There will definitely be some upset coaches when the All-Conference teams come out. I like Steven Soukup for Player of the Year. 26 ppg at nearly 62% shooting is just unreal. I'm also a big fan of Greenville's "system" (call me crazy but I love the high-tempo games). I've always appreciated Mac's Brent Long and how he goes about the game. It's too bad that Mac had such a down year, he is one of my favorite players in the conference.

I'm too lazy to try to figure out all the tie breakers for that 4th place spot for the conference tourney. If it's Webster, are they a sleeper pick to win the tourney?

Just another great year in the SLIAC, happy to be a fan. I know there has been talk on this board before about how competitive the SLIAC is in the NCAA tourney every year, but can Greenville or Westminster be competitive. They seem to have terrific athletes and decent size that would translate well in other conferences. I may be totally off base, but what do you all think?

I would be really curious to see who everyone has for different mid-season awards (MVP, Defensive POY, Newcomer, Coach of the Year, etc.)  Would anyone care to throw there thoughts out there?

Saw the video of Elijah Johnson of Iowa Wesleyan hitting the game winner over Webster. I heard Webster was in charge for the majority of that game, what a heartbreaker for them. Speaking of Iowa Wesleyan, the game saturday versus Greenville might set some records. I put the over/under at 245, any takers??

Eureka and Westminster continue to impress. Shea for Eureka seems just unstoppable this year.

Is it really possible that a program like Macmurray or Spalding could go 0-for this year? That just seems insane considering the recent success.

I'd love to call into the podcast and get some insight on these teams in the SLIAC! Who doesn't want to argue the best starting lineups and matchups week to week1?

In regards to Hopefan's previous comments... It is really sad if coaches aren't nominating their players each week. These kids work HARD and put in the time... DIII basketball can really be a grind. If I'm a coach, I'm nominating players every week, regardless of the outcome of games. They deserve some spotlight every now and then. Just my two cents.

I had the very fortunate opportunity to be at the Central College vs. Wash U. game this past weekend and what a game it was. Central wins in an exciting fashion 84-80. Wash U. is just an impressive athletic department all-around. But, my big takeaway, was how Iowa Wesleyan was handling Central for the majority of their game earlier this season before Central pulled out a 3pt win. If Iowa Wesleyan can figure out their defense (giving 88 ppg) they are something special.

Greenville and Westmin. look very tough, but is Eureka for real? Seems to be a ton of parity in the league again this year.

QuoteI'm amazed that someone is interested enough to express the questions/comments that you have, cheapseats... I remember you did the same last year... wish you would post more often... it would be fun to have a two way discussion on this board... another +1 for your interest...  and by the way, I was going to wait until after Saturday's league matchups to do a little writeup on each team and how they've fared this season... but right now, I'd still label them as the great 8 and the Titanic 2... (Titanic, alluding to sunk).

I just love me some small college hoops! I'll be posting more this year, I've been a long time reader, just haven't thought of getting in the action! I'll be looking forward to the write up this weekend.

Does anyone have any insight on why Spalding is in the conference and how players seem to play one year, take a year off, then come play for another season? Just curious.

The cold snap in the air, frosty windows in the morning, and darkness at 4:30pm...Love me some basketball season!

Now that we are a few games into the season, are there any surprises in the SLIAC? I'm shocked that Mac isn't better than they are. I know they lost pieces, but Brent Long should be more of a feature, in my opinion. Westminster looks really tough, especially when they can put it all together. And Iowa Wesleyan can really score the ball with anyone, if they can play even a little defense, they are going to be TOUGH to beat. Any chance Prin can continue to develop into a top-6 team this year?

Great analysis, hopefan! I appreciate it. Spalding always seems like a safe bet as a contender for the conference title. I wonder how much the travel and atmosphere at their home gym plays into things?

I'm so impressed with what Greenville did this season, their first running the 'system'. It's a modified approach to what Grinnell does, but they just keep coming!

I would love to hear your thoughts on next season's top 4 teams in your projection, Hopefan!