Punaball 2012 Golden Ball Awards (International Puna Press)

Fama · Post by **Fama** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 2:29 pm

After a long journey of pb games, I suggest that we nominate the 3 players(european/non european) that, in your opinion, were the most skilled/winners or had a surprising development during 2012 civil year. We Can't vote ourselves.

In 2012, and for the Puna 2012 Golden Ball Awards, Sponsored by International Puna Press, my votes are going to:

Golden Ball - [+] Tijny

Tijny is by far, the best Punaball player according to my standards: with a rare sense of opportunity and amazing offensive skills; he is the perfect balance for anyone who need a teammate that support your back when you need. The best player for those looking for efficiency, and more, it does so with quality above average on every play. One of the rare players who understand virtually all moves. My Favorite Teammate.

Silver Ball - [fS] Palo

Palo was for me, the surprise of the year, I had no idea that he was playing this game for too long (much longer than me ...) but I was impressed with their progress and their ability to be effective in def & att (he improved att, as he was only a def. player). I now consider him a top 3 player, which evolved quite even. Proof of this was the last Puna Cup. Very hard to beat him.

Bronze Ball - [+] Dede

Dede is always the most experienced player of this game and will always consist of the top 3 ... no doubt! Always great to play with him. Dede's also a great skilled player, who taught me some of my favorite moves. Its history speaks for itself.

My honorary Mentions(nice idea T) are going to:

Stealth8D - To be one of the best players/persons of this game. Its always great when you play with him, his teamwork skills are amazing. I think that if he were faster, he'd be one top 3 for sure! I can't play with him though, we start to cry and laughing and then we suck ...

Jan - A shame that he often use bw to defend, otherwise he'd always be major with his intelligence in game, its very nice to play with him, except in cups/leagues

Post by **Tijny** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 3:34 pm

Votes:

1. dede
This was easy, dede is the best and most all-around Punaball player from my point of view. Defense, aggressiveness, ball control, positioning and even luck, he masters it all. Except winning PB cups, he sucks at that.

2. kapa112
kapa wasn't the most active player throughout the whole year, but when he was, he always showed amazing skill with a very versatile playing style, a well-rounded balance between offense and defense.

3. Fama
This was the most difficult one, Fama's biggest strength of being aggressive and having fun is also his biggest weakness, sometimes being too playful for his own team's good. Still, his offensive teamwork is almost second to none, and if you recognize his moves for what they are, it's a joy to play with him.

Honorary mentions:

Palo
Efficiency-wise Palo is right up there with the top 3, but his no-risk playing style just doesn't appeal to me as much as the others do. Still, probably the most improved player this year, solid as a rock and always a challenge to play against.

Badeend
On a good day, Badeend can be as skilled as anyone, but he doesn't quite display that same level every time he plays. Always fun to play with, though.

Post by **dede** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 6:41 pm

As the award introduction says, we are voting the most skilled/winners or those who developed the most throughout the 2012 year. I'm voting in an objective way, then, keeping away my personal preferences.

Votes:

1. Tijny
No doubt that he is the most skilled PunaBall player. Best speed, best attacking skills, best opponent moves prediction, best tricks. Nobody can compete with him, and that's sick if you think that we've been playing this game for quite a lot of time now.
His best strength is that he is able to predict next to 100% of teammate moves: you are going for a pass? He'll be ready to receive it 0.01s later. You are approaching the pass in a bad way? He's already there, where the ball will go.

2. Palomies
He has improved a lot, solid defense is his top strength. He still lacks tricks and attack power. Basically, when playing against him, you can win by putting pressure and play an accurate defense. When playing with him, instead, you can maximize your results if you are a top player or if you are very good in attack.

3. Famagustas
He developed great attacking skills lately, something that can be compared to Tijny's ones. He lacks defense and versatility, so he is not so open to different type of playing style from his team mate.

Post by **Tijny** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 7:09 pm

dede wrote:I'm voting in an objective way, then, keeping away my personal preferences.

I tried voting objectively too, but it didn't quite work out for me. In my case, between Palo and Fama, I couldn't objectively say who the better player was, just because their styles are so completely different. And if I can't decide by objectivity, I'll have to be subjective instead and my vote goes to the playing style that lies closer to my personal PB ideals. And besides, skill itself is not even an objective thing.

kapa112 · Post by **kapa112** » Thu Dec 06, 2012 7:19 pm

Firstable - thanks for the vote, T!

My votes won't surprise anybody:

1. Tijny
He's the one who I learned from, and if I'm any good now - it's all thanks to him. The most expressive and spectacular player, always fun to play with or against(even though it's major hard to beat him). Simply the best in my opinion.

2. dede
Everybody knows dede, everybody knows his style and the fact that if you encounter him - be sure to prepare yourself for a solid duel(just to get sadly rapeth afterwards, but hey, let's die hard). I've placed him on 2nd out of personal reasons: we really suck as a team.

3. Fama
He's got the spirit like nobody else, his enthusiasm and will to play outcome even his - great, by the way - skill. Also a good partner if you get to know him.

Honorary mentions go to Badeend(Tijny described him well) and Palo, who's an emotionless serial killer.

Magico · Post by **Magico** » Fri Dec 07, 2012 9:01 am

1) Palo - The guy just seemed to improve the most during the year out of people that are still playing the game. Doesn't make many mistakes and fortifies the defence line. Also very good opponent to have to get a good warmup with. Maybe a lil bit too overractive, could use a break

2) Fama - Endless enthuasm for the game and hasn't lost his grove. Over the years the personality has seen a significant change to a very positive direction. We didn't get along back in the day but nowdays laughin over MSN and driving equally recklessly in the arena. The community could use more Fama's tbh. Thx for arranging the tournament.

3) Pingu - Needless to say me being subjective about this. Frankly should have been 1, but better not over do this or he goes crazy

My belowed loyal partner during the past years. Wish you'd get more active tho so we could actually start pwning games hihi.

Jan · Post by **Jan** » Fri Dec 14, 2012 12:22 am

1. Tijny
Very difficult to choose between Tijny and dede. Tijny knows everything about how the ball behaves in every situation and how the other players react and can use that knowledge to do what he wants. Also can play well almost with anybody, which claims him the first spot over dede.

2. dede
Very close to Tijny. A great player all-around but usually requires more from his teammates to getting used to his playing style. Still one of the best team players if playing with a correct teammate.

3. Fama
The first two were easy to pick, but for the 3rd spot there are numerous options. Fama stands out from the rest by his unique individual skills and great attacking display.

Honorary mentions:

Stealth
I love to play with and against him. You never have a boring match with this guy. I'd really like to try playing (=losing

) a quick puna tournament with him.

Palomies
He sucks, because he was never supposed to be a better punaballer than I am.

StealthBD · Post by **StealthBD** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 10:54 pm

1. Tijny the Undefeated

For me the top notch of the whole party. He really shines brightly in the field with his massively destructive cannon balls. which I ended up (kind of) learning from. Tzao hallmark is his consistent speed and unsurpassable ball technique. Young players, please watch and learn from this experienced professional and good friend of ours, for he will show you the path to true enlightment.

2. Famagustas the Speed Demon

I have to say, Famao was an unexpected surprise for us this year. This player's acute sense of field awareness and verocious aggressiveness, makes famao a very intimidating opponent. I can't keep up with this player's speed being naturally a more defensive player. Congratulations Famao, you deserve to be number 2.

3. Palo the One Voyeur

Palo, I would like to concede this title proudly to you my friend. You have proven to us that that defense can also be the best offence, specially when participating with or against you during tournaments, because your defensive capability is simply frustratingly awesome! Adding the fact you developed recently an attacking posture that completes your profile, making you both resilient and painfully impenetrable. I always knew you had it within you man.

Honorary mentions:

(I know you people are going to killl me for this one later)
(1) Popowitch - Popowitch, the fact that your game is selfish, quite immature and very very cumbersome for any person that plays with you, makes your greatest power hidden from the eyes of the majority, Loyalty. You my friend have proven to me this Winter League that it was trully worthy playing alongside you, and that when you set your eyes and heart on something, you don't give up, at all popo, determined to fight till the last drop of sweat. Congratulations Popowitch.

(2) Jan - I will openly admit that as a player Jan is quite a fascination, since from what I observed so far, he is the kind that fits well with any play style. Known to be a very all around balanced player, this friend of mine don't falter or shivers with the thought of certain defeat. It is always a pleasure to play with him since you know he will be there, carefully assisting you. Knowing also Jan a bit as a person, I noticed he is a very VERY friendly person to be around with, and honestly I must say, you can count on him if you need his help for anything. Thank-you for being part of the community Jan.

Fama · Post by **Fama** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 1:51 pm

As the votes ended, and although we have a short significant sample, these are the Results of the Punaball 2012 Awards extracted during this month.
1st- Tijny
2nd - Dede/Palo
3rd - Fama

Tijny is considered by the majority of players the Best Punaballer of this Year, followed by 2 (!) silver Punaballers with 2 votes each, Dede and Palo. I had 2 votes for 2nd place too, but since Palo and Dede have 1 vote for 1st place and I have none (even though i have 4 votes for bronze). Hence, I think they deserve to be side by side in the 2nd place. To complete the Podium, Fama got 6 votes so I get the Bronze Ball.

Some Honorary Mentions were given to players that, although they were not considered for the podium (except Palo), they received a honorable mention for their deeds throughout the year, like Jan, Stealth, Badeend, Palo and Popovitch.

After a year that we have raised the bar, can 2013 be even better?

Lea · Post by **Lea** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 4:08 pm

good choice, congratz all,,,, and watch me next year

Post by **Tijny** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:34 pm

Lea wrote:good choice, congratz all,,,, and watch me next year

Yeah, seeing as you were already exactly as good as your husband in your very first game, you definitely have a lot of room for improvement!

I'd like to thank everybody who made this award possible: my sponsors, my coach, my mechanics, and of course the people who keep inviting me for games even though they will end up losing that way.

Fama · Post by **Fama** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:52 pm

Yes yes, i forgot to mention my beloved family, without them this award wouldn't be possible! Specially in those moments when i thought:should i give up? Obrigado!