Interesting choice.  He was chosen over some impressive candidates.  Has strong recruiting background.  With next years team, he has chance to make big impression.

Heard from good source they are down to final candidates, 3 alum and 3 from outside.  Will be interesting which way they go.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 18, 2020, 02:52:57 PM
No, it has nothing at all to do with the travel obstacles. That's not what I was saying. After all, West Coast is West Coast. But Redlands, CA is a better base than Walla Walla, WA if you're trying to build a national championship program, for the reason I already stated: Redlands, CA is located in one of the most densely-populated areas of the country (and one with relatively few small-college basketball programs, as well), while Walla Walla, WA is located in a very sparsely-populated region.

Quote from: Greek Tragedy on April 18, 2020, 02:36:07 PMI suppose you're saying he'll have better recruiting tools because of the location, but he seemed to do fine up north too, both at UPS and Whitman.

... which is proof positive of what a good recruiter he is. Now he'll get the chance to use those skills in a much more fertile locale.

Must bring up the GSAC again.  If it doesn't matter, how can one explain the SCIAC has not made an appearance in a final four since its existance.  The GSAC since 2003 to 2019 has been in the national championship game 8 times.  The brain trust of the SCIAC should find answers.  I agree that the SCIAC has a tremendous opportunity but it has not happened.

The SCIAC has always had to compete for players with the GSAC one of the better NAIA conferences in the country.  Few years back a number of members went D2.  What doesn't change all of those schools will continue to battle for same recruits in SoCal where they can offer help with partial scholarships.  Bridgeland did a good job recruiting kids from CA to the northwest.  He has left D3 programs in better shape then when he took them over.  It will be fun to watch his impact on the Redlands program and competing at the national level that he did at Whitman.

Not surprised to hear Coach Hixon decision but sorry hear it anyway.  Sure there will be many outstanding candidates applying.  Outside the Hix tree, one name that would be a serious contender, Eric Bridgeland from Whitman College.  He was in the thick of things when Wash U hired after Mark Edwards retired.  Big question would he and family trade west coast for New England.  His style of play and success would be interesting for the NESCAC.

It was because of the 2 3 zone.  The Mules did that to minimize the entry pass to the bigs.  It worked and Tufts struggled with shooting from the outside.  Congratulations to Coach Sheldon and Tufts team for prevailing. Hard to believe it is their first.

Comments on Amherst,  I've been following since 2002.  This team probably had the most talent coming back since 2006-07 team that won the 1st National title.  They were a legit top 5 team going into the season and ended the season not ranked.  This team failed to be consistent and only one player elevated his game from last year.  They lost games they should have won.  Not making it in to post season is the result of that.  Players and coaching staff will have to take a hard look at why.

Lumbercat and Sticks, you would be right... my bad.

The way it looks as far as seeding:
1. Tufts
2. Colby
3. Amherst
4. Trinity
5. Midd
6. Williams
7. Bates
8. Hamilton or Bowdin (need to beat Wes tomorrow)

With both Tufts men and women looking like they will win the conference, are there any potential conflicts with scheduling games for championship weekend?

Well, if the WIAC allows it, it could be a very positive.  The competition will be greater in the conference, I really think the MIAC will potentially receive more competition for recruiting in state from WIAC schools.  Face it, MIAC boot the Tommies, sends a message to families and recruits about competition.  I could see where it could be really good for Stout, RF, EC and LC recruiting. 

The WIAC would be a great fit for the Tommies if the conference would entertain.  Five of the 8 schools in the conference are within 200 miles or less.  When Superior left a few years ago it has probably been more positive for the conference.  Not sure the WIAC is interested in expanding but even if they were you would have to think it would be more than one school and to do so most likely would have to do it with private schools.

Looks like a very good "get" for Amherst.  Addressed a real need with big Joe and Bachman graduation.  Had offer from D1 North Dakota very good program and tourney team.  Will be interesting to see how quickly he adapts to college game.  Looks like he can be a big contributor sooner rather then later.

The bigger concern in Walla Walla in the off season probably is Bridgeland on the move?  If memory serves me right D3 Hoops had him in the thick of things for the Wash U job.  He has done well and made the leap before as assistant at Pepperdine which was short lived and then to Whitman.  I would think he would be a serious candidate for a good job at any level.

Whitman Coach Bridgeland's team have always played like that.  When he was at Puget Sound his teams did the same thing and they dominated the league when he was there.  I can not help but feel that there is huge disappointment at Whitman after the results the last 3 years now on the national stage.  Making to the final four in 2017 and many of these players on that team and not returning with presumably an even better team this year.  Hats off to Coach App and the Ephs especially the bench who really stepped up last night.  As far as style this was by far the most unique that Williams faced but the best team, when you are defeated 3 times by one team I think they have a good argument.

Congrats to the Ephs!  They handle the pressure enough to win.  Great effort by the Eph bench.