MBB: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Gregory Sager]

I can't think of any school in D3 where it is more appropriate for the basketball team's head coach to have a doctorate in counseling psychology.

Good luck to Dr. Eslinger, and I hope that none of the Nobel laureates with whom he's been having breakfast have sprung the word "sisyphean" upon him.

[Gray Fox]

Good luck to Dr. Eslinger, and I hope that none of the Nobel laureates with whom he's been having breakfast have sprung the word "sisyphean" upon him.

Avoid lunch with the geology and physics department.

[Hugenerd]

Coach Eslinger names his staff:

http://gocaltech.com/sports/mbkb/2008-09/news/08_assistant_coaches

[Browneagle64]

Coach Eslinger names his staff:

http://gocaltech.com/sports/mbkb/2008-09/news/08_assistant_coaches

That's really impressive. Big Congrats to the Beaves and Coach E. At least this time around the Beaves are committed in providing their team with an entire staff. It used to be sad when seeing Coach Dow and his other peer show up during the Oxy classic (in the winter of 04'), while other teams had up to 4 or 5 staff members.   

By the way, the new floor at Rush Gym feels great. A bit slippery, but thats because its still fairly new. Awesome job by the crew that finished this project just in the nic of time for the lady Tiger VB season.

[Gray Fox]

In his next game against USC Freiburg, Whitman had 22 pts, 7 assists, 3 steals and 3 rebs. Herzoege won 100-78.

I always like it when USC loses, even if it a prepreseason game.

[Sabretooth Tiger]

From the Oxy website re Connor Whitman's play in Germany:

From Oxy to the Pros: Whitman Making a Name in Germany

Wolfenbüttel GERMANY (Oct. 17, 2008) – For four years Connor Whitman played basketball in Rush Gymnasium as part of a program that won back-to-back SCIAC Championships and earned three consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament. During that time he grew both physically and mentally and developed into one of the most well-rounded players that has graced the court at Occidental College. His senior year he was recognized as the 2007-08 West Region Player of the Year, SCIAC Player of the Year and d3basketball.com All-American. Since his graduation in May he has elevated his game to yet another level as he is currently a member of the Wolfenbüttel Dukes, a professional team in Germany, following in the footsteps of 14 Tigers who have gone on to play overseas.

With an eight-tier system of professional basketball in Germany, Whitman landed on the Dukes, a member of the third level (Pro B) located in the Northern middle part of the country. The league is comprised of 16 teams with athletes coming together from all areas of the world.

As one of two Americans on the 10-man squad there have been plenty of challenges for Whitman early in his professional career. The culture and language are obviously different despite the game being the same.

One of the biggest differences that Whitman and fellow American, and roommate, Solomon Sherad, a 29-year old from New Jersey, have faced is the every-day life.

When Whitman decided to embark on this journey he expected to be able to enjoy some of his favorite things, but has found that life in Germany is quite different than it is in the US.

"I thought that there would be similar foods in the grocery stores and I would at least be able to catch some NBA or NFL games on television, but about the only thing similar in the grocery stores here are Pringles and there are no American sports televised."

They have quickly learned that soccer is about the only thing on TV and while the food is not what they are accustomed to, they have found some new favorite meals already.

Whitman and Sherad share a flat with the only other English speaking team-member, B.J. Anthony who hails from New Zealand. The language at home is not n issue, but once the Dukes hit the court, it is a challenge for Whitman.

"The hardest thing for me is trying to organize and set up an offense with a group of guys who I just met and mainly speak English as a second language," Whitman shared. "Although it is difficult at times it seems as if I have been successful so far."

The beginning of the seven-month season, which will allow the Dukes to travel all around Germany, has started well for Whitman and the Dukes. With the team notching three wins in their first three regular season games, things look bright. Even more impressive is Whitman's 23.5 points per game which currently ranks him fifth among all players.

Although the players are generally taller than anyone Whitman played against regularly during his collegiate career, he still has his speed.

"I am quicker than most of the players we face, but usually there is an American guard on the opposing team who challenges me."

One advantage that Whitman has early on is that the opposition doesn't know who he is, at least not yet.

"I am able to get more shots off, especially early in games, because I am not being hugged like I was when I played at Occidental."

As the season progresses teams will learn who Whitman is and what he can do, but for now, unlike in the SCIAC where teams scout each other, in Germany the teams just play.

The best statistical performance of Whitman's career came during a pre-season game against the BC Energie Zwickau in the championship game of the Sandersdorf BSW SIXERS Tournament. He used an 11-for-14 three-point shooting performance to post 46 points in the Dukes' 92-89 victory.

Since arriving in mid-August, Whitman has adapted to the environment quickly. Although initially he was slightly uneasy about his move to the international basketball scene, all that anxiety flew out the window as Whitman has started hot.

"I was nervous that as I came out here I might not fit in or be ready to play at this level, but luckily Oxy prepared me very well and taught me enough skills to play the one or the two position."

Another major difference that Whitman has faced is his role on the team. He came into and left college as a shooting threat, but has quickly transitioned into a dangerous point guard for the Dukes.

"At Oxy, I was never an every day point guard, but luckily the coaching staff there demanded that all guards practice and work on ball handling skills, so I have adjusted well in that area."

The people in Germany love basketball and while they are very friendly, they will get on you if you are not playing well.

"Americans out here are expected to lead their team and have big impacts in each and every game. I have already seen some Americans go home because they were not ready for that task."

Whitman credits his achievements and ability to adapt to the differences he faces to the Occidental coaching staff that he worked with throughout college.

"I owe a great deal of my success so far to the environment at Occidental and the way the coaches ran the program, which prepared me to handle difficulties both on and off the court."

The opportunities that Whitman has been presented and the success he has already achieved are not something he will soon forget.

"So far my experience in Germany has been extremely gratifying. It has definitely made all the hard work and sweat that I put in throughout the years entirely worth it. Not only in terms of basketball either, because this has also been an amazing educational experience that I am sure I will remember forever."

[Hugenerd]

Ex-Cal Lutheran head coach Mike Dunlap has taken over for Lute Olson at Arizona, according to this item in the Los Angeles Times:

Lute Olson is out; Mike Dunlap now running the 'Cats

It's official. Lute Olson is out as Arizona's basketball coach. The leaves Mike Dunlap, a former assistant at Loyola Marymount and USC, as the coach running the show for now.

Dunlap's name has often surfaced in connection to college jobs. He was mentioned as a candidate for the posts at Stanford, California and, several times, Loyola Marymount, his alma mater.

Dunlap's first head coaching job was at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks, where he led the Kingsmen to three Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Assn. titles in five years.

After that, he spent three seasons coaching the Adelaide 36ers, a professional team in Australia. Then it was on to Metro State in Denver, where he spent nine seasons and his teams won two NCAA Division II national championships.

He joined Arizona's staff this season as associate head coach, after serving as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets the last two seasons.

Whether he will stick in Tucson remains to be seen. Arizona Athletic Director Jim Livengood is promising a national search for a permanent replacment.

OxyBob

Yeah, it was announced on ESPN also.  Dunlap will be the interim head coach but Arizona is conducted a nationwide search for a permanent head time coach, so it isnt clear how long he will remain the head coach. Since practices have already started, he may get a shot to coach through this season and show what he can do.

[Hugenerd]

So Dunlap apparently rejected the head coaching offer from Arizona but will stay on the staff in a non-head coaching role.  That sounds kind of weird.  Any thoughts OxyBob?

[Hugenerd]

Maybe he will be the Dick Cheney of Arizona basketball.

[TearDrop]

So Dunlap apparently rejected the head coaching offer from Arizona but will stay on the staff in a non-head coaching role.  That sounds kind of weird.  Any thoughts OxyBob?

I have no idea why Dunlap wouldn't want to be head coach of one of the premier D-I programs. The Arizona Daily Star wondered the same thing:

I would guess the fact that they will make it a national search at the end of the year and maybe they wont be very good this season had something to do with him turning down the offer. If there is not much opportunity for success then it could be a very wise decision.

[Hugenerd]

So Dunlap apparently rejected the head coaching offer from Arizona but will stay on the staff in a non-head coaching role.  That sounds kind of weird.  Any thoughts OxyBob?

I have no idea why Dunlap wouldn't want to be head coach of one of the premier D-I programs. The Arizona Daily Star wondered the same thing:

I would guess the fact that they will make it a national search at the end of the year and maybe they wont be very good this season had something to do with him turning down the offer. If there is not much opportunity for success then it could be a very wise decision.

I dont buy that explanation.

If he did succeed he could get a high profile coaching job at Arizona or elsewhere.  Andy Kennedy was in a similar position in Cincinnati when Huggins was fired and, although they didnt make the tourney and the school wanted to get rid of him because he was one of Huggins' former assistants, he did a very good job given the situation and was hired as the head coach at Ole Miss the following off season (where he has done pretty well, 45-24 in 2 seasons). 

You dont get many chances at a top tier job like that.  You can ask Matt Doherty, Tommy Amaker, etc. (Guys who had premier DI jobs and are now in at less profile schools).  Dunlap may have to work his way through some mid-majors etc. now to prove himself before getting a chance at a job like that.  He may never get a chance like this again and, in any other position he interviews for, he will always have to explain why he turned down the Arizona job.

[TearDrop]

So Dunlap apparently rejected the head coaching offer from Arizona but will stay on the staff in a non-head coaching role.  That sounds kind of weird.  Any thoughts OxyBob?

I have no idea why Dunlap wouldn't want to be head coach of one of the premier D-I programs. The Arizona Daily Star wondered the same thing:

I would guess the fact that they will make it a national search at the end of the year and maybe they wont be very good this season had something to do with him turning down the offer. If there is not much opportunity for success then it could be a very wise decision.

I dont buy that explanation.

If he did succeed he could get a high profile coaching job at Arizona or elsewhere.  Andy Kennedy was in a similar position in Cincinnati when Huggins was fired and, although they didnt make the tourney and the school wanted to get rid of him because he was one of Huggins' former assistants, he did a very good job given the situation and was hired as the head coach at Ole Miss the following off season (where he has done pretty well, 45-24 in 2 seasons). 

You dont get many chances at a top tier job like that.  You can ask Matt Doherty, Tommy Amaker, etc. (Guys who had premier DI jobs and are now in at less profile schools).  Dunlap may have to work his way through some mid-majors etc. now to prove himself before getting a chance at a job like that.  He may never get a chance like this again and, in any other position he interviews for, he will always have to explain why he turned down the Arizona job.

Which I am sure he has his reasons and will be able to explain them just fine. I agree that it is a little odd that he would pass on a job like Arizona but that just leads me to believe that there has to be a good reason. Dunlaps resume is not a bad one at all. He has a couple DII national titles under his belt plus was an assistant with the Nuggets.

[April]

It's almost basketball season! I'm looking forward to checking out Oxy's new gym. Though knowing me, I will miss the old one... especially how much fun it was to retrieve all my stuff from under the bleachers after every game.

[Howlinwolf]

First sighting of Oxy hoops: Exhibition vs. DII Cal State/Dominguez Hillls

The Tigers' inaugural event at the freshly renovated Rush Gym had some positive moments, even though Oxy fell to the longer, stronger Toros by 64-45.

Returning fans will barely recognize the Tiger squad, which graduated seven seniors and is missing four other potential returning players due to a variety of reasons (study abroad, wish to focus more thoroughly on academics, etc.). Coach Newhall faces the challenge of a rebuilding year.

The game was far closer than the final score indicates. After an atrocious start, the Tigers climbed their way back and narrowed the lead to single digits by half time. They had possession of the ball with a three-point deficit in the second half but didn't convert. Cal State subsequently wore down the depleted Tiger squad (seven players logged most all of the minutes) and turned what was a competitive game in ther second stanza into a rout.

Oxy played good, aggressive, fundamental defense, limiting their opponents to sub 40% shooting. But Oxy will have trouble scoring points this year, having lost the Whitman scoring machine and most of their top five scorers.

Look for the Tigers to improve over the course of the year with the addition of some football double-athletes at mid-year and getting a few of their injured players back on the hardwood.

BTW, Rush is a far more pleasant enivironment to watch a game after this summer's extensive and much-needed renovations. 

[scandihoovian]

In case you missed it, the LA Times this morning ran a piece on whether or not our next President ever played SCIAC ball.  Am I crazy, or could someone just ask him?