MBB: Liberty League

[buck1053]

How does somebody apply for a job that isn't posted yet?  I have a friend who's also looking at the position and he was told that they were not accepting applications yet.  This will be a highly sought after job.  The former coach has a lot of returning players.   Didn't Curle apply before?  Do you think they want an assistant?

When Skidmore hired Luke Flockerzi 4 years ago he had never been a head coach and that worked out all right. I don't see why they wouldn't go that route again. Unless they get an application from a current or former head coach with a solid resume (which may happen as buck has pointed out) why not go with a top assistant from a winning program. I'd rather see them do that than go with a head coach from a school that hasn't really had much success.

The ad just came out for the position about a week ago or so, and it stated they were looking for candidates with head coaching experience, but who knows how this will really shake out. I have heard top assistant through head coaches are angling for this, though only just a few names that are being thrown around on here. Anyone else hearing anything? Are there any former players who might merit consideration?

If one of these two are hired don't expect any drop off this year, especially in a weaker Liberty League (right?).

I wouldn't think there would be much dropoff, but I think that goes for any halfway decent coach that would be hired. Don't take that to mean Smith or Conover wouldn't be good choices, I just think they have too good a team coming back for their season not to be a good one.

While I think the Liberty League is a little weaker than it has been, I also think the perception of their weakness may have to do with the fact the balance of power has shifted a little bit. Vassar tried to make a run at it for a few years, but they were unable to accomplish what Skidmore has done over the past few seasons. Not to take anything away from his coaching abilities, but Flockerzi got the position at a great time, as Skidmore -- the institution -- made a commitment to improve the quality of their athletics programs, basketball being a beneficiary. They were able to get more kids in and with better financial aid through various programs. Completely legal and they have taken advantage of that. Good for them. Other schools have not done the same and they are the ones that are flagging in their league status. And the varied coaching changes have shifted things a little. Plus, Hamilton has really found itself struggling at times and is pretty much the lame duck of the league, with the Continentals looking to depart for fulltime NESCAC action soon.

So, there's a bunch of theorizing, but the summary is that I don't think the Liberty League is as weak as everyone (well, a lot of people) thinks it is.

[bomber3]

How does somebody apply for a job that isn't posted yet?  I have a friend who's also looking at the position and he was told that they were not accepting applications yet.  This will be a highly sought after job.  The former coach has a lot of returning players.   Didn't Curle apply before?  Do you think they want an assistant?

When Skidmore hired Luke Flockerzi 4 years ago he had never been a head coach and that worked out all right. I don't see why they wouldn't go that route again. Unless they get an application from a current or former head coach with a solid resume (which may happen as buck has pointed out) why not go with a top assistant from a winning program. I'd rather see them do that than go with a head coach from a school that hasn't really had much success.

The ad just came out for the position about a week ago or so, and it stated they were looking for candidates with head coaching experience, but who knows how this will really shake out. I have heard top assistant through head coaches are angling for this, though only just a few names that are being thrown around on here. Anyone else hearing anything? Are there any former players who might merit consideration?

If one of these two are hired don't expect any drop off this year, especially in a weaker Liberty League (right?).

I wouldn't think there would be much dropoff, but I think that goes for any halfway decent coach that would be hired. Don't take that to mean Smith or Conover wouldn't be good choices, I just think they have too good a team coming back for their season not to be a good one.

While I think the Liberty League is a little weaker than it has been, I also think the perception of their weakness may have to do with the fact the balance of power has shifted a little bit. Vassar tried to make a run at it for a few years, but they were unable to accomplish what Skidmore has done over the past few seasons. Not to take anything away from his coaching abilities, but Flockerzi got the position at a great time, as Skidmore -- the institution -- made a commitment to improve the quality of their athletics programs, basketball being a beneficiary. They were able to get more kids in and with better financial aid through various programs. Completely legal and they have taken advantage of that. Good for them. Other schools have not done the same and they are the ones that are flagging in their league status. And the varied coaching changes have shifted things a little. Plus, Hamilton has really found itself struggling at times and is pretty much the lame duck of the league, with the Continentals looking to depart for fulltime NESCAC action soon.

So, there's a bunch of theorizing, but the summary is that I don't think the Liberty League is as weak as everyone (well, a lot of people) thinks it is.

It may not weak but it is in somewhat of a transition phase.  Hamilton dominated the league for a long time and is now on the way out the door.  St. Lawrence has been the class of the league the past few years but the top teams haven't been able to put together a season like some of the other East Region teams (Fisher's 20+ win seasons, Plattsburgh, Ithaca, SUNYIT).  There are solid teams in the league but no one has been able to put together a real special run.  (Best record in the league the past few years:  2010 (17-11) 2009 (18-8) 2008 (18-8)).  The league has been more balanced the past few years I guess.

And the Skidmore posting doesn't necessarily say they are looking for someone with head coaching experience but preference is given to those with experience.  Doesn't totally close the door on assistants just they have an uphill battle.

[d3lifer]

I wouldn't be surprised with the hiring of an established assistant coach, a lot of it may have to do with personality fit and how the prospective candidates interact departmentally. Your resume just has to be good enough to get you in the door from there who knows. We have seen head coach movement within the three big leagues in New York Empire 8, Liberty League, and SUNYAC over the past few years but the Skidmore position will likey attract resumes from I would guess 150 applicants at least from assistants at all levels and D3 head coaches. This is not only a desirable college but also location and league.

Anyone hear anything about applicants being contacted, I would think Skidmore would be interested in getting started with the process.

[d3lifer]

Rumors are that the following are finalists for the Skidmore Job...

Joe Burke - Assistant Coach Navy

Ed Silva - Head Coach Elms College

Rob Nugent - Head Coach Washington (MD) College

Mike Rejniak - Assistant Coach Amherst College

This was supposedly as of 6/21/10..

[bomber3]

Rumors are that the following are finalists for the Skidmore Job...

Joe Burke - Assistant Coach Navy

Ed Silva - Head Coach Elms College

Rob Nugent - Head Coach Washington (MD) College

Mike Rejniak - Assistant Coach Amherst College

This was supposedly as of 6/21/10..

Wow thats a pretty impressive list.

Assistant coach D1 program (not to mention David Robinson's alma mater)
Head coach of D3 team that has gone 24-6, 26-2, and 23-7 the past three seasons
Head coach of D3 team (10+ years experience)
Assisant coach of one of the most prominent D3 programs in the country (lost national championship game several years ago)

Too bad there isn't any East Region representation on the list as there were many well qualified candidates discussed on these boards.  Unless there are some last minute changes this may be one of the last openings before the school year starts.

[gordonmann]

There's a precedent for Navy Assistants getting Division III head coaching jobs, including Nathan Davis (Randolph-Macon) and Jimmy Allen (Averett).

[Ethelred the Unready]

There's a precedent for Navy Assistants getting Division III head coaching jobs, including Nathan Davis (Randolph-Macon) and Jimmy Allen (Averett).

And Amherst assistant's getting the Skidmore head position.  See:  Flockerzi, Luke

[bomber3]

There's a precedent for Navy Assistants getting Division III head coaching jobs, including Nathan Davis (Randolph-Macon) and Jimmy Allen (Averett).

And Amherst assistant's getting the Skidmore head position.  See:  Flockerzi, Luke

Good point.  If I was ranking the four candidates listed I would rank them in the following order (top two are too close to call):

1. Joe Burke (Navy is a solid D1 program and he is the top assistant.  Has 6+ years experience at the D1 level and helped recruit Cornell's class that just graduated)
1a. Ed Silva (Turned Elms around from 2-21 to national prominence and has made NCAAs 5 of the past 6 years)
3. Rejniak (No coaching experience but as it was pointed out earlier Skidmore has liked Amherst assisants before and comes from a top-notch program)
4. Nugent (Has 10+ years head coaching experience but has gone 34-63 the past four years including 5-20 and 4-20 seasons)

My guess is it goes to Burke or Silva since they appear to be ahead of the other two in terms of past success and/or experience but we shall see.

[Pat Coleman]

Hiring announced: http://www.d3hoops.com/newsitems.php?item=3085

[magicman]

Recent SLU grad Josh Sharlowe has just signed a contract to play professionally in England. here's the write-up from Saturday's Watertown Daily Times:

"Former Flyers athlete Sharlow signs pro deal
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

Former St. Lawrence University and Norwood-Norfolk High School basketball player Josh Sharlow has signed a contract with a European professional team, the London Leopards of the England Basketball League.

Sharlow ended his career with the Saints last year, finishing with 1,044 career points, 492 rebounds and 468 assists. He was the Liberty League Player of the Year and a second-team All-American.

Sharlow is scheduled to leave for his new team on Sept. 18."



I hope Josh does well over there, he was always a pleasure to watch in the Liberty League.

[OldDanny]

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

[shooters]

I like Hobart to have a decent year and downs always has a decent team w slu but he has a lot of holes to fill. Be interesting to see how Hamilton does after last year. My thoughts are they should improve w the addition of some players. 

[magicman]

D3hoops released their preseason All-American teams today. Only East region player to get mentioned is Dave Golembiowski from SUNYIT who was named to the 4th team. Golembiowski surpassed the 1500 point mark last season and will most likely be one of the few players to top the 2000 point total for his career.



Here's the link to the complete list:  http://d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/men/preseason-2011

[hopefan]

From far away.............I understand RPI got an All Stater from Long Island, Joe Gibbons...   How good is he...will he play as a frosh...  Can he be a big timer at the LL level?

[CoachQ882]

I'm a bit surprised no one here as brought the Skidmore Thoroughbreds into the pre-season favorite conversation. Granted they will be ushering in a new coaching regime with Coach Burke, they return everyone from their impressive and talented 09-10 team. Senior Jeff Altimar should shine in a more half court offense and they're deep. Also, look for former bench standouts John Mantas, Raoul and Melvis to get more minutes. This could be a good or bad thing...Only time will tell. Regardless, their freshmen bring size, which is something they'll miss from last year especially given the departures of Bobby Langford and Jon Douglas. Word on the street is Altimar has been lifting heavy this off-season and has put on 10-15 pounds of muscle.

thoughts?