Blue going in the top 10 so this is a steal for the Sonics. On the swing, the Sonics brought in 6’4’’ Rookie Forward, Finn Taberski. Finn is coming off a tremendous Senior season playing for the Quakers of Orchard Park where he received numerous ECIC accolades. The Sonics also brought in Finn’s older brother and St. Mary’s alumni, Levi Taberski, to go with Winter Rookie Deo Riley, returning Guard and All-Rookie team member Mitch Middlebrooks. Jeremiah Colon finishes this team’s roster. The Sonics will be fast and score a lot of points. Their downfall will be their lack of interior size.

 

Kings 2025 Record (8-4); lost Conference Semi Finals

The Kings will be under new management with the retirement of former GM Kyle Okie. The Husband, Alex Davis, will fill that vacancy. Opting to keep All-Star Guard, Kye Ridgeway, the Kings had the 18th pick. With the 18th pick in the 2026 draft, the Kings selected Rookie G/F Sticks Owens. Sticks had a good winter league debut playing for LoveLife where he averaged 14 ppg and brought in 5 rpg. Other members of the Kings roster include Paul Rath, Nolan Edwards, Conrad Gawronski, Mike “Big Country” Ludwig, and Jordan Kolbmann. Any team with Kye on it makes them dangerous but the ball cannot stick in the offense. The Kings will drive, kick, and shoot. They just need shots to fall or they could find themselves battling from behind all season.

 

Wolves 2025 Record (4-7); Lost Play-In Game

Another team under new management see’s BOD member Vincent Monaco in his first stint as a GM. Monaco used his keeper pick on Star G/F Austin Peach. Due to unfortunate circumstances, a freak injury has sidelined Peach for the entirety of the 2026 season. Monaco called an audible and chose to build his team around Center Charlie “No Cap” Sobieraski. Charlie is one of the most athletic bigs the league has to offer. He averaged 12 ppg, 14 rpg, and added a block per game in his 10 outings last summer. Joining the Wolves in the first round is the explosive and athletic Guard, Sammy Marry. Sammy will be making his summer league debut after playing in two winter sessions. Chris “Bones” Hoak was selected in round 2 for the Wolves where he’ll look to add a serious threat from distance. The Wolves traded Danny Emma back to the Magic for Kaleb O’Hara. A great acquisition for the team. Big Sky Szymanski will help Charlie on the glass and Brennan “Chet” Scarsella as well as John Vallone will also look to make an immediate impact for this team. Team chemistry will be the early issue for the Wolves as they’ll look to hopefully be on the same page this season. A solid team, the downfall is they play in the leagues most loaded division.

 

Bucks 2025 Record (5-7); Lost Conference Quarter Finals

GM Liam Stanton had a no brainer keeper pick with Forward Eddie Cosgrove. Eddie entered last summer as one of the best scorers last summer averaging 24 ppg while also bringing in 7 rpg. This Bucks team might measure out to be one of the leagues tallest teams ever. Brian Woods will also return to the Bucks this upcoming season. Rookie G/F Nolan Hochworter was selected to the Bucks after finishing a nice high school career for the Hamburg Bulldogs. The Bucks first round pick, Matt LaRusch, looks to bounce back from an injury riddled rookie year and to be the necessary help Cosgrove, Woods, and Stanton were looking for last season. All these bigs needed some guards. David “DB” Benningfield, Gavin Roberts, and Artis Green will share that role alongside Stanton. The Bucks have size there’s no doubt about it. I see a midseason move to strengthen the backcourt for this team as it lacks a true facilitator.

 

The Top 12

#12 Grizzlies

2025 Record (3-7); No Playoffs

The Grizzlies enter the top 12 under second year GM Jack Harper. Harper elected not to bring any of the Grizzlies back as his keeper and decided to go with All-Defensive and All-League Center Coan Relyea as his keeper. Coan has been a human highlight reel since entering into the league. Coan had a monster summer league in 2025 averaging 16.4 ppg, 15.2 rpg, as well as one block per game. Harper went Guard – Guard with the 1-2 swing bringing in Nani Rivera and Luke Ingrando. Both aggressive on ball defenders and both can put the ball In the basket. Ingrando has the slight edge when it comes to distance shooting while Rivera leaves many defenders behind him on his way to the basket. Harper then thought adding additional size would be ideal when he drafted Forward, Ahmet Merzihic. Another dynamic guard with Aidan Brunner to aide in the back court for this Grizzlies team and a couple of buddies in the later rounds with Pat Connolly and Joe Blackwell, who quit his job to be able to play this summer. Now that’s dedication! The Grizz have both size and speed and their weaker division places them in a great spot for them to compete for an automatic playoff bid come this August.

 

#11 Lakers

2025 Record (7-5); Lost Conference Semi Finals

The Lakers enter this year at #11 in the Power Rankings. League Commissioner and Laker GM, Nick Kryszak, brought back his captain, Jay Brueckl, as his keeper. Jay led both last summer and winter league in assist per game, making him one of the leagues best floor generals. Joining Bob and Brueckl will be Tyrell “2 Brauds” Mitchell. 2B was the 3rd overall pick in this summers draft and he brings size, athleticism, and finesse to this Laker squad. In the 2nd round, the Lakers selected Guard, Andrew Lindstrom. Lindstrom will make his rookie season debut with the Lakers after completing a fantastic high school career where he scored 1,000 career points and being acknowledged as one of Monsignor Martin’s best players earning 1st team all-catholic honors. Big Man Tommy Michael will wear the Gold and Purple for his second consecutive season and Admir Merzihic will also return to the Lakers after a season hiatus in Orlando. The Lakers brought in veteran Guard Ed Stephens in the late round where GM Nick Kryszak believes he could be one of the best steals of the draft. Jorgen “Twin” Ejilli completes this team and the Lakers hope he can add additional scoring from the 3. This Laker team is flying under its normal expectation but remains to be one of the teams everyone likes to circle on their schedule.

 

#10 Rockets

2025 Record (5-7); Lost Conference Quarter Finals

GM Dan Hiam and Guard Alex “Ham” Hiam run the brother duo back this season. The said goodbye to Derek Dorr, and brought in Roy Wallace in the first round. Roy returns this season after securing the rebounding crown last summer (16.1). He’s also among league leaders in Blocks per game and he averaged 4 assist per game as well. A run and gun style offense will see Roy’s assist numbers hopefully increase this season. Sophomore’s Yaw Osei and Mike “The Prince” Bass also join this Rockets team making them one of the better offenses coming into the season. Aweso Noor, Tom “The Cannon” Gannon, and Jarrod Ludwig will also look to make key contributions this summer for the Rockets. Roy rebounding and the Rockets in transition could be the reason that this Rockets team makes a deep run this August.

 

#9 Suns

Suns 2025 Record (2-8); No Playoffs

On paper, this is one of GM Kyle Rubeck’s best teams ever assembled. As one of the Original 5 franchises, the Suns look to make a deep playoff run following a last place finish in 2025. Guard Jason Martin will return as the keep for the Suns. Martin averaged 20.6 ppg for the Suns last year. First round pick, Jaeger Martino, will join the Suns this summer after a very impressive combine. A 6’6’’ Forward that can score on all 3 levels as well as protect the paint. After taking a a hiatus from the league, Kyle Ebert also makes his return to the Suns. This will be Ebert’s first season back following a championship run in 2023 with the Suns. Summer champ Meech Reed and Rookie Mario Smith will look to give the Suns the much-needed help in the backcourt they needed for J Mart. Lil Joshy Kacalski and Korey Gegenfurtner complete this Suns team. This Suns team is very athletic, they have size at the guard position, and will look to get back into title contention this August.

 

#8 Wizards

Wizards 2025 Record (4-7); Lost Play-In Game

3AP is back for the DMV this season. Wizards GM Jawyan Clark and Guard Tony Gualla look to get things going this summer for the Wiz. With the second pick in the 2026 draft, the Wizards selected Winter Rookie, Dante Williams. Williams will be joined by other Winter Rookie, TySheen Lott. Lott lead all Winter League scorers with 31.5 ppg and Williams was good for 22.7 ppg while also securing 9.8 rpg. Back-to-back Summer and Winter Champion, Nicc “BlewwTew” Garner-Johnson, Connor McDonnell, Xross Edwards, and Sean Bob Kryszak complete the Wizards roster. The Wizards look fantastic post-draft. They have formidable size, scoring, defense, and athleticism. The Wiz will look to put the league on notice this summer.

 

#7 Raptors

Raptors 2025 Record (3-8); Lost Play-In Game

GM Wavy Davy Stockinger is happy to bring back Center Derrick Simpson this summer. Simpson was acquired halfway through the summer season in 2025. Simp averaged 20 ppg and 10 rpg. In his last 5 games for the Raptors, he averaged 27.2 ppg, 12.8 rpg, and 1.8 bpg, making him one of the most dominant bigs we have ever seen. The Raptors wasted no time with their first round pick bringing in Forward, Dev Redden. Dev was solid for the Knicks last season where he averaged 15.3 ppg to go with 7.2 rpg. Kevin Zabawa in the second round gives the Raptors the number one and number 3 blocks per game leaders from last summer. Zak “ZC130” Ciezki will be joining the Raptors this summer along with 2025 Winter Champ Jordan Ernest. Back from injury this season is former Nuggets Guard, Reggie Spearman and the Raptors roster is completed with veteran role player Louis Fiorello. The Raptors team is BIG. They will control the glass, post you up, and make anything inside for their opponents straight hell. Good job Wavy on turning this thing around.

 

#6 Spurs

Spurs 2025 Record (7-4); Lost Conference Quarterfinals

The third and final team that went through a management change, the Spurs will now be managed by Mike Querrieo. Mike suffered a serious injury last season as a member of the Bobcats and is now healthy and ready to bring the Spurs to the promised land. Staying on the Spurs is 2025 Summer Rookie of the Year, Sean Weisanal. Weisansal took the league by storm last season averaging 24 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4 apg, and just under 2 bpg. He was and is a do-it-all kind of player. The Spurs made a few moves at the draft which netted them former #1 overall pick, Clark Brueckl at the 9 spot in the draft. After a disappointing 2025 season, Brueckl is looking to change the narrative this season as a member of the Spurs. TJ Laster was the next pick for the Spurs. He adds serious size and grit for this team and looks to be a force in the paint. Manny Welch, Kofi Osei, and Ali Aldairi all had good combine performances this spring earning them the nod for Q and the Spurs. Will Lindstrom will be the final member of this Spurs team. Will is coming off a D2 National Championship run as a member Gannon’s coaching staff and is eager to hep the Spurs win ball games. This team is good but some nagging injuries could poise a concern for the club this summer. Nonetheless, the Spurs will be a tough out.

 

#5 Thunder

2025 Thunder Record (7-5); Lost Conference Semifinals.

Thunder GM Manty Jones returns at the helm for the Thunder this season. The Thunder were one of the leagues hottest teams in the first half of the season before losing their last 4 games of the regular season. Keeper Tyler “TK” Kittinger also returns for the Thunder this season. TK averaged 17.8 ppg and 8.2 rpg on the Thunder as was a key component for their team’s success last season and he will be the focal point for the team this summer as well. Sharp shooter Jarmani Cooper crosses conferences and joins the Thunder as their first-round draft pick. Cooper was 4th in points per game last summer (24.4) and brought in 5 rpg as well. Kavon “Unc” Rogers will be the paint presence for the team. Kavon coming into the summer after having a tremendous winter season where he lead all players in rebounds per game at 17.3. Jalen Carter-Keith will make his summer debut as a Thunder along with Brett “The Intercontinental Champion” Hall, rookie Troy Jimmerson Williams, and Eric Foster. This Thunder team reloads with another real solid roster. A real threat from the perimeter to go with an dominant paint presence makes this team tough inside and out.

 

#4 Celtics

Celtics 2025 Record (6-5); Lost Conference Quarter Finals

The Celtics lost in the Conference Quarters last season to a team they beat the week before and it left Celtics GM Tony Bollinger with a sour taste in his mouth. Jack “Blem” Bernstein (17.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg) returns along side Tony B in hopes of making a championship push. The Celtics secured one of the best pure Centers the league has ever seen in Dyrell Dolson. Dolson averaged a 20 point – 11 rebound double-double in the winter session. Pair Blem and Dolson with Jeriah “BPD” Williams and Nick Reeb, the Celtics 5 looks strong. Marky Kulczyk, Chad Gloss, and Adam Burke look to come off the bench in Boston adding guard depth for the team. The team will have to crash the glass when Dolson is out but they should be very athletic in the transition game regardless. The Celtics are in a loaded division which should make for very fun basketball this summer in Boston.

 

#3 Nuggets

Nuggets 2025 Record (6-6); Lost Conference Quarter Finals

The Nuggets look as back as ever and some league execs have them going the distance this summer. GM Ajay Cybulski and keeper Guard and Winter Champion, Devon “DD” Darrell have reloaded this Nuggets team. At the draft, the Nuggets brought in Winter League Champion GM, Mike Borton. Borton is one of the leagues most versatile big men. He is a bruiser on the glass, plays well in the pick and roll, and can defend on the perimeter while also being able to step out and knock down the occasional 3 ball. Putter Brown, Kam Williams, and Zach Caito add serious threats from distance for the Nuggets and Jake Ritts will be the driving force on the boards alongside Borton. St. Joes Freshman ball coach, Jackson Herlan, completes the Nuggets roster. If you do not run the Nuggets off the 3, you will lose by a lot. Tons of fire power from this team.

 

#2 Mavs

Mavs 2025 Record (10-3); Lost Conference Finals

MVP Aaron Jones looks to return as the league’s best player this summer. GM Steve Heather is back in the lineup for the Mavs after a year break due to personal reasons and he loaded up his roster once again. Joining AJ and Heather will be the number 1 pick in the 2026 draft, Justin “The Alien” Allen. Justin is a former winter league player and has had multiple 40+ games in his short career with AllPlay. John Borton will be the teams anchor in the paint adding size, grit and hustle. The glue guy here for the Mavs is Ty Bailey. T Bailey is a regular on the league leaders in steals per game and can get you 14-20 point on any given night. Busy B Hughes and Austin Coon return to the Mavs for their sophomore seasons and rookie Brandon Hallick completes the Mavs roster. This team might score 100 points per game. It’s also possible that they ROTY and MVP are both from this team as well. An extremely difficult team to matchup with this summer in a loaded division makes every one of their games must watch TV.

 

#1 Knicks

Knicks 2025 Record (11-3); Summer League Champions

GM Richie Sotero has had quite the AllPlay career. Entered as a rookie, walked out on his team, went last round in the winter draft, then became league champion and Finals MVP. A true rollercoaster of a career and it’s only been 2 years. Skuba Kimble returns alongside Sotero after fantastic summer and winter sessions. Skuba had the play of the year in last seasons championship game where he trailed a drive with seconds left in the game and threw down what turned out to be the game sealing put back dunk. The Knicks shook it up at the draft. They traded the number 10 pick to the Nets and brought in Star Guard Noah Grabar (31 ppg). Grabar was the scoring leader for the 2025 summer and he’ll look to get right to work with his new team. Rookie Dorion Ivey joins longtime friend Grabar and the Knicks adding a lethal option at the wing position. But wait, there’s more. Chase Kline joins this team after almost being kept by the Sixers this season. Coming back to the Knicks is the Flying Hawaiian Colin Hart and Derek Pfohl. The Knicks roster is completed with big man Tarron Scott. TJ be Around the glass always as he has a knack for securing second chance opportunities for any team he’s on. This one is easy. A star filled roster + defending champs = #1 in the rankings.

 

- Commish