Roster:
- Sal "Volcano" Garozzo
- Kyle "Ksharp" Miller
- Jon "juan" Mumm
- Nick "nickn0it" Nowakowski
- Mikey "method" So

Predicted Finish

sapphiRe's prediction: 2/16
Mike's prediction: 2/16

Composite prediction: 2nd place, 12-3

How They Got Here

The last time New York 3D competed in CEVO-P (Season 5), the team ended the season with a mediocre-at-best 5-7 record. Though the finish was better than the start; they opened the year with a horrendous 0-7 mark. Over half a year (and two huge roster changes) later, 3D.NY was welcomed back into the placement tournament with open arms, looking like one of the teams to beat.

But they did have a small stumble during the PT. In group play, Skull Gaming stunned 3D in a best-of-three series, but otherwise New York had little trouble advancing to the double elimination bracket. Following consecutive wins over vANSKAP and Skull, 3D qualified for CEVO-P.

Looking Ahead

3D’s aforementioned turnaround from 5-7 in CEVO to 8-4 in the CGS came mostly thanks to the CGS draft. The additions of n0it and juan paid immediate dividends as 3D started this past CGS season with a 5-0 record, knocking off every other Source team. They were shaping up to be the best team in the league, but they couldn’t keep up their hot start down the stretch and the Dallas Venom, neck-in-neck with them most of the season, soared past them in the final few matches.

Nonetheless, 3D finished in second place with an 8-4 record, just behind the Venom's 9-3 record.

A similar pattern is emerging in the CGS Pro-AM league. 3D was undefeated with big wins over the '94 Knicks and compLexity while Dallas trailed just behind. And again, Dallas took the lead after beating New York heads-up. I was expecting a close match-up, but Dallas wiped the floors of de_dust2 with New York, ending 3D's win streak with an ugly 10-3 score.

3D's CEVO-P season should closely resemble their CGS and Pro-AM seasons. There’s no reason to think otherwise. They have the talent, as well as the teamwork, communication and productive attitudes, to be a top team this season.

However, just as before, I see the Venom edging out 3D in the end. New York should have a great season that ends in the playoffs, and there’s no doubt they have what it takes to beat the reigning CEVO-P champs, but right now the Venom simply look too good and have yet to show me any reason why they shouldn't be above 3D.

And that holds true even if New York gets off to a hot start. Again.

--sapphiRe