Rb asked me to post his pick:
- Ryan Ohl, attacker, Stanford
sbwp is on the clock, followed by Trevor.
1 Like
- Bode Brinkema, RH Attacker, UCLA
Team 5: TBD
Andras Toth, RH Attacker, Fordham
Bernardo Herzer, Goalie, Stanford
Bode Brinkema, RH Attacker, UCLA
- James Rozolis-Hill, Ut., Stanford
We have Gheorghe in set and Luca leading the 1-2 side. I should probably take a lefty but instead I am going to take a Swiss Army Knife. I feel like because he has been gone for a year that folks forget about how good James Rozolis-Hill is. Three-time All-American who left Harvard with 358 career goals. I see him playing the same role on my team as on Stanford’s. We can play the matchup game and take guys into set as he has a dominant skill set there. However, we can also use him outside as he is a very good passer and underrated outside shooter. I also think pairing him on the same side as Provenziani would be fun since they are both so high IQ as players.
Current Team:
Luca Provenziani, Fordham, Ut.
Alex Gheorghe, Stanford, 2MO
James Rozolis-Hill, Stanford, Ut.
Team 7:
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Ben Liechty, LHA, UCLA: Having a lefty is so crucial in today’s game and I think Liechty is by far and away the best LHA in the country. A second-team All-American in 2025, Liechty finished with 44 goals and 63 assists and is continuing to prove to Dejan that not picking him for the 2028 Olympics would be a grave mistake. For me, the LHA position has the biggest gap in the country between the No. 1 and No. 2 players.
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Akhvlediani, RHA Cal: I’m honestly shocked that Beso is still available at 12. He was the first Cal freshman to be named first-team all MPSF since Papa in 2019. Finished with 59 goals and 23 assists, earning second-team honors. On a Cal team that was struggling to find its rhythm, Akhvlediani was their steady presence as a freshman. This is a player who only got better as the season went on, scoring 6 against Stanford on 10/17, 4 against Fordham on 10/23, 2 against UCLA and USC each on the weekend of 11/1, 4 goals against Stanford on 11/15, and 8 goals in the MPSF tournament (3 v UCLA, 5 v Stanford). This is in my opinion the best player on Cal and someone I would’ve taken as high as No.8. He is due for an even bigger sophomore season and potential first-team All-American honors.
- Ben Larsen - center defender, UCLA: Ryan Ohl and Bode were top 2 on my big board, so I was sad to see them both taken right before, but Experience is key and that’s exactly what I’m getting with Larsen (HS class of 22 at Campo). This is a player who has played in every single game for UCLA the last three seasons and only improved. At 6 foot, 7 inches, he is exactly the frame I’m looking for in my CD, especially against such a talented center group in college water polo. I think Larsen is the preseason No.1 center defender in the nation. What excites me most about this pick is his presence on 6x5. With how the game is being reffed, our team will have a plethora of man-up opportunities and I expect Larsen to be a menace on the post.
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Team 8: TBD
(8.) Tomas Perrone, attacker, Cal. Last year I took Ben Liechty and Brendon Gyapjas with the No. 8 and 9 picks and I was hoping they would be available again this year. However, Liechty is already off the board and Gyapjas is redshirting. Perrone, one of the best players on Spain’s 20u team, was affected by an injury during the 2025 season but I think he will have a great year for Cal this year.
(11.) Aran Pina, goalie, Cal. Pina, Tomas Perrone’s teammate at Cal and on Spain’s 20u team, broke his hand towards the end of the 2025 season but still had an excellent freshman year, earning honorable mention All-American honors. With 9 participants in our draft this year, Gyapjas redshirting, and UCLA’s uncertain goalie situation, I took Pina with the 11th pick because there may not be a really good goalie left by the time I pick again.
(26.) Samu Biros, attacker, San Jose State. Biros was a 2nd team All-American last year, leading SJSU in scoring with 57 goals. He’s a solid all-around player.
retired guy is on the clock with two picks, followed by me and H17Polo.
retiredguy asked me to post his next two picks:
(9.) Charlie Mills - GK - USC
(10.) Tico Carsalade - attacker - UCLA
(27.) Dominic Brown, LH center, Cal
(28.) Ben Forer, attacker, Stanford
Team 8: TBD
(8.) Tomas Perrone, attacker, Cal. Last year I took Ben Liechty and Brendon Gyapjas with the No. 8 and 9 picks and I was hoping they would be available again this year. However, Liechty is already off the board and Gyapjas is redshirting. Perrone, one of the best players on Spain’s 20u team, was affected by an injury during the 2025 season but I think he will have a great year for Cal this year.
(11.) Aran Pina, goalie, Cal. Pina, Tomas Perrone’s teammate at Cal and on Spain’s 20u team, broke his hand towards the end of the 2025 season but still had an excellent freshman year, earning honorable mention All-American honors. With 9 participants in our draft this year, Gyapjas redshirting, and UCLA’s uncertain goalie situation, I took Pina with the 11th pick because there may not be a really good goalie left by the time I pick again.
(26.) Samu Biros, attacker, San Jose State. Biros was a 2nd team All-American last year, leading SJSU in scoring with 57 goals. He’s a solid all-around player.
(29) Gabi Acosta, center, LBSU. Acosta, entering his junior year at LBSU, was the Big West Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025. He has scored 132 goals in his two years at LBSU, was a 2nd team All-American in 2024, and an honorable mention All-American in 2025. Acosta was a teammate of Tomas Perrone and Aran Pina on Spanish age-group national teams.
H17Polo is on the clock, followed by Trevor and sbwp.
- Ilias Angelopoulos - Greek Center, Cal: Scored 30 goals at the European U18 championships in 2025, was the leading scorer with 35 goals at the U18 worlds, and has played with the U20 team also. This is someone I was not expecting to fall this low, but will happily take him. I see this guy as another Krstic, coming to college waterpolo and absolutely dominating. Furthermore, I think international centers are doing a better job at drawing exclusions, which is such an important part of our game. I have high expectations from Ilias and am expected to pair him up with his teammate Beso.
- Andrea Nuzzo, LHA, Cal Baptist
When there was conjecture he was in the portal, I won’t lie. I was hoping someone would send him a box full of Fordham gear and some literature highlighting the tremendous Italian cuisine on Arthur Avenue. A third-team All-American last season, he is an absolute terror on the 4-5 side. I like how decisive he is with his shot. That is what I want on that side of the pool. Cal Baptist could easily be fighting for a third straight trip to NCAAs as they had a ton of guys who got sick before the WCC title game last Fall. Fully expect them to be in the mix again this year and Nuzzo is the guy on that scouting report who inspires the most fear.
Current team:
Luca Provenziani, Ut. Fordham
Alex Gheorge, 2MO, Stanford
James Rozolis-Hill, Ut. Stanford
Andrea Nuzzo, LHA, Cal Baptist
- Luka Gladovic, Utility, UCLA
I know I said I was waiting until the end to do write-ups explaining my selections, but this pick felt like it needed it. Incoming freshman, but he’s 20 years old. Debuted for the Serbian Senior National team in 2024 at the World Cup. I’ve never seen the wider international water polo community react to a European player coming to the United States in the way that they have for Gladovic. He was a regular for Novi Beograd in the Champions League last season, and now he will be in an NCAA pool. I’m surprised I got him at 32.
Team 5: TBD
Andras Toth, RH Attacker, Fordham
Bernardo Herzer, Goalie, Stanford
Bode Brinkema, RH Attacker, UCLA
Luka Gladovic, Utility, UCLA
Rb is on the road. He asked me to post his next selection.
Team 4:
(4.) Robert Lopez-Duart, attacker, USC. Lopez-Duart was a 1st team All-American and Cutino Award finalist last year, leading USC in scoring with 66 goals.
(15.) Apostolos Georgaras, attacker, USC. Georgaras, who transferred to USC after his freshman season at UOP, was a 3rd team All-American last year, scoring 73 goals.
(22.) Ryan Ohl, attacker, Stanford.
(33.) Luke Nelson, center defender, USC.
rolled1 is on the clock followed by Oldschoolpolofan and H20polo10 with two picks.
(34) Will Schneider, C, Stanford. Yes the 330 LB center will be the focal point but he cant play the entire game, Will is a much faster agile center and as he starts his Junior year i think he will have a break out season.
(4) Bontond Balogh
(16) Sam Keightley
(21) Danilo Dragovic
(34) Will Schneider
(2) Strahinja Krstic, center, USC. I went back and forth with options for the overall number two pick, as a case could be made for a handful of players in this slot. I landed on taking the player I believe to be the most consistent center and less of a liability on defense than some of the other top center(s). Commands a drop that frees up outside shooting lanes and USC again will have no shortage of great shooting.
(17) Dimitris Chatzis - Attacker - Stanford. This could be a reach depending on how he adjusts to Flacks’ system and the college game, but he comes in as arguably the most decorated freshman in the country with his track record in Youth European Championships and with the Greek National Team.
(20) Kiefer Black – LH Attacker – Navy. The three-time All-American will “Anchor” my 4/5 side with tremendous size, versatility, and scoring.
(35) Ante Jerkovic – LH Attacker – USC. Can finally exhale, hoping Jerkovic would slip to me in this spot, especially after listening to Marko talk about him on the podcast. My team should have the dominant 4/5 side when combining Jerkovic with Black, arguably two of the top three perimeter lefties in the nation. Coming in as a 20-year-old with all his club and experience for Croatia at junior and senior national team levels, I expect he will play an essential role for USC immediately, especially when Marko raves about his ability to get the ball into his Centers.
H20polo10 asked me to post his next two picks.
Team 1:
(1.) Ryder Dodd, attacker, UCLA. This one is an obvious one. Ryder’s water polo IQ, ability to elevate his teammates’ level of play, work ethic, and much more is elite and uncanny. My favorite aspect of Ryder’s game is his ability to score with pressure on him and make it look easy. Fun to watch.
(18.) Kristof Kovacs, goalie, Princeton.
(19.) Peter Castillo, center, UCLA.
(36.) Wade Sherlock, LH attacker, UCLA.
(37.) Gabrijel Burburan, attacker, LMU. Burburan scored 5 goals in Croatia’s 17-14 victory over Spain in the gold medal game of the 20u European World Championships.
Oldschoolpolofan is on the clock, followed by rolled1 and Rb.
(2) Strahinja Krstic, Center, USC. I went back and forth with options for the overall number two pick, as a case could be made for a handful of players in this slot. I landed on taking the player I believe to be the most consistent center and less of a liability on defense than some of the other top center(s). Commands a drop that frees up outside shooting lanes and USC again will have no shortage of great shooting.
(17) Dimitris Chatzis - Attacker - Stanford. This could be a reach depending on how he adjusts to Flacks’ system and the college game, but he comes in as arguably the most decorated freshman in the country with his track record in Youth European Championships and with the Greek National Team.
(20) Kiefer Black – LH Attacker – Navy. The three-time All-American will “Anchor” my 4/5 side with tremendous size, versatility, and scoring.
(35) Ante Jerkovic – LH Attacker – USC. Can finally exhale, hoping Jerkovic would slip to me in this spot, especially after listening to Marko talk about him on the podcast. My team should have the dominant 4/5 side when combining Jerkovic with Black, arguably two of the top three perimeter lefties in the nation. Coming in as a 20-year-old with all his club and experience for Croatia at junior and senior national team levels, I expect he will play an essential role for USC immediately, especially when Marko raves about his ability to get the ball into his Centers.
(38) Viktor Savic – Goalie – Fordham. Since I have no idea how UCLA goalie situation is going to play out, going with Savic now to ensure I get a starter with a proven international track record. Personally, haven’t seen him play, so here is information from Fordham website: Member of the Serbian National Team, having played in every major championship for Serbia from the U15 through U20 categories… Played in the U15 and U19 European Championships, while earning a silver medal at the U17 European Championship and the U18 World Championship as well as a bronze medal at the U16 World Championship… Selected for the 2026 U20 European Championships in Varna, Bulgaria, earning the starting spot going into the Championships.
(39) Pablo De Souza, LMU Goalie. D2 player of the year in 2025 brings a quickness to the cage for the Lions. The addition of Pablo, Luka Dimic Serbia, Gabrijel Burburan, Serbia U20 heavy contributor, could be a game changer for LMU this season. LMU loses three contributors from last season but gains 3 more and returns a large class of contributing rising juniors so it could be an exciting season for LMU.
(4) Bontond Balogh
(16) Sam Keightley
(21) Danilo Dragovic
(34) Will Schneider
Rb is on the road. He asked me to post his next selection.
Team 4:
(4.) Robert Lopez-Duart, attacker, USC. Lopez-Duart was a 1st team All-American and Cutino Award finalist last year, leading USC in scoring with 66 goals.
(15.) Apostolos Georgaras, attacker, USC. Georgaras, who transferred to USC after his freshman season at UOP, was a 3rd team All-American last year, scoring 73 goals.
(22.) Ryan Ohl, attacker, Stanford.
(33.) Luke Nelson, center defender, USC.
(40.) Nathan Tauscher, goalie, UCLA.
sbwp is on the clock, followed by Trevor and H17polo.
- Kai Inoue, LH Attacker, Cal
Team 5: TBD
Andras Toth, RH Attacker, Fordham
Bernardo Herzer, Goalie, Stanford
Bode Brinkema, RH Attacker, UCLA
Luka Gladovic, Utility, UCLA
Kai Inoue, LH Attacker, Cal
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- Baxter Chelsom, Goalie, UC Davis
I thought I would get the chance to debate between Baxter Chelsom and Viktor Savic at Fordham. I think Savic could be the most important first-year addition any team in the country had. Watched him at u20 Euros as he started for Serbia and was fantastic. Just such a big deal that he is headed to Rose Hill.
With Savic off the board, I am going Chelsom. I thought he was the best player on a UC Davis team that made NCAAs last season. Suited up for Team USA at the 2025 u20 Worlds. All Big West and Big West Tournament MVP last fall. Gives my team an experienced defensive leader with big game experience.
Current Team
Luca Provenziani, Ut. Fordham
Alex Gheorge, 2MO. Stanford
James Rozolis Hill, Ut. Stanford
Andrea Nuzzo, LHA. Cal Baptist
Baxter Chelsom, G. UC Davis
Team 7:
7. Ben Liechty, LHA, UCLA: Having a lefty is so crucial in today’s game and I think Liechty is by far and away the best LHA in the country. A second-team All-American in 2025, Liechty finished with 44 goals and 63 assists and is continuing to prove to Dejan that not picking him for the 2028 Olympics would be a grave mistake. For me, the LHA position has the biggest gap in the country between the No. 1 and No. 2 players.
12. Beso Akhvlediani, RHA Cal: I’m honestly shocked that Beso is still available at 12. He was the first Cal freshman to be named first-team all MPSF since Papa in 2019. Finished with 59 goals and 23 assists, earning second-team honors. On a Cal team that was struggling to find its rhythm, Akhvlediani was their steady presence as a freshman. This is a player who only got better as the season went on, scoring 6 against Stanford on 10/17, 4 against Fordham on 10/23, 2 against UCLA and USC each on the weekend of 11/1, 4 goals against Stanford on 11/15, and 8 goals in the MPSF tournament (3 v UCLA, 5 v Stanford). This is in my opinion the best player on Cal and someone I would’ve taken as high as No.7 if Liechty had been picked. He is due for an even bigger sophomore season and potential first-team All-American honors.
25. Ben Larsen - center defender, UCLA: Ryan Ohl and Bode were top 2 on my big board, so I was sad to see them both taken right before, but Experience is key and that’s exactly what I’m getting with Larsen (HS class of 22 at Campo). This is a player who has played in every single game for UCLA the last three seasons and only improved. At 6 foot, 7 inches, he is exactly the frame I’m looking for in my CD, especially against such a talented center group in college water polo. I think Larsen is the preseason No.1 center defender in the nation. What excites me most about this pick is his presence on 6x5. With how the game is being reffed, our team will have a plethora of man-up opportunities and I expect Larsen to be a menace on the post.
30. Ilias Angelopoulos - Greek Center, Cal: Scored 30 goals at the European U18 championships in 2025, was the leading scorer with 35 goals at the U18 worlds, and has played with the U20 team also. This is someone I was not expecting to fall this low, but will happily take him. I see this guy as another Krstic, coming to college waterpolo and absolutely dominating. Furthermore, I think international centers are doing a better job at drawing exclusions, which is such an important part of our game. I have high expectations from Ilias and am expected to pair him up with his teammate Beso.
43. Efe Naipoglu, RHA: USC: I think this is the steal of the draft. Naipoglu was the leading goalscorer at the European U20 Championships with over 30 goals. Naipoglu is active on the counter and active in passing lanes on the defensive end. As a true freshman, he finished with 34 goals, 28 assists, and 26 assists. I see him having an even bigger sophomore season and being a natural fit next to Ben Liechty on my 4/5 side. I could not be happier with getting a player of his caliber at No.43.