The new season of Come Play Detroit hoops is upon us, and honey, the anticipation is giving full-on award-season energy. Rosters are finalized, stars are hungry, and the league insiders have already whispered their ballots to the powers that be. Before the lights go down and the first ball hits hardwood, let’s spill the tea on the preseason poll, the power rankings, and the draft-night drama that had captains gasping like it was a reality TV twist.

1. The Defending Champs: Goldstein Dental
Top 5 poll votes: 7
The reigning kings of CPD are back and strutting down the metaphorical runway with last year’s championship hardware. Nearly their entire championship cast returns, and word on the street is Gerald is ready for his leading man in a blockbuster sequel moment. Until someone dethrones them, they remain the headline act.

2. The Hungry Contenders: Stride/S.I.G.
Top 5 poll votes: 6
Think of them as the scrappy underdog in every sports movie you’ve ever loved—only this time, they’ve loaded up with new co-stars. After falling just short last season, they’re back with grit, revenge energy, and an offensive arsenal that has insiders whispering “future box-office hit.”

3. The Newcomers: Lit Financial
Top 5 poll votes: 6
The mysterious new kids on the block. No one quite knows what they’ll bring, but the intrigue alone is enough to sell tickets. If this crew meshes quickly, they could upstage the veterans and snatch the spotlight before anyone sees it coming.

4. The Veterans: Come Play Detroit
Top 5 poll votes: 5
The legends, the icons, the walking Hall of Fame. With over 150 seasons of Monday league CPD hoops logged, this team doesn’t just play basketball—they practically invented it. Their new addition, Andre Frederick, is the X-factor: will he raise the ceiling or keep the story grounded? All eyes are on him.

5. The Run-and-Gun Crew: Surgical One
Top 5 poll votes: 3
The darlings of speed and flair, known for raining threes and running the floor like it’s fashion week. They were last season’s runners-up, and insiders believe their three returning stars have what it takes to rewrite the ending this year. Defense will be their make-or-break storyline.

And then… cue the record scratch. After these five, the polls went ice-cold—no other team pulled more than a single vote. Translation? The stage is wide open, and Monday’s season opener could flip this script faster than a Hollywood reboot.

**Draft Night: Scene-Stealers & Surprise Castings

Every blockbuster needs breakout stars, and this draft delivered more shocking twists than a red-carpet wardrobe malfunction. Let’s dish:

Pick 14: Aaron Ginther – The “first-round talent” who fell like a surprise Oscar snub. Insiders say he might outshine his team’s top billing.

Pick 16: Eric Fishman – The Kalamazoo standout who’s already been dubbed the “best supporting actor” of the draft. Value pick? Absolutely.

*Pick 19: Mark Ghafari *– Another Kalamazoo alum, and captains are calling this one of the draft’s ultimate steals. Pure buzz.

Pick 25: Torin Wetzel – Size and shooting? Scouts were practically fanning themselves at this third-round heist. Surgical One didn’t hesitate.

Pick 28: Shaun Jerdel – A veteran voice with a booming presence, slipping this far was like spotting an A-lister in general admission. Instant value.

Pick 30: Jacob Rowley – A three-point sniper, Rowley slid into the third round but insiders are already whispering “cult favorite.”

The verdict? This season has all the makings of a blockbuster: star power, drama, unexpected twists, and a script that hasn’t even been written yet. The only thing left? Lights up, ball tipped, and let’s see who becomes CPD’s next headline star.

-Cody Borst