Fantasy College Hoops: League Expansion

[Updated 7/14] After a successful inaugural season, it was only a matter of time before this league really took flight. With a 10-team league last year, that number is sure to grow. Each franchise is encouraged to spread the word to any other potential owners out there. Due to the unfortunate lack of RSVP's thus far, details of league alignment are still up in the air.

But here is the list of the new franchises coming on board next year. So let me be the first to congratulate each of you on probably the best decision you've ever made... ever.

The Pink Jellybeans

It was only a matter of time before this fledgling franchise caught college hoops fever. Towards the end of last season, they made the call. The Pink Jellybeans were officially crashing the party. Despite a previous lack of overall sports knowledge, this owner has made up ground in a hurry. It has yet to be determined if The Pink Jellybeans will be a sole proprietorship or a partnership. But expect this franchise to be in the mix early and often. And don't let the team logo fool you: The Pink Jellybeans are all business. They have a strong foundation to build on during their rookie campaign.

Here are two potential strengths and weaknesses as a league newcomer:

Strengths

1. Understudy...Shown the ropes, as Crimson & Bluebloods took them under their wing over the course of last year, gaining invaluable experience from last season's champs.

2. Home cookin'... Their players will be given the best pregame meals - hands down.

Weaknesses

1. Draft strategy... Mascots, team colors, player names, etc. But will it pan out?

2. Deadlines... Will they be able to get their lineups in on time? Or will they end up as this year's Maria Koppen?

Offense & Defense

As clear evidence of the league's popularity, Offense & Defense inquired about participating nearly 6 months in advance. Talk about enthusiasm! With a similar passion to Kansas athletics as yours truly, Offense & Defense keeps busy all year long. After authoring a blog on current Jayhawk news, joining a fantasy college hoops league seemed like the next logical step. We'll see if he can reel in any more fish, and help this league continue to grow.

Here are two potential strengths and weaknesses as a league newcomer:

Strengths
1. Focus: With a team name like "Offense & Defense", it's clear that this owner will demand effort from his players on both sides of the ball from the get-go.

2. Scouting: After toying with the idea of joining the league last year, he's had a full season of preparation. This should drastically reduce the learning curve, so he can hit the ground running on draft day.

Weaknesses
1. Pride: Will this franchise be able to swallow it and actually pick players from rival schools when the time comes? Or will they mimic Aids' draft strategy from a year ago? (i.e. 1st round pick: Tyshawn Taylor)

2. New kid on the block: I can only hope he knows what he's getting into. Handling the trash-talking and usually harsh criticism is never easy. And trust me, it will only get worse as the season goes on.

Polski Phoggy

Well... that didn't take long! Offense & Defense did his best Bill Self impression, hitting the recruiting trail early. It didn't take too much effort to convince one of his "disciples" that this fantasy college hoops league was too sweet of an offer to pass up. So here is a big welcome to our newest team!

Here are two potential strengths and weaknesses as a league newcomer:

Strengths

1. Commitment: Another early bird, anxious for the season to start. I can already tell he is doing his homework during the offseason.

2. International flavor: As a Croatian Sensation, I enjoy the direct display of national pride this franchise brings to the table.

Weaknesses

1. Punch line: For the most part, trash-talking is no holds barred. Your only option is to fire right back. And I can definitely see some "Polish joke" ammunition being used somewhere along the line. You've been warned...

2. New kid on the block: Similar to Offense & Defense, Polski Phoggy will have to adjust to a new environment, a tough task for any rookie.

Paul Rudd > Ashley Judd

College basketball is like a religion for the man they call "Pope". His passion for the game ranges from pickup games at the KU Rec Center, to social gatherings watching his beloved Jayhawks, to late night/early morning hoops debates with yours truly. Never afraid to voice his opinion, I anticipate this franchise being one of the league's bigger talkers. Let's see if Paul Rudd > Ashley Judd can hold their own from day one.

Here are two potential strengths and weaknesses as a league newcomer:

Strengths

1. Attention to detail: From draft day through the playoffs, few teams will be more prepared than this rookie.

2. Stat stuffer: As you know, fantasy leagues revolve around statistics, something this franchise knows inside and out.

Weaknesses

1. Trigger happy: This owner is often quick to announce coaches/players as "the best/worst in the whole world." We'll see if his George Steinbrenner "shoot-from-the-hip" style reserves a room at the Heartbreak Hotel.

2. Think tank: His tendency to overanalyze could end up leaving his team in the dust. This franchise will need to learn on the run, in order to survive as a league rookie.