The 2021 Fall League is just days away from beginning. Here is your guide to everything you need to know about the upcoming season.
NEW FORMAT:
The K1 League will see a new format this year. Not only will be there be a total of 13 regular season games for each team, but teams will be split into two divisions - East and West. Each team will play the other four teams in their division twice, for a total of eight games. Meanwhile playing against each team from the opposite division once, which results in five more games. The 13 regular season games is a rather large increase from last year's eight games, and everyone is excited about the extra basketball. Winning one's division will offer a big advantage in the ten-team playoff tournament, which will take place in November.
Bucks:
If there is one thing we know about the Bucks, it's that they will have reigning player of the year Kale Maupin on the court pretty much at all times. In addition to leading the league last season in scoring at 23.1 ppg, and finishing second in rebounding at 11.4 rpg, he also adds another important dimension - he basically plays all 40 minutes. Surrounding Maupin will be an almost entirely different team, as head coach Caleb Johnson has added a bunch of new faces to his roster. Austin Peters and Christian Straw remain on the team along with Johnson, while four other players come over from different K1 teams - Jaquan Boxley and Darien Bosby from Team 7, Jordan Logan from Team 5, and Jonathan Hentschel from last year's league champions in Team 1. First time members also include guard Lou Griffith, and former Kankakee High School standout, Lavell McIntosh. Look for the Bucks to be a contender in the East, especially if Maupin can do anything close to what he did a year ago.
Two Key Players: Christian Straw and Jaquan Boxley. Straw, a crafty little shooting guard from ONU, will see his role increased this year. Look for him to score a lot from behind the long line, as he is one of the best pure shooters in the league. Another important guard for the Bucks will be Boxley, who comes over from Team 7. After finishing fifth in the league in scoring a year ago at 16.9 ppg, Boxley should add another scoring threat on the outside to take some attention away from Maupin.
Bulls:
The Bulls enter the Fall League with perhaps as good of a dynamic duo as any other team in the K1 League, in Bobby Crivokapich and Seth Johnson. Both players finished in the top five of the Spring League in scoring (Crivokapich - 18.3 ppg, Johnson - 18.2 ppg), while Johnson finished first in rebounding (15.1 rpg). The question then becomes, what kind of supporting cast will this team have around these two? The other six players will all be making their K1 League debut - and we should know pretty quickly what this team is capable of. New players include Marcell Maiden, Devin Hull, Miguel Munoz, Jed Hasslebring, Matt Wells, and Benito Munoz. If the Bulls can get some high level play from a couple of these players, they will be a difficult team to stop, as we know what Crivokapich and Johnson are capable of doing.
Two Key Players: Bobby Crivokapich and Seth Johnson. We have already mentioned the impact that these two had for their team last year, but the reality is that this team will rely heavily on these two to be a massive part of their production. Look for Johnson to average a double-double again this year, while Crivokapich could be in the mix for a scoring title. Any player that can step up around them will provide a massive lift to their chances of winning the East.
Celtics:
The Celtics bring an intriguing mix of youth and energy to the K1 League. Led by coach Deangelo Sanders, who played on Team 3 a year ago, the Celtics will look to make a splash with a mix of returners and first-time participants. Returners include Donald Ellis, Jonathan Townsend, and Sanders. Alex Mitchner comes over from Team 6. First-time players are Isaiah Dean, Walter Hudson, Antonio Phillips, Row Gebre, Mendi Naylor, and Jay Slone. While there isn't a whole lot known about what the Celtics will be capable of doing, they will look to ride the confidence of first-time coach Sanders, who likes to refer to his group as "The Avengers." Expect the Celtics to play hard and never count themselves out against anyone, as they begin their debut in the K1 League.
Two Key Players: Alex Mitchner and Jay Slone. Mitchner, who played for Team 6 a year ago, quietly put together a nice season, averaging 12 points per game. His top moment came in Week 2 when he scored 32 points against Team 8. The Celtics will look for him to shoot the ball well from three. For Slone, opposing teams will be glad to see him not wearing football pads, where he was a special talent, playing middle linebacker at Valparaiso University. Look for Slone to make a physical impact on both ends of the court.
Heat:
Of the nine teams in the Spring K1 League, only a couple were ever able to push the rosters of the top two teams last season. This Heat team was one of those, and oh by the way, they have gotten a lot better this offseason. Coming off a season in which they made the semifinals in the playoff tournament, and lost to Team 1 and Team 9 by a combined 16 points in three games, head coach Trey Anthony is looking for more, as he has gone out and acquired several talented players, along the way to what he hopes is an East division championship. Returners include Alonzo King, Jordan Winfield, Ke'Sean Williams, Anthony, and Terrell Hendrix, the reigning first-team all-league standout. First-time players include KT Bobo and Octavius Jefferson, who both will come in and play significant minutes. Two other big-time additions include JJ Calvin (Team 2) and Blake Graham (Team 7), who both could be all-league players. The Heat should be as fun as any team to watch in the league, with their aggressive play style and their ability to score the ball. They kick off their campaign against the Nets, a team they will need to prove that they can beat if they want to win the East.
Two Key Players: Terrell Hendrix and Blake Graham. Hendrix is coming off one of the best seasons in the Spring K1 League. Not only was he a first-team all-league player, but he finished second in the league in scoring at 19.9 ppg. The Heat will certainly look to him to be a key offensive piece again. Meanwhile Graham was widely considered to be one of the biggest "free agents" per say on the market this offseason. In the two games that he played a year ago, he scored 19 points and 14 points respectively. Look for him to be a matchup problem all year.
Nets:
While every returning team has somewhat of a different roster this time around, perhaps no roster will look different than Coach Chillz' roster will. Following a year where they went 7-1 in the regular season and earned the top overall seed in the playoff tournament, Chillz' will have his work cut out for him, as his new look team will be without three of its key players from a year ago, all whom averaged double digits in scoring. First-team all-league guard Tyree Mosley is now on the Warriors, Quon Shaw (11.7 ppg) is now on the Lakers, and Brian Hernandez (15.7 ppg) is off to college at IU-Northwest. So, while no coach has the experience that Chillz does, he will have his work cut out for him, with a much different lineup. They will look to rely on big men Maurice Terrell and TJ Wicks, as well as returning Ronnie Jackson, Mook Lawrence, and standout Red Binion. Newcomers include Joe Lightfoot, Parrish Ward, and Nuke Williams. While no one should count out the Nets to contend in the East, the question will be, how do they make up for the 51.5 ppg that they do not return from a year ago?
Two Key Players: TJ Wicks and Red Binion. Wicks will carry the load for the Nets in the paint. Can he take advantage of his 6'9" height and be that inside presence the Nets need? Meanwhile Binion is one of the top guards in the K1 League, period. Last year, his ability to get to the bucket not only led him to finish sixth in scoring in the league (16.6 ppg), but it also allowed his teammates to flourish offensively as well. With a much different roster this year, can Binion be the go-to guy on the offensive end of the court?
Lakers:
Although the Lakers lost Seth Johnson and Bobby Crivokapich in the offseason, it's hard to find a team that has a better chance to contend with the Spurs for the Fall K1 League championship. Coach Andre Robertson has put together one of the most talented rosters in the league, and the Lakers will look to make a name for themselves in a crowded West division. Returners include just three names - Robertson, his son Andre Robertson Jr. and Tone Brooks. First-time players include Rob Anderson, Omar Grant, William Love, and superstar LJ Harris. And finally, two of the biggest acquisitions in the league that have come over to the Lakers are Quon Shaw (11.7 ppg - Team 9) and CJ Link (14.7 ppg - Team 2). The Lakers have some exceptional guard play and have a deep bench. Perhaps the biggest question for them will be, do they have the size to contend inside with the league's top post players?
Two Key Players: CJ Link and LJ Harris. Link comes over from Team 2 after a fantastic season, average 14.7 ppg, including a 32-point performance in a Week 6 win against Team 7. The Lakers will rely on his height and rebounding abilities, as they will likely employ a guard-heavy lineup this year. Harris is another one of those "free agent" pickups that could be a big-time difference maker in the K1 League. He played at Ellsworth CC and Mount Mercy University. Don't be surprised to see him make a run at player of the year.
Mavericks:
The Mavericks, led by Marcell Hobbs, were the most surprising team in the league a year ago. On their way to a 6-2 record in the regular season, they had several different young players step up along the way. This time around, they will need even more players to contribute, as their roster will look a little different. Two of their starting five from a year ago, in JJ Calvin and CJ Link, are on different rosters this fall, therefore the Mavericks will need some other faces to pick up the slack. One of their strengths will be at the guard position, where they will have as much depth as anyone in the league. Some familiar faces include Braijon Thomas, Jamari Washington, Jamir Hinds, and a trio of Allen's (Jaheim, Jahari, and the newcomer Patrick). Newcomers include Tyrone Norsworthy, Keontay Shephard, Patrick Allen, and Jordan Houston, while the talented Antwan Peterson anchors things down in the middle. Look for reigning coach of the year, Marcell Hobbs, to get the most out of his roster, and utilize the chemistry that his team had a year ago.
Two Key Players: Braijon Thomas and Antwan Peterson. Thomas is one of the top guards in the league, but unfortunately was unable to showcase his talents in the postseason last year, due to a lower body injury. Look for him to have a big season and to be a leader for this team. Peterson is as athletic and talented as any big man in the league, but will have a lot of weight on his shoulders as the Mavericks may often start four guards alongside him. This team will go as far as Thomas and Peterson can take them.
Spurs:
The Spurs are the team to beat. They had most talented roster in the league last year, and despite losing Dane Schlafely and John Martin, they have reloaded and will still be one of the deepest teams in the league again this year. In addition to having elite guard play with both Ray Lawrence and Chris Green, the Spurs are huge. Trey Johnson anchors things in the middle, and Dennis Koger is as versatile as any player in the league. Throw newcomers Austin Halcomb and Ryan Kvasnicka into the mix, and Spurs will pretty much be without a weakness as they look to repeat as league champions. Other returners include Dustin Rennewanz, Matt Cunningham, and Marty Bothwell. While going 13-0 certainly isn't a lock for the Spurs, it will take a talented team and a complete 40-minute effort of play to knock them off. They kick off their Fall league campaign with an incredibly intriguing matchup against the Lakers.
Two Key Players: Austin Halcomb and Dustin Rennewanz. Halcomb, who played at Trinity Christian College a few years ago, will bring some big-time size and experience with him to complement big men Trey Johnson and Ryan Kvasnicka. Meanwhile for Rennewanz, he will be the team's third guard this year, as they are without Schlafely. He will be relied on a lot more this season, especially if Lawrence or Green are ever not on the court.
Suns:
The Suns will have a tough road ahead of them in the K1 Fall League. Not only are they playing in a very difficult division in the West, but they also will still be the league's youngest team - which proved a difficult task for them a year ago. Michael Lonergan Jr. has drastically retooled the roster, including the addition of point guard Miyon Dabney, a Kankakee native. His only returner from last year is Bryant Jackson. Dylan Winker and Joey Mendoza come over from Team 7, while everyone else will be a debutant in the league. These names include Mekhi Brown, Devontae Johnson, Ferra Johnson, Breyon Jackson, as well as Dabney, Look for the Suns to improve upon last year's performance, but their road will still be as difficult as anyone's.
Two Key Players: Dylan Winker and Miyon Dabney. This team will look to Winker to be an internal presence for them, as they are guard-heavy. Meanwhile, Dabney provides some electricity at the point guard position, with his ability to create scoring chances and distribute the ball. For the Suns to be a competitive team this year, they will need their newcomers to step in and play a big part in their rebuilding process.
Warriors:
Perhaps one of the most exciting teams in the league will make their debut in just a few days' time. After not participating in the Spring league, players from the Warriors are as hungry as anyone to come in and make a name for themselves. Led by Otis Houston, one of the better known names in the basketball community, the Warriors will look to be immediate contenders. Tyree Mosley joins the team after playing for Chillz' team a year ago, along with Lonzale Mason who was in the same boat. First-time players include Martavius Laster, Sammie Hines, Latrell Tidwell, and Erron Hall II. The Warriors won't be the biggest team in the league, but they will rely on their talented guard play to go alongside big man Tidwell. Look for them to be as tough an out as anyone in the K1 Fall League.
Two Key Players: Sammie Hines and Martavius Laster. The Warriors will definitely have the talent to hang with anyone. In addition to Mosley, they will be led by Hines and Laster, two players that can score the ball. Because the Warriors only have seven guys, they will need everyone to be in top physical shape. Look for these two to be difference makers on both ends of the court, as they make a push to win the West.