It is that time of year again. The time for sports talkers to become sports participators, or something like that. On Wednesday, March 27th, 97.5 The Fanatic will hold its postgame Knockout Tournament on the Wells Fargo Center floor following the Philadelphia 76ers-Los Angeles Clippers game.

I made waves last year as the new guy in the office who broke down the odds for each person on staff’s ability to win the Knockout Tournament. As a way to alleviate Pat Egan’s workload, I have taken it upon myself to both make the odds and analyze the staff’s ability to win the contest.

Before we get to the odds, it’s important to remember that I am an impartial observer of my colleague’s ability to shoot a free throw. This commentary is in no way a reflection of the way I feel about my co-workers. Naturally, this will be ignored by them and I will become a villain to some.

The Fanatic Staff Participating in Knockout

I am in no way endorsing any contestant by giving them good odds. For example, there is nothing in the world I want to see more than Connor Thomas be eliminated early on. However, I have to respect the former champion.

Speaking of our new morning show producer, he will have a lot to prove with Tom Alvord returning to the tournament this year. Tom was the 2022 champion and has called into question the legitimacy of Connor’s title.

That’s hardly the biggest storyline heading into this year’s tournament.

The last year has seen Nik Stauskas become involved with the station during the “Sixers in 60” program once a week. I’d say shooting 81.2% in the NBA has a good shot at translating in a tournament that will feature a bunch of radio talkers.

A man who covered Stauskas’s Sixers career closely was Bob Cooney, who announced on his new Middays Show on Tuesday that he will participate for the first time. For all the old jokes, if he can just knock down his initial free throw, he’s got a chance.

Finally, Bill Colarulo has made his grand entrance to weekend hosting here at the station. He may be known for his Eagles insights, but word is that he’s got talent on the hardwood.

What will happen? Well, that’s why we shoot free throws.

Here are the odds for all 14 Fanatic Staff members playing Knockout this year:

• Nik Stauskas (-400, Last year: N/A)

  This is pretty obvious. He is the only person on this list who actually shot free throws on the Wells Fargo Center in a real game. However, that experience makes you a prime target for people to try to knock out. We’ll see if he dials it up the way that we know he can.

   

  

  (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

  CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 14: Nik Stauskas #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers dirves against Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 14, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 115-96.

• Andrew Salciunas (+125, Last year: -110)

  Some people don’t realize the amount of basketball that Andrew plays. He was highly touted going into last year’s contest, but now? He’s a morning show host. All ears on you in the morning and all eyes on you at the free throw line. He needs to show out.

• Connor Thomas (+150, Last year: +115)

  The new morning show producer and the reigning champ. It’s been an insufferable year listening to him talk about how he won. I’ll give him the respect of solid odds to win. However, it’s quite clear that he will be playing against everyone else.

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• Tom Alvord (+200, Last year: N/A)

  After not getting the opportunity to repeat last year, Tom has taken every opportunity to question the legitimacy of Connor’s title. Tom’s smack talk is a little out of character, feels like he might be writing checks that he’s unable to cash. Inevitably, that line will upset him so I’m sure he’ll try to take that out on me. Hopefully, he doesn’t get too distracted with making me pay for that comment that he forgets to compete with Connor.

  

• Bob Cooney (+300, Last year: N/A)

  Bob likes to tell the tales of basketball games gone by. Legend goes that Dr. James Naismith taught Bob how to shoot into a peach basket. No doubt he can knock down free throws, but how will he chase down a miss? We literally don’t know. He hasn’t participated in years.

  

• Ricky Bottalico (+450, Last year: +300)

  Ricky is a former professional athlete, but his effort last year was lackluster. Knockout night falls the night before Phillies Opening Day. This is a trap contest for Ricky Bo. I’ll respect his athleticism, but I doubt he’s got the heart to win it.

  

  Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewa

• Bill Colarulo (+500, Last year: N/A)

  The new man gets his chance. Full disclosure, Bill and I have been in the building once together. Seems like a great dude and I’ve enjoyed his shows. Someone mentioned that he’s good at hoops so that’s about all I’ve got. He also will have the added advantage of everyone being nice to the new guy and not trying to knock him out.

• Sylvana Kelleher (+750, Last year: N/A)

  Getting her first opportunity to participate, I have a feeling that Sylvana possesses a sneaky talent on the court. I know she’s quite competitive and anxious to make a name for herself. If that can be channeled for good, she’s in a great spot. There is, however, always the alternative.

• Brendan Gunn (+800, Last year: N/A)

  I just have a feeling that he’s going to choke. No real scientific reason. While he’s been working in the mornings for a while now, he might just be mentally spent by the end of this game and ready to get home. Or, I am giving him hell because he’s a Temple grad that cheers for Nova. 

• Ray Dunne (+800, Last year: N/A)

  I got the office buzzing by waving goodbye to Dylan MacKinnon after knocking him out last year. It was a wonderful distraction to the fact that I can’t shoot. Free throws at the moment aren’t a disaster for me, but I know my limitations. I also smoked a layup playing pickup a few weeks ago so my confidence is at an all-time low.

• Dylan MacKinnon (+1000, Last year: +1000)

  He was allegedly the runner-up in 2022. I wasn’t there. But it’s worth noting that the 2022 game was the debut of James Harden with the 76ers. This year’s game represents the return of James Harden to face the 76ers. Maybe his niche is performing on big nights. Dylan’s really just hoping that his shooting sleeve this year gets him further into the tournament.

   

• Haley Taylor Simon (+1100, Last year: +450)

  A steep drop in odds for Haley. I have to be honest, I remember her getting out early last year. Shorter player. If this was played on ice, I would feel better about her chances.

• Pat Egan (+3000, Last year: +5000)

  The new host of Philly Sports Tonight doubted himself last year. He is still vertically challenged as compared to many of the competitors. Every once in a while, Saint Peter’s makes a run. However, it’s only a story because it hardly happens. Love ya, Pat.

• Mike Vito (+5000, Last year: N/A)

  He worked last year’s game. He’s got a big fancy title now. There’s no way in the world that this staff will let one of the big wigs win in this contest. Sorry, Vito.

  *Update from Dylan- Vito did not take kindly to Ray giving him the worst odds (Yes I know I used the wrong version of you’re in the text.)*

  

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