BuildBlitz, which team are you on?

[BigJ]

My choice depends on the draftability/team of Raul and Aren

[Kyler Hagler]

From personally knowing Paul, I'm going to have to go with his team. I'm expecting to see great robots from both of these teams. I'm excited to see what they create!

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by nicholsjj

...make Karthik the intentional last pick.

That would add to the drama for sure. The winning team will be the one that gets Karthik.

[Foster]

Originally Posted by BigJ

My choice depends on the draftability/team of Raul and Aren

They would be some of the top picks, but there is a lot of depth in the IFI shop. Even split into two teams there is a lot of talent. I'm excited, I think we will see two vastly different but very competitive robots.

[JVN]

It's interesting to see the posts speculating on pick strategy, seeing as I'm one of the people who will be forced to pick.

A few things to note:
There were a number of Build Blitz candidates who were listed as ineligible (mostly due to work conflicts that time of year or uncertainty about their availability). Notably, the great Raul Olivera will not be bringing his legendary skills into the Blitz.

In addition Karthik & Grant Cox will be serving as Build Blitz Sideline Reporters -- they'll each be embedded with one of the two teams, but will not be part of the primary draft.

The strategy going into this sort of draft is interesting. There are a few considerations which are important to me, which many people may not think about.

1. I want to fill TeamJVN with people I've worked with before and ideally who have worked together before; in my opinion, this will improve efficiency.

2. I want to make sure we have a team with a wide-range of skills. I know I personally am not the world's best prototyper or builder (my skills are more related to CAD design). You can bet I want to make sure TeamJVN gets some great prototyping talent early in the draft.

My first pick is not who you'd expect.

I can't begin to express how excited we are.

-John

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by JVN

In addition Karthik & Grant Cox will be serving as Build Blitz Sideline Reporters -- they'll each be embedded with one of the two teams, but will not be part of the primary draft.
-John

This was to keep Karthik away from power tools wasn't it?

[JohnSchneider]

Originally Posted by JVN

1. I want to fill TeamJVN with people I've worked with before and ideally who have worked together before; in my opinion, this will improve efficiency.

Interesting approach. I figured your first thought would be to pick people who fill your weaknesses even if you havent worked with them before.

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by JVN

A few things to note:
There were a number of Build Blitz candidates who were listed as ineligible (mostly due to work conflicts that time of year or uncertainty about their availability). Notably, the great Raul Olivera will not be bringing his legendary skills into the Blitz.

Can we get a full roster? Fantasy Build Blitz drafts will be much simpler.

[JVN]

Originally Posted by animenerdjohn

Interesting approach. I figured your first thought would be to pick people who fill your weaknesses even if you havent worked with them before.

If you read my post, that's basically what my #2 criteria is.

[JohnSchneider]

Originally Posted by JVN

If you read my post, that's basically what my #2 criteria is.

Well gosh, so it is. You just want it all then dont cha

[JosephC]

Originally Posted by Michael Hill

Can a poll be added?

Your wish is my command.

[Akash Rastogi]

#TeamTonthat

[Grant Cox]

The list is in - check out the post on the Build Blitz Facebook page to find out who's available. We're planning to have the official draft posted next week.

#TeamBallShiftSohard

[tim-tim]

I will be pulling for whichever team picks me.

On a serious note, I have a lot of respect for both team leaders. I first met Paul Copioli in 2006: our pits butted up to each other. I learned so much during that competition. I had the opportunity to talk to him quite extensively in 2012 at Chesapeake. I first met JVN in 2010. We had a good conversation and continued to follow his blog through the 2011 build season. He provided a lot of insight and small details.

Since I can only choose one, I will select Team JVN. I really like his creativeness and his approach to design.

S/N: I don't think there is a wrong answer.

[Foster]

Today, 03:24 PM
Aren_Hill
This message has been deleted by Aren_Hill. Reason: John told me to

Oooh inside intrigue in the BuildBlitz? Aren spilling secrets? He's a key developer of some of the new products... Is it a draft or is there a robotics-sports agent involved in the contract negotiation? Raul is off the roster, but what about Art? And where is Ricky? And Sean, he's a robot maniac!

This is so much better than the "2014 finally the year for the water game, or maybe an ICE game since Texas froze over last week" threads.