Fans were skeptical when hometown hero Jorge Toney was sold along with prospect Sabine and journeyman Najjar in order to usher in the era of Banner for the Orcs. But management asked for patience, promising an exciting future built around the dynamic duo of Banner and Meade. Grumbles erupted into scorn when the Orcs finished 7th in season 67 and collapsed under the (Pittsburgh) pressure of a relegation series to fall into Division II. But management doubled down on the Banner train, saying goodbye to standout SG Meade and long-time C Spain in a bid to remain solvent in DII.
Promises of a team built around the star PF went unfulfilled for much of season 68. And fans berated management as they appeared not to care about the plight of the Orcs. When relief finally came in the form of the "Italian Wings," Manzoni and Allegrezza, the Orcs were locked in a fierce battle with the Bison for a 7th place finish and a shot at redemption in a relegation series. The Orcs logged exciting late season wins versus Deronimo, OC Raiders, and a final game victory over Slashing Dragons. But Orcs fans were left watching the late Pistons-Bison game to learn their fate. A Pistons win meant a relegation series as a 7 seed. A Bison win meant a one-way ticket to DIII. The Pistons trailed much of the game, but made a late surge to pull ahead in the fourth. Finally the game was tied with 0:36 on the clock. Orc fans were waiting for OT after each team missed an opportunity to pull ahead when (after seven missed attempts that night) Bison SG Andreatta put up a three in transition at the buzzer. Orcs fans were left stunned as the sound of ball on net sealed their fate, giving the Bison the win and sending them to DIII.
What does the future hold for our beloved Orcs? The end of the Banner era is upon us. Two young prospects, Upchurch and Simmons, provide a modicum of hope for Orcs fans, although management has floated a clean-slate rebuild. It will be telling to see what comes out of the draft and early season transactions for the Orcs. If anything is certain, it is that rebuilding seasons are upon us.
Manager Rhyminsimon was quoted after the loss saying, "Go Orcs! Play the long game!" Fans are not thrilled...