MSBL Power Rankings - Pre-Season Edition

1. Lakeside Lightning (24-2 record in 2011, first place) - They may not be the defending champions, but few would argue Lakeside aren't the team to beat. Steve Butler's retirement is a blow, but with the likes of Luke Payne, Ben Beran and Jarrad Prue they're still tremendously talented and deserve to be title favourites.

2. Australia Belt Scrapers Wanneroo Wolves (18-2, second) - Like in 2011, the Wolves shape as Lakeside's biggest challenger. They may struggle early in the season as NBL commitments will hurt, but they've kept their local core together and made a couple of key signings to ensure they'll contend for back-to-back titles.

3. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (15-11, seventh) - The Tigers, bundled out in the quarter-finals, were big disappointments in 2011. But with several key signings, including the addition of a second import, Willetton are capable of pushing for the championship.

4. Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers (9-17, 11th) - Like Willetton, Geraldton have made major off-season changes on the back of a frustrating 2011 campaign. The return of Daniel Thomas, along with a change of second import, should see the Buccs back in the top four.

5. Perth Redbacks (15-11, sixth) - The Redbacks were inconsistent and struggled defensively last year, but they're well positioned to improve. Jarrad Prior's return is huge, while Michael Vigor should have a big year after spending the summer with the Perth Wildcats.

6. Silver Lake Resources Goldfields Giants (12-14, ninth) - A change of coach and the big addition of former Cockburn import Ty Harrelson should see the Giants improve significantly on a disappointing 2011 campaign.

7. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (17-9, fourth) - Perry Lakes fell heartbreaking short of a title in 2011, but they'll likely struggle to get that far again. The loss of Anthony Lee is huge, but Ben Purser should have a big year after his Wildcats experience.

8. Cockburn Cougars (18-8, third) - The Cougars shocked everyone to make the finals in 2011, largely on the back of outstanding imports Harrelson and Stanley Ocitti. Without them they'll struggle to reach similar heights but should still make the eight.

9. Mandurah Magic (7-19, 13th) - Injuries derailed Mandurah's 2011 campaign but with two strong and healthy imports, the Magic should at least challenge for a finals spot this year and could even make the top six if everything goes right. Ben Smith's departure will really hurt though.

10. ATD Stirling Senators (15-11, fifth) - The Senators got hot at the right time last year and were helped by a friendly tiebreaker scenario, but it's unlikely they'll fare as well in 2012. A finals appearance is far from out of the question though.

11. People's Choice East Perth Eagles (15-11, eighth) - New coach Adam Forde has put a focus on youth development, which may hurt now but should pay off in the future. A run to the finals is still possible though if Drew Williamson joins after his NBL commitments again.

12. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (10-16, 10th) - Kalamunda frustrated with their inconsistencies last year but generally lacked the talent to make the eight. A finals appearance this year is probably unlikely too.

13. Rockingham Peel Finance Flames (12th, 7-19) - Carlin Hughes' retirement will hurt, but the Flames have some promising youngsters who they'll turn to in the hope of competing for a spot in the finals for the first time since 2008.

14. Collie Crane Hire Southwest Slammers (0-26, 14th) - At least the Slammers can't get any worse. They've won just one of their past 64 games and aren't about to surge into the finals, but should at least win a few games.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)

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