With Playoffs Approaching, Power Rankings this week will be of the teams capable of making the playoffs.
1. Too Smooth (8-1): Sheraz Kari is making a case for MVP this season, as he put up another 40-point game in a shootout against Ballers this past weekend. Sheraz scored 43 points and knocked down ten three-pointers as he led Too Smooth to their eighth victory this season. Alongside him was Ahmad Khalaf, playing like his old self as he scored 29 points and collected 9 rebounds. This dynamic duo combined for 72 of the team's 88 points in this game, and if this isn't a performance that shows they are ready for the playoffs, I don't know what is. Another note to remember is their past three wins have been without their leader, Yaser Yousef. When he comes back, it will be an even bigger problem for D2. One thing is for sure, they have figured it out up to this point, but they have some intense matchups to wrap up the regular season that includes Wet Like Book and Big Falafels. These will be some of the best matchups D2 has to offer, and if you're able to watch these two games, I suggest taking a seat and bringing some popcorn cause these will be a show you don't want to miss.
Is this the best Big 3 in D2, or does Most Hated have something to say about that?
2. Only the Family (7-2): Since Week 9's game was a forfeit, we will discuss OTF's big win in Week 8 against Big Falafels. It's nothing short of spectacular when describing Ismail Famous's performance, as he carried OTF to a crunch-time win against one of the top teams in D2! He dropped 30 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. There was no answer for him as he made his presence known on both sides of the floor. His performance was accompanied by Mohammad Shafi and Zain Aslam, who both spread the floor well and made it hard for Big Falafels to respond defensively. This was a big win and showed that OTF is capable of being on top, and it would've been a game to watch had they played against Side Bets, but Bruce decided to take a vacation.. maybe he knew what was coming? Nonetheless, keep your eye out for Only The Family; they are capable of winning the championship; we're in for a treat this postseason.
3. Big Falafels (7-2): Their loss to OTF woke them up, and they hit Wet Like Book hard, winning by double digits and reminding the other teams in D2 that their loss was a fluke. Zaid Dadabhoy and Torin Asefie were everywhere this game, as both delivered over 20 points and gave Wet Like Book's defense a run for its money. Big Falafels has always shown their ability to play this season, but in the two games they've had after a loss, they come back more substantial, and this was no different. Humza Mela didn't need to contribute to this game, as his teammates did the work this time. Overall, Zaid's 3PT shot looks lethal, and with Torin figuring out the appropriate spots to be in offense, Big Falafels has flexibility. They can always count on Humza Mela to deliver when needed, whether inside or out. Consistency is the word to describe this team, and it separates them from much of their competition when they step onto the court.
4. Most Hated (7-2): If we're talking about Big 3s, some may say that Most Hated arguably has the better trio than Too Smooth. However, that loss against them cost them in these rankings. Nonetheless, Mehr Khaliq, Waleed Khaliq, and Anthony Newman are three hoopers that perform every time they step onto the court. Anthony Newman was pulling from near half court this past weekend, as he dropped 33 points against Goonda Squad. This confidence makes Most Hated a championship team, and with assets like Alvaro Valenzuela and Ayoub Berhanu, you've got a well-balanced team like no other. As it's been said from the beginning of the season, Mehr wants his third ring, and he seems the most motivated he's ever been to get it done this season. Most Hated is a fitting #1 team in D2, but so are five other teams, and as a result, this will be a battle in this year's playoffs. Most Hated has a smooth schedule going for them until Week 11, where they face off against Side Bets. Until then, I'd expect a blowout in the next game and a significant amount of points from one of their Big 3.
5. Wet Like Book (6-3): At first, it seemed that Wet Like Book had the upper edge on Big Falafels, as they were getting to the line and finishing most of their shots. Unfortunately, their momentum halted after Radwan Yahya was ejected from the game. This was a crucial blow because he was delivering a solid amount of offense and is one of the best defenders in the league. Big Falafels took advantage and lit Wet Like Book up from 3, as Zaid Dadabhoy and Torin Asefie could not miss. Wet Like Book had strong performances from Irfan Anwar, Ahmed Khan, and Yusuf Hashim, but the loss of the Yahya brothers proved to be a huge deficit. Nonetheless, don't be fooled; they won't take this loss lightly and will be back ready to go this Sunday. They'll need to because they face off against Only the Family and Too Smooth to wrap up the season.
A once favorite, they look like they're fighting for their playoff lives.
6. Side Bets (6-3): Forfeit Loss in Week 9; MVP candidate Bruce Haidrey decided to take a vacation from carrying the load on his team.
Lol, just kidding. Side Bets will be a team to pay attention to as the regular season wraps up because they faced a loss against Goonda Squad in Week 7 but recovered and captured a win against Apollo8 in Week 8. A minor yet unexpected mishap, but they have learned and adjusted after each of their two losses. Their final game features a matchup against Most Hated, and this is a game I'm sure the league will be ready to watch because Bruce Haidrey wants the smoke, and we know Most Hated will be more than happy to deliver it.
Be ready for Week 11; it's going to be a show!
7. Brick City (4-5): After a formidable pair of losses in Weeks 7 and 8, Brick City caught a break as they faced Cereal Killers. As expected, they made each work of this matchup. Ibrahim Hamade, Salman Bickiya, Jason Noble, Ibtihaj Nyear, and Talah Anwar reached double digits. This was a crucial part of why Brick City dominated this game; most of their team contributed in a balanced and efficient manner. This is the type of basketball this group has been used to playing over the years, and if they want to compete in the playoffs, they'll need to continue and carry this momentum because when they work together well, they are tough to stop.
8. Goonda Squad (4-5): A valiant effort, yet they fell short. Goonda Squad almost completed an upset against Most Hated this past weekend, as they came back from a deficit only to lose by 3 when the final buzzer rang. This team has been as resilient as ever; they've beaten strong teams in D2 like Side Bets and competed hard with a team as elite as Most Hated. They want to be respected, and you can't deny there is talent on this roster. Abner James, Waqas Anis, and Anosh Ali are this team's anchors, and when they work well together, the rest of the team follows. Although this past week was a loss, they should be aware of their capabilities; with playoffs approaching, don't sleep on this team.
9. Apollo8 (4-5): Apollo8 has a chance to make the playoffs if they can secure these next two games. However, this is a tall task, as they face off against Most Hated this week. So expect Anis Shilleh, Yasser Harmoush, and Rayhaan Kayanda to step up; if not, they may have to see their playoff hopes go down the drain. They compete with Goonda Squad and Brick City for the final spots; it's anyone's game. So let's see how these next weeks end regarding which of these three teams will make the playoffs.
Honorable Mention: In his game against Too Smooth, Ammar Rehman of Ballers put on a show as he battled with Sheraz Kari. He scored from every part of the court, from field goals to free throws and three-pointers. This was a game to watch, as it went into overtime, and Sheraz finished with 43 points while Ammar had 46 points. Talk about elite!