By Hank Strawbridge
Virginia Beach - Crowds of hyperactive and hysterical fans packed the sidewalks of Old Donation Road late yesterday. When I approached the assemblage of folding chairs, sleeping bags and oversized mugs full of hydrating beverages, my expectation was that the crowd was lining up in anticipation of Pharrell's Something in the Water concert happening next week. I was wrong.
"We are here to watch the WLC B-ball Season Six Draft and get our season tickets as soon as the schedule comes out," explained Lumpy Westington, a self-described "hoops junkie" from Chevy Chase, Maryland. Lumpy, age 61, vacationing with his 11-year-old grandson Wilbur, seemed almost as excited as the little tyke. Wilbur, sporting a bootlegged Justin Sivells jersey, told anyone who would listen that "there's a lot of punks Tweeting that Pochekailo and Posley like to think they are deep shooters, but nobody is as smooth as Sivells."
"That's for sure," Grandpa Lumpy added. "Wilbur even taped his right hand to his side so he could play left-handed like Sivells." Lumpy tossled his young charge's curly mop of hair as he laughed. "We can't wait for opening night, obviously, like all these people." He waved his hand at the tens of people along the sidewalk approaching the GN Baptist Arena.
Ah yes, Opening night. That magic time when everyone thinks their team is the best. Before hearts are broken and ankles are twisted and lungs are heaving (you know who you are). The WLC Basketball Season Six Opening night is April 21.
The consensus among pre-season WLC BBALL Bloggers has Team Humphries as the early favorite. Deep at every position and led by Wilbur's favorite player, Justin Sivells, Team Humphries looks like a top contender. But at this point, like every season's beginning, it's a wide open field. In fact, with nearly 20 new players in the league, it's anyone's guess as to whether the fantastic Cooper brothers will lead Team Posley to a title or if the deadly duo of Dworske and Pochekailo will snipe their opponents from long range. Perhaps Team Templeman, once again balanced and steady, playing ball control with hard workers on the glass, will take the three-peat.
Not many bettors are taking the 18-1 Atlantic City odds given toTeam Bell, who many think lack inside presence to withstand the playoff intensity. But don't count out their ball movement and quickness. Corey Thomas can catch fire at any moment, and Nick Egerton and Lamont Ming reject the notion that they will be pushovers underneath the basket. Finally, Team Brown reunites the triple Matterhorn mountains of Jeremy Miller, Jordan Brown and the returning from hiatus Zac Smith, along with their first-round pick, shifty shooting guard Earl McLaurin. Team Brown is poised to play the slow down, grinder game and will likely lead the league in fouls.
Whatever happens this season, it's bound to be intense, competitive, and as always a boatload of fun. And whatever happens this season, Grandpa Lumpy will be live streaming from his back porch on the "world wide interweb". And his excitedly passionate grandson Wilbur will be cheering on his favorite and counting the years until he can join WLC Basketball Season 25.