The Toronto CCYAA Seniors (4 championships since 2004) are pretty much slated to win this every year, unless something extraordinary happens. This year’s team will combine the best of the 2008 Senior 35’s Champs and the 2008 Master’s 45’s runners up. Stan Ong handles the rock with ease, and is athletic enough to match up with anyone in the tourney. With a skyscraping frontline of 4-time MVP Richard Zhu, he-can’t-be-over-45 Alex Chen, and twine tickler big man Jeff Fong, CCYAA has the talent to make it 5 titles in 6 years. This unselfish and versatile group of players knows how to get it done when the crunch rolls around. The Chicago Dragons Seniors have made the Finals in 3 of the past 6 years, and are always right there in the thick of things. Coach K’s troops will once again rely on superstar Henry Yue to get by his man for open looks, and James Chow able to pop from long distance. Their job may be tough without All-NACBA guard Robert Choy, so everyone’s going to have to bring their A game. The NJ Pirates had the unlucky draw last year, facing Toronto in the Semis last year in Philly. Three time title winners themselves, the Pirates will look to claim a fourth. Beaver Ho (NACBA Top 25) and Teddy Hom (All-NACBAIT) form the top backcourt pairing in the division, and Steve Lee is athletic as they come at the SF slot. New add Osman Hsieh is 6 foot 4 inches of real man, so he will help the Pirates defend the interior against opposing bigs, and round mound of rebound Sunny Luk can stretch a defense by hitting the trifecta. The Boston Knights Senior will once again look to hulking Top 25’er and annual All-Tournament pick Ed Chu for their boards and tough points. He makes finishes look simple, and he nails ft’s without a worry. Guards Walter Ho and Harry Seeto provide vitality and lift to the team. They will challenge opponents at both ends of the court. It really wouldn’t be a major surprise is any of this year’s entrants wind up winning it all. The 2009 field is going to be one of the most hotly contested tournaments, as new pickups and returning vets will make it the most balanced division in Florida.
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