nescac1
It simply may be that Amherst present situation is the product of some incredible recruiting and development success in recent years. The 2007 class (Wheeler, O'Shea, McLaughlin, Salerno) were all overachievers who logged disproportionate starting  minutes ahead of one of the best classes, 2008 (Olson, Walters, Hopkins, Jones, Goldstein) in NESCAC history, in winning a national championship. The 2009 class (Baskauskas, Holsey, Wong, Bradley, Kaplan) also contributed valuable minutes in the back to back championship final seasons. This left very little room in the 2010 and 2011 classes to be recruited and developed. Successful NESCAC teams tend to be cerebral, experienced and oriented to a system. Wheeler and Meehan are the only upperclassman playing meaningful minutes and neither has been asked previously to lead the team. For these past two seasons first year players have been playing a huge role, reflecting the tremendous ability of Amherst to identify, recruit  and develop talent when there is space and opportunity to do so. Combine overriding youth with a schedule that puts you on the road for 15 games and home for 7 (without a loss) compared with 13 home games for Williams and 12 for Middlebury, one may have had to await this weekend (with a healthier Meehan?) to assess how far the balance of power in the league has tilted. Although Williams and Middlebury both clearly fill the bill in meeting the criteria as superior NESCAC teams.

toad22-
In last game of his career against Amherst, Vern took inbound pass with seconds left and drove length of court against the best defender in the Little Three for a layup to win game.
Glad everybody straightened out pronunciation for benefit of this weekends announcers. [I thought Bates announcers were good]

First time poster, short time reader . . . felt compelled by Walzy's genious to participate, and was induced by oldies versus AAU generation debate over the merits of each generation's all-time players. No question that William's best from the 70's could play. Wonder why Vern Manley (who carried team 69-72) not mentioned. But I have sinced also been excited about and must chime in on "maine ball" contributions--it has been terrific to have Colby discussed enthusiastically, and that should continue despite this weekend (perhaps outdone by Amherst--who went 0 for maine, cause for rejoicing?) Maybe the Jeffs will redeem this week! if Meehan back.  Best comment re debate was a reference to fact that players of past would have developed differently under present system. Zone defenses and no 3pointer, as well predominance of fast break, pressing or slow down strategies affected qualities of play. If Rehnquist not best ever at Amherst then Dave Auten '70 (1st team Small College All-American, when only Large and Small schools, no divisions, every player drafted NBA) likely is (due respect Olsen).Yet Jim had no "handle"--he could leap, bounded ferociously and it is scary to consider him with a 3 pt line! Interesting to note the comments re Heinsohn and Cowens. My high school coach, John Killilea, was enlisted by Auerbach to be the first Celt asst. coach to help Heinie with defense (not his forte). When Dave was drafted he came to Sam Jones' camp, which Killer directed, we got to see first hand maybe the best leaper ever (of any shade)in respect to his uncanny repeat hops (higher and quicker jumps 2-3) Those days exposed me directly to collegiate and pro players who could do everything todays players can. More later, thanks.