Despite being loaded with NSL vets, the Tropics are not one of the league’s top contenders this season. They are led by Matt Rooney, a do-it-all point guard who led the league in assists and rebounds last year while finishing third in points. However, Rooney won’t be able to go shot for shot with Spider, Soup, Lucas and DHS, so all Tropics can do is hope that his all around contributions can make up for it. Joining Matt is Nov Levi, Andrew Dorval and Kenny Brown. The success of the Tropics this season depends on Nov and Andrew. They have each flashed all star potential in years past, however, they are regarded as inconsistent, polarizing players. Nov is an elite sharpshooter and Dorval is an athletic slasher, and when they are on, they are really really good players. However, when they aren’t hitting, they can shoot their team out of the game. Finally, Kenny Brown is looking to silence his doubters this year. He has talked a big game this offseason and will have a huge target on his back as a result, but he believes he’s improved a lot and is excited to defend his NSL championship. Things the Tropics have going for them includes attendance: Rooney will never miss a game and Nov/Dorval/Kenny are pretty consistent about coming, experience, chemistry and coaching. On the other hand, the Tropics don’t have anyone taller than 5’11, which could potentially be a major issue this year.
Projected Starting Lineup | Matt Rooney, Andrew Dorval, Nov Levi
Matt Rooney and Andrew Dorval have the first two starting spots – at least to start the season – because of where they were drafted and their ability on defense. However, Nugent may flip the third starter based on the matchup. If the opposing third starter is a big like John Ross, Charlie Lewis or Eric Zhang, then Aidan may start Kenny Brown and use Nov as a sniper off the bench. Otherwise, look for Nov to start.
Captain Impact | Aidan Nugent
In terms of the draft, Nugent nailed his pick in round 3, taking Nov Levi with the 15th overall pick. Nov has 20 ppg upside, so this was a home run selection given who else was available. However, his first and last round draft picks look a bit questionable at the moment. Matt is the reigning MVP, but the 2021 league was watered down in terms of talent. I am not sure selecting him at #3 over players such as Steven Campbell and David Hamel-Sellman was the best move for Aidan. Also, Aidan took Kenny at pick 22 over Will Brown and Cian McCormack/Kiernan Stone. Last season, Kenny was worse than Will Brown on the court, and this year, Kenny easily has the lowest trade value in the league.
Aidan Nugent has already had to navigate through a tricky situation this year as his 2nd round pick, Hano Garcia, demanded a trade. Nugent put his foot down and was able to flip Hano for Andrew Dorval, who should help this team immensely on defense.
Nuge is going to be in Chicago for the beginning portion of the season, but that shouldn’t stop him from making a major impact on the Tropics from the sidelines. Nugent has the best basketball mind of all the captains (sorry Jack and Yagev) and knows what it takes to win in NSL.
Top Storylines
DTKB
Kenny Brown has been the talk of the league over the past few months and has continuously hyped up his play both in the snap group and on podcasts. After averaging 4.8 ppg and 4.9 rpg last year, KB needs to improve those significantly this year to back up his talk. Aidan Nugent and Matt Rooney believe in him, but does anybody else?
Dubs for Dorval?
The last two years, Andrew Dorval has ended the season on the last place team, going a combined 4-22. In 2019 tourney 1, Dorval’s team was 1-5, and tourney 2 they went 3-3. (2018 standings are missing). In 2017, he went 3-8. In 2016, Dorval was on Team Idi, which went 5-19. Finally, in 2015, he was on the notorious scrub squad, which went 6-29. That’s 22-86. None of it was his fault, but that’s a lot of losing. Is this the year he finally gets some wins?
Rooney-Soup Final Part III?
In the only two completed seasons that featured both Matt Rooney and Steven Campbell, both ended in Matt defeating Soup in the NSL Finals. Will 2022 be the third? This season, Soup’s Bears look primed for a finals appearance, but it would take some shocking upsets for the Tropics to get there.
Season Predictions
The Tropics finish 3rd or 4th in the regular season
Nov Levi makes the all star game
Kenny Brown wins 4th man of the year
Aidan trades away either Nov or Andrew at the trade deadline
Kenny gets into it on the court with Hano or Cian and gets ejected
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