The Os have launched a new feature allowing you, the fan, to vote on the newest O's nickname.

Poll: Cory's Nickname

• HardCore
• SoftCore
• THE Hot Carl
• Falcore
• Marine Core
• Pharthouse
• The 2 Cories
• The Neverending Cory
• What's that Smell?

The Os have launched a new feature allowing you, the fan, to vote on the newest O's nickname.
Early poll results are in...

After a disappointing showing in the playoffs, the Os were forced to face one more indignity when the crew of Inside the NBA kept up a playoff tradition.

Your intrepid Os reporter has decided to not address the interesting officiating of the last few weeks (where profanity has suddenly become worthy of multiple technical fouls). Instead, we'll take a look at the upcoming historic playoffs. For at least the last 6 years, the C- schedule has not included playoffs, but now the Spring of 2009 is a break with history.

The C- regular season ended with a very symmetrical final standings. No team lost to a team below them in the standings and no team defeated a team above them. Using log5 analysis similar to that of Ken Pomeroy (www.kenpom.com), the breakdown of the odds in the playoffs are depicted below. I normalized for any wins greater than 16 points (I think someone somewhere determined that was a significant number is college basketball).

		Record	Round 1	Round 2	Champ
1	Slo-break	7-0	99.582%	93.587%	54.071%
2	Sub!	6-1	99.540%	72.306%	36.940%
3	Dawn Patrol	5-2	97.017%	27.640%	8.416%
4	Jedi Knights	4-3	43.136%	2.380%	.181%
5	Waterway	3-4	56.864%	4.007%	.391%
6	OsBasketball.com	2-5	2.983%	.045%	.001%
7	Team Wood Ranch	1-6	.460%	.009%	.000%
8	Mogs	0-7	.418%	.026%	.000%

The calculation reveals that Slo-Break has a 54% chance of taking home the championship to cap off their undefeated season. Resurgent Sub! has a 37% chance of winning the championship, with Dawn Patrol having an 8% chance. "The Field" has a little under a 1% chance.

As for the Os chances, there is a solid 3% chance they can pull the Round 1 upset. In Round 2, there is a 99% probability of facing Sub, but if Team Wood Ranch pulled the upset, the Os would be favored to make the Championship Game, so Os fans, be sure to be ready to get your tickets for that May 19th showdown with Slo-Break for the title.

These statistical methods are less effective with a small sample size and tend to overestimate the good teams and underestimate the poor teams, so it is safe to say that the Os certainly should be favorites to win the title.

With a win in the fourth week of the Fall 2008 season the Os evened their record at 2-2. It looks like the Os have gotten back to concentrating on the defense. The O 'D' has improved each week. The defense has brought the wins, putting the Os back within contention for the competitive Camarillo C- league title.

The team's scoring has stayed consistent throughout the season. A new bonus for the team that has generally relied on defensive strategies. With some tough games ahead they have their work cut out for them but trends are positive.

The Os have started the new fall season a disappointing 0-2. But not all looks grim for the team that finished last season in second place with it's first positive record (4-1). The two losses were both games in which the Os had legitimate chances at winning towards the end of the game but were unable to close. We take a look at the stats.

The Os are currently the top scoring team in the league. Unheard of for the historically defensively oriented team. Not surprisingly the two teams to have defeated the Os follow them in scoring. So the problem lies on the defensive side. The Os are second to last in points allowed. If the Os can get back their defense the wins should come.

By Jeffrey Dransfeldt
Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Group of friends has a real ball on and off the court in men's basketball league

Five years ago, Erik Olson and Ken Seldeen decided they'd had enough of the five-finger workout known as video games.

They needed a new challenge and switched from virtual reality to reality by signing up for a men's basketball league through the Pleasant Valley Parks and Recreation Department in Camarillo.

Typically, men's leagues are a haven for former high school and college basketball players holding onto memories of past glory or high school players staying fit in the offseason, except this team, dubbed the O's, brought together a collection of guys with no organized basketball experience.

Olson and Seldeen, who signed the team up for C-minus, the lowest level available, co-founded the team.

The night before their first game, they went out behind a house shared by Olson, Seldeen and Seldeen's brother, Doug, and spray painted numbers on $5 jerseys from The T-Shirt Wherehouse in Oxnard.

The O's created a new standard for losing with a 1-55 start, but have improved, going 4-6 last spring and 1-2 so far this summer.

The team has a Web site — http://osbasketball — that switches back and forth between being laughable and serious. Olson does much of the graphics and Brian Johnson provides the writing.

The basketball for this team is enjoyable, but it's the camaraderie that stands out. After every game, the O's gather at local restaurants for food and drinks.

Johnson, who works as a financial analyst for Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, lives in North Hollywood, makes the trip from work for games. Eleven members of the team over the years have been tied together since attending Rio Mesa High in the 1990s. The team has gained other teammates through friends and friends of friends.

"That's half the fun and then reminiscing about all the stupid plays or great plays or whatever happened," Johnson said.

The O's created a trophy for the most valuable individual known as the Ophy, which usually goes to a player, but it can go to anybody, including the stat keeper. The award, an old lamp with a felt basketball at the top, is decided by votes written on napkins.

"I keep hearing guys talking about they've got spots for it or their wives will be saying, What's this thing sitting in our room?' " Olson said.

Olson used to work for Treehouse Interactive, a Web design company that's since moved to Utah. He created Web sites for corporate companies and in his free time created the team's site.

"I'd always fooled around with different Web sites just for fun, so I just threw that together and kept building on it, and it's still a work in progress," Olson said. "We have sections we've always thought about putting something in, but haven't gotten to yet."

Mixing humor and statistics, the site lists Kobe Bryant as a top story, saying the O's are considering a trade for the Los Angeles Lakers star. Bryant's picture is attached and an O's jersey is transposed over the purple and gold. Links offer a look at the O's history, statistics, players past and present, schedules and multimedia.

The latest multimedia piece is a video of the O's and looks back at their creation. Johnson made it, which uses a Star Wars-style opening and Ken Burns' "Civil War"-style production. It can be seen on Youtube.com at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EURWBxGbW9I.

There also game recaps extend throughout their five-year history, offering team members a nostalgic look into past seasons.

"I forget stuff," Olson said. "Every so often, I'll go back on there and take a look at them and I'll go That was pretty funny.' "

O's introduction to organized basketball in 2003 brought with it a crash course in aches and pains, and the occasional injury as Olson learned in the last game of the team's first season.

"I just came down after going up for a rebound and just heard a pop and tore my ACL and my meniscus and had a lot of fun with that," Olson said. "That was not good."

The knee injury kept him out the summer season and fall until he returned in spring 2004. The summer Olson sat out, the O's missed the cutoff date for C-minus sign-ups and were bumped up to C-plus— the highest level.

They experienced their first 100-point loss and went winless, before moving back down to C- the next season. The long-term goal, written into the team's history shown on the Web site, is the NBA by Year 10.

Team members are happy to stick to the C- league for now.

"We're still seeing how it goes," Olson said. "If we started dominating C- league, we might look to move up a league. I don't know. We'd have to see. We're still waiting for that even season there."

Find the story on the Ventura County Star's website at:
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/jul/17/for-the-fun-of-the-game/

Download the podcast of the story on the Ventura County Star's website at:
http://venturacountystar.robocaster.com/download.mp3?http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/jul/17/for-the-fun-of-the-game/

CAMARILLO (AP) - Os insiders have revealed that the Os organization has started preliminary talks with the Lakers regarding a possible trade for Kobe Bryant. A highly place Os source says the Os have offered The Giant, Roster Guard, and two future O prospects for Kobe. The Lakers are said to like the idea of The Giant achoring their front line, but they are still hoping to pull off a deal for Kevin Garnett.

Update: The Os organization have not released official word on the earlier reported Kobe Bryant deal. Officials stated they are pleased with the current lineup and like the progress the team is making. Giving the talent of Bryant and the expected domiance he would bring to the C- leagues it is hard to believe the team would not explore the possibility of bringing Kobe to the team.

Five years and strong as ever. One thing the Os have always been is exciting. Exciting both on and off the court. The organization has long term goals and some of the fruits of their plans are starting to bud.

A few years ago the club understood the need to plan for the future. As respected and hard working as the current crop of players are it is clear that they will not be able to play forever. The team has been developing a young group to strengthen its ranks. Farm system for a C- league team? Unheard of? Not anymore.

Daniel is a promising up and comer. Powerful inside moves coupled with a aggressive attitude with the ball puts him in position to some day make the club. Growing up the son of a legendary original O, BIG D, Daniel aka lil' duggy knows the spirit of the O and will obviously have skillz on the defensive end.

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

O girl waits for turn on the court. Sasha has always been there for the team. One of the most spirited fans at the court every game she comes ready. Dedication through orange could be her motto always appearing at the games in full orange gear nearly rivaling that of Mr. Smooth himself. Recently Sasha has been seen working on her ball handling and passing. Promising signs for future wins.

Already eyeing the Ophy. Danica is keen on learning every aspect of the Os organization. She does not same much instead preferring to watch over everything with an eagle's eye. With varied interests and talents the team may have trouble keeping her in the fold full time. But make no mistake, Danica bleeds orange.

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

No looking back. With an uncontrollable appetite for the ball and endless energy Kimberly is considered a high prospect in the youth movement. Already known for her hunger for the ball she has been training since a very young age. Dribbling, slashing to the net, and running are just part of everyday life. With a work ethic like that, success is not a question of if but rather when.

The club is reaching all new levels and sees only potential for even better times ahead. Strength for the future through the past.

For all you Os fans and fans of the power of 10, this Tuesday will mark a monumental occasion in Os history. That’s right, on 10/10 the Os will play their 100th game! Be sure to make it out to the Hamilton Arena.

Of course, that isn’t the only milestone the Os are shooting for. They will be suiting up for a chance at their 10th all-time win (and trying to avoid their 20th loss of 2006).

On top of such great team history, numerous individual milestones may be set:

• --Newest O, Buckets, is just 1 point away from 30 points as an O.
• --Steve-O is just one Ophy vote away from bringing his Os leading count up to 30. He’s also just 4 points from 180, 4 rebounds from 330, and a five foul foul out would give him 110 fouls in his career.
• --Shaq-O-Neil, the Da Vinci in the Os renaissance, is 3 points away from 130 for his career.
• --Lil’ Joe, is just 1 point away from 290 (and 10 from 300)!
• --E-Bomb, playing in his 70th game, will be 1 point from 280, and 3 rebounds from 430 in his career.
• --With 1 field goal, Duggo will take his total to 100. Two Ophy votes will give him 20 in his career.
• --Big D will hit 120 rebounds with only 2 more. He’s also 3 steals away from 30 and 3 Ophy votes from 10.
• --Mr. Smooth is a mere 2 rebounds from number 300, and 1 assist from 70.

So, if you think the base-10 decimal system is the greatest thing since sliced bread, you need to make sure you see the Os on Tuesday!

Die hard fans of the Os often wonder which games are the best to attend. Mr. Smooth has taken it upon himself to study Os trends by game time.

And the answer is: 8 o'clock games feature the best Os performances (on average). The Os have 2 of their 4 wins at 8. They've played their closest games and shot their highest percentage during games starting at 8.

In addition, 10 out of 19 Os score their most points during 8 o'clock games. Several individual Os have also performed well at 9 o'clock games, but the Os have yet to win a late game.

See for yourself. The below stats illustrate the best Os performances by time in green, and the worst in red.

Attention Os players and fans! April 25th is the official Statgirl Day.

The Statgirls have to put up with a lot. While they attend Os games, they don't get to enjoy them like the rest of the crowds at the games. Their viewing of the Os juggernaut is constantly interrupted by their duties as stat keepers. Without their contributions, there would be no Os database, no box scores, no standard deviations of points scored by players. Postgame conversations would lag as everyone stared at a pitcher, but could not remember how many points they scored.

And for all this, what thanks do we give the Statgirls? Sure, we buy them a dinner now and then. We thank them sometimes. However, most of the time we complain. "Hey, you missed my block!" "Didn't you see my sweet assist?" It's time for a change.

By a recent act of Congress, the fourth Tuesday in April has been designated Statgirl Day. That day, April 25th, is just around the corner. So be sure to give some mad props to your local Statgirl. Stop and buy a Hallmark Statgirl card. See if Target still has those awesome basketball pens. Just make sure the Os Statgirls feel appreciated.

PVRPD Basketball returns for an exciting fall season. Many of the usual suspects are back, and some may be back with new names. Reviews (in order of projected standings):

First Place: Os
     So far, 2005 has been the greatest year of Os basketball ever. The team has tripled the franchise total for wins, posted its highest winning percentage for a season, and stayed close in virtually every game during the summer. The team is even featured on the wall of their favorite local establishment, Garfield's Bar and Grill.
     The Os look to continue these winning ways and become the dominant team in C- basketball. Although their attempts to acquire free agent Ray Allen and make a trade for Shaquille O'Neal did not work out, the Os seem well-tooled to take the C- league by storm.

     Frontcourt: The Os are anchored in the middle by the dominating tandem of Steve-O and team MVP, The Giant. Playing a unique inside-outside point-forward game is E-Bomb.
     Backcourt: The Os' backcourt again will feature the free-wheeling run-and-gun stylings of Mr. Smooth, Duggo, and Lil' Joe. Dangerous from outside and with mad-dribbling skillz, they are a tough trio to beat.
     Others: As always, the Os will surely feature cameo appearances by former Os, aspiring Os, and others.

Second Place: Bricklayers
     The Bricklayers' domination of C- league seems sure to end with the challenge of the improving Os. They no longer have that tall guy. Plus, their inability to invent a drink as cool as the O-Bomb spells certain failure in the future.

The Rest:
     Jedi Knights, Bottleworks, Climbing the Hill, and Sub! all seem to be familiar teams with their usual challenges. Newcomers may or may not include The Doggs: Reloaded (possibly the latest incarnation of G-Unit) and Monday's Gone (possibly a team that moved from the Monday Night 30+ league). Monday's Gone features a manager with the last name of Deardorff, so one must hypothesize that they will be a tremendously annoying team.

The team today unveiled the new jersey design. This is the first official jersey change since the franchise has been in existence. The jerseys have a new modern look while still staying true to the Os original look and feel. Fans are clamoring to get a look at these on the court.

Entering the 2005 campaign, the Os have assembled a fantastic new team. After some difficulties late in 2004 following the release and retirement of several Os stalwarts (including IverKen, Focker, and Duggo), the Os knew they had to hit the free agent market hard to find some new players.

The offseason featured several spirited scrimmages including some big names. On the first day in training camp, E-Bomb schooled Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq was heard muttering that he would be stuck settling with the Heat. Numerous other NBA players came out to see how they would stack up against the mighty Os. As it turns out, they did not do too well. None of the so-called "Big Names" had what it took to crack the Os squad. Even Michael Jordan contemplated a return from retirement only to find that he didn't have what it takes to make the Os.

As a result of this tough screening process, the Os have assembled their 2005 squad with several "All-Time Os," some familiar faces from early in Os history, and a few new faces. Without a doubt, this new assemblage of Os should put up some amazing numbers in 2005. Be sure to see them!



Kevin Garnett unsuccessfully tries to block Duggo during a recent scrimmage. Retired Duggo was helping the Os find his successor.



Ben Wallace gets angry as Lil' Joe throws the ball off of him to retain possession.



E-Bomb drives hard to the basket around a frustrated Shaq.

Michael Jordan finds himself overwhelmed trying to defend The Giant in the post. This was probably MJ's last opportuity to join the Os.

The PVRPD opens the 2004 year with several intriguing developments. Many teams return from previous seasons, but one can't help but wonder how certain teams have improved… Obviously in just a few years, the Camarillo C- league may be a breeding ground for NBA stars. Our observations...

Favorites:
The Bricklayers. This team has featured a 6'9" player and usually posts a good record. Most teams in the league concur that they belong in one of the higher C leagues.

Wildcard:
The Os. Even though they went 1-24 in 2003, the Os were surging toward the end of the year. They won their first game ever and went into overtime in another year. One must imagine that an offseason of rigorous training has turned the Os into a basketball playing machine. The Os will be returning a key player from injury (E-Bomb), and have even gone out in the free agent market to pick up new possible players (Little Joe). However, one source of tension on the team is the "Treehouse team" (aka Ass Jammers) controversy. Several players may no longer be allowed to play for the Os due to their appearance on other rec league teams. Tempers have run high at Os practices, and observers wonder if the Os will be able to put together a solid season.

Runners Up:
Climbing the Hill. Typically is a solid team that plays an uptempo game. They fell victim to the power of the Os in the 2003 fall season.

Hustlers. A team known for its wide-open style. It has taken top teams to overtime, but struggled to beat the Os without the Os' rebounding leader.

G-Unit. A team that was disgustingly arrogant in their first meeting with the Os. They played with more dignity in the next meeting, but left a bad taste in the mouth of the league.

Da Force. The team that is anticipated to give the Bricklayers a run for the title. They decimated the Os toward the end of the 2003 fall season when the Os became complacent after their victory.

Unknowns:
Old and Hurt. Speculation is that this is the latest incarnation of "The Big Hurt," and "Still Hurting." However, this speculation is still unconfirmed.

Airborne. Some teams are worried that this may be a new name for "Air Cobb," the weak team that totally copied the orange uniforms of the Os.

On Saturday March 20, the Os were undergoing a typical rigorous preseason practice at one of their practice facilities. There were several intrasquad scrimmages, and a ruthless game of H-O-R-S-E.

In the midst of this practice some local ballers came and challenged the Os to a game. The Os were not going to back down, even though they were outnumbered.

The challengers put up a good fight, making up for a lack of skill with hustle. Unfortunately their superior numbers and hustle were no match for the Os. Duggo really shined for the Os, recording numerous blocks and leading the team in points. Despite his sterling performance, the game came down to the final minutes, with the Os down 24-23 in a game to 25. The Os secured the victory when the other team’s player “Bigfoot” revealed himself as a traitor and became Iverken. He came up with a key rebound that led to the Os winning basket.

After the game, challengers player Scooter was heard saying that he would “never want that guy on my team again.” Although Iverken didn’t win any friends, he did help win the game.

Any chance of a rematch that night was nixed when the challengers’ mothers called them home for dinner.

The Os wish to congratulate Doug Seldeen of Camarillo, CA on winning the fabulous O's Prize Package!

After what has been called the best stretch of O's basketball in team history, the team had one of if not the worst shooting game in league history. The Os still played their style of hard-nosed ball but were not able to put the ball in the hoop.

It seemed the team had not quite recovered from the overtime loss last week. The Os only managed to score 15 points in the game. This is the lowest full game score in the team's storied history.

The Os have one more game left in the season and are looking to revenge a loss to G-Unit earlier in the season.

The Os made a run at the second win in team history with 1 point loss in Overtime.

In true O fashion the game began slowly on the offensive side of the court for the team. But playing gritty defense allowed the team to stay close until hitting their stride and narrowing the point-gap entering the half.

They played a strong second half taking a late lead. Slow Time fought back to end regulation time tied at 38.

The 3 minute O-vertime period was the first in O history. Both teams played tough defense in the extra period with Slow Time eventually pulling out the victory with a good showing at the free throw line. Final score was 42-41.

Mike stone (aka Kazaam; aka Roster Guard) had a great game sinking 5 baskets from beyond the arc.

Lights out shooting and a strong defensive effort down the stretch keyed the O's first victory in franchise history. The Os took a late lead after Ryan "The Giant" nailed a free throw following a hard foul on his drive to the basket. Then the D kicked in. Climbing the Hill was held scoreless for the last 1:30 of the game. Climbing the Hill had started the year off strong winning their first 3 games but ran into a roadblock called the Os.

The game started poorly for the Os. Fourteen points were on the board before the Os defense woke up. The team played strong the rest of the half but did not score much finishing with only 8 points.

The second half was a complete offensive turn around. The Os wore out the score board lights with an onslaught of 3 pointers and passing for easy baskets. The os played impresive Defense while setting their single half scoring record of 29 points. The game end with a 37-36 O's victory.

The Victory marked the first time the team has finished the game on the right side of the scoreboard. Most league experts see this as the start of good things for the team. They appear to be coming together and playing well against the tough teams. The O's schedule is favorable down the stretch with 3 of their 4 final games being played against teams that only managed 1 win in the first half of the season.

The Os started off the Summer Season in the C+ Camarillo Men's League. Seeing the potential and desire that the young club displayed in their first season, league officials decided they had better change the team's division to better match up competition.

Some controversy was created by this decision due mostly to the fact that the Os were unable to win a game in their first organized season. Players of the team also pointed to the fact the many of the members were either injured or unable to play in the summer league.

The Os did manage to field a strong team for the first game in ability if not in numbers. They controlled play early in the game against the home Gold's Gym team taking the lead early and holding on for the first three minutes of the young season. The team cooled off offensively but never gave up their defensive grit.

Gold's Gym ended the night with a 55-30 victory. Highlighting the Os' performance was a near double-double by The Giant. IverKen, hampered by injury, managed to put in 9 points despite a poor night shooting from the free-throw line. E-Bomb, the sole bench player for the Os, only played for 30 seconds but took advantage of situation knocking down all his shots. Duggo showed a lot of promise and kept the team fired up with his relentless energy, playing full court basketball much of game. Focker and Big D both had solid games helping the team play what is considered by some the best O's game in team history.

Os management have entered into discussions regarding the signing of three and half year old Mark Walker, Jr. Walker caught the Os' attention in private video workout after the team's first completed season.

The 3 1/2 year old Walker was able to make 18 shots in a row during the workout. The Os are hoping to sign him prior to their next full season. Mark Walker, Jr. may be the shooting guard the team has desperately needed. Walker still needs to prove that he can handle the pressure at the higher level of basketball. Walker has not yet been seen playing against any competition.

According to Mark Walker, Jr.'s website he is "Short on everything but talent, Walker is destined for the big league. With his trademark two-handed over-the-head shot, he owns the playground." You can read more about Mark Walker, Jr. and see some of his workout session at http://markwalker.reebok.com.