The 2012 Waiver Wire

Last year, Coach Wong’s LA Alpine squad returned to the NACBAIT after an 8 year layoff and showed that Championships can be won at the highest level without a ton of free agent signings.  They won with tenacity, defense, chemistry, teamwork, shooting, and of course speed.  So maybe the landscape has changed.  Nevertheless, teams will continue to look for that overlooked gem that fits their system.  Others will still try to take the shortcut method and hope that making a big splash through free agency will change their fortunes.  With so many teams opting out of Vancouver this year due to the costs, there was a whole lot of talent just ripe for the picking if you were in the know.  As always, some teams such as the Toronto Dragons, LA Aiya, Philly Suns, and Boston Knights are content with going into the tournament with “their guys” and hope for the best.  For them, last year’s success of the Alpine model is their basis to believe in their system. But for those who believe in keeping up with the Joneses, here are this year’s biggest moves.

2012 NACBA Top 32 Players to Watch

1.  Carlos Andrade, Toronto Titans. This multitalented 6-7 forward is the most feared player in all of Canada when it comes to gameplanning. Stick a big man on him, and Carlos is going to run circles around him. Put a midget on him, and it's going to be post up city. With a fallaway reminiscent of Dirk, Carlos is the ultimate weapon to have come crunch time

2.  Kenny Ao, Toronto Dragons A. Put this guy on the floor, and he'll find a way to drop at least 15 points every time. He can drive the middle, swoop the baseline, nail the 3-point shot, and swish ft's. Kenny is a gamer under all circumstances as he slices like a ninja and cuts like a razor blade.

3.  Joe Carlini, Chicago Dragons Senior. This guy is no average Joe. He can shoot from three, he can drive left or right, and he doesn't miss with the game on the line. Carlini wants his mitts on the ball in any big situation. If it's a close game, you better run over to Chicago's court and catch the magic.

4.  Jeff Chan, NY USAB B . Last year's 18/Under MVP, cool hand Jeff provided the steady hand and leadership the Warriors needed to get back to the top after a heartbreaking 2010 NACBAIT. Now the question facing PG Chan will be whether he can lead a similar cast of characters to success at the next level. He's a real NACBA vet at this young age, having been a part of the tournament since 2007.

5.  Michelle Chan, Washington CYC China Dolls. Miss Chan is an unassuming teacher by day and a secret weapon on the hardwood by night. Last year, with all the focus on El Birman, she had a huge game in the Semis, to get the China Dolls to the Finals. Michelle can drop outside treybombs when left open, she catches boards, and she uses her long arms to kong block shots.