MBB: Liberty League

[hoops]

Whos the early candidate for POY in the LL.- Brazell, Avitable,Simmons, Grazoli

[with age comes?]

It's tough to pick a POY before the season starts, but if you had a gun to my head, I'd say if Vassar does well (1st or a strong second) it's Avitabile's to win or lose.  He got strong consideration last year and I don't think they lost much of the cast at Vassar whereas other teams lost more to graduation.  That being said I'm putting my qualifiers on early, there may be some absolute stud transfer or freshman out there that could upset the applecart.  Saw Clarkson play a horrendous game against Elmira (probably their worst effort of the year).  If they don't play with more enthusiam and heart within league play they will be this years Skidmore. Hopefully they can right the ship and be competitive. At least this weekend they face Skidmore and Union at home rather than on the road.

[shooters]

First things first, I wasn't "hating" on Vassar I just simply said lets hold off until they play someone, I agree with POY, and Avitable should win it. I really thought Hobart would put up a better fight with Hamilton, they got drilled. This should be a good week for the LL and Friday night's game between Vassar and Hamilton I think will decide the team to beat in the LL this year. I know its early but I think Vassar's light schedule compounded with the fact Hamilton has played some tough teams will equate to a Hamilton victory by 7 pts.

[airball55]

I  can't possibly predict the POY until after watching some league games.  When St. Lawrence and Hamilton challenge themselves against quality non league opponents and the Vassars of the world play the teams they play, I pretty much disregard all non league stats. Hobart as well plays a nice non league slate.  With that said, I think there are as many 7-8 guys who could get into that category.  Let's play some games and go from there. 

[with age comes?]

Agreed with everything said...... there was a gun to head when I made the prediction you know....  Vassar /Hamilton game looms large early...  Vassar gets Hamilton at home though so I think it's closer than 7 and Vassar wins...by 2 in ot.

[bucketsallday]

agreed, i think vassar gets this one at home. you also need to factor in experience. hamilton has a lot of young guys, while vassars whole team is juniors and seniors

[shooters]

I think it will be a good game........I like Hamilton's depth, they go about 8-9 deep and if you have seen them they play almost all freshmen and sophmores, if they continue to get this kind of talent they will be scary in a few years. Vassar does have a lot of experience and I'm sure confidence from their success so far this year so it should be a good match up. Hamilton by 7.

[OlBallCoach]

I'll go V.C. by 7 pts. when all is said and done.

[airball55]

Nice win for Vassar, a must if they want to have a shot, have to win home games.  Watched Union score 10 points in the first half tonight en route to a 51-41 loss.  Ugly, but Clarkson defended the heck out of Union and Union had no answers.  The ol' dutchman didn't handle ball pressure very well, and the Knights handled them fairly easily.  Larries big over the thoroughbreds, who obviously didn't get out of the gate (ha!). 

[bucketsallday]

big win for vc. by all accounts it was a great game, wish i coulda been there.

does anyone know where i can find regional rankings?

[labart96]

another 20-something percent shooting day for hobart in a loss.  ugh.

[airball55]

clarkson pretty comfy over the breds up in potsdam today.  second day where they got after it on D.  St. Lawrence easy over Union.  Maybe not so easy a trip up north this year??  didn't see much from either Union or skidmore.  Clarkson may have a shot to sneak into the 4 spot for LL post season tourny

[met_fan]

Whos the early candidate for POY in the LL.- Brazell, Avitable,Simmons, Grazoli

Why would you start talking about POY after the first weekend of league play?

[NYBB]

How is Vassar so good this year?  They usually don't produce such quality teams...

[with age comes?]

Must say that Clarkson looked tough on D.  They held Union to 1 for 20 in the first half and 10 points total in the half. Played good defense against Skidmore too.  By far the Knights best outings at home and probably equal to the effort at their only other victory of consequence @ Potsdam.  To win Clarkson must play defense and have everyone healthy. SLU on Tues will be stern test.  Believe Vassar Hamilton and SLU will be in the playoffs at end of the season barring any serious injuries but the 4 th spot should be an absolute dog fight.  Teams will have to win at home and sneak a few on the road.  Already Clarkson who I thought might be 8th has come through with 2 victories against teams they'll be in competition with for that 4th spot so this year willbe very interesting!!