Correct on the Millikin assesment.  The Wins were not over very good teams.  The Big Blue does show some signs of good play, but only at times.  Good news... they show just a little more every game.  Bad news... they have quite a way to go.  You can't look at final scores on teams they have played and make comparisions with similar opponents. Smith is still juggling players/lineups trying to find out what he has.  Patience will be the key for this coach and team. 

My take... The guard Patrick is a solid player most every game [I like his all around game and attitude].  Rexroad, Ongunleye, Ott are inconsistant and show flashes only a little here and there.  I know Harmsen is a good shooter, but he continues struggling from the arc [he appears to be pressing too much].  The inside presence is lacking and they go to the freshman Scott at times to give some them some good minutes but they don't get much scoring form him.

Bottom line... There is no "go to" guy [or guys] yet.... If they don't gel or get consistancey over the next few weeks, they will struggle out of the gait in the conference.  And the key will be how they deal with adversity of losing games.  If they get hot and/or get any consistancy, they can and will suprise a few teams.

Looking at Millikins updated roster... they have put four Freshmen on Varsity...
with Smith being new... not sure what he can anyone know....

Guards
Dana Givens 5-10 guard   [Plainfield South] 
Jovaris Perry 5-9 guard    [Chicago Mather]
Darrell Adams 6-7 center   [East Bladen, NC]
Jackson Scott  6-7 center   [Washington]  IWU's Sean Johnsons running mate

I listened to the Score [670am] for the Augie game and find the comments from those who went interesting.  The radio did not say NIU lost intensity in the second half, but that Augie just looked better and kept chipping away. Always interesting on how D3 teams handle going into D2 or D1 and not panic being outmanned.   


Anyone here how MU did in their scrimmage with Wabash last Saturday??

Seems like many are schools are covered so far as to opening scrimmages.  To add, I know Millikin will be scrimmaging at Wabash [Indiana] on Saturday.  What's the next chance to see Carthage??

Apologies to Titan Q!!!  [on the ball for posting the coaches poll]

I was supried a little how low IWU was and that Carthage was that high.  But the coaches must know something.

Can't wait to get the season underway

CCIW poll is out...

http://www.cciw.org/winter_bball_m/200708mbbpoll.php

Concuring with others I can add that having played CCIW JV myself, it was very benefitial to my game and confidence.  I can't remember our record but it was the most fun I ever had playing organized ball.  In my case, the true use of player "development" was installed.  Each of us [8 total] worked on portions of our game that needed improvement to get us to the next level.  Physical mistakes were tolerated, where mental mistakes were not.  The idea was to play just beyond your capabilities. And most of us exceeded those by the end of the season.  Plus we were lucky to have a "team" not individuals.  We were able to feed off and pick-up each other all the time.

As to having the JV program... why not.  Especially, beacuse conference JV games are a prelimary to the varsity game.  The question is how many to keep on the entire roster?  My take would be to have one varsity program with one set of practices... don't split them up.  Why not dress all 15 spots for varsity. You usually do not go more than 8-10 deep, so let the bottom 7 play JV.  So you could keep from 15-18 in the program which is not umanganable.

MU's kickoff event is tonight...


www.millikin.edu/athletics/headlines.asp?ID=23088

Response to recent strings of thought....

As an ex-CCIW player...

1. Recruited is recruited [scholarships or not]... walk-on is a walk-on.  Kids take chances... risk is risk.

2. Yeah sure... some HS teams could beat a D3, but can some D3's beat D1's or D2's??... doesn't the NCAA tourney teach us... Could these HS teams beat the Sikma IWU NAIA teams of the mid 70's or the following North Park D3 champs three years running??

3.  Reason to go to school are far more complex.  It is not only a bball decision.  Best Student/althletes?? D3 players.

4. Players go where they "think" [or told] they can play.  Would kids go to a level to sit the bench [even Duke??...NC??..]

5.  Where can good small HS or good large HS players on bad teams go.

Conclusion...  Good thing there is D1 down to D3...  cream "usually" rises to the top and players should go to the level and school where it fits them best.  BUT LOVE OF THE GAME?!?!?!  How is that different at any level?? Even when the college career is over??.  Life is more than bball... but man it can be a GREAT add!!

[stepping off the soap box now]

ps... the CCIW has... and stiil has a "high quality level" of bball... stipulating that it is D3. 

Regarding MU....
Also hearing Gensler is out.  the more that come out, it really may be a good thing for both side. And yes there are some freshman class issue, but heard it's not any "key" players.  I believe Coach Smith needs [and is trying] to start fresh and set high expectations.  It will take some time but short cuts rarely work.

Regarding IWU...
Looks like the start is being highly touted.  Expectations are very high and they really appear to be taking thing serious from day one.

I'm with you millikin33... hope the Big Blue can compete.

I heard the incoming group is showing talent in open gym and the team is already in intensive early am training.  Looks like Smith is looking for dedication... good sign!! 

I can't really argue with the predictions... but my thoughts anyway.

I'll agree on 1 through 4 based on performance and returning players. The #5-8 teams could all be ranked 5in my book... All depends on chemistry with alot of these young ball clubs.  Of the three I keep tabs on, IWU seems to have the best shot to make the upper tier.  Expectations are high there with a good recruiting class. So it will be interesting to see how they handle that.  Carthage has always been too unpredictable/steaky to me.  They should remain in the bottom tier this year with limited size. Millikin should remain there too, but they really have nothing to lose.  So that may be an advantage for a few suprises.  It will be interesting to see if the approach is to go mostly underclassmen and build for the next few seasons.

My hope is for not mediocrity, but strong play where on any night, anybody can compete and win.  That's the CCIW I'd like to see this year.

what is the latest at MU... heard gensler was back and his bball "restart" with MU is possible...  Also looks like roster has grown and shrunk at times...

Tough crowd... guess I just need to stay in the weeds and watch the fun!!

memory tester for a CCIW division III superstar??

For those that are old enough to know...  Jack Sikma [IWU 77']... dominate player !!
a superstar??... maybe not... for me it's a word too highly used. 
But any division III player that has a that solid NBA career... got to be really "Good".

As for Gensler.. I'm sure Smith will do whats best for the program as well as whats best for his players.
It's too early, but I think he can turn that program around... and please!!!... this not a slam on the previous coach.  Don't know enough about the past to provide a valid opinion there.