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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)*
