Name:
Jon Corley

Position:
Writer

About The Author
Jon Corley is a long tenured Team 3D writer who currently heads 3D.NY's Website Staff

As much as it pains me to admit, it seems as though 3D.NY is suffering from Chicago Cub Syndrome. For those of you who live under a rock or have been in a bomb shelter for the last 100 years, the Chicago Cubs haven't won the World Series since 1908. It seems as though once October rolls around, they never fail to disappoint. Although it may seem like a harsh comparison, I have two seasons of statistics which illustrate just this.


If I were to guess, I would say that 3D is cursed. Similar to the great bambino leaving the Red Sox, Rambo leaving 3D has cursed the organization. With two promising regular seasons under their belts, 3D.NY was expected to make the finals and possibly win a world championship for two years now. However, as if it were a cruel joke, 3D.NY has struggled to even make it out of the first round, ultimately leading to their early exit for two concurrent years. Falling apart at the seams every July has become commonplace for the 3D.NY squad. The winningest team in CGS Regular Season history, amassing a 16-8 Record over two seasons, 3D.NY has stumbled twice already, not even making it out of the gate.

Finishing the 2008 regular season with a 10-2 record and the #1 playoff seed, 3D.NY was expected to stroll through the playoffs and all but assured a spot in the North American Final. Averaging 24 points for and 22 against during the regular season, 3D.NY had complete control of their destiny as they headed into July, gaming's October.

Although they ended the regular season on a sour note, dropping a nail biter to their rivals the LA Complexity, 3D was still favored to make a deep run into the post-season and claim their rightful spot on the podium. However, with the curse full effect, Carolina proved to be their kryptonite as they bested 3D.NY, soundly defeating them 26-13. A full 10 points below their regular season average of points scored, 3D.NY had no chance on that dreadful July night. Having played the Core three times in the regular season and beating them twice, 3D.NY was heavily favored as they headed into the playoffs. Averaging 22 points a game against the Core in the regular season, 3D had all the makings of a sure thing. Giving up 26 points to Carolina that night, 3D had only twice given up more than that. Once when Carolina plowed 3D, scoring 30, and another when Wizakor and Eafra went into the shoot-out to end all shoot-outs, thereby running up the score.

Down but not out, 3D had a chance to make the next round if they could get past the San Francisco Optx whom they had bested twice already in the regular season. Holding a perfect 2-0 record over the Optx, 3D.NY was once again expected to walk away with the win and advance into the next round. Averaging 24 points against them in the regular season, all 3D had to do was play at their statistical average and they would be assured a win. However, as well all know, fate wouldn't allow it and 3D.NY was terrorized by San Francisco, losing 23-17. A full 7 points below their regular season average, 3D.NY once again dropped the ball and was sent packing earlier than expected. Like any good analyst will tell you, defense wins championships, and it is no different in gaming. Although there is no clearly defined defense or offense, once must adhere to a strict law of averages and do their best to maintain an even kilter.

You may be asking yourself at this point, why bring up such a touchy subject for no apparent reason. Rest assured, I have my reasons and I will explain myself in due time. I am a die-hard 3D.NY Fan. I have known some of the players for a couple of years now and have a great personal relationship with GM Dave "Moto" Geffon. Although at times I may find it hard to stick to my guns and root for 3D.NY, it is no more difficult than rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, an all but arbitrary task at times. Having stuck with them through thick and thin, it will be all the more sweet when they final put the nail in the coffin and seal the deal. It is not a matter of if; it is simply a matter of when. 3D.NY is far too talented of a team to continue to underachieve in the playoffs. If the history books on the CGS were written today and the case was closed, 3D.NY would go down as the best team to never win a championship, right there beside the Carolina Core.

Our time in LA this last season was shared with the Boston Celtics. A storyline which all but echoes 3D's, Boston was once the most dominant franchise in all of sports, but having been without an NBA Championship for over 20 years, they were itching for another. With all the talent in the world, it was simply a matter of will and determination which ultimately led to the Celtics Championship. I think 11-time World Champion Bill Russell summed it up best when sitting down with Kevin Garnett before the playoffs.

"If you play the way you play, and you dedicate yourself to doing it, they will come. It's like that field of dreams, if you build it they will come. You may have to put your arms around a couple of guys and take them with you, but you can't drag em. You got to put your arms around them and take them with you." - Bill Russell

These two seasons have been meant everything, and yet nothing at the same time. Although it may seem unrealistic to predict next year's result when the draft hasn't even occurred yet, let alone the regular season, I have always been ahead of the curve. After two seasons of high's and low's, the franchise as a whole has learned a lot about themselves and each other. There is no team in the CGS which shares as strong a bond that the 3D.NY Family shares and ultimately, they will be rewarded for their hard-work. Having felt the pain of flying a red eye back home already twice in July, I can assure that we will not be suffering the same fate for a third time. You learn a lot through winning, but learn a great deal more by losing.

Oh yee of little faith.