Hobart knocked off RIT tonight to move to 13 - 1 in the LL.  There may have been more league teams at certain times in the past, so this may be wrong, but I think if they win both of their games this weekend they will have the most season wins in Liberty League history!  Certainly not a easy weekend though.  Good Luck Statesmen!!

As far as RIT, I agree that they might not be in the mix at season's end, however, I watched them play Rochester tough in the opening round of the Wendy's Classic at Hobart.   RIT is athletic and could win a few games that keep them in the hunt.  I'm not sure if they will be consistent enough to make a playoff run, but they are a team that I wouldn't like to play with something on the line.

Hobart came out of the weekend 1 and 1 after they beat Messiah in the consolation game.  The opening loss was to Dickinson  by three after the Statesmen had a double digit lead early in the second half.   Dickinson's big man went off for 34.  Gibbons and Davis are both nursing ankle injuries.  Thompson and Bonney played well, and Hobart actually showed more depth than I thought they could with the two bigger guards hobbled a bit.

I don't have much recruiting news to base this on, but it is time to get the predictions started.  The LL lost some stars that have been fun to follow the past few years!  That saying, there is talent back, and it is sure to make the season exciting to follow! Here are my preseason picks!
     1.  Hobart - surprise!  They have to most proven talent back with 4 starters (3 full time starters) and loads of talent!
     2.  Union - If anyone can beat the Statesmen and win the LL, Union has the best chance. 
     3.  Skidmore - They lost a ton of talent and quickness.  Great program will keep them in the hunt all season.
     4.  St. Lawrence - I could see them 6th on my list, but they'll find a way in!
     5.  Vassar - I like them.  They were young last year and finished strong winning 3 of 5 including two close games up north.
     6.  Clarkson - Easily could end up in the playoffs.  My 4, 5, and 6 teams depend on how they come together as a team.
     7.  RIT
     8.  RPI 
     9.  Bard

Scots...you like OWU's draw because Cabrini may be a bit overrated.  Hmm....looking at the bracket, I see that OWU doesn't play Cabrini.  They play Hobart from the Liberty League.  You should know not to overlook anyone this time of year!  The Statesmen are a talented team!

I do agree that the LL is only going to get one team in the dance....unless Hobart wins out until the finals.  That would leave the Statesmen at 22-5, which could get them there.  Their body of work doesn't really scream tournament though.  They beat a solid Nazareth, but lost to Rochester and F and M.  Skidmore and Clarkson on the road are good wins, but is it enough?  That may be the only scenario that gets more than one team in.  I'm not sure if any other team has a legitimate chance of playing on except for Hobart, unless they win the league.

You called it earlier Lova.  This incoming Bard class has the swagger that earlier recruits didn't have.  It sounds like that showed with a big win on the road in the LL.  Good Work Bard!  I'm anxious to see them later in the season!

I was surprised that the Statesmen didn't crack the top 25 this week after winning the Wendy's Classic.  They are a win away I'm sure, and with their next three games against Rochester, Drew, and possibly Franklin and Marshall, they could make a statement to move up the rankings in a hurry. 

Counting anyone out before the season starts seems a little odd, but it's going to be tough for Bard to find a win in conference this year.  The index may have had them close to LL teams, but the reality is that Bard lost badly to the only two Liberty League teams they played.  Bard's only scorers from last season are gone, and although they recruited fairly well, it is tough for Freshmen to score consistently.  The LL is solid, and most of the all-conference players from last year are back.  I do think Bard will be a good addition to the conference, but this year is going to be tough.

No doubt.  Coach Metz left a lot of pieces to work with, and I'm sure Coach Neer will know how to put together a winner.  They hound the ball well, and if the younger bigs can replace Salzman on the baseline, they will be a pretty solid defensive team.  Not to mention that they have two of the best scorers in the conference.  They'll be exciting to watch.

 Any predictions out there?  Looking forward to another great season.  I'm picking the Statesmen again!

It's time to get this started for '10-'11.  Predictions for the season?  Teams and players to watch?

The Statesmen of Hobart played Alfred in the finals of the Pizza Hut Tournament at Dickinson after beating the hosts in the opening round Friday night.  Sophomore Matt Pebole led all scorers with 19....while the freshmen Thompson and Davis chipped in with 16 and 12.  Alfred won in the championship 53-51 after being down by 9 with 3 minutes to play.  Mark Bruce played a solid game to land on the all-tourney team with Pebole. 

What happened to my LL pick last night?  Hobart lost their opener to Ithaca at home.  Was anyone there who could fill me in?  It sounds like Ithaca rode some hot hands after the Statesmen jumped out to a early lead!

Hobart opens up tomorrow against Ithaca.  I actually agree that they will make a splash for two reasons.  First, they return everyone.  The recruiting classes of the past few years are ready to take a big step.  According to their team page, Estep transferred out, but that will free up some guard space for a few athletes who gained experience last year.  Second, Skidmore did have an overall nice recruiting class.  The Statesmen brought in two impact Freshmen this season, however.  CBA's Stefan Thompson will start and a scorer from PA named Davis will get a lot of time.  Those two should make their presence felt for a while.  The LL is wide open.  I expect the Statesmen to push for the top spot.