Had so much fun watching this year...can't wait for it to start all over again in about 8 months...

Does anyone know about MIAA recruits for next year?  Some incredible contributions this season from the likes of Verkaik, Ellis, Kussmaul, others?  Any insights into what we can expect for next year?  Are there any significant commitments?

Quote from: md241 on March 21, 2010, 12:37:05 PM
The facts PROVE he cannot win the big games on the NATIONAL stage. His postseason record in the Elite Eight and Final Four in the last 3 years is 1-3. It's great he gets them there, but that championship in 2006 is 5 years ago.Face it, it's a "what have you done for me lately" society, and he's failed in that. It's like building a beautiful mansion with balsa wood-nice to look at, but really flimsy! The purpose is to WIN the championship, not just get there. 32-1, 32-2 seasons  are great and beating Calvin is awesome, but if you keep losing in the big games, it's like polishing a turd.

I am hoping these comments are meant to stir the pot a little as opposed to representing your true opinions.  I can't imagine any human realistically expecting national championships each and every year.  Do you have any concept of what it takes to beat the nations best every time?  It takes a great team and a little luck.  Everything has to go well.  

I am sure you remember Kaitlyn Kopke's ACL injury 2 years ago.  How many teams could overcome losing one of your best defenders / ball handlers and still win even one NCAA game.  And last year Jenny Cowen had an ankle injury that prevented her from playing anywhere close to 100%.  Were these Brian's fault?  I am sure you will find a way to blame him...And this year Liz Ellis has the foot injury.  Although she didn't get anywhere near the recognition she deserved, she has been a huge factor in the team's success.  She has had the play the entire tournament without being able to change directions the way she wants or push off for her shots.  She was still incredible, but would have been even better if healthy.  I am guessing a healthy foot would have helped her knock down some additional shots and come up with a few more steals (assuming she doesn't get another underved foul called).  Have you factored any of these situations into your expectations?

There is no other D3 coach in the country that can match Brian's success, either in the regular season or the tournament.  We are so blessed to have him.  Maybe you could talk Geno Auriemma or Pat Summitt into coming to Hope??  And to tell you the truth, I wouldn't even want them to be a part of the program.  As Philly said in her post game interview, Hope basketball is about a lot more than just a trophy.  Brian has built an incredible tradition of success while also building relationships, values, etc.  As a Hope alum, I can't imagine and couldn't want any more from a program.

Congratulations to all of the Hope players and coaches.  You have all made the Hope nation (except for md241) extremely proud!!!

In the previous year losses to Howard Payne and George Fox, I think the cold shooting could be attributed to incredibly intense defense from the opponents.  I don't think that was the case yesterday.  Hope had a number of good looks from the outside that just plain didn't fall.  I don't think it was a poor game plan, just one of those nights.  I agree that the officials let Wash U get away with a little too much in defending Carrie, including having arms literally wrapped around her on multiple occasions.  But we still had opportunities to overcome the officiating and it just didn't happen.

I did read something interesting regarding Jamie McFarlin.  The GR Press said she is a graduate student.  Having a graduate school gives players a opportunity to use a final year of eligibility that will exist at very few D3 schools.  Players at most other D3 schools complete their education and move on to the next phase of life.  With Wash U, they can move on toward a graduate degree and continue participating in D3 undergraduate sports.  Wow, talk about an advantage!